Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV, Appendix to diplomatic correspondence of 1865; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late president of the United States of America, and the attempted assassination of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, on the evening of the 14th of April, 1865; expressions of condolence and sympathy inspired by these events

Scotch Hive Lodge

[Translation.]

The Scotch Hive, Paris, May 26, 1865.

Sir: Free masonry is moved with just indignation at the atrocious crime that has deprived it of one of its most illustrious representatives, and has already expressed its reprobation of the act; nor can the Scotch Hive remain mute on such an occasion; it met expressly to protest against political assassination, and to transmit to brethren beyond the sea, as well as to the inconsolable widow, their condolence for the loss of the eminent American citizen and the zealous mason who has proclaimed the great masonic principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

It was therefore decided unanimously that the lodge banner should be draped in mourning for three months, and that at each session a salvo should be given in honor and to the memory of the very illustrious brother, Abraham Lincoln.

Accept the assurance of the distinguished and fraternal sentiments of all the members of the Scotch Hive.

Venerable, T. ELIOT,	H. RAFIN,
G. LECREUX,	BISSON,
BOSSUS,	G. DUEER,
CHENEVAUX,	H. BAUVIER,
CAUX,	ARUHAMBAUD, Delegates.

United States Minister, Paris.