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

Mr. Berghmans to Mr. Hunter

[Translation.]

Legation of Belgium to the United States, Washington, April 16, 1865.

Mr. Secretary: It is with real grief that I have the honor of acknowledging the reception of your communication of the 15th, announcing the horrid crime that has deprived the United States of its Chief Magistrate.

The government, of the King, my august sovereign, will sympathize sincerely with the American nation.

The sentiments of respect and affection which I personally entertain for the honorable Secretary of State and Mr. Frederick Seward, induce me to hope their injuries will have no serious consequences.

Wishing them a speedy recovery, I beg you, Mr. Secretary, to accept the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

A. BERGHMANS

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Hon. William Hunter, Acting Secretary of State.