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. Burnley to Mr. Hunter.

Washington, April 17, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of note of the 15th instant, announcing to me the lamented death of the President of the United States on the night of the 14th instant, from the effects of a pistol shot received at the hands of an assassin while attending the performances at the theatre, and the dastardly attempt to assassinate, in like manner, the Secretary of State and his son, Mr. Frederick Seward.

It is with feelings of the deepest regret that I have heard of these crimes; a regret which will be shared by my government on reception of the sad news. I sincerely trust that Mr. Seward and his son may recover from the wounds inflicted on them and be restored to health.

I take this opportunity of acknowledging the announcement of the formal assumption of the functions of President by the late Vice-President Andrew Johuson, and of your appointment to perform, temporarily, the duties of Secretary of State.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

J. HUME BURNLEY.

Hon. W. Hunter, Esq., &c., &c., &c.