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

Municipal Council of Bedford

May 11, 1865

Address of condolence from the corporation of Bedford to the government and people of the United States of America.

The mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the ancient borough of Bedford, in quarterly meeting assembled, desire to convey to the government of the United States of America an expression of the horror and grief with which they received the intelligence of the atrocious assassination of President Lincoln, and the murderous attack upon Mr. Seward, his Secretary of State. Shocking and revolting as is the crime of murder at any time and under any circumstances, it is the more especially to be deplored in this instance, where the ruler of a great nation was suddenly cut off from the people at a moment when his untiring energies, calm judgment, and conciliating disposition were most needed for the advantage of his countrymen, and, indeed, for the interests of the civilized world.

Under these appalling circumstances the municipal body of this ancient borough offer to the government and citizens of the United States their sincere and heartfelt condolence, and while sympathizing with them in this their great hour of difficulty, they beg to express their earnest wishes and ardent hopes that the spirit of conciliation and desire for peace which so eminently distinguished the late excellent President may now influence the councils of the American nation, that a secure and lasting peace may be insured, and that a prosperous and glorious future may be in store for the people who have lately passed through so sad and grievous an ordeal.

To the widow and family of the murdered President the municipal body desire to offer their sincere condolence, and to express their deepest sympathy. They would rejoice to be able to give words of comfort to them in this great affliction.

Grievous and irreparable as is the bereavement under which the widow and family are now suffering, it is consoling to reflect that the best exertions and talents, and finally the life of the lamented President were spent in the service of his country.

Given under the common seal of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Bedford, the 11th day of May, 1865.

[seal.]

JAMES HOWARD,

Mayor.