Count Meysenbug to Baron Wydenbruck
[Translation.]
Baron: It is with the deepest indignation that the imperial government has heard the news of the horrible crime which has put an end to the days of President Lincoln, and also that of the attempted assassination of the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward.
The more the success obtained by the northern States in the bloody strife with the south caused us to experience satisfaction, from seeing therein the security for the early re-establishment of peace over the vast territory of the republic, the more must we deplore this day the tranquil end of the eminent statesman whose energy, combined with wise moderation, has so powerfully contributed to these brilliant results, and caused the hope for his country of a future of peace and prosperity. We love, at any rate, to think that the sad event which has happened will not bring about any change in the conciliatory interests of the American government, and that its enlightened efforts will continue to tend towards an early pacification of countries so long ravaged by civil war, as well as towards the maintenance of friendly relations with foreign powers.
I invite you, baron, to express yourself in these terms to the Secretary of State, by rendering you the eventual interpreter of the wishes we form for the preservation of the life of Mr. Seward.
Receive, baron, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
The Under Secretary of State, for the Minister of
Foreign Affairs.
The Baron de
Wydenbruck, Washington.