Municipal Council of Chippenham
To his excellency the minister of the United States of America:
Sir: We, the mayor, aldermen, and councillors of the borough of Chippenham, in the county of Wilts, in council assembled, beg to join our fellow-countrymen in expressing our profound indignation and sorrow at the assassination of the President of the United States.
At any moment and under any circumstances the English nation would have been filled with horror on hearing that a powerful ruler, trusted and beloved by [Page 189] millions, had been struck down by the hand of violence; but that this act of odious wickedness has been committed now, when Mr. Lincoln’s life was so precious to himself, to his country, and to the world, is an event far more than commonly distressing.
We feel anxious, sir, to assure you, not only of our earnest and heartfelt sympathy, but that every sentiment of wisdom and gentleness, conciliation and peace, uttered by your late lamented President, will be deeply treasured in England, and will not fail to secure our affectionate gratitude. And while we mourn with all, and for all who suffer from the event, especially for her to whom he was bound by the tenderest ties, we yet trust that even this awful bereavement will be overruled for good—that your statesmen and warriors may be filled with stronger desire and with greater power to overcome the difficulties in the way of peace; and not least, that between-America and England there will always be the harmony and the confidence so natural in their near relationship, and so essential to their mutual prosperity.