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

Hartlepool Town Commissioners

To the President of the United States of America.

We, the town commissioners of West Hartlepool, in the county of Durham, beg to convey to you and, through you, to the people of the United States, our deep abhorrence and detestation of the foul crime which has so suddenly deprived you of your late President, Abraham Lincoln.

We share with all classes and creeds in this country in feelings of mingled grief and indignation at so atrocious an outrage.

Called to the high office of supreme director of the destinies of a great nation, and engaged in the active and conscientious performance of his vast and arduous duties, such a life might well have been regarded as peculiarly sacred.

We would desire to express our deep sympathy and condolence with your government and people at this untoward and melancholy event, and our hope, that, under the blessing of Almighty God, even this sad event may be over ruled to the welfare of your country and the restoration of national peace and prosperity.

Given under our common seal this 3d day of May, 1865.

The common seal of the West Hartlepool commissioners was hereunto affixed in the presence of—
[seal.]

WILLIAM B. BRUNTER,

Clerk to the Board.