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 Rothesay

Rothesay, May 8, 1865

At Rothesay, the 8th day of May, 1865, the magistrates and council of the royal burgh of Rothesay, in council assembled—

Unanimously resolved, That this council desire to express the feelings of abhorrence and profound grief with which they have received the painful intelligence of the assassination of the President of the United States of America.

That this council heartily sympathize with the people of the United States, who, by a detestable and shocking crime, have been suddenly deprived of their chief ruler at a momentous crisis in the history of their great country.

That this council record their high respect for the admirable character of the late lamented President Lincoln and their grateful remembrance of his endeavors, in times of peculiar trial and difficulty, to preserve and cultivate friendly relations with Great Britain.

That this council also deeply sympathize with the late President’s widow and family under their sore bereavement, earnestly praying that they may be sustained and comforted by the Almighty and Merciful Disposer of all events.

Signed in name and by appointment of the magistrates and council of Rothesay by the provost and chief magistrate of the said royal burgh.

[seal.]

CHARLES DUNCAN.