Anziani Virtuosi Lodge of Leghorn

[Translation.]

The Lodge Anziani Virtuosi, Orient of Leghorn, Tuscany, to the President of the United States of America

Health!

Abraham Lincoln is dead, not from disease in his own bed, surrounded by friends and parents, but in consequence of a wound inflicted by an unknown hand. Nothing positive yet is known as to the reason why the fatal shot was fired; but, unfortunately, men who are useful to their country either die before the accomplishment of the work they had undertaken, or hands bought with the gold of their enemies cut the thread of their lives, hoping that the trunk being severed, the tree will not blossom; but if the roots are sound, it will, though late. So you, citizen President, ought to do. Falter not, because the life of your predecessor was taken, for it is your duty to finish what he traced out, and not only is the most powerful part of America with you, but the whole world represented by the people who, when they love, love from the heart and shed their blood for any just cause. Yours is one of the most just, and let the great try to crush the people, and cry out that they are of no account; they are the elect of God, and their cause will triumph, for all the peoples of the earth have their hopes and sufferings in common, and, call a man Abraham Lincoln, or any other name, it matters not, for it is not the body or the soul but the party he represents which calls our attention.

[Page 451]

Abraham Lincoln, the strenuous defender of the rights of the people, is no more; but you, Andrew Johnson, having taken his place, have the task of completing the work.

Receive the best wishes for the prosperity of your republic, from the brothers of the Leghorn Lodge Anziani Virtuosi, Orient of Leghorn.

  • ALESSANDRO NELLI Y∴
  • FRANCESCO ANDREANI∴
  • BALDASSARE PAGHINI∴
  • LUSTRO V. COEN∴
  • ADRIANO CORRANI∴
  • GIOVANNI CORRANI∴
  • GIUSEPPE GIANNARDI∴
  • ISAAC PIPERNO∴
  • DANIEL PIPERNO∴
  • RAPHAEL DAVIS∴
  • M. P. PIPERNO∴
  • FRANCESCO PASTORI∴
    Secretary.