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

Naples Workingmen’s Union

[Translation.]

Naples, May 20, 1865.

Sir: Great was our affliction on the news of the death of your predecessor, Abraham Lincoln.

We, men of labor and of the people, bent on the conquest of liberty and justice for all, we cannot but express our profound grief for so great a loss.

Lincoln was, like you, the defender of the rights of the people and the emancipator of the slaves. We feel our hearts pulsating violently at the thought that a horrible crime has deprived the American nation of a generous and honest chief.

Happily the principles, if actuated by man, have their origin in the rights of the people, and find in it the force of expansion and of durability.

We, workmen of Naples, have felt the great misfortune which has struck humanity, on the loss of President Lincoln, and we, therefore, deliberated in solemn council that an address of condolence to the American people should be presented, and that our great standard should be in mourning for thirty days.

We send, moreover, a salute to all the American people, but particularly to our brothers, the workmen, and we remind them that Italy works assiduously for the accomplishment of her liberty and independence; that she confides in herself as well as in the sympathy of free nations, and hopes to see her ardent wishes accomplished.

To you, President, we intrust our fraternal salute, and we are certain that you will communicate it to your people, reminding them that the Italians feel a profound affection for the great American nation.

• JOSEPH F. DASSI,
  Honorary Perpetual Vice-President.
• FRANCISCO ZAVA,
  President General.
• CESARE FREARI,
  General Secretary.
• CESARE BATTAGLIA,
  Secretary.

Mr. Andrew Johnson,
President of the United States of America.