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

Republicans

[Translation.]

Lyons, France, May 30, 1865.

Citizen President: The republicans of Lyons were profoundly moved on hearing the news of the crime committed upon your illustrious predecessor, and a fraternal feeling inspires them with the sacred duty of sending their sad regrets to the free country of which you have the honor of being the Chief Magistrate. We have witnessed all the phases of the gigantic struggle sustained with so much energy by the much lamented Abraham Lincoln. We participated in all the emotions of republicans faithful to the Union, and we meet them with our sympathies.

Our city, by its manufactures, is more closely united to the republic of the United States than any other in France, and in our feelings for your losses we have still closer ties. The war has injured us by paralyzing our industry; but like you, we preferred conquest to compromise, because it insured the true principles of universal freedom.

We wish these expressions of our sympathy to be communicated to your Congress, and desire them to be made known to all the citizens of America who have been so brave in their duty, so invincible in their liberty. Let them know that in France they have brothers who appreciate their patriotic efforts, and like them love liberty, and understand the power of institutions that resist assassinations and oppose conspiraces.

Honor to Mr. Lincoln! eternal regrets to his venerated memory; and may his glorious name become the pledge of alliance between the American republic and the democracy of Europe.

Members of the committee:

THIVOLLET,

President,
And many others.

The President.

P. S.—The republicans of Lyons hope soon to send an honorary banner dedicated to the memory of Mr. Lincoln.^*

THIVOLLET.

1. Note.—The silk weavers of Lyons subsequently presented the United States government with the banner above referred to, woven without seam, and on which an inscription was splendidly embroidered in silver.