Les Art Reunis Lodge
[Translation.]
The R. L. of Combined Arts at Macon to the President of the United States:
The masonic lodge known by the distinctive name of Les Art Reunis Orient de Macon, wishing to associate itself with the universal mourning caused by the horrible crime committed by a wretch on the respected person of President Lincoln, begs you to please to become to your countrymen the interpreter of its deep sorrow and its sympathies.
It is for us, Free Masons, who know no distinction of race or color—who receive without distinction into our temples the prosperous of this world in the same manner as the disinherited, and who believe sincerely in human brotherhood—it is for us, to express aloud to your brave nation all the sorrow that masonry has felt in learning that the worthy man twice called by the suffrages of his countrymen to preside over the destinies of your great republic, had been cowardly assassinated at the moment when his task seemed done.
After such a misfortune we can only say to you, courage, brave defenders of the oppressed against oppression, of the wretched slave against the unpitying master—courage, your cause is gained!
The death of the glorious martyr of equality and fraternity that we mourn to-day will not hinder the accomplishment of his work of redemption; as the genius of Voltaire has survived his profaned remains, the spirit of Lincoln will survive his mutilated body.
As for yourself, Mr. President, may you be his worthy continuation—finish breaking the chains of the poor slave—this new brother you have to protect, to instruct, and to love.
Please to receive, Mr. President, the assurance of our sympathies.
The Second (18) Supervisor.
[seal of the society.]
The Secretary, Bertrant.
| VICTOR JAMES, G. 1 Exp. | VICTOR, M. |
| LAMBERT. | JANVIER. |
| MAUDELEIN MOULET. | GAMBER. |
| LAURENT. | E. LOISOT, Sergeant Major. |
| BREMONT. | G. BORGIA. |