Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-ninth Congress, Part I

Mr. Hunter to Mr. Adams

Department of State, Washington, May 22, 1865.

Sir: The honorable Sir Frederick Bruce has left with me a copy of a despatch addressed to him on the 28th ultimo by Earl Russell upon the receipt in England of the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln and the attempts upon the lives of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of State, in which Sir Frederick is requested to convey to the government of the United States the assurance that the government, the Parliament, and thè nation are affected by unanimous feelings of abhorrence of the criminals guilty of these cowardly and atrocious crimes, and sympathy with the government and people of the United States in their affliction, and stating that notice has been, given in both houses of Parliament of addresses to be moved by ministers of the Crown expressing, in a formal shape, these sentiments. I must request you to convey to Earl Russell, in reply, an assurance that these prompt and unqualified expressions of the feeling inspired by the horrible deeds adverted to will not fail to be received by the American people, as they have been by the executive government, with the most grateful emotions.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

W. HUNTER, Acting Secretary.

Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

[Communicated by the British legation, and referred to in the above despatch.]

Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce

Foreign Office, April 28, 1865.

Sir: It is impossible to describe the sentiments of horror and indignation which have been inspired by the sad intelligence from Washington. Her Majesty has directed me to express her sincere condolence with the families of the late President and of Mr. Seward under their present afflictions.

It is my duty to request that you will convey to the government of the United States the assurance, that the government, the Parliament, and the nation are affected by a unanimous feeling of abhorrence of the criminals guilty of these cowardly and atrocious crimes, and sympathy for the government and people of the United States, thus deprived of those to whom they looked for authority in administration and wisdom in council.

Notice has been given in both houses of addresses to be moved by ministers of the Crown expressing in a formal shape the sentiment of sorrow and. indignati on felt by Parliament on this sad occasion.

I am, &c,

RUSSELL.

Hon. Sir Frederick Bruce, &c., &c., &c.