Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: I have received your despatch No. 957, of the 18th instant, enclosing a copy of the address of the chancellor, masters and scholars of the University of Oxford, to you as minister of the United States, expressing the abhorrence [Page 400] with which they regard the assassination of President Lincoln; also a copy of an address emanating from the University of Cambridge, and inspired by the same event, expressive of their indignation at the crime, and their sympathy with the people of this country in the loss they have sustained. I have submitted these addresses to the President, and I am directed to inform you that he is happy to observe that they show a just sense of the character of the events which have plunged this nation into mourning, and a fraternal and generous sympathy eminently worthy of the exalted character of the sources in which they originated. Your replies are approved. The addresses will receive publicity by direction of the government, and will be very grateful to the people of the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.