Sir F. Bruce to Mr. Hunter
Washington,
May 18, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you a copy
of a despatch from his excellency the lieutenant governor of New
Brunswick, enclosing extracts from
[Page 156]
the speech with which his excellency lately opened
the session of the provincial legislature, and from the addresses
received in reply from the legislative council and house of
assembly.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William Hunter,
&c., &c., &c.
[Untitled]
Fredericton,
May 11, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you
copies of a paragraph from the speech with which I lately opened the
session of the provincial legislature, and of the corresponding
paragraphs of the addresses which I have received in reply from the
legislative council and house of assembly.
Should you consider it right so to do, I should feel much gratified
were you to convey to the United States government the assurance
(though an almost needless one) that deep sympathy and profound
indignation have been universally excited in this province by the
atrocious act recently perpetrated at Washington.
Hon. Sir F. Bruce,
&c., &c., &c.
[Extract from speech.]
The civil war which has so long raged in the neighboring republic
appears to be drawing towards a close. The restoration of peace will
no doubt be hailed by you with a lively satisfaction, both as
putting an end to the further effusion of blood, and as re-opening
to commerce channels which have since the commencement of the war
been closed.
[Extract from address in reply to the speech.]
The prospect of a speedy restoration of peace in the neighboring
republic is hailed with satisfaction by the people of this province.
We assure your excellency that the assassination of the President
has excited feelings of profound indignation throughout this
province, and our sympathies are enlisted on behalf of that great
and kindred people.
