Mr. Hunter to Mr. Clay
Sir: On the 17th instant Mr. de Stoeckl read to the President a despatch (a copy of which he left with him) of the 19th ultimo, from Prince Gortchacow, expressing the sentiments of the Russian government upon the assassination of President Lincoln, and its cordial wishes that this great trial may not impede the onward march of the American people towards the re-establishment of the Union.
I am charged by the President to request you to convey to his highness, on behalf of the government and people of the United States, the most profound acknowledgments for the manifestations of sensibility to the great national calamity which find place in that despatch, and for the friendly wishes which he has been pleased to express.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c., &c.,&c.