Mr. Hunter to Mr. Clay
Sir: Your despatch of the 16-28th ultimo, No. 81, enclosing a translation of a note of the 16th ultimo from Prince Gortchacow, expressing the sentiments of the Emperor in regard to the death of President Lincoln, and his Majesty’s thanks for the courtesy of our naval authorities, and other American citizens, to the remains of the late Grand Duke Héritier, has been received. In reply, I have to request you to assure his Highness Prince Gortchacow that the generous and friendly sympathies which his Majesty the Emperor is pleased to express, through the note adverted to, are in happy harmony with the cordial relations which have heretofore existed between the two nations, and which have been only strengthened by the events of the civil commotions which have just now subsided in this country.
I must also request you to assure Prince Gortchacow that the bereavement which his Majesty and the empire of Russia have sustained in the death of the Grand Duke Héritier has excited the most profound sympathy on the part of the government and people of the United States, and that the honors paid by our naval authorities and citizens, abroad to the remains of the illustrious deceased will meet with universal approbation.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Cassius M. Clay, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.