Mr. Fogg to Mr.
Hunter
No. 88]
United States Legation,
Berne,
May 4, 1865.
Sir: I herewith transmit, in copy and
translation, the enclosed letter of condolence from the federal council
on receiving intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln and
of the attempt upon the life of Mr. Seward.
Letters of a similar tenor are being prepared and forwarded to me from
nearly all the cantonal governments and from the citizens of every
portion of Switzerland. The mourning and regret for the death of our
President are universal from the old men to the boys in the schools. I
am convinced that no other man in any part of the world held such a
place in so many millions of hearts.
[Page 220]
Later I will forward to the State Department copies or the originals of
the addresses now coming into the legation from the cantons, cities, and
communes, near and remote, of Switzerland.
I herewith append also a copy of my note to the federal council in
acknowledgment of theirs.
With the highest respect, your obedient servant,
Hon, William Hunter,
Acting Secretary of State of the United States of
America.
[Translation.]
The federal council have been apprised by the public papers of the
horrible crime, the victims of which are two of the most worthy and
most noble citizens and statesmen of the United States. One cry of
horror and indignation at this act, inspired by the most brutal
passion and the most heinous fanaticism, has resounded through the
whole civilized world, and particularly through Switzerland, a
country whose analogous institutions unite it so closely with its
great sister republic.
The federal council hasten to address their most sincere condolence
to the honorable minister resident of the United States in
Switzerland, by expressing to him their profound grief over this
shocking event, and the strong sympathy which they feel at this
great calamity.
Free Switzerland, with similar institutions, will not cease to devote
all her sympathies to free America and to her tendencies, inspired
by truth and humanity—sympathies deriving new strength from this
catastrophy.
The federal council cannot conclude without expressing the consoling
hope that the new Union, reconstituted under the auspices of
fraternity and reconciliation, will follow with increased energy the
path which Providence has traced out for her, and erect before the
eyes of the world the most sublime monument to the glory of the
illustrious victim.
With these sentiments, the federal council have the honor to renew to
Mr. Fogg the assurance of their high consideration.
In the name of the federal council.
The president of the confederation, J. SCHENK.
The chancellor of the confederation,
SCHIESS.
[Untitled]
Legation of the United States of
America,
Berne,
May 6, 1865.
The undersigned, minister resident of the United States of America in
Switzerland, takes the earliest opportunity, after a return from a
short journey, to acknowledge the receipt of the note of their
excellencies of the high federal council, expressing their horror of
the fearful act which has deprived his country of its great and wise
chief, and plunged a whole great people in the profoundest
grief.
This note will be forwarded without delay to Washington, where, if
anything can alleviate the great national bereavement, it is the
universal manifestation of regret with which all Europe, and
especially Switzerland, share the grief of the American people, and
mourn the great and good man, so suddenly struck down in the midst
of his labors for the glory and regeneration of his country.
Among the incidents of his residence in Switzerland the undersigned
will always remember, with the liveliest satisfaction, that in all
the long struggle which, during four years, has developed the great
qualities of President Lincoln, now recognized and honored by the
whole world, the sympathies of Switzerland have never failed to be
on the side of the government of the United States.
If other governments have sympathized with a rebellion against
popular institutions and in favor of despotism, the government and
people of the Helvetic republic have never wavered in their
friendship towards a great sister republic and in fidelity to their
own ancient traditions.
For this new testimony of friendship and warm wishes for the
reconstitution of the American Union, expressed by the high federal
council, as well as for their sympathy in a great national grief,
the undersigned tenders to their excellencies his sincere
thanks.
With the highest esteem and consideration,
