Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV, Appendix to diplomatic correspondence of 1865; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late president of the United States of America, and the attempted assassination of William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, on the evening of the 14th of April, 1865; expressions of condolence and sympathy inspired by these events

Inhabitants of Zurich

Zurich, May 2, 1865

[Translation.]

To the loyal people of the United States of America:

At a mass meeting in the city of Zurich, on the 2d of May, 1865, the German residents, Swiss citizens, and others present, resolved unanimously to express to you, the loyal people of the United States, their heartfelt sympathies.

We are, above all, animated by the most profound sorrow that your simple-minded yet great, wise, and noble President, just realizing the joyful conviction of the overthrow of the rebellion, has been taken from you by the hand of a fiend in human shape.

To him, the reconstructor of the Union, next to George Washington, its founder, immortality is secured. The name of Abraham Lincoln will, in history, be identified with the gigantic four years’ contest which has been fought, not for America alone, but also for Europe and ail mankind.

With most renowned valor, energy, and sacrifices cheerfully made, have you, soldiers and leaders, people from the humblest to the highest positions of life, triumphantly upheld your rights and laws, the supremacy of the glorious Constitution of the greatest republic on the globe. May all “chivalry” rebellions everywhere thus be trodden into the dust!

But you have done more; you have gloriously vindicated the divine rights of man without distinction of race; you have opened an honorable field to free labor, and given the death-blow to slavery wherever it exists. With enthusiasm we welcome this eventful deed, one of the greatest in the history of the world.

The foundation of your republic hastened the outbreak of the French revolution. The rejuvenation of the Union will give strength and speed to the great principle of self-government in its march through the world.

We, therefore, offer to you, the loyal citizens of the United States, our warmest expressions of joy, admiration, and gratitude.

In conclusion, to you, our beloved countrymen on the other side of the ocean, we express our pride at your vigorous and manly participation in the battles and victories of the Union, and with overflowing hearts we press your brave hands.

Loyal citizens of the United States, remain true and steadfast to the cause of liberty and humanity.

The star-spangled banner forever!

The committee:

• O. BULLE, President.
• C. GOEDEL, Secretary.
• H. BEHN ESCHENBURG.
• K. NAUWERCK.
• G. A. WISLICENUS.
• N. E. MARN.
• THO. MARGONALL.
• WM. HOFFMAN.