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

Oriental Lodge

[Translation.]

Oriental Lodge of Paris,
May 8, 1865, (common era.)

Sir: The lodge entitled Triumphant Friends, truly interpreting the fraternal feelings which should animate all Free Masons, requests you to transmit to the American people the expression of profound sorrow at the horrible assassination of Mr. Abraham Lincoln.

As a worthy expression of regret, the lodge has decided to drape its banner in mourning for three months. It sincerely desires the prosperity of your country, the abolition of slavery, and the reign of liberty.

Please accept, sir, for yourself and your fellow-citizens, the expression of our profound sympathy.

For the Lodge of Triumphant Friends,

MOTARD, W. M.,

No. 15 Avenue Clignancourt.

The United States Minister, Paris.