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

Ph. Target and E. Villetard, Editors of the Sunday Courier

[Translation.]

Paris, May 3, 1865.

Abraham Lincoln fell a victim to the most execrable crime known, at the very moment the Union was saved by his firmness, patriotic energy, and moderation.

The Sunday Courier boasts of being the first among French newspapers to embrace the American cause from its beginning, and to advocate the ideas to which Mr. Lincoln made himself a martyr; and to-day we express the profound grief his unexpected death has caused us.

This great citizen belonged not only to America, but to the entire human family; and his death is felt by all those of old Europe who believe in liberty, law, and justice.

When the northern armies entered Richmond, we felt that the last rampart of slavery had fallen, and we rejoiced in the victory; now we ask the right to participate in your mourning.

If America wants this good man’s memory to be handed down to future generations in a monument of marble, we will be the first to contribute our humble aid, as we were the first to help the glorious cause in our journal. Accept the assurance of our respectful and devoted sentiments.

PH. TARGET,

E. VILLETARD,

Responsible Editors of the Sunday Courier.

The United States Minister.