Señor F. S. Asta Buruaga to Mr. Hunter
[Translation.]
Mr. Secretary: I have been honored with the reception of your note of to-day, informing me of the treacherous assassination perpetrated last night upon the person of Mr. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, and of the no less horrid attempt on the life of Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, and Mr. F. W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, who were dangerously wounded. You also inform me that Mr. Andrew Johnson, the Vice-President, assumes the exercise of the functions of President from this date, in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution of the country, and authorizes you to discharge the duties of Secretary of State ad interim.
These most extraordinary and unexpected events have caused me the most intense sorrow and surprise, and I assure you that the grief felt by the government and people of Chili, at the news of this public calamity, that justly covers your great nation with mourning, will be as profound and sincere as mine. In the name, therefore, of the government and people that I represent, I offer, through your intervention, to your government and nation, due sympathy and condolence on account of the unfortunate event that has just overwhelmed them with the tragic death of their illustrious and patriotic President, and for the serious injury to the worthy Secretary of State; and at the same time our sincere wishes for the prosperity and happiness of the sister republic, under the administration of its new Magistrate, whose promotion to the dignity of President I will be pleased to communicate to my government.
Be pleased to accept the sentiments of my very distinguished consideration and esteem.
Hon. William Hunter,
Acting Secretary of State, &c., &c.,
&c.