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

Mr. Hassaurek to Mr. Seward.

[Extract.]

Legation of the United States,
Guayaquil, May 21, 1865.

No. 155.]

Sir: The shocking news of the assassination of President Lincoln and the murderous assault on you has produced the greatest consternation here.

Enclosed you will find the proceedings of a meeting of American citizens held at this place on the 17th instant, to give expression to their grief and indignation. At the request of the secretary, I enclose one copy of the proceedings directed to you, and another to the widow of our late lamented President.

But these feelings of grief and sorrow are not confined to the American residents. The native population sympathizes with us most tenderly in our great affliction. Numerous were the visits and expressions of condolence I received from the authorities and prominent citizens; and I may say that, for many years, no other announcement has produced such sadness here as the death of President Lincoln. For him a whole continent is in mourning, and his loss will be lamented all over the world.

I have the honor to remain your most obedient servant,

F. HASSAUREK.

Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.