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  3. 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
  4. Document 801

Baron Gerolt to Mr. Hunter

[Translation.]

Prussian Legation in Washington ,
April 16, 1866.

The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of his Majesty the King of Prussia, has been honored by a note from Mr. William Hunter, Acting Secretary of State of the United States, informing him of the assassination of the President of the United States, and the atrocious attempt upon the lives of the Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and his son Frederick W. Seward, Assistant Secretary, on the night of the 14th of this month. The attack resulted in the death of the Chief Magistrate of the republic, and the critical situation of the Secretary of State and his assistant from the serious wounds given by the assassin’s hand.

The undersigned promptly expresses to Mr. Hunter his profound sorrow and indignation at the unheard of act of cruelty and political fanaticism of which the President, Abraham Lincoln, was the victim, at a time when his devotion and constancy in efforts to re-establish the Constitution and the laws were crowned with success, and gave hopes of returning peace

The undersigned is also informed by Mr. Hunter that Mr. Andrew Johnson, Vice-President of the United States, has entered upon the duties of President of the United States, in conformity to the Constitution, and that Mr. William Hunter is charged with the affairs of the Secretary of State till further orders.

The undersigned embraces the occasion of renewing to Mr. Hunter the assurances of his most distinguished consideration.

BARON GEROLT.

Hon. William Hunter,
Acting Secretary of State.