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

Perfect Union Masonic Lodge

[Translation.]

Perfect Union Lodge,
Charente, June 1, 1865.

Sir: The Perfect Union Masonic Lodge, Orient of Confoleus, grievously felt the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. We were regarding in admiration, with great interest, the gradual development of a policy which had for its object the abolition of slavery for human liberty is one of the fundamental principles of masonic doctrine when we were struck with stupor by the horrid news of the crime that deprived the world of one of its most honest men and most illustrious citizens.

But we are consoled when we think of the strength and vitality of your institutions, that will not leave Mr. Lincoln’s great work unfinished, and we have unanimously decided that the testimony of our sorrow, admiration, and respect should be written in the golden lodge book, and transmitted to the American nation through its representative in Paris.

Accept, sir, the assurance of our most distinguished sentiments.

• The Venerable A. DUCLOU.
• E. DUCHIRON, Watchmaker.
• ULKEVETIER.
• RABAUD-LARIBIÈRE.
• AUDOIN, Secretary.

Sealed by—

E. GIBOUIN,

Keeper of the Seals.

The U. S. Minister, in Paris.