The Duke of Valencia to Mr. Perry .
[Translation.]
Madrid , May 5, 1865.
Sir: The horrible crimes committed on the persons of the President and Secretary of State of the United States have caused a painful and profound sensation in the Spanish nation, which is united to that great republic by the ties of a true friendship and a cordial sympathy.
Although at the first moment this sad news reached us I hastened to make known to you, personally, the profound grief of her Majesty the Queen, my august sovereign, and of her government, at that immense misfortune, I have the honor to-day to transmit to you the annexed copies of the declarations made by the Senate and the Congress of Deputies, associating themselves to the great sorrow of that generous nation for the abominable crime perpetrated upon the person of its illustrious and respected President.
The affliction which the death of that eminent statesman has produced to the government of her Majesty is in part relieved by the welcome news that the life of the Secretary of State for foreign affairs is happily not in great danger, but, on the contrary, that there are well-founded hopes he may obtain a prompt and complete recovery. Please God it may be so, for the good and prosperity of that noble country of which you are the most worthy representative!
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America.