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

Government of the Canton of Grisons

[Translation.]

Chur, June 1, 1865.

The minor council of the canton of Grisons to the Hon. Swiss Bundesrath, in Berne.

Gentlemen: The latest important news from our sister republic beyond the ocean—the great conflict between the States of the North American Union, the signal victories of the loyal citizens and all their liberty-loving friends over those who would have severed the bonds of Union, and the death of the Union President Lincoln, the worthy, estimable, unmoved representative of the good cause, who fell a sacrifice to the desire of accomplishing his holy commission—all these events are felt and appreciated or deplored, not only in the valleys of our canton, but over all Switzerland.

The information that reaches us through the public papers of the glorious victories of the nation and the tragic death of its President has awakened the most lively feelings of gratulation on the one part, and the deepest sentiments of sorrow in our bosoms on the other, towards a country that has always been our friend.

The sincerity of this sympathy is the less doubtful, as many of our people’s kindred were the warriors in that holy crusade for freedom and right, and many more are still living free and happy under that star-spangled banner for which they have victoriously fought.

With this intention, we thought proper to make out an address and send it to the thirty-nine districts of this canton on the 14th ultimo, when the district elections were to take place, to have the vote taken upon it. On the 10th a special proclamation was issued, a copy of which has been sent you for your consideration, and circulated throughout the canton, putting this interrogatory to the voters: Whether it accords with the feelings and wishes of the authorities of the canton of Grisons to congratulate the United States on their victories, and offer condolence for the death of their excellent President Abraham Lincoln. The result of the votes in the thirty-nine districts has reached us, after much delay, and we are happy to report it as unanimous in favor of the interrogatory, and at every precinct especial expressions of sympathy were made by many of the voters. It is now our wish and desire that this perfect expression of the sympathy of our people be sent to the government of the United States, through the proper channel. In the mean time we embrace the opportunity to send our respects and feelings of distinguished consideration.

• H. P. BEELI, President.
• J. B. TSCHARNER, Secretary.