Office of the Historian

Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.

No. 323.]
Legation of the United States, Brussels, December 14, 1865.

Sir: The demonstrations of grief for the loss of the King, and of loyalty to the throne, continue to be made in all parts of the kingdom and by all parties.

The telegram of the Emperor of the French, in reply to the notification of the Duke de Brabant, which I annex, has given great satisfaction here.

M. Rogier has announced to me that the court has gone into mourning for six months, to date from the day of the King’s death.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

H. J. SANFORD.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

It is with sentiments of the sincerest regret that the Empress and I have learned the death of your father, the King.

By his wisdom and high intelligence he had placed himself in the first rank among the sovereigns of Europe. He had always shown so much friendship for me that I deeply deplore his loss.

I do not doubt your royal highness will follow upon the throne so noble an example, and I shall be always happy to show you my friendship.

NAPOLEON.