Mr. Dimori to Mr.
Seward
Washington, D. C,
January 7. 1867.
Sir: In compliance with your instructions in
regard to the delivery to Mrs. Abraham Lincoln of the French medal,
immediately upon my arrival in Chicago I addressed a note to that lady
informing her of the object of my visit, and requesting the privilege of
an interview. A copy of my note, marked A, is herewith enclosed.
In reply I received a communication marked B. At the time appointed I
called and presented to Mrs. Lincoln your letter, Mr. Bigelow’s
despatch, the communication of the French committee and the medal.
In discharging this duty I thought it proper and not inappropriate to say
to Mrs. Lincoln what you will find in the enclosure marked C.
Mrs. Lincoln expressed to me the melancholy pleasure which she found in
receiving the touching memorial of the sympathy of the gentlemen of
France, and that she could assure them that it would be treasured by
herself and family as a precious memento of the admiration of the
republicans of France for her beloved husband.
I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient
servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
A.
Mr. Dimon to Mrs. Lincoln
Sherman House, Chicago,
December 26, 1866.
Madame: The honorable William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, has confided to my care a gold medal prepared in
France, at the instance of a large number of French citizens who are
desirous of expressing to you their profound sympathy in your
affliction and of commemorating their high appreciation of the
unblemished character and the eminent public services of your
lamented husband, the late President of the United States. A copy of
the Secretary of State’s communication upon this subject is enclosed
for your information.
I shall be happy to receive from you an intimation of your wishes in
regard to your reception of the elegant symbol of the sentiment of
the French people.
With assurances of great respect, I have the honor to be, madame,
your very obedient servant
Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois.
B.
Mrs. Lincoln to Mr. Dimon
375 West Washington Street,
Chicago,
December 27, 1866.
In reply to the polite note of Mr. Dimon, Mrs. A. Lincoln would
suggest the hour of 2 this p. m. as most convenient to receive a
call from him.
C.
Madame: From this communication you will
learn that, through the kindness of the Secretary of State, I have
the honor to be the bearer of a letter and a gold medal prepared in
France at the instance of. a large number of illustrious citizens of
that country who desire that you will accept the offering as a
tribute of their veneration for the memory of your lamented husband,
the late President of the United States. Mr. Bigelow’s letter will
inform you of the deep sympathy which finds expression in this
elegant memorial.
The wisdom and purity of character for which our beloved President
was pre-eminent among us has touched the hearts of the people
throughout the whole civilized world.
In this beautiful record we may see an affecting and enduring emblem
of the profound emotion of regard which inspired the republicans of
France to communicate to you the heartfelt sentiments of their
condolence.
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As an humble and youthful citizen of the United States, permit me to
add the assurance of my reverence for the teachings of the bright
example left as a legacy by that great and good man to the youth of
this country. In the overwhelming sorrow which you have to bear, I
cannot say to you how much you have our unaffected sympathy and
respect.
