No. 152.
Mr. Angell
to Mr. Evarts.
Legation of
the United States,
Peking, March 26, 1881.
(Received May 16.)
No. 126.]
Sir: The news of the assassination of the Emperor
of Russia reached Peking on the 23d instant.
I called at once on Mr. Koyander, the Russian secretary, now in charge of the
legation, to express my sympathy. In view of the very cordial relations
which have so long existed between the United States and Russia, I deemed it
fitting to address to Mr. Koyander the note a copy of which I inclose. I
also forward a copy of the reply of Mr. Koyander (in French), and a
translation of it.
On the 24th instant, at 1.30 p.m., the diplomatic body, by invitation of Mr.
Koyander, attended a funeral service in the chapel of the Russian legation.
The service was conducted by the archimandrite resident at Peking. The
foreign ministers here have agreed to keep their flags at half-mast for ten
days to give public expression to their sympathy with Russia.
I have, &c.,
[Page 242]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 126.]
Mr. Angell to Mr.
Koyander.
Dear Sir: I need not say how shocked I was in
common with all my colleagues, in hearing last evening of the
assassination of His Imperial Majesty Alexander II. I can assure you
even before I hear from home, that the news has caused profound sorrow
throughout the length and breadth of my country. For although the
relations of Russia and the United States have always been most cordial,
they have been especially so during the reign of the late Emperor. Three
events have contributed to this: First. Our admiration and sympathy were
awakened by that great and courageous act, the emancipation of the
serfs, which was followed two years later by the similar act of the
emancipation of the slaves in the United States. Secondly, His Imperial
Majesty proved himself one of the best friends we had in Europe during
the terrible days of our civil war. His noble attitude at that time won
for him the deep and imperishable affection and gratitude of my
countrymen. Thirdly. The negotiations of the two countries concerning
the transfer of Alaska were conducted in a spirit which was most
amicable and hearty.
Certain European writers have speculated not a little on the causes of
the firm friendship between the great empire of the east and the great
republic of the west. But whatever the cause, the fact is one in which
my countrymen rejoice, and therefore the grief in the United States at
the deep affliction which has come upon Russia will be universal and
profound.
I have felt that I should hardly be true to my duty as a representative
of the Government and people of the United States, if I did not indicate
to you, however inadequately, their sincere sorrow and sympathy in this
sad hour.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
126.—Translation.]
Mr. Koyander to Mr.
Angell.
Legation of Russia in China,
Peking, March 13, (25),
1881.
Dear Sir: I hasten to communicate to your
excellency my warmest thanks for the letter, full of cordiality and
sympathy, which you were pleased to address to me yesterday on receiving
the terrible news of the death of His Majesty the Emperor Alexder II,
the beloved sovereign of my country. I do not doubt that the hateful
crime which has been committed in St. Petersburg, will awaken everywhere
deep indignation, but especially in the United States, whose government
and whose people, as you say with so much justice, have always been
bound by ties of sincere sympathy and friendship to the Empire of
Russia. I remember still the painful and sad emotion which was produced
among my countrymen by the news of the tragic and premature death of
President Lincoln, that great citizen of the republic who fell
contending for the glory and the greatness of his country. Russia has
just been smitten with a similar misfortune in the person of her beloved
sovereign. In the midst of our national grief, the expressions of
sympathy by foreign nations will certainly be appreciated at their true
value by my countrymen, and will greatly contribute to strengthen the
bonds of friendship which unite Russia to other countries, and more
especially to the great Republic of the United States.
Filled with gratitude for the sentiments which you have been pleased to
express in your letter, I beg you to receive the assurance of my high
consideration, and to believe me,
Yours, &c.,
His Excellency Mr. James B. Angell,
Minister of the United States, &c., &c.,
&c., Peking.
