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

The Marquis d’Abrantes to General Webb.

[Translation.]

Botafoga, May 21, 1865.

My Dear General: Allow me to fulfil the painful duty to manifest to you my deep personal sorrow on the deplorable event which has deprived your country of her so highly distinguished President, Mr. Lincoln.

But it may be said that the horrible act which has brought to a close his existence has heightened him still more in the thankful citizens of the United States, and insures him a still more renowned name in history.

In wishing to your great and fair country every prosperity, I remain, with the most perfect esteem and consideration, my dear general, your friend,

ABRANTES.

J. Watson Webb, Esq., Minister of the United States.