Angell to James Burrill Angell, March 26, 1881

No. 152. Mr. Angell to Mr. Evarts.

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.,