Benjamin Moran to Edward Stanley, July 2, 1868

Mr. Moran to Lord Stanley

My Lord: By direction of my government I have the honor to forward herewith two copies of a volume containing expressions of condolence and sympathy inspired by the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States.

One of these volumes I have the honor to forward as a present from my government to that of her Majesty, and I will thank your lordship to cause the other to be presented in the name of the United States to the Right Honorable Earl Russell, who at the death of President Lincoln held the post of her Majesty’s chief secretary of state for foreign affairs.

I have been instructed to inform your lordship that in forwarding these volumes the Department of State acts in pursuance of a resolution of the Congress of the United States, approved March 2, 1867, and that these testimonial volumes are presented to foreign governments, corporations, associations, and individuals, as a mark of the grateful appreciation in which the generous expressions of condolence and sympathy in their national bereavement, received from them respectively, are held by the people of the United States.

I inclose two copies of the resolution of Congress above referred to, which I will thank your lordship to cause to be placed with the two volumes transmitted herewith.

Renewing the assurances of my highest consideration, &c., &c., &c.,