Charles Francis Adams to The Earl of Derby, May 8, 1865

Mr. Adams to the Chancellor of Oxford

My Lord: On behalf of my country, I receive with the most profound sensibility the intelligence which, as chancellor of the University of Oxford, you communicate respecting the extraordinary action it has taken in regard to the late afflicting event in America.

That the high standard of education established in that University should excite a strong abhorrence of the act of the assassin, in the present case, is no more than could be naturally expected; but that the authorities should resort to an unusal method of expressing their sense of it, and at the same time couple with it the most friendly wishes for the restoration of peace and prosperity to America, is a circumstance which cannot fail to be fully appreciated, as well as to stimulate good will among the people of the United States.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,