Conde D’avila to Department of State for Foreign Affairs, May 6, 1865, May 3, 1865

[Translation.]

The President. The proposal just placed on the table by the deputy, Mr. Medeiros; will now be read; it is as follows:

Proposal: I move that the house do insert in its minutes a significant expression of the profound emotion with which it received the news of the barbarous assassination committed on the person of Mr. Lincoln, the President of the United States of America, and that the worthy representative of that republic at this court be respectfully informed of the deliberation of the house on this subject.

House of sessions, May 3, 1865. The deputy Henrique Medeiros de Paula Medeiros.

The minister of public works, (Mr. Carlos Bento.) I do not know whether the motion is admitted, but it appears to me that from its very nature, it is of an urgent and exceptional character. On my part I do not hesitate, in the name of the government, in sharing such a noble and feeling manifestation as the one contained in the proposal.

We are all unanimous, in common with the civilized nations of Europe, in condemning an act which has excited the indignation of the whole people, without respect to party distinctions. All and every individual reprobates the fatal deed which has taken place in the United States.

I willingly take part in the expression of the vote contained in the proposal. I feel convinced that the Portuguese parliament will not hesitate one moment in adopting the manifestation of such becoming sentiments. [Hear, hear.]

Mr. Sant’Anna e Vasconcellos. I thank the illustrious deputy, the author of the motion, for having brought it forward, and I do so from my whole heart.

Mr. Paula Medeiros, I thank the noble deputy for his expressions.

Mr. Sant’Anna e Vasconcellos. If the disastrous war which has existed in America during the last three or four years has a justification, it is to be found in the one grand and noble motive which has dominated throughout the—abolition of slavery. The man who has just fallen a victim to the assassination which we all deplore maintained that noble and sub lime idea. In view of the fact which is in itself so much to be deplored and in presence of the great and persistent idea of that great citizen, we cannot refrain from being unanimous in voting the motion.

The Minister of Public Works. I spoke in the name of the government, and I can assure the house that the government has already tendered those manifestations which its duty and its feelings clearly indicated. I congratulate myself on the fact that the parliament was allowed the opportunity, by a spontaneous initiative, of manifesting its sentiments.

In putting the motion to the vote it was carried unanimously.

I have the honor of handing you copies, inclosed, of a communication addressed to me by the secretary of the chamber of deputies, under yesterday’s date, and of the motion referred to in said communication, which was presented in the session of the 3d instant and voted unanimously, manifesting the sentiments of said chamber in regard to the horrible deed committed on the person of Mr. Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States of America.

While requesting you to bring these documents before your government, it is my duty to inform you that his Majesty’s government, immediately that it was informed of an event which has saddened a nation whose destinies had been confided to such an illustrious magistrate, issued the needful instructions to his Majesty’s minister in the United States, with a view to express to the American government the profound regret with which his Majesty the King and his government received the news of that event.

I avail of this opportunity to reiterate the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.