Henry S. Sanford to To United States, April 26, 1865

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Sir: Another dreadful crime has signalized the slaveholders’ rebellion. After having been marked by barbarities which could only emanate from the influence of a barbarous cause, its overthrow has culminated in a crowning atrocity; the President, whose assassination was attempted through the same influences at the outset, has been murdered; a merciful God has weakened the arm of the assassin, who sought to murder, in his sick bed, the Secretary of State, and add another affliction to the country, another foul crime against society.

Elevated by his own worth from the humblest sphere to a position of power and responsibility unequalled in the world, Abraham Lincoln has given to mankind a rare example of unselfish patriotism, integrity, and singleness of purpose, in working for the country’s good and carrying out the behests of the people. The denomination of “honest,” which popular sentiment had affixed to his name, will pass to history, as his well-earned distinction with that of patriot and martyr. What a bright example he leaves for those who follow after him!

Providence spared him to see the virtual accomplishment of the great work to which he had been called; the rebellion and slavery, its cause, are at an end; and the Union is not alone preserved, but has gathered new strength and vitality as a nation. Thank God, its safety or peril can depend on the life of no one man; its government is but an emanation of the popular will, and the passing away of the elect of the people at another time than the limit of his presidential term can cause no perturbation in the state. The people remain, and their will is continued by his successors.

Called upon to mourn the death of a great and good man, and the loss of an eminent Chief Magistrate, I have to request you to display your flag on the day, and for the three following days, after the receipt of this communication, at half-mast; also, that you will cause the masters of the American shipping in your port to hoist their flags for the same period at half-mast.

I have further to request that you wear the usual band of mourning for thirty days.

Respectfully, yours,