Hounsell, to Charles Francis Adams, May 9, 1865

Municipal Council of Bridport

Address of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Bridport, Dorset county.

We, the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Bridport, in the county of Dorset, in council assembled, entertaining, in common with the whole British people, feelings of just indignation at the unnatural and cowardly crime recently perpetrated, beg to offer to our American brethren our deep sympathy at the great loss they have sustained by the untimely death of President Lincoln, at a moment when his steadfast energies were apparently devoted to the pacification of your powerful country. We would also express our satisfaction at the escape of Mr. Secretary Seward from the atttempt made upon his life, and our hopes that before long he may be restored to his friends and the American nation in perfect health and vigor.

At the same time we would desire to unite in the common expression from this country of respectful sympathy with Mrs. Lincoln on this occasion of her deep and awful bereavement.

Given under our common seal the ninth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.