Norman B. Judd to William H. Seward, April 28, 1865

Mr. Judd to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have to-day received a communication from the minister president and minister of foreign affairs, Herr von Bismarck-Schoenhausen, expressing the deep sympathy of his Majesty’s government with the government of the United States at the death of Mr. Lincoln, and the attempt on your life, and desiring me to convey the expression of their sympathy to my government. Herr von Thile, under-secretary of state for foreign affairs, was charged with delivering the note in person, and came to the legation with it. In doing so he expressed in the warmest terms, for himself and his government, the deep feeling the sad occurrences have occasioned.

I annex, marked A and B, copies of that communication and my response to it. Herr von Bismarck’s note has been in turn delivered in person to Herr von Thile by the secretary of this legation, Mr. Kreisman.

My colleagues of the diplomatic corps are all calling to express their sympathy with us in this affliction, and their abhorrence of the foul deed.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,