Right Hon. Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce, May 6, 1865
Earl Russell to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: In pursuance of the notice which, as I informed you in my despatch of the 28th ultimo, had been given by her Majesty’s ministers in both houses of Parliament, I moved in the House of Lords on Monday last the address to the Queen of which I send you a copy. The motion was seconded by Lord Derby and agreed to nemine dissentiente. In the absence of Viscount Palmerston, who to his great regret was prevented by illness from being present on the occasion, Sir G. Grey, her Majesty’s principal secretary of state for the home department, moved asimilar address in the House of Commons, which motion was seconded by Mr. Disraeli, and was likewise unanimously agreed to.
The Queen has been pleased to return to both houses the most gracious answer of which I endose a copy.
In giving a copy of this despatch, and of its enclosures, to the Acting Secretary of State or the United States, you will say to him that these addresses of the two houses of Parliament express the sentiments of the whole British nation on the deplorable assassination of the late President of the United States.
I am, &c,
Honorable Sir F. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.
Assassination of the President of the United States.
Resolved, nemine contradicente, That an humble address be presented to her Majesty, to convey to her Majesty the expression of the deep sorrow and indignation with which this House has learned the assassination of the President of the United States of America, and to pray her Majesty that in communicating her own sentiments on this deplorable event to the government of the United States, her Majesty will also be graciously pleased to express on the part of her faithful Commons their abhorrence of the crime, and their sympathy with the government and people of the United States.
To be presented by privy councillors.
The Queen s answer to address respecting the assassination of President Lincoln.
I entirely participate in the sentiments which you have expressed to me in the address which I Have received from you on the assassination of the President of the United States, and I have given directions that my minister at Washington shall make known to the government of that country the feelings which you entertain, in common with myself and my whole people, with regard to this deplorable event.