Diplomatic note on the “Lamentable News of Death by Assassination of Abraham Lincoln”

On the Eve of Juneteenth, we share with you a copy of the 1865 diplomatic note that hangs in the Legation’s Museum (a gift of the Forbes family):

Consulate General of the United States of America, Tangier
28 April, 1865.

Gentlemen: —

The lamentable news of the death by assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, has been received at this Consulate General: in consequence thereof, the U.S flag will be hoisted at half-mast at this Consulate General for three days. On this lamentable occasion it is with great sorrow I ask that my flag may be accompanied with those of your respective nations.

I am, Gentlemen, with great respect, your obedient servant.

Jesse H McMath

To the Representatives of foreign powers in Morocco, Tangier

#Juneteenth #AbrahamLincoln #TangierAmericanLegation