retary Seward and his son Frederick were also assassinated at their residence and are in a dangerous condition. The Secretary of War desires that you return to Washington immediately. Please answer on receipt of this.

THOS. T. ECKERT,

Major, &c.

WASHINGTON, April 14, 1865.

General GEORGE G. MEADE:

The President was assassinated at Ford's Theater at 10.30 to-night and cannot live. The wound is a pistol-shot through the hand. Secretary Seward and his son Frederick were also assassinated at their residence and are in a dangerous condition. General Grant has been telegraphed to at Philadelphia and returns to Washington at once.

THOS. T. ECKERT.

(Same to Generals Ord and Patrick.)

HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Washington, D. C., April 14, 1865.

Major-General MEADE,
Burke's Station, Va.:

Say to Lieutenant-Colonel Smith and W. D. Coleman that they can return to Danville. At present I have no reply to make to t he question propounded by Mr. Smith. Should I have hereafter they will be forwarded by special messenger.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.

HEAQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 14, 1865.

His Excellency W. SMITH:

Your letter to Lieutenant General U. S. Grant, brought by Lieutenant-Colonel Smith and W. D. Coleman, was received by me and duly forwarded to Lieutenant-General Grant. I have to-day received a dispatch from Lieutenant-General Grant stating he has at present no reply to make to your letter and should he hereafter have one it will be forwarded to you by special messenger.

Very respectfully, &c.,

GEO. G. MEADE,

Major-General, Commanding.

CITY POINT, April 14, 1865. (Received 8.45 p. m.)

Colonel T. S. BOWERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General:

The Fourth U. S. Infantry arrived at this camp at 4.30 p. m. this day.

JOS. B. COLLINS,

Captain, Fourth Infantry, Commanding Regiment.