BLAINE, _Secretary_.


ANNOUNCEMENT TO REPRESENTATIVES OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
IN THE UNITED STATES.

[From official records, Department of State.]

Department of State
_Washington, September 20, 1881._

Sir: It is my sad duty to announce to you that the illness of the
President of the United States, which you have followed with an anxiety
similar to our own and a sympathy which you have repeatedly testified to
this Department during the sorrowful period that has passed since he was
shot by an assassin on the 2d of July, terminated last evening, when he
expired at thirty-five minutes past 10 o'clock.

As soon as the order and details of the funeral ceremonies are arranged
you will be duly informed thereof.

ROBERT R. HITT,
_Acting Secretary._


ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE ARMY.

[From official records, War Department.]

General Orders, No. 71.