and Army of the Republic, in the decoration of the graves of the
soldiers who fell during the rebellion.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

HORACE PORTER, _Secretary_.

[Footnote 68: Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments, etc.]

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, _Washington, October 11, 1872_.

The undersigned is charged by the President with the painful duty of
announcing to the people of the United States the death of an
illustrious citizen.

William Henry Seward, distinguished for faithful and eminent service
in varied public trusts during a long series of years, died at Auburn,
in the State of New York, yesterday, October 10. Charged with the
administration of the Department of State at a most critical period in
the history of the nation, Mr. Seward brought to the duties of that
office exalted patriotism, unwearied industry, and consummate ability.
A grateful nation will cherish his name, his fame, and his memory.

The several Executive Departments will cause appropriate honors to be
rendered to the memory of the deceased statesman at home and abroad.

HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.

FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 2, 1872_.

_To the Senate and House of Representatives_:

In transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with
thankfulness to the Giver of All Good that as a nation we have been
blessed for the past year with peace at home, peace abroad, and a
general prosperity vouchsafed to but few peoples.

With the exception of the recent devastating fire which swept from the
earth with a breath, as it were, millions of accumulated wealth in the
city of Boston, there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year
to record. It is gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens
of the city of Chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier,
the citizens of Boston are rallying under their misfortunes, and the
prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles
and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster
befallen them. Otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war, and
calamities, which often overtake nations; and, as far as human judgment
can penetrate the future, no cause seems to exist to threaten our
present peace.

When Congress adjourned in June last, a question had been raised
by Great Britain, and was then pending, which for a time seriously
imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration