I have your message announcing the death of President Garfield. Permit
me to renew through you the expression of sorrow and sympathy which I
have already telegraphed to Attorney-General MacVeagh. In accordance
with your suggestion, I have taken the oath of office as President
before the Hon. John R. Brady, justice of the supreme court of the State
of New York. I will soon advise you further in regard to the other
suggestion in your telegram.