Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865 (Credit: Wikipedia Encyclopedia)
Abraham Lincoln will always be remembered as one of the most admired and loved presidents in the history of the United States. His outstanding leadership during the Civil War kept the country united.
His name is currently in the spotlight due to the frequents citations made by President-Elect Barack Obama. Barack Obama’s affinity for Lincoln is no secret. The former launched his presidential campaign in Springfield, Ill., at the Old State Capitol building, the site where the latter delivered his famous “House Divided” speech in 1858.
Interviewed on CBS’s “60 Minutes” Sunday night, Obama named one author when asked what he was currently reading: Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln is also in the limelight, because one of his famous letters was found in a Texas Museum. The famed Bixby Letter as it is called, eloquently consoles a mother thought to have lost five sons in the Civil War.
The letter, written with “the best of intentions” 144 years ago next week, is “considered one of the finest pieces of American presidential prose,” said Alan Olson, curator for the Dallas group.
This is the full text of President Abraham Lincoln’s letter to Civil War mother Lydia Bixby, who was thought to have lost five sons in battle
Executive Mansion, Washington, Nov 21, 1864
To Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Mass.
Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five (5) sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A Lincoln.
No wonder Barack Obama looks upon this great American President for inspiration. He knows he will have a heavy burden on his shoulders after January 20, 2009. Abe, wherever you are, please give Barack Obama a hand. Good Day.
Lincoln did not write that letter. His secretary wrote it. It is clear from looking at other letters that he wrote on similar topics (letter to Fanny McCullough for example) that this letter is totally inconsistent in form and style.
Hi Steve:
Thank you for your clarification. Regardless of who the author is, it’s a very touching and emotional document.
Best Regards,
Omar.-