Linclon's letter to Mrs. Bixby (V-day tribute)
In celebration of veterans day:
Executive mansion, Washington, Nov 21, 1864
Mrs. Bixby, Boston, MA:
DEAR MADAM: I have been shown the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from any grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that out Heavenly Father may assuge the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the love and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the alter of freedom.
Yoursvery sincerely and respectfuly,
Abraham Lincoln
-American Historical Documents, The harvard Classics collectors addition.
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