Nyanya Homework

Module 4 Primary Source Log 4

Abraham Lincoln: Letter to Mrs. Bixby

Executive Mansion,

Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.

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 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

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler. http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/bixby.htm

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After you have read the letter, please answer the following question in a writing assignment, to be submitted by 11:59PM on Friday of Module 4.

• Based on this letter, do you think Lincoln wrote this letter out of duty or compassion? Use the letter to support your view.

• How did Lincoln seek to comfort Mrs. Bixby? Use specific examples to support your view.

• How did Lincoln view the sacrifice made by Mrs. Bixby? Use specific examples.

• What does this letter suggest about Lincoln’s understanding of the military situation in late 1864? Use specific examples from this letter to defend your views.

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