Lincoln’s Bixby Letter, a message of condolence to a mother of five young sons killed in the Civil War, has become an enduring legacy of Home Front Mothers. Mother’s Day, 2019, like so many others, finds sons and daughters in far off lands, in harm’s way, leaving their frantic mothers at hearth side, attempting to conduct business as usual, as if nothing in the world is amiss. Mothers all over this country try to put on a calm countenance on this Sunday and enjoy a remembrance of a time when their children were safe and in her loving care. Mothers are forever terrorized by that knock on the door or the telephone call that foreshadows a horrific notification. A Mother’s Love will never waver or fade and that fact alone is sometimes all that comforts a warrior in, his or her’s, darkest hour. Whether Lincoln’s eloquence or that of another, is irrelevant, the thought and poignance of the message to Mother Bixby will always be special, particularly on Mother’s Day.
“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”
No matter how long ago or how far away, a Mom, will always be your Mother and Lincoln’s Letter to Mother Bixby, will forever be immortalized as an ode to Home Front Mothers.
Bummer
05/13/13 Readers- I found the following link most insightful, authoritative, and supportable research on this particular letter based on ‘primary’ sources:
http:www.americanheritage.com/content/america%E2%80%99s-most-famous-letter?page=6
Summary on page 6 is conclusive.
John,
Thanks for the supportable research on the “Bixby Letter”. Maybe Mr. Tucker can follow your link.
As always,
Bummer
http://civilwarfactsandcurrentevents.blogspot.com/2011/01/president-lincolns-famous-or-infamous.html
Mr. Tucker,
Thanks for your special link.
Bummer
But the letter is a FRAUD
Mr. Tucker,
Thanks for sharing.
Bummer
Perfect pick for a Mother’s Day post in spite of the fact that apparently the five Bixby boys were not all killed in the war. In it’s own way that letter reveals Lincoln as well as does the Gettysburg Address does.
Louis,
It’s always special to apply Lincoln’s eloquence to any piece. You’re correct, it’s irrelevant whether Bixby lost one, two or five sons, any child’s death is devastating to the mother. Thanks for following.
Bummer
Wrong on both stories Louis.
Typical neo-confederate research and talk
for sure
Mr. Tucker,
Thank’s for your opinion.
Bummer
05/12/13 Bummer-
A very appropriate remembrance on Mother’s Day!
In a Historical footnote, after the letter was written to Lydia Bixby (John Hay would assert that he, rather than the President, was the author of the Bixby letter), it was discovered that only two of Mrs. Bixby’s sons were killed but this does not diminish the sincerity or eloquence of Lincoln’s Letter. This oft cited iconic letter had a profound effect during and after the CW including becoming a founding mission principle of the VA.
Source: David Herbert Donald’s biography,”Lincoln”, publ. 1997, p. 587; 680.
John,
Thanks as always for “the rest of the story!” How great a gift is a Mother’s love? Thanks for following.
Bummer