Story Summary
Explore the moving history of Lincoln's Letter to Bixby, a poignant Civil War anecdote where the President honors a mother's sacrifice with timeless empathy.
In the autumn of 1864, during the height of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was informed of a widow in Boston named Lydia Bixby. A report from the Adjutant General of Massachusetts suggested that Mrs. Bixby had lost five sons on the field of battle. Deeply moved by this staggering sacrifice, Lincoln took up his pen to offer words of comfort. He did not write as a politician, but as a fellow citizen sharing in the nation’s collective grief. In the letter, he acknowledged that words were weak and fruitless when attempting to beguile a mother from a loss so overwhelming. However, he famously expressed his hope that she would find 'the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.' Though historical records later questioned the exact fate of the Bixby sons, the letter remains a pinnacle of American prose, standing as a testament to Lincoln’s profound empathy and his ability to see the human cost behind the strategic maps of war.
The Moral
True leadership requires the empathy to recognize individual sacrifice and the humility to honor those who give the most for the common good.
“I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.”
Fun Fact
Lydia Bixby herself was reportedly a Confederate sympathizer who may have destroyed the original letter shortly after receiving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Lincoln's Letter to Bixby?
The moral is that great leaders must remain connected to the personal suffering of their people. It teaches that acknowledging individual sacrifice with sincerity and gratitude is a hallmark of true character.
Did Mrs. Bixby really lose five sons in the war?
Historical evidence suggests that while the report Lincoln received claimed five deaths, only two Bixby sons actually died in battle. Of the others, one deserted, one was honorably discharged, and one may have been a prisoner of war.
Who wrote the Bixby letter, Lincoln or John Hay?
While the letter bears Lincoln's signature, some scholars believe his secretary, John Hay, may have drafted it. However, the debate remains unsettled as the letter's tone perfectly matches Lincoln's known literary style.
Why is the Bixby letter considered a masterpiece?
It is praised for its brevity, rhythmic prose, and its ability to balance personal grief with national purpose. It avoids clichés, offering instead a profound and dignified recognition of loss.
Where is the original Bixby letter located?
The original letter is currently lost and its whereabouts are unknown. Because it was so famous, many facsimiles and forgeries were created over the years, leading to confusion about the original document's fate.
How did the Bixby letter impact American culture?
The letter became a symbol of national sacrifice and was famously featured in the film 'Saving Private Ryan.' It continues to be used as a gold standard for presidential condolences and wartime rhetoric.
