I did not know it at first, till I did a search, but it was a Real Letter! Sent to a Widow, Mrs. Lydia Bixby in Massachusetts, in Early Fall, 1864.
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 son's who have Died gloriously on the Field of Battle.
I feel how week and fruitless must be any word of mine which would 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
I can never forget General Marshall reading this, then telling his Officers, Gentlemen! The Boy is Alive, we are going to find him, and get him the Hell out of there!
Paul
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