Dear Mrs. Bixby

Executive Mansion

Washington, November 21, 1864.

To Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts.

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 to 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,

(Per files of the War Department shown to President Lincoln in November 1864)

The Sons of Oliver C. & Lydia Parker Bixby

Sgt. Charles N. Bixby - Co. D, 20th MA (18 Jul 1861-3 May 1863)

Pvt. Oliver C. Bixby, Jr.- Co. E, 58th MA (26 Feb1864-30 Jul 1864)

Cpl. Henry C. Bixby - Co. K, 32nd MA (1862-1864)

Cpl. George A. Bixby - Co. H, 25th MA (17 Sep 1861-7 Jul 1864)

Pvt. Arthur Edward Bixby - Co. C, MA 1st Hvy Artillery (24 Jun 1861-28 May 1862)

The Son of Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln

William "Willie" Wallace Lincoln

Born: December 21, 1850 - Springfield, Illinois

Died: February 20, 1862 - White House, Washington

"Throughout the years some historians and scholars would debate as to the accuracy of President Lincoln's poignant letter to Mrs. Bixby in November 1864. Contrary to public opinion or fact, I personally view Mr. Lincoln's heartfelt words as those being shared from one grieving parent to another .. and truly understood by only those who have experienced the loss of a son or daughter." - - Helen More

Presented by:
Helen Marie Melly More
Marlborough, Massachusetts

20 November 1999

Background Music: "Saving Private Ryan"

With My Appreciation and Acknowledgements To:

Biggest Movie Midi Archives

Chicago Historical Society

National Archives & Records Administration

In addition .. please select any portion of the following underlined Chapters:

Civil War - Pennsylvania Regiments

The Blue Uniform My Family .. A Call to Arms "Dear Mother" ... 1862 Letter A Proper Burial

Roll of Honor ... Our Fallen Lads The Drummer Boy Medal of Honor - Sgt. Pursell

104th PA Regiment Battle of Fair Oaks 69th PA - Irish Brigade of Philadelphia