A man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. Ever conscientiously struggling for right and in the midst of perplexities of formidable responsibilities never forgetting the misfortunes of others. This description of Abraham Lincoln appeared on a 1909 souvenir post card printed for the centennial anniversary of his birth. It carried a picture of the martyred President and a background of the American flag, shield and eagle. Pictured also was a sorrowful mother, garbed in mourning weeds, contemplating five flag-decorated graves. This handwritten letter from the President to the mother was reproduced: Executive Mansion - Washington - Nov. 21, 1864 - To Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Mass. - 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 would 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. Kansas City Star, February 12, 1972.
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