A Letter from Lincoln: A Glimpse into the Heart of a President

Abraham Lincoln is best remembered as the president who preserved the Union and ended slavery in the United States. Yet beyond his political legacy, Lincoln’s writings — particularly his letters — reveal the deep compassion, eloquence, and moral clarity that defined his leadership. One such letter, penned during the height of the Civil War, offers a rare glimpse into the personal side of a wartime president.

The Power of Presidential Correspondence

Lincoln was known for writing thoughtful, often handwritten letters to soldiers’ families, grieving mothers, political rivals, and citizens in need of comfort or explanation. He understood the symbolic power of words and used his letters to heal, connect, and persuade.

The Bixby Letter: Fact and Feeling

One of the most famous — and debated — letters attributed to Lincoln is the 1864 letter to Lydia Bixby, a widow who allegedly lost five sons in the war. Though its authorship has been questioned, the letter remains a poignant example of presidential grace.

Excerpt from the Letter to Mrs. Bixby

“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.”

Other Personal Letters

Lincoln also wrote to young schoolchildren, friends from his law days, and political allies. In these letters, we see a man who balanced the weight of national crisis with intimate moments of humanity and humor.

Notable Themes in Lincoln’s Letters

Theme	Description
Empathy	Comforting grieving families with sincere and respectful words
Wisdom	Providing measured, moral reasoning in turbulent times