Who is this person?

[Steve]

I've researched the Bixby letter and the historical background behind its composure alot and, honestly, I just don't think there's enough evidence to definitively point to Lincoln or Hay as the author. Or even enough evidence to venture an opinion on whether one or the other man was more likely the author.

Anyway, since we're talking about authorship, let's read something Fanny McCullough wrote herself. It's the May 15, 1861 speech she gave to Illinois troops, representing the Ladies' Committee, during a flag presentation ceremony. Apparently, this is one of the few bits of Fanny's own words to survive.

No festive occasion nor holiday ceremony has gathered us here to-day; but at the beat of the drum we meet to respond to our country’s call. You, sons of Illinois, worthy children of a noble mother, are preparing to march where duty points. We, mothers, daughters and sisters, come to cheer you on in the noble work you have undertaken.

An era has arrived in the history of our country which has been unexpected. But a few months ago our country, united, was prosperous and happy. To-day, dissevered, it only looks to the sword as the bloody mediator between her friends and her foes. As the true friends of our glorious Union, go forth to give battle to its enemies. That step ranks you with the heroes of the past. As an organized band of patriot soldiery, go forth from your peaceful homes, to the glory field. Take with you this banner, the Star-Spangled Banner, the pride of your country’s honor, a priceless gift which the mothers and daughters of McLean place in your keeping. Its majestic stripes are the souvenirs of Revolutionary days, the thirteen original States, - while the glittering stars so brightly shine ever to remind us of our unbounded increase and prosperity as a nation, under our glorious Union.

Take the banner; bear it proudly forward – always aloft! Remember that never yet has stain of dishonor fallen on its ample folds. Behold it waving on the battle fields of our early history, bringing victory to our country, and defeat to her enemies, wherever it was borne. The success of the flag is the history of our country, and never has it been borne to victory by truer soldiers than the hosts marshaled on our prairies. Mexican battle fields are yet moistened in our memories by the purest blood, and, her soil honored by the noblest graves, of Illinois’ immortal sons. And though the dark clouds of War hover over you, and the red glow of battle glimmer around you, and death assume command of the battle field, oh, let there be a noble and loyal hand to uphold this standard amid all the desolation.

Soldiers, you fight to preserve and maintain inviolate the liberties of your country; and though the contest be long, and the strife bloody, yet the result is not doubtful, -

“For Freedom’s battle once begun
Bequeathed by bleeding sire to son,
Tho’ baffled oft, is ever won!”


http://www.lincolnsbloomington.com/sources.html