The Bixby Letter

[ELCore]

(04-01-2013 07:58 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  This discussion on the subject of the Bixby Letter is a great example of the value of the symposium. I find the posts to be informative, scholarly, and thought-provoking. Its wonderful too that considering the variance of backgrounds and opinions from the members here-that everyone respects each other. And, to be honest, there's a lot of humor here too. Roger, thanks again for being the webmaster. Great stuff everyone!

Hear! Hear!

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(04-01-2013 09:19 AM)wsanto Wrote:  How are the contents of the letter known if there are no confirmed copies and the original is believed to have been destroyed upon reciept by Mrs. Bixby?

The text was published in the Boston Transcript newspaper, November 25, 1864.

According to Sandburg's Lincoln (page 639 of the one-volume edition), nobody in the White House knew Lydia Bixby's address, so the letter was sent to William Schouler, adjutant general of Massachusetts, who was to deliver the letter to Mrs. Bixby. Schouler copied the letter before delivering it, and gave the text to the newspaper. (It is not clear to me whether the letter was mailed to Schouler or was hand delivered.)