The Bixby Letter

[Houmes]

(07-26-2017 12:59 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  Re. :"...then isn't it possible that Lincoln was trying to quickly write the letter could've asked Hay for advice on some of the wording?"
As I've stated before IMO Abraham Lincoln for sure didn't need advice on any wording - I'd rather think he didn't have/spend his limited time at all regarding the widow wasn't even personally known to him and it likely wasn't an important political affair (hence my question was it to expect the letter would be published?)
My imagination sees Hay writing and Lincoln signing the letter like it's a common practice when you have a secretary to take over office work.

Even a president with a talent for writing hopes an occasional letter might not be traced back to the hand of another. Here’s an example of increasing frustration for President-elect Lincoln, badgered by a woman wanting a government job.

No date, Oskaloosa, Iowa, written on a 2 ¾” X 4 ½” card.

My dear Madam,
The most I can say is that when the time comes, if it’s made to appear that the appointment of your friend to the Post-Office at Oskaloosa, will be as satisfactory to the people there, as would that of any other person, he will probably receive it, otherwise not. Yours truly, A. Lincoln

Not found in The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, Roy P. Basler, editor.