Okay, so Lincoln couldn't phone the families of the fallen he did...

[mrmpa]

Though there is a dispute as to what actually happened to Mrs. Bixby's sons, here is the letter he wrote:

Executive Mansion,
Washington, 21st November, 1864.

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 should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to 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.

Mrs. Bixby.

[DK504]

1. No one dies gloriously in war.

Appreciate the letter sir, but no one dies glouriously in war.

[pangaia]

2. That was my reaction as well..

Unfortunately, people still believe this.

Nevertheless, I well-expressed sentiment to the mother.

[mrmpa]

4. An 1864 view, not a 2017 view............

Things must be viewed in an historical context. We learn from history.

[guillaumeb]

3. Trump would have written a better letter.

And included a photo of his inaugural crowd as well. An autographed photo.