Abraham Lincoln and the Bixby Letter

The transcript discusses Abraham Lincoln's prowess as a writer, highlighting his significant works, including the Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, and the Bixby letter. The Bixby letter was addressed to Lydia Bixby, a widow who lost five sons in the Civil War. The letter had political undertones, as it was written around the 1864 election, but Lincoln chose to send it after the election to avoid political exploitation. The letter expressed gratitude for her sons' service and became a symbol of national sacrifice. Despite its significance, the original letter's whereabouts remain unknown, and it was last seen when published in a Boston newspaper.

Which of the following documents was NOT written by Abraham Lincoln?

• Gettysburg Address

• Emancipation Proclamation

• Bixby Letter

• Declaration of Independence

Who was Lydia Bixby?

• A journalist during the Civil War

• A political opponent of Lincoln

• A widow who lost five sons in the Civil War

• A famous orator

What was the political context surrounding the Bixby letter?

• It was written to gain support before the 1864 election

• It was a campaign speech

• It was part of a peace treaty

• It was a response to a military victory

Why did Lincoln delay sending the Bixby letter until after the election?

• He was unsure of the letter's content

• He wanted to avoid making it a political tool

• He was busy with other matters

• He was waiting for confirmation of the sons' deaths

What was the main message Lincoln conveyed to Mrs. Bixby in his letter?

• A promise of financial aid

• A thank you for her sons' service

• An apology for the war

• A request for political support

What was Lydia Bixby's reaction to receiving the letter?

• She was indifferent and did not value it

• She treasured it and kept it safe

• She wrote a letter back to Lincoln

• She publicly praised Lincoln

What was the profession of three of Lydia Bixby's sons?

• Soldiers

• Blacksmiths

• Farmers

• Shoemakers

What happened to the original Bixby letter?

• It was preserved in a museum

• It was lost and never seen again

• It was returned to Lincoln

• It was auctioned for charity

How did the Bixby letter gain significance over time?

• It took on a greater meaning for the American people

• It was seen as a personal letter with no broader impact

• It was forgotten and had no historical impact

• It became a symbol of Lincoln's political strategies

In which publication was the Bixby letter printed the day after it was sent?

• The Chicago Tribune

• The New York Times

• The Boston Evening Transcript

• The Washington Post