A 1864 Letter from the White House

I first read this letter more than twenty years ago. Its poignant beauty captivated me. Today, when I found it on the internet, I discovered that it was likely written by a White House secretary by the name of John Hay. Oh well, I'm a little disappointed but that doesn't lessen its beauty one bit.

Executive Mansion
Washington, November 21, 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 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