Question

Which of the following describes the bias contained in Lincoln’s letter?

To Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Mass

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 only 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

Your, very sincerely and respectfully,

Lincoln


A. He does not believe that people should grieve for people who have already passed away
B. He does not believe that he should bear responsibility for the start of the Civil War
C. He believes that the mother should feel happy that her sons died fighting for their country
D. He believes that the soldiers in the Union army were fighting for a good cause

Answer 1

C. He believes that the mother should feel happy that her sons died fighting for their country is your answer.

Note that he says: "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage... your bereavement, and leave only cherished memory of the... lost. Lincoln is biased in thinking that:

1) They had happy memories together.

"... solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

2) The bias hear is the belief that they supported the war and volunteerily joined and knew the costs.

"... found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save..."

3) Not all soldiers fought for the Republic. While overall, it was for the preservation of the Republic, most soldiers did not go to the war with that mindset. Some wanted adventure. Others wanted to explore the U.S. Still others were forced. In the end, most soldiers on both sides did not "fight for preservation" of the Union.

~