d it,
Almighty God! I know not what course others may take,
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! 15

1. The following outline sets forth the major
topics of the speech. Find the paragraphs each
includes. What did Henry say on each point?

I. Introduction
1. The speaker is willing to face facts
II. Body
1. The past acts of the British ministry are not
favorable to present hope
2. The present assembly of British armies and navies
means subjugation for the colonists
3. The colonists cannot meet this force with petitions,
for
a. Petitions have been tried and are useless
4. The colonists can meet the British only with force of
arms, for
a. It is the only means left, and
b. The colonists have the strength to fight
III. Conclusion
1. Therefore, let us make ready for battle.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO MRS. BIXBY

Executive Mansion, Washington.
November 21, 1864.

Mrs. Bixby, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dear Madam: I have been shown in the files of the War
Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts 5
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 words 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 10
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 15
sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln.

1. Undoubtedly the most difficult kind of letter to
write is the letter of sympathy, expressing sorrow
for loss by death. Why? Lincoln's little letter to
Mrs. Bixby has long been considered a classic of
its kind. It is sincere, sympathetic, and helpful.