WBtS Game Archives

[aggie80]

In the fall of 1864, Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew wrote to President Lincoln asking him to express condolences to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, a widow who was believed to have lost five sons in the Civil War.

Lincoln's letter to her was printed by the Boston Evening Transcript and reprinted widely thereafter. However, later it was revealed that only two of Mrs. Bixby's five sons died in battle (Charles and Oliver). One deserted the army, one was honorably discharged, and another deserted or died a prisoner of war.

In addition, the authorship of the letter has been debated by scholars, some of whom believe that it was written instead by John Hay, one of Lincoln's secretaries. The original letter, unfortunately, has been lost, some have said Mrs. Bixby destroyed it as she disliked Lincoln.

 

[lorrierivette]

Letter to Mrs. Bixby, 1864
In the fall of 1864, Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew wrote to President Lincoln asking him to express condolences to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, a widow who was believed to have lost five sons in the Civil War.
Lincoln's letter to her was printed by the Boston Evening Transcript and reprinted widely thereafter. However, later it was revealed that only two of Mrs. Bixby's five sons died in battle (Charles and Oliver). One deserted the army, one was honorably discharged, and another deserted or died a prisoner of war.

In addition, the authorship of the letter has been debated by scholars, some of whom believe that it was written instead by John Hay, one of Lincoln's secretaries. The original letter, unfortunately, has been lost.

Lorrie

 

[hoosier]

Only two of Mrs. Bixby's sons died on the battlefield. One survived to the end of his term of service and was honorably discharged. The other two either deserted or were captured and died as prisoners of war.

 

[terchris]

2 of her sons did die in battle.1 deserted,1 was either deserted or died a prisoner the other one was honorably discharged.Some historians believe the letter may have been written by John Hay the Whitehouse secretary rather than Lincoln.

 

[snoopy]

Did Lincoln or John Hay actually compose the letter saying how sorry Lincoln was to learn of the death of five of her sons in battle? Actually, 2 died in combat, 1 was honorably discharged, 1 was dishonorably discharged and one either deserted or died in a prison camp. The letter was read in the opening scene of the movie, "Saving Private Ryan."

 

[learn_history]

No it was not true that all her sons had died.

Amanda R

 

[rebrick]

It was revealed that only two of Mrs Bixby's Five sons died in battle(Charles and Oliver)one deserted the army,one was honorable discharged and another deserted or died a prisoner of war
The authorship of the letter has been debated by scholars,most of whom now believe it was written instead by John Hay,one of Lincoln's White house secretaries.The original letter was destroyed by Mrs.Bixby who was a Confederate sympathizer and disliked President Lincoln.

 

[rienzi]

Only two of the five brothers were killed. One was discharged. One was captured then deserted to the ememy and one deserted. The two that were killed were:
Sgt. Charles N. Bixby
Pvt. Oliver C. Bixby

 

[CivilWarTalk]

Looks like I didn't get as much work done last night as I had hoped. Hopefully tonight I'll get it all done...

Yesterday's Question: On November 21, 1864, Abraham Lincoln penned a famous letter of consolation to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, expressing sympathy for the death of her five sons who "died gloriously on the field of battle." However, there was some information that Lincoln was unaware of. What is the truth about Mrs. Bixby's "five dead sons"? Only two of Mrs. Bixby's five sons died in battle. One deserted the army, one was honorably discharged, and another deserted or died a prisoner of war.

Here is Today's Question, Worth One Point:

What was the name of the horse that General Alert Sidney Johnston was riding when he was killed at Shiloh?

Expect the next trivia question to be posted tomorrow at about 7am EST. Please post your answers to this question before that time. Thank you!

How to Play The Game:
http://civilwartalk.com/cwt_main/bbs/messages/2/6517.html

PS: This trivia game is open to new players, you may join at any time. To register to play, please click the "Profile" link at the top of the page, and then choose "Registration". Follow the prompts and when you finish you will be able to post your answer in the "Add a Message" box below. Thanks!

GOOD LUCK!

 

[crowbar]

The Name Of His Horse At that time was Fire-Eater

 

[belletraveler]

The answer is Fire-eater.

Belle

 

[skirmishgirl]

Fire Eater

 

[raggedrebel]

Fire Eater.

RR

 

[hoosier]

Fire Eater

 

[chamberlain20me]

The name of the horse that General Alert Sidney Johnston was riding when he was killed at Shiloh was Fire-eater

 

[lorrierivette]

Gen. Albert S. Johnston was riding a splendid bay Thoroughbred named Fire-eater when he was killed at Shiloh.

Lorrie

 

[snoopy]

General Johnston's horse was named, "Fire-eater."

 

[aggie80]

Fire-Eater! And I have to add words so that it will post.

 

[ivan]

Fire-Eater, a magnificent horse.

 

[rebrick]

Fire Eater