Changes

The training he had given himself also enabled him to write a simple letter or a speech on the spot.  Words would flow clear when Lincoln wrote in his later years, and he didn't have to do twice one of his finest personal letters, one of consolation to Mrs. Bixby of Boston, who had lost five sons in the war.

The training he had given himself also enabled him to write a simple letter or a speech on the spot.  Words would flow clear when Lincoln wrote in his later years, and he didn't have to do twice one of his finest personal letters, one of consolation to Mrs. Bixby of Boston, who had lost five sons in the war.

:''Executive Mansion,''

{{QuoteBox|''Executive Mansion,''

:''Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.''

:''Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.''

:''Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,''

:''Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,''

:''A. Lincoln''

:''A. Lincoln''}}

What many consider his masterpiece is the [[Gettysburg Address]].  Here Lincoln, going through perhaps a dozen writes and re-writes of what he had thought on the subject, entirely changed the meaning of the war itself in a mere 272 words, and in so doing, according to Wills, remaking America.

What many consider his masterpiece is the [[Gettysburg Address]].  Here Lincoln, going through perhaps a dozen writes and re-writes of what he had thought on the subject, entirely changed the meaning of the war itself in a mere 272 words, and in so doing, according to Wills, remaking America.