VII. To Bind Up the Nation's Wounds Summary and Analysis

"So Costly a Sacrifice Upon the Altar of Freedom" - Lincoln writes to Boston widow Lydia Bixby, who he believed had lost five sons in the war. Lincoln's words here are exceptionally poignant, and the letter was subject to many popular reprints then and after.

"An Issue Which Can Only Be Decided by Victory" - By December 1864, the end of the Civil War was in sight but not yet attained. In his last large annual address, Lincoln stresses the Union's resolve to pursue complete victory in the war, and he turns his attention to specific problems in Reconstruction.

"The Honor is All Yours" - Lincoln thanks General Sherman for his "Christmas gift" of the city of Savannah, which Sherman captured on Christmas 1864. The editor praises Lincoln for his willingness...