4,000 AMERICANS KILLED IN IRAQ

The 4,000th American soldier was killed in Iraq yesterday. Below is the letter of condolence President Lincoln wrote to the parents of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth. Colonel Ellsworth was shot in Alexandria, VA while removing a rather large Confederate flag from a small hotel. The flag was visible throughout Washington, including from Lincoln's second-floor White House office.

Lincoln's letter is pure eloquence.

To the Father and Mother of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth:

My dear Sir and Madam, In the untimely loss of your noble son, our affliction here, is scarcely less than your own. So much of promised usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall. In size, in years, and in youthful appearance, a boy only, his power to command men, was surpassingly great. This power, combined with a fine intellect, an indomitable energy, and a taste altogether military, constituted in him, as seemed to me, the best natural talent, in that department, I ever knew. And yet he was singularly modest and deferential in social intercourse. My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago; yet through the latter half of the intervening period, it was as intimate as the disparity of our ages, and my engrossing engagements, would permit. To me, he appeared to have no indulgences or pastimes; and I never heard him utter a profane, or intemperate word. What was conclusive of his good heart, he never forgot his parents. The honors he labored for so laudably, and, in the sad end, so gallantly gave his life, he meant for them, no less than for himself.

In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of my young friend, and your brave and early fallen child.

May God give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power. Sincerely your friend in a common affliction --

A. Lincoln

This is a timeless piece of poetry. Lincoln’s letter could be sent to the parents of our fallen U.S. soldiers today. It really is a lesson in human dignity and eloquence.

It’s a shame that Bush had to pull this stunt - from the deck of the USS Abraham Lincolon, no less.


















- Mark