Letter to Lincoln

I ran across this letter to Lincoln and found it interesting because of the mention of knitting socks for the soldiers. I hope I can still crochet and knit at that age. I have transcribed it so it is easier to read. With a little research I found the lady is Sarah B. Burges Bartlett born December 24, 1777. The letter says the socks are a "birthday gift" to President Lincoln. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809. The letter is dated Feb. 7th, 1865...Lincoln was assasinated April 15, 1865. Although this letter is about a gift to the President, it makes you think of so much more...all that had happened and what was about to happen. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Salem, Mass Feb 7th, 1865
To his Excellency, Abraham Lincoln
President of the United States

A year or two since, a pair of socks was sent to you from Mrs. Abner Bartlett of Medford, Mass, which you kindly acknowledged. She was 87 years old on the 24th of Dec. 1864, and has knit more than three hundred pairs of socks for the soldiers since Sept 1861. She has consented to have me send the 300th pair to you as a birthday gift.
Mrs. Bartlett is the only surviving sister of Tristam Burges, formerly in Congress from Rhode Island, and although far advanced in years, no one is more alive to the great issues of the hour, or more inspired to a true love of liberty_and no one could have a firmer confidence in yourself, or cherish a more unwavering faith in the perfect triumph of her country's cause.

With the highest respect,
I am faithfully yours,
Geo. W. Briggs