Primary Source Analysis - Lincoln's Letter to Fanny McCollough

This printable activity requires students to analyze a famous condolence letter written by Abraham Lincoln to a teenage girl after her father was killed in the Civil War.

Step 1 – Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin by asking students: “What qualities make someone a compassionate leader?”
• Briefly introduce Abraham Lincoln’s personal hardships during the Civil War, especially the emotional toll of war and loss.
• Explain that Lincoln wrote this letter to a young girl whose father, a Union officer, had died in the war.

Step 2 – Reading the Letter (10 minutes)

• Distribute or project the letter Lincoln wrote to Fanny McCullough.
• Read the letter aloud to the class or have a student volunteer read it.
• Ask students to underline or highlight words and phrases that show Lincoln’s compassion and wisdom.

Step 3 – Class Discussion (15 minutes)

Discuss the following questions as a class:

1. What feelings does Lincoln acknowledge in this letter?
2. What advice does he give Fanny about grief?
3. What does this letter reveal about Lincoln’s character?
4. Why might this letter have been important to Fanny and her family?

Step 4 – Complete the questions on the activity sheet (15 min)

Allow students to share their answers.