Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee's writings

How are the stories of this section examples of a primary source?

Both of Lincoln's speeches and Lee's letter use a combination of first person nouns such as we and I.

From what point of view was Lee's letter written? Confederate or United States?

Confederate

Who was Robert E. Lee's letter written to?

His son.

How does Robert E. Lee's dictation in Letter to his Son differ from Lincoln's two speeches?

Lee's is very personal and informal in his letter to his son, while Lincoln's stories are given to a crowd, therefore is very formal because of the very different audience.

What is the historical background of The Gettysburg Address?

Lincoln gave a short speech on the military cemetery of the battlefield where many, many men had given their lives.

What is the theme of the Gettysburg Address?

Lincoln's main theme in the address was that the war must be won, and that the union must be saved.

What is the tone of the Gettysburg Address?

Resolute and saddened

What major war was being fought at the time these documents were written?

The Civil War

What is the theme of the Second Inaugural Address?

The theme was to remind his listeners of the wrong that had been done, and what needed to be done to rebuild.

What is the theme of Lee's Letter to His Son?

To inform his son about how the North aggravated the South and brought the war upon themselves.

Are all the stories of this section examples of a primary source?

Yes

What is the tone of the Second Inaugural Address?

de-emphasize the present conflict and focus on hopeful future.

What is the tone of the Letter to His Son?

resignation and sadness