A remarkable piece of history has recently come to light with the discovery of a previously unpublished letter written by President Abraham Lincoln. This Civil War-era letter was part of a private collection for over a century and has now been identified as a significant document that was missing from the definitive Lincoln collection. The renowned historical collector and auction house, The Raab Collection, announced the finding in a press release.
The Raab Collection plans to sell this extraordinary letter, which is valued at $85,000. Dated August 19, 1861, the letter is addressed to American civil engineer and Union Army Colonel Charles Ellet Jr. In the letter, Lincoln outlines his wartime strategy, sheds light on political tensions, and reveals the scientific methods used to protect Washington, D.C. Nathan Raab, the principal of The Raab Collection, shared these insights.
Uncovering unpublished and unknown letters from Abraham Lincoln is becoming increasingly rare, as Raab emphasized in the press release. This newly discovered letter fills a gap in the historical record regarding the importance of a corps of civil engineers during the Civil War. Their role involved surveying terrain, disrupting Confederate supply chains, and defending the city of Washington.
Charles Ellet Jr., who was considered the leading civil engineer of his time, had previously urged President Lincoln to provide better support for the Army’s Corps of Engineers. The Civil War only reinforced the need for funding and equipment, as Washington, D.C., faced potential danger.
Instructing Ellet to discuss the matter with Generals Scott, McClellan, and Totten, Lincoln’s letter provides tangible evidence of his efforts to address the situation. Unfortunately, General McClellan snubbed Ellet by refusing to speak with him when the letter was delivered to his home. This incident, as documented in the letter, showcases McClellan’s mistreatment of Lincoln.
The significance of this letter cannot be overstated. It sheds light on a crucial aspect of Civil War history and offers valuable insights into Abraham Lincoln’s strategic thinking. The Raab Collection, known for its expertise in historical documents, describes Lincoln’s letters as highly sought-after due to their clarity and economy of words.
The letter is currently available for sale on The Raab Collection’s website. This remarkable find is sure to captivate collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
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