Rare Lincoln letter for sale in Philadelphia
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009
A rare piece of U.S. history is up for sale in Philadelphia. The private group that owns a handwritten letter by Abraham Lincoln has decided to put a $60,000 dollar price tag on the artifact.
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President Lincoln wrote the letter in 1861 to an eight year old boy – to allow the boy to prove to his friends that the two had met. His classmates had mocked him for the claim.
Jonas Raab is Vice-President of the Raab Collection of Philadelphia, which is offering the letter for sale. He says it's the only remaining document from the President to a child.
Raab: The text of the letter says "Whom It May Concern, I did see and talk with Master George Evans Patton last May at Springfield Illinois. Respectfully, A Lincoln." So this child could in fact show his classmates this letter that he did in fact meet the President.
Raab says the rarity of the letter, and its excellent condition, dictate the $60,000 asking price.
[...] you have 60,000 dollars and a penchant for Abe Lincoln, perhaps this handwritten letter from 1861 would be of some interest? (Abe Lincoln's laser-printed letters from 1861 will go on sale [...]