1849 Lincoln letter up for sale for $40,000

A 165-year-old letter from Abraham Lincoln could be just the thing for the history buff in your family. That is, if you have $40,000 to spare.

A rare documents dealer in Philadelphia is selling an 1849 letter penned by Lincoln that offers insight into his stint as a congressman.

Raab Collection President Nathan Raab says the letter gives a revealing view of Lincoln before he became president. He says that letters from this time period are extremely rare.

The letter describes an incident between Lincoln and a friend seeking a political appointment.

The correspondence shows the future 16th president trying to handle the matter delicately.

Lincoln represented Illinois in Congress from 1847 to 1849.