A previously undocumented letter penned by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War has surfaced, offering fresh insights into his wartime strategies and the political landscape of the era. Acquired by The Raab Collection, a historical document and auction house, the letter is dated August 19, 1861, and addressed to Union Army Colonel Charles Ellet Jr., a prominent civil engineer.

Lincoln's correspondence centers on Ellet's proposal to establish a Civil Engineer Corps for the U.S. military. Expressing his lack of expertise on the matter, Lincoln states his willingness to accept such a corps if it received endorsements from Generals Winfield Scott, George B. McClellan, and Joseph G. Totten. He instructs Ellet to consult with these generals and gather their perspectives.

This newly discovered letter sheds light on the importance of civil engineering during the Civil War, particularly in relation to defending Washington, D.C., and disrupting Confederate supply lines. The Raab Collection emphasizes the rarity of finding unpublished Lincoln letters and notes that this document contributes significantly to our understanding of the historical record.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding the letter is an incident involving General McClellan. According to The Raab Collection, McClellan rebuffed Lincoln by refusing to meet with Ellet when the letter was delivered to his residence. This episode underscores the political complexities and personal dynamics at play during the war.

The significance of Ellet's contributions became tragically apparent in 1862 when a fleet of Union ships was destroyed by the Confederate ironclad USS Merrimack. This event validated Ellet's earlier warnings about the need for stronger engineering support within the army.

The Raab Collection is currently offering the Lincoln letter for sale, valuing it at $85,000. This historical artifact provides a valuable glimpse into Lincoln's leadership during a pivotal moment in American history.