The letter, which had been held in a private collection for over a century, was identified as a document absent from the definitive Lincoln collection.
The Philadelphia-based Raab Collection, a renowned historical collector and auction house, announced the discovery in a press release.
The Raab Collection has since acquired the presidential letter and plans to sell it for its estimated value of $85,000.
Dated August 19, 1861, the letter is addressed to Charles Ellet Jr., an American civil engineer and Union Army Colonel.
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In the correspondence, Lincoln outlines his wartime strategy, shedding light on political tensions and revealing the scientific approach to safeguarding Washington, D.C. Nathan Raab, principal of The Raab Collection, explains that the letter states, "You propose raising for the service of the U.S., a Civil Engineer Corps.
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I am not capable to judge of the value of such a corps, but I would be glad to accept one if approved by Gen. Scott, Gen. McClellan & Gen. Totten. Please see them and get their views upon it."
According to Raab, the discovery of unpublished and unknown letters from Abraham Lincoln is becoming increasingly rare.
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The Raab Collection emphasizes that this particular letter fills a gap in the historical record regarding the necessity of a corps of civil engineers to survey terrain, disrupt Confederate supply chains, and defend Washington, D.C.
During this time, Ellet was widely regarded as the preeminent civil engineer in the United States. He had previously urged President Lincoln to provide greater support to the Army's Corps of Engineers.
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The Civil War further underscored the need for funding and equipment, as the safety of the nation's capital was at stake. In the letter, Lincoln instructs Ellet to discuss the matter with Generals Scott, McClellan, and Totten.
According to Raab, when Ellet delivered the letter to McClellan's residence, the general snubbed the president by refusing to speak with him.
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Raab cites this letter as documented evidence of McClellan's mistreatment of Lincoln. It was not until a fleet of Union boats was destroyed by the Confederate vessel USS Merrimack in 1862 that the generals realized Ellet's foresight.
Abraham Lincoln's autographs and historical documents are highly sought after by collectors, as noted by the Raab Collection on its website. Lincoln's letters are renowned for their clarity and economy of words, as he never used two when one would suffice.
The Lincoln letter is currently available for purchase on the Raab Collection's website, raabcollection.com.
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