Support provided by:
The Case:
A Tampa man has made a potentially extraordinary discovery in a stack of old photos he purchased for eight dollars. Buried in the images was a letter with what appears to be the signature of Abraham Lincoln.
It's dated 1858, almost four years before the Civil War, and contains a short and cryptic note to someone named Henry Clay Whitney.
The national spotlight is on a key senate race in Illinois where a powerful and pro-slavery Democrat is being challenged for his seat by an undistinguished Republican, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's battle that summer determines the course of his career and ultimately the fate of the nation.
Is this letter a forgery? And what does it refer to?
History Detectives heads to the Land of Lincoln to investigate the future president’s political calculations and correspondence at a pivotal time in his career.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Blueprint Special
Did this record play a dramatic role in the Allied victory during the Second World War?
-
Related Investigation
WPA Mural Studies
Are these unusual paintings part of the biggest job creation program in America's history?
-
Related Investigation
GAR Photograph
How did two African Americans come to be part of this photograph in Reconstructionist-era America?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Jigsaw Puzzle
Does this puzzle depict a real event - women playing contact sports in the late 19th century?
-
Also with Elyse Luray
Amelia Earhart Plane
Was this piece of metal ripped from one of the most famous missing planes in history?
-
Also in Season 5
Women's Suffrage Painting
What role did this watercolor painting play in securing women the right to vote?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Civil War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest Commentthat's unique, if anyone has anything similar to this, then you should do what i do, share your artwork on Art Radio it is one the best up and coming social media platforms for musicians and artists. (4 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookHow much do you think it will be worth in 50 years? (4 days ago)