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
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation Red Cloud's Peace Pipe Was this pipe given to an Indian agent by the famous Lakota warrior Chief Red Cloud?
-
Related Investigation Hot Town Poster What role did this striking poster play in the explosive events of 1960s America?
-
Also with Elyse Luray Mexican Currency What role did this money play in the Mexican Revolution?
-
Also with Elyse Luray Lost Gold Ship Is this wreck in Alaska the remains of a steamship carrying miners to the great Klondike Gold Rush of 1897?
-
Also with Elyse Luray Crazy Horse Photo Is this the only photograph of a Native American legend?
-
Also in Season 5 McKinley Casket Flag Did this flag once drape the casket of President William McKinley?
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.