Lincoln Letter Discovered at National Archives

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A BIG FIND at the National Archives: A hand-written note penned by President Abraham Lincoln was discovered by an archivist researching a documentary for the Discovery Channel.

In the note, written to Union Gen. Henry Halleck after the Confederate defeats at Vicksburg and Gettysburg in July 1863, Lincoln expressed hope that Union forces could use their newfound momentum to crush the Confederates.

"Now, if Gen. Meade can complete his work so gloriously prosecuted thus far, by the litteral [sic] or substantial destruction of Lee's army, the rebellion will be over," Lincoln wrote.

The appearance of misplaced note sets the mind abuzz with the possibility that other treasures that could be hidden in the Archives' stash.

Writes The Post's Michael E. Ruane:

[Archivist of the United States Allen] Weinstein pointed out that the Archives has a billion documents in its historic building downtown, and 9 billion systemwide. Asked if there could be other lost documents of note, he said, "there must be."

» "Lincoln Urgent in Lost Letter to General" [WaPo]

Photo of Melina Mara/The Washington Post