Possible Lincoln Bixby letter found in Dallas

by Tina Kells | November 17, 2008 at 02:58 pm

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An important piece of American history may have been discovered in Dallas. A handwritten copy of what could be Lincoln's famous Bixby letter has been found and is being examined by experts from Christie's to determine its authenticity. If the find is a original copy of the historic letter it could get a tidy sum at auction.

Experts at Christie's in New York are examining a letter that may be an official copy of one sent by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln nearly 150 years ago.
Officials say the handwritten document found in a file at the Dallas Historical Society has the same wording as Lincoln's famous Bixby letter, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday.

The Bixby letter is considered one of the most important pieces of presidential prose. It was an expression of condolence sent by the president to a mother who had lost all her sons in the Civil War.

The newspaper says many scholars believe the original letter was written and signed by one of Lincoln's secretaries.

Alan Olson, director of collections for the Dallas Historical Society, says the document found in their files last summer was marked "Copy" at the top.

If it is deemed by Christie's experts to have historical value, the society board will decide whether to keep it or sell it at auction.