Telegram that announced Lincoln's death could sell for $500,000
Telegram read, Abraham Lincoln died this morning at 22 minutes after seven., originated by major.
(Web Desk) – Original telegram that announced the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865 has resurfaced by a collector or historian. It is expected to be bought for USD $500,000 for the privilege.
Telegram was originated by head of the war department’s telegraph office, Major Thomas Eckert. It read, “Abraham Lincoln died this morning at 22 minutes after seven.”
According to msn, the paper is being offered by the Raab Collection, a memorabilia business specializing in historical items. In their description of the telegraph, they note that Charles Leale—a physician who had been in attendance when the president was shot the previous evening by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.—placed two coins over Lincoln’s eyes and pulled a bedsheet over his face.
Working with Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Eckert drafted a telegram to communicate the sad turn of events and signed Stanton’s name.
After being rushed to the telegraph office, the document is said to have remained in the hands of a Union general and his descendants.
The paper is expected to be placed on sale by the Raab Collection this week.
Monday, April 15, marked the 154th anniversary of Lincoln’s death.
