Abraham Lincoln's Rare Handwritten Reference Letter for Black Valet Reveals 19th Century Race Relations

Nov 07, 2025 01:50 pm CST

Discover the extraordinary 1861 letter written by President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of his Black valet William Johnson, now on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This rare historical document reveals Lincoln's personal concern for a Black man's welfare during the tumultuous beginning of the Civil War era, highlighting complexities of race relations within the White House and demonstrating Lincoln's characteristic empathy that transcended social boundaries.