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George Washington's Secret Letters Up for Auction: $230K Total

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Raab Collection is selling two secret letters by George Washington from winter 1779–1780 for $150,000 and $80,000, ahead of America's 250th birthday.
The letters, preserved by Revolutionary War descendants, detail Washington's efforts to monitor loyalists and British troop movements from Morristown, NJ.
They include Washington's urgent orders to Lt. Col. William De Hart, stressing vigilance against British sympathizers, and illuminate his strategic decisions during a critical period.

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Story summary

The Raab Collection is selling two secret letters by George Washington from winter 1779–1780 for $150,000 and $80,000, ahead of America's 250th birthday.
The letters, preserved by Revolutionary War descendants, detail Washington's efforts to monitor loyalists and British troop movements from Morristown, NJ.
They include Washington's urgent orders to Lt. Col. William De Hart, stressing vigilance against British sympathizers, and illuminate his strategic decisions during a critical period.