A rare collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts has gone missing in New London, Connecticut, after a visit to Connecticut College. The collection, assembled by Lincoln enthusiast Sameer Somal, includes significant historical items such as portraits of Lincoln, original Civil War-era newspapers, and an invitation to Lincoln’s 1864 inaugural ball.

Among the most precious items is a letter dated April 17, 1865, written by General William Tecumseh Sherman concerning the assassination of President Lincoln. Somal, who has dedicated years to gathering these artifacts, intended to use them as a centerpiece for a future museum dedicated to Lincoln in Illinois.

The artifacts disappeared after Somal accidentally left the folder containing them on top of his car and drove away following interviews with fellow Lincoln scholars at the college. Upon realizing the folder was missing, Somal contacted campus security, who initially believed they had recovered the folder, only to find it was a book that had fallen from his car.

Somal returned to New London the following day to check with local police, believing the folder likely fell on or near the Connecticut College campus. However, the items have not been turned in. He is now appealing to the public for their return, emphasizing the loss extends beyond monetary value.

“I will do anything to get these items back and anything to help someone else in life if I can just get them back,” Somal expressed, highlighting the personal and historical significance of the collection.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.