On this episode of Inspired by History, Nathan Raab of The Raab Collection gives a behind-the-scenes account of a recent major acquisition: a Revolutionary War document collection kept in one family for nearly a century. Totaling hundreds of pages, the collection is heavily focused on George Washington and his circle. Raab describes the vetting process from initial contact to reviewing scans, examining the full group in person, and then researching, cataloging, and preparing to place the collection. Highlights include four Washington letters, including one to Robert Morris signed by Washington with the body in Alexander Hamilton’s hand forwarding a confidential message from the imprisoned Charles Lee; plus letters to Henry Knox and one mentioning Lafayette. The collection also includes uncommon war-date material from figures such as John Hancock, Aaron Burr, Benedict Arnold, General Cornwallis, Israel Putnam, and others, much of it tied to 1777–1779 New Jersey/New York encampments. Raab notes it would cost seven figures and great patience to assemble today.

00:00 Introduction

00:32 A Revolutionary Collection

01:05 First Contact and Verification

02:15 Viewing and Acquiring

04:06 Cataloging and Next Steps

04:58 Washington Letters Highlights

07:09 Collector Taste and Rarity

10:57 Cornwallis and Other Gems

11:55 NY/NJ Geography and Encampments

12:45 Building a Collection Like This Today

13:55 America 250 and Closing