By AP/KWMU
Springfield, ILL. – A portfolio that historians believe Abraham Lincoln used to carry official papers was donated to Illinois Tuesday.
Tom Heyser of Maryland gave the briefcase and a dress worn by Mary Todd Lincoln to First Lady Patti Blagojevich at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Blagojevich says the portfolio, which is stamped with Lincoln's name in gold leaf, was the most valuable Lincoln artifact remaining in private hands.
Heyser's parents at one time were housekeepers for Robert Todd Lincoln. Robert Lincoln gave the Heysers the portfolio and Mary Todd Lincoln's dress.
The library is scheduled to open this fall after several delays.