Rare 1778 Letter from George Washington for Sale

An inspirational 1778 letter written by George Washington to the leaders of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War is for sale.

Nathan Raab, a dealer in rare letters and autographs, tells Newsworks.org that Washington wrote the letter in December 1778, shortly after British forces withdrew from Philadelphia.

The soon-to-be first president wrote that he hoped that "the same national virtues which have hereto frustrated the designs of the enemy will perpetuate to this city a full enjoyment of all the blessings which have been the objects of the present glorious and important contest."

Raab said the letter "breathes with the optimism that Washington instilled and that made him famous."

The Ardmore, Pa.-based Raab Collection purchased the letter from a private collector. It is for sale for $120,000.