Historian Admits He Stole Presidential Letters

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

The New York Sun

A historian and author has admitted in court that he stole letters written by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and tried to resell them for nearly $100,000.

Edward Renehan Jr. pleaded guilty yesterday to interstate transportation of stolen property. The 51-year-old faces up to 10 years in prison.

Renehan is the former director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, and he has written six books.

Federal prosecutors say Renehan admitted that he stole three letters from the association and then tried to resell them through a Manhattan gallery for $97,000.

Renehan’s lawyer has said he was diagnosed last summer with bipolar disorder.


The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use