Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Currier & Ives "Uncle Sam" making new arrangements

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03488 Author/Creator: Currier & Ives Place Written: New York, New York Type: Print Date: 1860 Pagination: 1 lithograph : b&w ; 34.4 x 43.2 cm. Order a Copy

Published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Black and white political cartoon related to Abraham Lincoln's 1860 election. Uncle Sam holds a wanted sign which reads, "An honest upright and capable man to take charge of this house for four years. Undoubted testimonials will be required." Portrays Lincoln being hired by Uncle Sam, while John Bell, J.C. Breckinridge, and Stephen Douglas respond to the advertisement but are turned away. James Buchanan is seen inside the establishment packing up his "dirty linen". Lincoln wears plain working clothes and carries an axe, while the other 5 gentlemen wear suits.

Currier & Ives, fl. 1857-1907
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Bell, John, 1797-1869
Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875
Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources