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.

Lincoln, Rufus (1751-1838) to Aaron Hobart

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 #: GLC06313.04.145 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Rufus (1751-1838) Place Written: Wareham, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 January 1822 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 24.8 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes about his petition to Congress for support due to him for eight years military service and time as a prisoner of war during the American Revolution. Comments on his economic hardship and previous rejections of his petitions.

[Draft Excerpt:]
It seems strange to me that Congress can think that a poor old man can be suported on the incom of two hundred Dollars When they are taking Eight Dollers per day. all that I Recd. for upwards Eight years Service would not amount to sixteen hundred Dollers - I have a just demand on my country for one hundred and sixty of Dollars or what I lost when I was taken prisoner and for Expence at marching Eighty men to West Point ...

Lincoln, Rufus, 1751-1838
Hobart, Aaron, 1787-1858

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources