The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln — Volume 2: 1843-1858

BRIEF AUTOBIOGRAPHY,

JUNE 15, 1858.

The compiler of the Dictionary of Congress states that while preparing that work for publication, in 1858, he sent to Mr. Lincoln the usual request for a sketch of his life, and received the following reply:

   Born February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, Kentucky.
   Education, defective.
   Profession, a lawyer.
   Have been a captain of volunteers in Black Hawk war.
   Postmaster at a very small office.
   Four times a member of the Illinois Legislature and was
   a member of the lower house of Congress.

Yours, etc.,