Colgate University Libraries News and Events

What a busy month - African American History month, Charles Darwin’s and Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthdays. Did you know that Darwin and Lincoln were born on the same day? How ‘bout the following presidential trivia:
 
Q: What invention did Abraham Lincoln patent?
A: A device to lift vessels over shoals.
Source: Patent Office, 1849, pt. 1: Arts and Manufactures, Serial Set, 574 H.exdoc.20, January 16, 1850
 
Q: What famous poet eulogized President Lincoln at a Joint Session of Congress on the 150th Anniversary of the President’s birth?
A. Carl Sandburg
Source: 150th anniversary of birth of Abraham Lincoln 1809-1959, Serial Set, 12194 H.doc.211, February 12, 1959
 
All the answers to the questions came from the United States Congressional Serial Set. As a depository library, Colgate has the Serial Set going back to the beginning. It was one of the most important official publications in the early years of our country. More information from Lincoln’s term in office in the Serial Set include:
 
Message of President transmitting orders and proclamation on suspension of writ of habeas corpus, Serial Set, 1114 H.exdoc.6, July 13, 1861
 
Presidential message transmitting draft of bill to compensate any State which may abolish slavery recommending its passage, Serial Set , 1123 S.exdoc.68, July 14, 1862
 
Proclamation of President to pardon those participating in rebellion, etc., p. 14 [enclosed with 1180 H.exdoc.1], Serial Set, 1180 H.exdoc.1/2, December 8, 1863
 
Wondering what the Serial Set can do your you? Ask a Reference Librarian!