Details
LINCOLN, Abraham, President. Autograph document signed twice ("A. Lincoln" & "Stuart & Lincoln"), [Sangamon], 2 February 1838. 1 page, large folio, neatly inlaid to larger sheet, Lincoln endorsement on verso, clean separation at center fold, otherwise in good condition.
AN EARLY LEGAL DOCUMENT WITH TWO FORMS OF LINCOLN'S SIGNATURE
An relatively uncommon legal document from Lincoln's first law partnership, established in 1836 with John T. Stuart, with whom Lincoln had served during the Black Hawk War. It comprises some 115 words in Lincoln's hand, constituting a "Praecipe and Declaration" in the case of "James Anderson Jr., William Bell & John W. Anderson vs George Patterson & Frederick A. Patterson"; described by Lincoln at top left as "Tresspass on the case upon promises - Damage $300." Beneath, he writes: "The clerk of the Sangamon circuit court will issue process in the above entitled cause returnable to the next term of said court," and signs "Stuart & Lincoln for pl[ainti]ff," The names of the parties in the suit are written again and Lincoln adds a pledge of personal liability for costs: "I do hereby enter myself security for costs... and acknowledge myself bound to pay...all costs which may accrue in this action...to the opposite party, or to any of the officers of this court, in pursuance of the laws of this state," dated and signed "A.Lincoln." Documents from Lincoln's first law firm are not common: one dated 1838 was in the Goldsborough Collection (sale, Christie's, 19 May 1995, lot 41, $5,525); another dated 1839, signed twice, was also sold here (8 June 1990, lot 102, $12,000).
AN EARLY LEGAL DOCUMENT WITH TWO FORMS OF LINCOLN'S SIGNATURE
An relatively uncommon legal document from Lincoln's first law partnership, established in 1836 with John T. Stuart, with whom Lincoln had served during the Black Hawk War. It comprises some 115 words in Lincoln's hand, constituting a "Praecipe and Declaration" in the case of "James Anderson Jr., William Bell & John W. Anderson vs George Patterson & Frederick A. Patterson"; described by Lincoln at top left as "Tresspass on the case upon promises - Damage $300." Beneath, he writes: "The clerk of the Sangamon circuit court will issue process in the above entitled cause returnable to the next term of said court," and signs "Stuart & Lincoln for pl[ainti]ff," The names of the parties in the suit are written again and Lincoln adds a pledge of personal liability for costs: "I do hereby enter myself security for costs... and acknowledge myself bound to pay...all costs which may accrue in this action...to the opposite party, or to any of the officers of this court, in pursuance of the laws of this state," dated and signed "A.Lincoln." Documents from Lincoln's first law firm are not common: one dated 1838 was in the Goldsborough Collection (sale, Christie's, 19 May 1995, lot 41, $5,525); another dated 1839, signed twice, was also sold here (8 June 1990, lot 102, $12,000).