Lot 122
Lincoln Abraham 1809 - 1865 Stunning signed Abraham Lincoln manuscript legal brief, written in his own hand!
Single page 7.75" x 4.5". Small repair to chips and reversible archival Japanese tissue reinforcement to crease on verso. Scripted fully in the hand of Abraham Lincoln with 77 words, and signed by him, "Lincoln and Herndon". Expected folds, else near fine.
A phenomenal piece of history. A filed brief scripted in full in Lincoln relating to a Trespass case Preston vs. Moon where Lincoln and Herndon represented Chester moon against charges of trespass early in the partnership of Abraham Lincoln and William H. Herndon in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois. From our research, the brief is dated 1845 and the records show that Chester Moon claimed damages of $150 but as it typical many Lincoln cases and his client found guilty, the jury awarded damages of only $5. The content consists of 77 words in Lincoln's hand including his signature of "Lincoln and Herndon"
The brief stated in full as:
"Isaac Preston
Adv
Chester Moon..In Trespass
And the said defendant comes and defends the force and (illegible) when where he and says he is not guilty of the said several supposed trespasses in the said declaration mentioned or either of them in manner and form as the same are therein stated and set forth and of this he puts himself upon the country (illegible)
And plaintiff does the like} "Lincoln & Herndon"
By Harris Atty }
In the fall of 1844, Lincoln was tired of being a junior partner in a law firm. He had worked for senior partners with political ambitions, and Lincoln wanted a younger partner to whom he could relate. Surprising both his wife and Herndon in October, Lincoln invited his friend to form a partnership. Lincoln appreciated Herndon's friendship, loyalty, shared political beliefs and conscientious study. Lincoln said that Herndon "was my man always above all other men on the globe". Herndon did not disappoint his friend. He contributed to the practice by performing research for his older more experienced partner, building the firm's law library and overseeing young men who came to study law (read the law) at their office.
An important piece of history, boldly scripted and incredible to hold in hand realizing just how this budding lawyer evolved, and knowing what the future held for him and our Country.
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