LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30426

Abraham Lincoln Legal Autograph Document Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Abraham Lincoln Legal Autograph Document Signed
<B>Abraham Lincoln Autograph Document Signed </B></I>"<I>Lincoln & Hendon p.q.,</B></I>"<I> </B></I>one page, 8" x 12". Springfield, Illinois, September 12, 1849. On September 12, 1849, in his Springfield law office, 40-year-old Abraham Lincoln met with George D. Berry of Christian County, Illinois, who wished to sue John L. Cagle for trespass. Lincoln wrote the declaration alledging that Cagle caused Berry's daughter Elizabeth to bear an illegitimate child and be sick for nine months, asking for $1000 in damages. This document accompanied the declaration. Headed by Lincoln: <I>"George D. Berry/vs./John S. Cagle/Trespass on the case- Damage $1000-00-."</B></I> In full: <I>"The clerk of the Christian county circuit court will please file the foregoing declaration, and, at the same time, issue a summons in the above entitled cause-- So soon as the clerk shall receive satisfactory information, that process has been served in this cause on the defendant, he will please issue in behalf of the plaintiff, Subpoenas for the following named witnesses to wit: Elizabeth Berry, Mildred Campbell, John Saunders, Robert E. Berry, Elizabeth Weeden, Susan Berry, Leonard Cagle, Jasper Cagle-" </B></I>On verso in another hand: <I>"Filed Sept 12/1849/W.S. Moore".</B></I> Heading their witness list: Elizabeth Berry. It is interesting to note that the baby was already born, that it was not the mother bringing suit against the man who fathered her child, but her father, and that two of the witnesses subpoenaed were named Cagle. The law firm of Lincoln & Herndon was formed in 1843. The partnership continued, nominally at least, until Lincoln's death in 1865. Lightly browned at folds. In fine condition.<I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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