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Lincoln Sues Father in Illegitimate Child Case Abraham Lincoln Requests Witnesses for Case in Which

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Lincoln Sues Father in Illegitimate Child Case Abraham Lincoln Requests Witnesses for Case in Which
<B>Abraham Lincoln Requests Witnesses for Case in Which a Man is Accused of Fathering an Illegitimate Child</B></I> ADS: "<I>Lincoln & Herndon p.q.,</B></I>" 1p, 8" x 12". Christian County [Illinois], September 12, 1849. Headed by Lincoln: "<I>George D. Berry/vs./John S. Cagle/Trespass on the case- Damage $1000-00-.</B></I>" Lincoln continues: "<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: "Filed Sept 12/1849/W.S. Moore". George D. Berry, Lincoln & Herndon's client, sued John S. Cagle for trespass. <B>The declaration Lincoln wrote, which he has asked the clerk to file, alleged that John S. Cagle caused George D. Berry's daughter Elizabeth Berry to bear an illegitimate child and be sick for nine months. Lincoln & Herndon asked for $1000 in damages. 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 the crime allegedly committed was "Trespass".</B></I> 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. From the Henry E. Luhrs Collection.