1 p.; 6 1/4 x 7 1/2 in (159 x 191 mm); docket on verso by Lincoln. Creasing from old folds; scattered light soiling.

LINCOLN'S LAST CASE AS AN ATTORNEY IN LOGAN COUNTY.

Lincoln writes a plea in his last case as an attorney by representing John E. Laughery over an accusation of slander and a stolen cow. In full: "And the said defendant comes and defends the wrong and injury when when (sic) he, and say plaintiff actio non because he says the said plaintiffs declaration, and the matters and things therein contained, in manner and form as the same are therein stated and set forth, are not sufficient in law for the said plaintiff to have and maintain his said action; and the the (sic) defendant is ready to verify, wherefore etc. Lincoln & Herndon, fr. d."

Three weeks prior, on 27 February 1860, Lincoln gave his famous speech at the Cooper Union Institute, one which some historians suggest vaulted him to the forefront of Republican candidates for the presidency. From there he embarked on a successful tour of the northeast, addressing crowds in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, outlining his political philosophies on many key issues, most importantly slavery. By mid-March, Lincoln returned to Springfield, but did not take on any other legal cases before winning the nomination at the National Republican Convention at Chicago in May of 1860. Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln 3554; Baringer, Lincoln Day By Day: A Chronology, Vol II, p. 276.

Provenance:

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California