November 2022 Auction Ends Thursday, November 17th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2022
Abraham Lincoln autograph manuscript signed ''Lincoln'', undated but circa 1837 when Lincoln was a young lawyer who had just passed the bar. In this praecipe order, Lincoln defends two men who claim innocence of ''trespass, quan clausen fragit'', or ''trespass, when he breaks the lock''. Lincoln handwrites in part, ''And the said defendants come and defend the force and injury...and say plaintiff acts now, because they say they are not guilty, nor is either of them, in matter and form, as is in the declaration alleged, and of this they put themselves upon the county...Lincoln p.d. [public defender].''
Document is undated but likely circa 1837 as the opposing counsel appears to be James Shields, who was elected state auditor in 1839. Lincoln and Shields actually have a fascinating history, with Lincoln penning an anonymous letter to the editor which was highly critical of Shields as an auditor. Shields then challenged Lincoln to a duel in 1842, and the two men even drew weapons on ''Bloody Island'', the location of the duel, before common sense prevailed. Lincoln and Shields eventually resolved their differences and reportedly became good friends.
Document on pale blue lined paper measures approximately 7.75'' x 4.25'', secured in mat measuring 11.5'' x 8''. Document is free floating in mat and not hinged in any way. Minor foxing and horizontal fold, overall near fine condition with bold handwriting. An exceptional handwritten document by Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln Autograph Manuscript Signed, Circa 1837 as a Young Public Defender
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