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Lot 285
Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) 16th President of the U.S. (1861-65). Born in a log cabin in the backwoods, Lincoln was almost entirely self-educated. In 1831 he settled in New Salem, Ill., and worked as a storekeeper, surveyor, and postmaster while studying law. In 1834 he was elected to the state legislature, and in 1836 he became a lawyer. Lincoln served one term (1847-49) in Congress as a Whig; in 1855 he campaigned for the Senate, but lost. In 1856 he joined the new Republican Party. He ran again (1858) for the Senate against Stephen A. Douglas, engaging in seven landmark debates. Lincoln was not an abolitionist, but he regarded slavery as an evil and opposed its extension. Although he lost the 1858 election, he had established a national reputation, and in 1860 was the Republican presidential candidate. He ran against a divided Democratic party and was elected with a minority of the popular vote. To the South, Lincoln's election was a signal for secession. By Inauguration Day seven states had seceded, and four more seceded after he issued a summons to the militia. It is generally agreed that Lincoln handled the multitudinous problems of the Civil War with skill and vigor. In addition to conducting the war, he faced opposition in the North from radical abolitionists who considered him too mild, and from conservatives who were gloomy over the prospects of Union success in the war. His cabinet was rent by internal hatred, and the progress of the war went against the North at first. In 1863 Lincoln moved to free the slaves by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, but preserving the Union remained his main priority. His thoughts on the war were beautifully expressed in the Gettysburg Address (1863). In 1864 Lincoln ran for reelection against George B. McClellan and won, in part because of the favorable turn of military affairs after his appointment of Gen. U.S. Grant as commander-in-chief. Lincoln saw the end of the war but did not live to implement his plan for Reconstruction. On Apr. 14, 1865, while attending a play at Ford's Theater, in Washington, D.C., he was shot by the actor John Wilkes Booth. He died the next morning. Although deeply mourned at his passing, it took several years for a full-blown "Lincoln legend" to develop but by the early 20th century he had become an object of adulation and a symbol of democracy.
Document Signed ("A. Lincoln"). One page, quarto, Springfield, May 9, 1857. On lined paper. Being a bond posted by Lincoln in the case of Wainwright, Huntington and Flogel versus Curtis, Curtis and Hugo. Docketed on verso. Professional restoration, horizontal folds with very minor edge separation, three small spots of adhesive residue on verso, five very small holes, one penciled notation recto and one verso. Very good to fine condition.
The case this document pertains to, Wainwright et al versus Curtis et al, concerned non-payment of a promissory note in the amount of $1,322.83. The case was filed with the U.S. Circuit Court on May 9, 1857, called June 1, and two judgements were rendered June 3 in favor of Lincoln's clients. (Lincoln Day by Day, volume II)
Lincoln's legal practice has been well documented, and the continuing efforts of researchers and archivists have resulted in increasing information about this formative time in his life. It is well established that the dignified manner, eloquence and tenacity he developed in Illinois courtrooms were patterns for his behavior as President.The document offered here, signed when he had established himself as one of the most respected and influential men in Illinois, represents Lincoln on the threshold of the his national political life.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
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