Abraham Lincoln autograph legal manuscript signed, penned by the Illinois lawyer in 1855. In the case of Taylor v. Leonard, Jr., Lincoln represents George w. Taylor alongside his associates Ward Lamon and David Davis in a landlord-tenant dispute. Lincoln negotiated the settlement of $125, writing in full here:
''George W. Taylor / adv. / Philip Leonard, Jr. / In assumpsit / And the said defendant comes and defends the wrong and injury when, where etc, and says plaintiff actio non, because he says he did not undertake and promise in manner and form as is in the [plain]tiff's declaration alleged; and of this [?] himself upon the county etc. / Davis, Lincoln & Lamon pa''.
At this point in 1855, Lincoln was re-entering the sphere of politics, giving speeches on his opposition to slavery. A year after this document was penned, he would formally join the newly established Illinois Republican Party, delivering the keynote address at its convention. The Lincoln-Douglas debates would soon follow and Lincoln was on his ascension to the Presidency.
Document measures 7.5'' x 4.375''. Archival repair on verso including infill to missing portion on right side affecting two words. Some fading to writing. Overall in very good condition.