LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph letter signed ("A. Lincoln") to Garland B. Shelody [sic Shelledy], Springfield, 16 February 1842.

2pp., 8vo (248 x 203 mm), old folds, wear along edges, evidence of restoration, with additional blank folded similarly to letter bearing postage mark and address of recipient, also in Lincoln's hand.

In full: "Yours of the 10th is duly received. Judge Logan and myself are doing business together now and we are willing to attend to your case, as you propose - As to the terms, we are willing to attend each case you prepare and send us for $10 (when there shall be no opposition) to be sent in advance, or you to know that it's safe. It takes $5.75 of cost to start upon, that is $1.75 to clerk, and $2 to each of two publishers of papers. Judge Logan thinks it will take the balance of $20 to carry a case through. This must be advanced from time to time as the services are performed, as the officers will not act without. I do not know whether you can be admitted an attorney of the Federal Court in your absence or not, nor is it material, as the business can be done on our names. Thinking it may aid you a little, I send you one of our blank forms of Petitions. It, you will see, is framed to be sworn to before the Federal Court clerk, and in your cases, will have be so for changed, as to be sworn to before the clerk of the circuit court, and his certificate must be accompanied with his official seal. The schedule, too, must be attended to. Be sure that they contain the creditor's names, their residences, the amounts due each, the debtors names, their residences, and the amounts they owe, also all property and where located. Also be sure that the schedules are signed by the applicants as well as the Petition. Publication will have to be made here in one paper, and in one nearest the residence of the applicant. Write us in each case where the last advertisement is to be sent, whether to you or to what paper. I believe I have now said everything that can be of ay advantage. Your friend, as ever, A. Lincoln."

In April 1841, John T. Stuart and Lincoln formally dissolved their law practice, although Lincoln and Stephen T. Logan had been taking cases together since March. By May, Lincoln had formally become the junior partner of Logan. The Logan & Lincoln partnership dissolved in 1844, when Logan took on his son as a junior partner, and Lincoln went out on his own, engaging William H. Herndon as his junior partner.

REFERENCES:
Basler, 1:270-71

This lot is located in Chicago.