LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph legal document signed ("Davis, Lincoln, Lamon"), [Springfield], [filed] 29 May 1855.

One page, 8vo (298 x 191 mm), four marginal losses along folds on right side affecting text and repaired with rice paper, toning.

In full: "In assumpsit.
And the said defendant comes and defends the wrong and injury when, where & c, and says plaintiff actio non, because he says he did not undertake and promise in manner and form as is in the [missing text]tiff's declaration alleged; and of this [missing text] himself upon the county & c...
Davis, Lincoln & Lamon pa
And the plaintiff is hereby notified that on the trial he will offer to prove that the plaintiff is indebted to him in the sum of three hundred & eighty nine dollars & fifty cents, for the clothing, boarding, and lodging of said plaintiff, by said defendant; and at said plaintiff's request, from the 15th day of March 1846 to December 15th 1850 and will offer to set off the sum against the claim of the plaintiff.
Davis, Lincoln & Lamon pa
Philip Leonard Jr
To George W. Taylor Dr
To Clothing from March 15 1846 to Dec 15 1850 being 57 months, at $2.50 cents per month $142
To boarding & lodging, the same time, being 247 weeks, at one dollar per week $247-00
$389-50."

Leonard v. Taylor was filed in response to Philip Leonard's failure to pay his landlord, George W. Taylor, $389.50 for food, clothing, and lodging over 247 weeks, or approximately 4.5 years. Lincoln, who generally preferred to settle cases such as these, helped negotiate a settlement of $125, resulting in the case's dismissal.

This lot is located in Chicago.