Early ADS, signed “Lincoln,” one page, 6.75 x 5.5, no date but circa 1836-1837. Handwritten legal brief in the case of "Beverly Allen, assignee &c vs. Alexander Lindsay, Morris Lindsay & Isaac Lindsay," heard before the "Sangamon Circuit Court," in a case of "Trespass on the case on promises." In addition to the heading, Lincoln writes, in full: "It is agreed between the parties that this suit be dismissed at the cost of the defendant Alexander Lindsay." Neatly signed at the conclusion by Lincoln, and endorsed below by Lindsay. Along the bottom, Judge James H. Matheny pens a caption, dated November 3, 1880: "The above is one of Mr. Lincoln's first papers as an attorney at law, about the year 1836." Handsomely matted and framed with a portrait and descriptive plaque to an overall size of 26 x 21. In fine condition, with light creasing and toning.
James H. Matheny (1818-1890) was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1836 and soon after opened a legal practice in Springfield. When Lincoln arrived in Springfield in 1837 to pursue his own legal career, Matheny described him thus: 'When he first came among us his humor and wit boiled over.' The two rented office space in the same building, and their association as professional colleagues soon grew into a close friendship. Lincoln's regard for Matheny was such, in fact, that Matheny served as best man at Lincoln's wedding to Mary Todd on November 4, 1842, and he later became Lincoln's manager as the Great Emancipator embarked on his political career. Matheny's reminiscences, later recorded by biographer Ward H. Lamon, provide an essential understanding of Lincoln, particularly in regard to his views on spirituality. In commenting on Lincoln, Matheny plainly described him as an 'infidel' and 'often, if not wholly…an Atheist,' and noted that the young Lincoln attacked the Bible for its contradictions and 'on grounds of reason.' After serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Civil War, Matheny was elected Judge of the County Court of Sangamon County. The confluence of factors in the present document—a relic from the dawn of Lincoln's career, combined with first-person documentation from a close personal friend—make for an item of exceptionally historic interest and rarity.
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