LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865).
Autograph letter, signed ("A. Lincoln") to John Olney. Springfield, Illinois, 29 January 1858.

1 p.; 9 1/2 x 8 in. (241 x 203 mm); creasing from old folds; scattered soiling and stains; laid down on japanese tissue.

LINCOLN ADVISES FELLOW ILLINOIS LAWYER FREE OF CHARGE.

In full: "My dear Sir: I have had your case under consideration for two days; and I really fear you can not maintain the suit- Doup has the legal title, and who but the State can question it? If Galatin County has the right to question it by suit, can it do so without making the State a party? and how can you make the State a party? The case, depending upon new and peculiar statutes, I can not give an opinion with entire confidence- It may not be worth the trial, after all- I submitted the case to Logan, and his off-hand opinion is that you can not maintain it- Can you not mask the question on Ejectment as well as otherwise? Prove your truth, and when they present theirs, prove that it was obtained in favor of the law- Sorry I can not write a more encouraging letter- I charge nothing for this- Yours very truly A. Lincoln."

The Lincoln & Herndon Law Office had represented Daniel Doup on a related case two weeks earlier, which explains his familiarity with the facts. Despite this, Lincoln is regretful he "...can not write a more encouraging letter", but concludes frankly with "I charge nothing for this." John Olney, the recipient, was active in Republican Party politics, serving as a delegate to the state party convention in 1858, and Republican presidential elector two years later, helping Lincoln win the presidency.

In early 1858, Lincoln was primarily focused on his law practice, and not yet worried about his political aspirations. When asked to speak at a public event in May of 1858, he replied, "It is too early, considering that when I once begin making political speeches I shall have no respite till November. The labor of that I might endure, but I really can not spare the time from my business." (Basler 2, p. 447). His legal career would soon fall by the wayside however, as later that year he became embroiled in the spirited Illinois Senate race with Stephen A. Douglas, which set him down the path to the Presidency. Not in Basler.

Provenance:

Previously sold Christies, 8 December 1989, lot 46.

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California

Property from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Foundation

This lot is located in Chicago.