The first law partner of Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Congressman, and cousin of Mary Todd Lincoln (1807-1885). Manuscript DS, signed “John T. Stuart,” one page, 8.75 x 5, [no date but pencil notation indicates it was filed April 1, 1853]. Document being an “Answer of Guardian ad Litem” in a law case, in full: “The Guardian Ad Litem for the infant defendants Mary S. Lindsay, Martha A. Lindsay and Marquis et. Lindsay says he knows nothing of the truth of the allegations in Petition and therefore he requires full and ample proof to the court.” Stuart signs as Guardian ad Litem. In fine condition.



Major Stuart and Captain Lincoln first met during the Black Hawk War when both were in the same Battalion. Stuart encouraged Lincoln to become an attorney and when Lincoln did, Stuart became Lincoln’s first law partner. The partnership of Stuart and Lincoln was announced in the Sangamo Journal of April 15, 1837. Stuart served in the U.S. Congress from 1839-43—beating out Stephen Douglass for the seat. Lincoln and Stuart dissolved their partnership on April 14, 1841, in part because of Stuart’s frequent absences in Washington and Lincoln’s own preoccupation with politics. Stuart again served as a U.S. Congressman from 1863-65 (a Democrat) while Lincoln was President. Despite their political differences, their friendship remained undiminished and he was a frequent visitor to the White House to see Lincoln and his cousin, Mary T. Lincoln.