Lincoln's Law Partner Stephen T. Logan Legal Brief

1p ADS in letter form with integral address leaf inscribed and signed by Abraham Lincoln's second law partner, Stephen T. Logan (1800-1880), as "Stephen T. Logan" at bottom of first page. Written on October 13, 1845 in Springfield, Missouri. The pale blue unlined bifold paper is in near fine condition, with expected paper folds, and minor loss corresponding to wax seal. Docketed by Menard County Circuit Court Clerk Nathan Dresser (1805-1868) verso, and also bearing stamped and handwritten philatelic markings. Each page measures 7.75" x 9.5." From the Collection of Norman Boas of Seaport Autographs and recently purchased at Christie's December 5, 2017 sale.

Stephen T. Logan was Abraham Lincoln's second law partner in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln served as Logan's junior associate between 1841-1844 until Lincoln stepped aside so that Logan's son David could join his father's firm. The future president called Logan "one of my most distinguished, and most highly valued friends."

Stephen T. Logan's latest Menard County Circuit Court case concerned an unpaid debt. Logan's plaintiffs Theophilus Sweet and Dickey Anderson had loaned $265.18 to John E. Rawlings and James Webb on June 4, 1845. Even though the debtors had signed a document agreeing to repayment terms on August 12, the due date of September 15 was now almost a month overdue.

"Theophilus Sweet and Dickey Anderson Plaintiffs state that they hold a Bond on the Defendants John E. Rawlings and James Webb in Substance as followeth

'On or before the fifteenth day of September next we promise to pay to Thephilus Sweet and Dickey Anderson the Sum of Two hundred and sixty five Dollars Eighteen cents with six per cent interest from the 4th day of June 1845. Until paid given for value received this 12th day of August 1845…'

Yet the Same debt remains unpaid wherefore they pray Judgment for their debt and Damages for the detention of the same together with their costs.

Stephen T. Logan p. yj."

Even during his lifetime, Stephen T. Logan was viewed as one of the leading lawyers of Illinois. He was admitted to the Illinois bar before the age of 21, and opened his first law office in Springfield in 1832. Logan served as a circuit judge and state politician well into the 1860s.

Theophilus Sweet was a New York-born Campbellite, or revival, preacher. Records suggest that Dickey Anderson was the father of one of Sweet's daughters-in-law.

Provenance: Ex-Christie's December 5, 2017 sale; Ex-Norman Boas, Seaport Autographs

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!