LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-1865). Autograph document signed ("Stuart & Lincoln"), [Springfield], 24 May 1839. (weak mailing folds reinforced on the verso, some mounting remnants, small loss at bottom edge).

An early law case from the first five years of Lincoln's lengthy legal career. The top half of the document, penned in another's hand, is a request for the attachment against Reuben Winter's property on behalf of John M. Hurt. Winters purchased a horse from Hurt for $61, though Winters departed the state without paying "...with the intention of having his affects and personal estate removed without the limits of this state...". At bottom, Lincoln writes: "The clerk of Sangamon Circuit Court will issue an attachment in the above case". Winters later did not appear at court, thus the jury awarded Hurt $61 and sold the attached property, including a horse, a mare, a harness, and a wagon, for $147.50 to satisfy the judgment.