Lincoln, Abraham, sixteenth President

Autograph document signed twice ("Stuart &  Lincoln"), two pages on one leaf (12 1/8 x 7 1/2 in.; 310 x 190 mm) with 3-line addendum affixed to the verso [Tremont, Tazewell County Circuit Court, 1 October 1839], final third of document in the hand of Tazewell County, Illinois, attorney Edward Jones; traces of red seals on bottom margin of verso. Double-glazed and framed.

Autograph document signed twice ("Stuart & Lincoln"), two pages on one leaf (12 1/8 x 7 1/2 in.; 310 x 190 mm) with 3-line addendum affixed to the verso; traces of red seals on bottom margin of verso. Double-glazed and framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Lincoln legal lion. On 1 October 1839, Lincoln wrote, signed, and filed defendants' pleas and answer in Kimball Dow vs. Riley Averill and Alfred Lowell. The case, heard in the Tazewell County circuit court,  dealt with the sale of land to Averill and Lowell by one Spencer Field. The last third of the document is in the hand of Edward Jones, an attorney for the plaintiff, who demurred to Lincoln's plea (in effect, contesting the validity of Lincoln's plea). Lincoln then signed "Joinder in demurrer," bringing the issue to a close and allowing the court to decide the issue. Lincoln won the lawsuit, and the plaintiff Dow appealed  the judgment to the Illinois Supreme Court. Lincoln continued to represent Averill and Lowell and motioned the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal because Dow failed to file the proper paperwork. The court accepted the motion and dismissed the appeal, thus abrogating any financial obligations on the part of the defendants.