Handwritten document by Abraham Lincoln, unsigned, one page, 8 x 6, September 18, 1852. An affidavit submitted in the "State of Illinois, Tazewell County," written entirely in Lincoln's hand. In part: "Franklin Smith, being first duly sworn, states on oath that he is the owner of property…which he verily believes is equal in value to two hundred dollars…that he owns no real estate, but that he has a family and is settled in this county." Signed at the conclusion by Franklin Smith, and docketed by a court clerk. In fine condition, with a few small areas of ink erosion. This case involved a lawsuit by James E. Smith against John C. Gaines, who had claimed that Smith stole some of his corn. Smith retained Lincoln and sued Gaines in an action of trespass on the case for slander seeking $1,000 in damages. Gaines pleaded not guilty, but a jury found for Smith and awarded $100. Franklin Smith, presumably a relative of the complainant James E. Smith, submitted this affidavit as part of a bond for costs in the case. A fantastic handwritten piece from the future president's days as a lawyer.
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