Lot 283
Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865) 16th President of the U.S. (1861-65). Autograph Document Signed twice, "A. Lincoln" at the conclusion and "Abraham Lincoln" at the beginning of the text, Illinois, October 3, 1856, 1½ pp (single sheet), legal folio. A legal brief filed in the Supreme Court of Illinois, Second Grand Division, the same year that Lincoln joined the new Republican Party. The document's content concerns a divorced woman's attempt to overturn her divorce in order to collect from her former husband's considerable estate. If successful, her attempt would render the child of her ex-husband's new wife a bastard, and neither the new wife nor the child would legally be entitled to inherit from the estate.
Lincoln writes, in part: "Abraham Lincoln, being first duly sworn, states on oath that…in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and fifty one, a decree of Divorce was rendered…dissolving the bands of matrimony theretofore existing between Franklin C. Gray and Mary Anna Gray; that afterwards the said Franklin C. Gray went through the forms and ceremonies of a legal marriage with one Matilda Caroline French, which affiant supposes, was a valid marriage…later the said Franklin C. Gray departed this life intestate; that…one John Cook and said Matilda C. Gray have been appointed administrators of his estate in New-York; and also, one C.J. Eaton, has been appointed…administrator of his estate in California; and that there has been no administration of his estate in the State of Illinois; that after the death of said Franklin C. Gray, the said Matilda Caroline French, or Matilda Caroline Gray was delivered of a child, which in the course of nature, must have been begotten after her supposed marriage with said Franklin C. Gray…and that he left no other legitimate child, so far as affiant knows…said child is still living, a female and a minor, and that its name is 'Florence Franklin Gray.' Affiant further states that Mary Anna Gray wishes to prosecute a writ of error to reverse said decree of divorce, and wishes to make parties, defendants thereto, the said Matilda Caroline Gray, Florence Franklin C. Gray, John Cook and C.J. Easton, all of whom reside out of the State of Illinois. A. Lincoln."
Light toning and soiling; a couple of fold tears, easily repaired, else fine. Boldly penned and signed.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 22,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
