[Abraham Lincoln]

315 manuscript pages in the hand of Court Clerk William Butler (12 1/2 x 7 1/2 in.; 318 x 190 mm); some browning and spotting. Half calf, marbled boards, inscribed in ink on upper cover "Minute Book, Sangamon County, 1835; rebacked and recornered, some rubbing.

Roy P. Crocker (Sotheby Parke Bernet, 28 November 1979, lot 229) — to Forbes Collection — Swann Galleries (25 November 2014, lot 153)

Miers, Lincoln Day by Day, pp I:56, 60, 70

Condition as described in catalogue entry/
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.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S FIRST STEP TO PASSING THE BAR: CERTIFICATION THAT HE IS "A MAN OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER."

In early 1836, Abraham Lincoln was a 27-year-old bachelor in New Salem, Illinois, receiving a small stipend as a first-term state legislator which he supplemented with surveying work and an appointment as New Salem postmaster. In his spare time, he had been "reading law" in an effort to improve his career prospects. An Illinois law enacted three years earlier required prospective lawyers to "obtain a certificate procured from the court of an Illinois county certifying to the applicant's good moral character." A 24 March 1836 entry records this step, attesting to Lincoln's "good moral character."

On 9 September 1836, Lincoln was granted a license to practice law in Illinois, and in a formal ceremony on 1 March 1837, he appeared before the clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court and took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and of Illinois. Lincoln swore he would "in all things faithfully execute the duties of the Attorney and Counselor at Law."

As this minute book documents, Lincoln began his career as a lawyer quickly, filing his first lawsuit plea on 5 October 1836. The minute book does not mention Lincoln by name, but does note the case: "Wooldridge vs. Hawthorn, deff ruled to give security by calling of cause." The case is mentioned again 14 March 1837, Lincoln representing the plaintiff: "Dismissed at the defendant's cost."  Other Lincoln cases can also be traced through this ledger.  Lincoln is later mentioned twice regarding the 10 October 1837 case of White vs. Harris, where "A Lincoln appointed guardian ad litem to William Nelson minor."