Abraham Lincoln to Henry E. Dummer, 26 December 18531
Springfield. Decr 26. 1853.H. E. Dummer Esq[Esquire]My dear Sir:Butler has just shown me your letter to him concerning the Grubb debt;2 and, in relation to your intimation that you might be induced to sell it, he desires
me to say to you that, in a few days over three months he is sure to get the principal of the debt (without interest) and that after you shall have
received this information, he will entertain any proposition you may make, to sell–
Please write him again–
Yours as everA. Lincoln–<Page 2>
2William Butler had himself previously sued George G. Grubb over an unpaid promissory
note in November 1845. Lincoln represented Grubb in that case in Sangamon County Circuit Court and with Grubb’s authorization admitted his client’s liability for the debt, resulting
in an award of $226.24 for Butler.
Butler v. Grubb, Martha L. Benner and Cullom Davis et al., eds., The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition, 2d edition (Springfield: Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, 2009), http://www.lawpracticeofabrahamlincoln.org/Details.aspx?case=138478.
Autograph Letter Signed, 2 page(s), Box 4, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).