Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

John W. Chickering to Abraham Lincoln, 14 May 18491
Alton May 14/49A Lincoln Esqr[Esquire]Dear Sir
Your favour of 13th is at hand2 please accept my acknowledgments for your kindness I thought in my last that I mentioned Washington— at present my intention is to return to Illinois– but I thought it well to make some acquaintances at Washington in view of the new Territories— this however is between ourselves–

I find my finances rather hard at present– as I am unexpectedly under considerable advances for one of your constituents who has gone to California and as I am trying to settle off all claims against me– I have therefore ventured upon your good feelings so far as to request a little more time upon a part of your fee, as I find it much easier to pay out than make collections— the draft I have no doubt will be duly [honored??]– and the note paid— please [~~set~~?] acknowledge their receipt to me directed to Newbury port– mass– and if it is satisfactory let the receipt be in full— if not advise me, and I will make it according to your desires– I take this liberty as I have large collections to make east– and I do not know exactly how much I shall have

<Page 2>
after discharging present & pressing liabilities3

I have no doubt of being in your city at Decr[December] term of U S. C Court
in haste
Yours very trulyJ. W Chickeringaddress—J. W C–[John W. Chickering]Newbury portmass–[massachusetts]

1John W. Chickering wrote and signed this letter.

2Abraham Lincoln responded to Chickering’s letter of May 11. Lincoln’s response has not been located.

3From 1845 to 1848, Lincoln & Herndon represented the Boston financial firm of Griggs & Weld in appellate cases against Hezekiah H. Gear before the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. Circuit Court. Chickering had represented Griggs & Weld in the case before the Jo Daviess County Circuit Court that initiated the appeals, and he served alongside Lincoln & Herndon representing Griggs & Weld at the Illinois Supreme Court and federal court levels. Chickering had agreed to pay Lincoln & Herndon $100 for assisting him in the appeals.
Levi Davis to Abraham Lincoln; John W. Chickering to Abraham Lincoln; Griggs & Weld v. Gear, 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://lawpracticeofabrahamlincoln.org/Details.aspx?case=139743, http://lawpracticeofabrahamlincoln.org/Details.aspx?case=139745.