Papers Of Abraham Lincoln

Logan & Lincoln to Benjamin Briggs, 12 August 18441
Springfield, Aug^t 12– 1844–Dear Sir:
At the fall term of your court, we as attornies, took two judgements against L. T. Garth, one in favour of G M &. G. R. Justice, & the other plaintiff’s name we have forgotten–2

The Messrs[Messieurs] Justice have written us to force the collection of their debt if we can– See M^r Garth, and if he can not pay, take out executions and levy upon property, if you can find any clean & unencumbered–3
Yours as everLogan & Lincoln

1Abraham Lincoln wrote the letter and signed his and Stephen T. Logan’s names. The editors based attribution of recipient to Benjamin Briggs based on two facts: (1) this letter was in a collection with another letter to Briggs, and (2) Briggs served as the sheriff of Tazewell County, Illinois from 1840 to 1844.

2In the fall of 1842, the Tazewell County Circuit Court awarded to G. M. & G. R. Justice $277.35 in damages from Littleton T. Garth. The plaintiff in the second case mentioned by Lincoln was actually his law partner Stephen T. Logan, who had recovered $254.70 from Garth at the fall 1842 term of the court.
Justice & Justice v. Garth, 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=136178; Logan v. Garth, Martha L. Benner and Cullom Davis et al., eds., The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition, http://www.lawpracticeofabrahamlincoln.org/Details.aspx?case=136237.

3It is unknown whether or in what manner G. M. & G. R. Justice collected their debt from Garth.