A Case and a Man for the Ages

Chris Norbert
Belleville West High School, Belleville

It all started with a copy of the Revised Statutes of Indiana. To a normal seventeen-year-old boy, the book was boring and pointless, but to young Abraham Lincoln, it created the spark that was to begin a storied legal career. Lincoln read the book over and over, memorizing seemingly trivial information and trying to comprehend its contents. With eager eyes and an endless imagination, Lincoln turned into a studious young man from New Salem, Illinois, whose free time was devoted largely to books. From this humble background sprang one of the most clever and most sophisticated lawyers Illinois has ever known. The knowledge Lincoln acquired as a frontier lawyer helped him become one of the greatest presidents of all time.

Abraham Lincoln embarked on his legal career in Springfield, which had been selected as the new capital of Illinois in 1836. Lincoln was a member of the "Long Nine," a group of Whig legislators averaging over six feet and two hundred pounds. These men from Sangamon County influenced the move of the capital to Springfield. Lincoln forged a partnership with Major John T. Stuart. Stuart was more concerned with politics than with law, leaving Lincoln to complete most of the firm's work. This, however, turned out to be of great benefit to Lincoln because it forced him to develop a strong sense of independence. He confidently formulated solutions to problems he encountered. This method of learning paid off in the White House. Lincoln trusted himself to solve the nation's problems, and he remained calm even in the most hectic situations.

At first, Lincoln's caseload included mainly petty crimes, such as trespassing and assault. The Stuart-Lincoln partnership lasted until 1841, when Lincoln joined Stephen T. Logan. Lincoln profited greatly from his association with Logan, but he was ready to start his own firm. In 1844 he ended his professional relationship with Logan and became a senior partner with William Herndon as his junior partner. It was in this partnership that Lincoln ascended to prominence as a lawyer. He argued most of his 243 Illinois Supreme Court cases in this partnership.

Lincoln also began to take on more complex cases during this partnership. He argued on both

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sides in cases involving railroads and large corporations. These cases provided much of his income. Although criminal actions represented less than 10 percent of Lincoln's caseload, one particular murder case stands out as one of the defining moments in his legal career.

Jack and Hannah Armstrong had befriended Lincoln when was he was a young man trying to make a career in New Salem, He often played with their baby, William, and sometimes even rocked him to sleep. William, who was nicknamed "Duff," had grown older and fallen into bad habits, such as drinking. On August 29, 1857, "Duff was arrested for the murder of James Preston Metzker after a brawl in a saloon. Jack Armstrong went into immediate shock at the news and died. Lincoln remembered his roots and wanted to repay the Armstrong's for their hospitality and kindness; therefore, he offered his legal services.

This case appeared to be one of the most difficult of Lincoln's career. The evidence in the case pointed against Armstrong, and Lincoln faced the strong prosecution team of J. Henry Shaw and Hugh Fullerton. According to the law at the time, the defendant could not take the stand in his own defense, tipping the scales even more toward the prosecution. Lincoln had to develop his most clever presentation to date, and he did not disappoint.

After the prosecution's star witness, Charles Allen, gave damaging testimony against Armstrong, Lincoln proceeded to destroy Allen's credibility. Allen claimed that by the light of the moon he saw Armstrong strike Metzker with a slingshot. Lincoln, in perhaps his most stunning legal move ever, called for an almanac from 1857. He opened to August 29 and had Allen read that the moon had disappeared by 11:00 p.m., the time of the alleged crime. This was the obvious climax of the trial, but Lincoln almost outshone himself with his closing statement. Judge Abram Bergen stated, "Then vanished all consciousness of his uncouth appearance, his awkward manner, or even his high-keyed, unpleasant voice, and it required an extraordinary effort of the will to divert attention to the man, so concentrated was every mind upon what he was saying."

Lincoln also related the story of how the Armstrongs took him in as one of the family. He prayed that God would allow him to repay his debt of gratitude. Then, tears streamed down his cheeks. Shaw, the prosecuting attorney said the tears were genuine. "His terrible sincerity could not help but rouse the same passion in the jury." The jury unanimously acquitted Duff Armstrong.

With these tears, Lincoln expressed his deep sympathy that helped guide his decision to emancipate the slaves. It was his understanding of the human race that also led him to deal kindly with the southern states that had seceded from the Union. Lincoln showed that he remembered his humble beginnings by taking the Armstrong case. He had once been poor and needed somebody to lean on. His experiences led to his understanding of other people.

Lincoln also used his own experience in law to direct rising young lawyers. This is evident in a letter to William H. Grigsby, a man who hoped to join Lincoln's partnership. It reads, "If you wish to be a lawyer, attach no consequence to the place you are in, or the person you are with; but get books, sit down anywhere and go to reading for yourself."

Lincoln's brilliant cross-examination of Charles Allen in the Armstrong case foretold his later prowess as a Congressman. In his famous "Spot Resolutions," Lincoln grilled President Polk much like he had grilled the prosecution's witness. The executive branch could not respond to these questions, so it remained silent. Although many of his political opponents accused him of unpatriotic behavior, Lincoln stood firm in his anti-war belief. Lincoln's confidence was also a key factor in pulling the United States through the Civil War later in his career.

Lincoln's early days as a lawyer taught him to make decisions on his own. Lincoln faced many unprecedented situations while in office. People without his lawyer's experience may have given up, Lincoln's self-reliance gave Americans a solid rock to cling to during tough times. During his days as a lawyer in Illinois, Lincoln discovered that the best way to convince a jury was with the simplest presentation. He applied this same philosophy when dealing with the American people. He never talked over their heads, and this won their hearts.

Lincoln's charming personality also won the people's respect. This is something that cannot be taught in books. Abraham Lincoln had more than a strong desire for knowledge when he picked up that copy of the Revised Statutes of Indiana. He possessed humility, honesty, and compassion. These qualities made him not only a superior lawyer, but also an excellent American.—[John J. Duff, Abraham Lincoln; John P. Frank, Lincoln As a Lawyer; Frederick T. Hill, Lincoln the Lawyer; Carl Sandburg, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years; Clyde C. Walton, "Illinois' Lincoln Letters"; Albert A. Woldman, Lawyer Lincoln.]

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