Lincoln: Lawyer before President

Sara Kalantari
Macomb Junior High School, Macomb

Abraham Lincoln is known for preserving the Union and abolishing slavery. He tried to keep our country together before, during, and after the painful and destructive Civil War. But how did his early experiences influence his thoughts? We must appreciate the careful, logical thinking Lincoln developed during his years spent practicing law, which later supported and backed him as a state leader in Illinois. When Lincoln was a practicing lawyer, he firmly founded his beliefs and principles. There were two cases that particularly influenced him. William Armstrong, when charged with the crime of murder, was defended by Lincoln. In another trial concerning slavery and nonpayment for a black girl, Lincoln defended David Bailey. Lincoln's years as a lawyer influenced his character, and that character eventually influenced our nation's history.

Lincoln was a talented lawyer and enjoyed the years he spent practicing law. He was not neat or orderly, but he had many cases in court. In fact, one day he had nine cases to attend. For twenty-three years Lincoln was a trial and appellate lawyer. One of Lincoln's greatest skills was his talent as a cross-examiner. Because Lincoln was friendly and good natured, he could put witnesses at ease. Once witnesses relaxed, they more readily told the truth. People trusted him because he was simple, frank, and direct. His temper was slow to rise, but when awakened it was violent. Lincoln had many friends and few enemies, a rare phenomenon in the world of politics. Even if Lincoln had not been elected as president, he would be known for his skills as a lawyer.

One of Lincoln's best known cases was the trial in which he defended William Armstrong. Armstrong was being tried for the murder of James Metzker. Lincoln's skill as a cross-examiner was the main reason he won the case. Armstrong's father was one of Lincoln's friends. Because Armstrong's chances of winning the case seemed dismal, his mother begged Lincoln to defend Armstrong. Lincoln consented. On the night of August 29, 1857, a drunk Armstrong, along with James Norris, fought with Metzker. Metzker died from the extensive injuries he received that night. Norris was brought to trial, and received eight years in prison for manslaughter. J. Henry Shaw was the attorney prosecuting Armstrong. In the beginning of Armstrong's trial, there were no damaging testimonies. But then Charles Allen testified against Armstrong. He claimed to see the fatal blow Armstrong delivered to Metzker. Allen told the jury that when he saw the fight, it was approximately eleven o'clock at night, and the moon was almost completely full. This was a strong testimony until Lincoln began to cross-examine Allen. Lincoln proceeded to show the court a calendar for the year of 1857. On August 29 the moon was barely past its first quarter, producing only a little light. Lincoln discredited Allen's testimony, and made him look like a liar. The jury's trust was won, and they acquitted William Armstrong.

Lincoln greatly contributed to the abolition of slavery in the United States. But what if he had never been a lawyer? Would the U.S. be a slave-free country? On July 23, 1841, Nathan Cromwell brought charges of nonpayment against Bailey. Stephen Trigg Logan was Cromwell's lawyer. There was some irony in this case because Logan later became Lincoln's second law partner. Bailey wrote and signed a note to Nathan Cromwell in payment for a black girl called Nance. But when Cromwell came to collect the money, Bailey refused to pay. They were in Illinois, and since Illinois was a free state, Bailey said that Nance could not be bought. Bailey refused to pay Cromwell for the alleged "purchase" of Nance. A furious, tense, and fiery legal battle occurred between Lincoln and Logan. Logan won, but Lincoln appealed the case to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court proclaimed that Nance was not a slave, and reversed the lower court's decision. This was the first time Lincoln argued against slavery in court. It might have been this victory in the Supreme Court that added to his confidence in fighting slavery. Lincoln often used his knowledge of the law when attacking slavery.

Lincoln's strength as a lawyer helped him win debates and become president of the United States. He worked on many cases in different towns; hence, he met many people. He made friends who supported him throughout his career. His earnestness and sense of responsibility grew and deepened. Stephen Douglas and Lincoln met when they were both lawyers. In later years Douglas debated Lincoln on historically important subjects, and eventually challenged Lincoln for the presidency. Lincoln read books on law and formed his thoughts on slavery. Training and experience in the courts developed his character. If he had not been a lawyer, he would not have been influenced by the same people and books. In a historically crucial time, our country greatly benefited from Lincoln's leadership, but Lincoln's thoughts were influenced and forged by his many years of practicing law.— [From Roy Basler, Abraham Lincoln; John Duff, A. Lincoln; John Frank, Lincoln As a Lawyer; Frederick Hill, Lincoln the Lawyer, Stefan Lorant, The Life of Abraham Lincoln; G. VanBuren, Abraham Lincoln's Pen and Voice.]

40 ILLINOIS HISTORY / FEBRUARY 1998