Abraham Lincoln Legal Papers

Archive for December, 2011

Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer for twenty five years before he became president. He offered advice to his fellow lawyers and those who aspired to be lawyers. In one letter he wrote to a Mr. John M. Brockman on September 25, 1860 he advised the aspiring lawyer to “work, work, work”. This was the main point that Lincoln made, it was the only way to succeed. Lincoln also told him that the method was simple and laborious, and at times tedious. “It is only to get the books, and read, and study them carefully.” He advised young Brockman to read Blackstones Commentaries, the very same book Lincoln studied with vigor to pass the bar. He then  advised Brockman to read it carefully, which meant twice, and then to move on to Chitty’s Pleadings. After that he advised Greenleaf’s Evidence and Story’s Equity. These books were to be the forefront of achieving and passing the bar. In a letter to a Mr. James Thornton, Lincoln advised that he was not able to instruct the young man. He stated that there came a time when a man no longer needed to be instructed and should take up the book and readings unto himself. This was the only true way to receive knowledge. Lincoln also stated that it was  how he became a lawyer, on his own and at a reasonable age. Again, he focused on Blackstone Commentaries, Chitty’s Pleading’s, Greenleaf’s Evidence and Story’s Equity. His next step of advise was to get a license and to practice while reading. “That is my judgement of the cheapest, quickest, and best way for Mr. Widner to make a lawyer of himself.” In the twenty-first century this idea is unheard of. If a person took it upon themselves to read and understand, even to know that entirety of all law practices and readings, a license still would not be granted without a formal education.

Lincoln was ever the adviser to new students and lawyers and therefore a plethora of letters to young lawyers exists. In another letter to William H. Grisby on August 3, 1858 he advised “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. That will make a lawyer of you quicker than any other way.” It is easy to imagine a young Lincoln reading Blackstone in the midst of chaos and all the while taking everything in. In another letter to Isham Reavis in 1855, Lincoln again told another aspiring lawyer that he could not teach them. “If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself the thing is half done already.” Lincoln’s letter was filled with aspiring information. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important than any other one thing.” This thought alone has won Lincoln an eternal spot in American history, both in law and as the President of the United States.

Welcome to the Abraham Lincoln Legal Papers website! My name is John Gorga and I am an avid Abraham Lincoln buff and I am also a lawyer. I will be writing on various topics related to Lincoln and his experiences as a lawyer before becoming President of the United States. I hope you visit often to read all about Abraham Lincoln the lawyer!