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Lincoln relates this humorous, somewhat rebald story, known as the Bass-ackwards Tale. It contains many underlined spoonerisms. This tale is a famous relic of the coarser side of Lincoln's humor written in his largest, clearest hand.

Mary Ann Jacobus accuses Milden and Elizabeth Kitchell of calling her a whore. Lincoln writes a plea and demurrer for the Kitchells in the case of Mary Ann Jacobus v. Milden Kitchell et ux. Tazewell County Circuit Clerk John A. Jones files the…

Milden Kitchell swore that he has known plaintiff for a considerable length of time and has not known of her having any property whatever beyond her wearing apparel. Written by Lincoln, signed by Kitchell, and endorsed by J.A. Jones, Clerk.

Mary Ann Jacobus accused the Kitchells of calling her a whore. The defendants testify that they never made a charge against the chastity of Mary Ann Jacobus or her two sisters. Lincoln makdes a copy of the decree dismissing the suit with each party…

Lincoln writes an affidavit of continuance for Moses Thorpe in Jordan Ford v. Moses Thorpe regarding "the value of a certain bull which it is claimed this affiant castrated," asserting that "said bull did not belong to said plaintiff at any time…

Lincoln makes three objections to the charge denying that the defendants obtained the money by false pretenses and moves that the indictment be quashed.

In her mortgage agreement with Abraham Lincoln, Ritta Angelica Da Sylva agrees to transfer to Lincoln a lot in Springfield if her debt to Lincoln of $125, with interest, is not paid in 4 years. On November 24, 1858, Lincoln writes along the…

Abraham Lincoln writes to his close political ally, Richard Yates, spelling out his strategy to secure an Illinois senatorial seat, in the wake of the reversal of the Missouri Compromise. Lincoln carefully tabulates the votes various candidates are…

Abraham Lincoln writes about his defeat in the contest for the Illinois Senate seat in Feb. 1855. Lincoln refers to himself as "quite convalescent," depicts Governor Matteson as the cause of his difficulties, and analyzes the ups and downs of the…

As Philip Leonard's attorney, Lincoln gives legal notice that he intends to prove that George W. Taylor is indebted to Leonard for $389.50 in clothing, room and board.

Abraham Lincoln writes a promissory note which William S. Viney signs promising to pay Maria L. Bullock eightyone dollars with interest within the next two years. Viney, a resident of Henry County, Iowa, purchased three lots from Bullock. This is one…

Abraham Lincoln completes a mortgage deed on Maria Bullock's property. The sale of the land amounted to $180, with $18 paid in cash and remainder in to be paid in two annual installments at interest of 6%/annum. Viney makes the first payment for…

Abrham Lincoln completes a promissory note on behalf of Isaac Lindsay who signs the note promising to pay Lincoln $600 at 10% annual interest. On the reverse side of the note is a detailed record of Lindsay's repayment of the debt which began prior…

Lincoln offers his legal advice in the case of Mrs. Mary Fahnestock, a relative of Lincoln's by marriage, who died intestate after the death of her father. Lincoln gives advice as to how lands Fahnestock owned in Iowa should be handled.

Abraham Lincoln appeals to his friend Jesse K. Dubois for frank information concerning the situation with certain stocks held by a bank. Since the stocks have depreciated, Lincoln tells Dubois that it is his responsibility to have the banks deposit…

Lincoln's colleague John Olney asks him to evaluate the likelihood of a favorable result to a legal case Olney is considering. Olney, a partner in the law firm of Olney & McAtee in Shawneetown, Gallatin County, Illinois, is active in Republican…

Abraham Lincoln writes a bill in chancery, security for costs, and a sworn oath in Maria Bullock v. Samuel S. Viney. All in Lincoln's hand and signed 4 times by him. Viney never paid his debt so when Bullock's relatives urged her to retrieve monies…

Abraham Lincoln provides thoughtful advice to a legal client, informing him that "I do not think there is the least use of doing any more with the law-suit. I not only do not think you are sure to gain it, but I do think you are sure to lose it. …

Sackett Davis & Co. sues Reuben W. Burt to collect an $800 account. Lincoln argues in this plea that Burt was innocent of the charge in that the value of the jewelry he purchased from Sackett Davis & Co. was worth less than sued upon and…

Lincoln's account of expenses incurred on behalf of Maria Bullock, includes money paid to the County Clerk for the publication of a notice of Bullock's impending lawsuit with William S. Viney.

Abraham Lincoln produces a copy of the decree in Bullock v. Viney. Maria L. Bullock received judgement by default against Viney. In order for Bullock to collect the judgement of $108.395 awarded her, the court ordered a foreclosure of Viney's…

Kersey H. Fell of Bloomington writes to inform Abraham Lincoln that he is unable to discharge the whole debt he owes and suggests a schedule of payment. Lincoln, who won a case for Fell, writes and signs a note on the reverse side of the letter…

Abraham Lincoln writes an affidavit of non-residency in Columbus Machine Manufacturing Co. et al. v. E. R. Ulrich et al. endorsed by Wm. D. Ewing.

Abraham Lincoln writes and submits his demurrer on behalf of John E. Laughery who is accused by Michael Henrichsen of stealing a cow. Henrichsen sues Laughery for slander.

Abraham Lincoln replies to a June 19, 1860, letter from Joshua R. Giddings, an Ohio abolitionist congressman. Lincoln apoligizes for his failure to make his reply earlier due to illness in the family. Lincoln agrees that the suggestions Giddings made…