Legal document dated March 31, 1855 signed Lincoln & Herndon regarding the case of Ulysses Lindley and Theodore Baker v. John Williams, brought on the last day of the Spring Term. Lincoln’s firm represented the defendant, but lost to the plaintiffs with damages of $1,014.48. Lincoln and Herndon appealed to the Supreme Court.
Abraham Lincoln and William Herndon opened their law offices in late 1844 and maintained their partnership until Lincoln’s election in 1860. Following Lincoln’s assassination, Herndon began the process of researching and writing a biography of his friend. Herndon’s Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life was published in 1889 and was condemned by many, including Robert Todd Lincoln who took particular offense at Herndon’s portrayal of his mother, Mary, with whom Herndon had a contentious relationship. Herndon’s harsh treatment of Mary serves as the basis for many of the unkind depictions of the first lady that have been published.