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In 1837, Abraham Lincoln quarrels with his partner about an abolitionist murder case. Stuart blocks Lincoln but in 1839, Lincoln takes a slave case. While riding the judicial circuit, Bailey hires Lincoln to defend him. Cromwell, a pompous, St. Louis lawyer sues Bailey for not paying on the note Bailey signed when buying a slave girl in Illinois - a free state. At trial, Lincoln calls Nancee, the feisty slave girl, as a surprise witness. Sparks fly at trial in the tavern-turned-courtroom. The articulate, humorous Lincoln argues that Bailey's contract is void, he owes nothing and the girl should go free. Fighting melancholy, Lincoln mentors his apprentice, Matthew to prepare for an appeal. The conflict intensifies at the Illinois Supreme Court for some grand oratory and a surprising ruling there in 1841. By 1847, Lincoln is a respected lawyer. Odd circumstances result in his representing General Matson, a Kentucky slave owner who seeks the return of his runaway slaves. Illinois Abolitionists, Ashmore and Dr. Rutherford harbor the pretty and meek mulatto, Jane Bryant, and her children. Matson has the slaves arrested and jailed but not before some armed defenders step in. The abolitionists sue, trying to win freedom for the slaves, while they linger in jail. Outside, opposing camps of Matson supporters and abolitionists threaten violence. The abolitionists' lawyer, Mr. Ficklin, faces off with passion against Lincoln. Anthony Bryant is Matson's Illinois farm overseer, a freeman and Jane's husband. Anthony and Matson both testify. Visiting Jane in jail, she and Anthony scheme to fix things themselves. Lincoln argues the slaves fit the in-transit exception in Illinois law; slaves in-transit through Illinois remain slaves. Lincoln demonstrates his clever and folksy command of the courtroom. The slaves, the law and Lincoln all seem to be on trial and in transition. This book keeps the reader guessing right up to the very end about which side will win.
