[Thomas Lincoln is appointed "surveyor of that part of the road, leading from Nolin to Bardstown, which lies between the Bigg Hill and the Rolling Fork." He appears to supervise road until he moves to Indiana in autumn.Order Book C, 311, Hardin County Court; facsimile in Ida M. Tarbell, The Life of Abraham Lincoln, Sangamon ed., 4 vols. (New York: Lincoln History Society, 1924), 1:15.]

Col. William S. Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, is dispatched with small party of spies to area of Stillman's defeat. Gen. Atkinson spends day organizing for march.Johnston Journal, Whiteside to Atkinson, Black Hawk War Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

Livingston County Circuit Court opens two-day term. Dockets are not available, thus it is impossible, except where collateral evidence is available, to determine cases in which Lincoln participated. Lincoln writes and files plea in Popejoy v. Wilson, trespass. He represents Popejoy. He writes letter for Anson L. Dean to Garrett M. Blue.Photocopy.

In Wilson v. Frazier, sheriff, Lincoln and Brown are for defendant. Case is continued; Brown moves plaintiff give bond.Record.

Lincoln files answers for Elijah Williams, George Spurrier, Barnet Starr, John Williams, Samuel Williams Jr., John Jordan, and William Williams in A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al., a chancery case. Lincoln also writes Elijah Williams's affidavit. The court continues the case to the next term. Separate Answer of Elijah Williams, filed 18 May 1842, A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al.; Answer of Samuel J. Williams Jr. and John Williams, 18 May 1842, A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al.; Answer of William Williams, 18 May 1842, A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al.; Affidavit of Elijah Williams, 18 May 1842, A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al., all in Alfred Whital Stern Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Separate Answer of John Jordan, Barnet Starr, and George Spurrier, filed 18 May 1842, A. Cameron & Company v. Williams et al., Lincoln Collection, Tokyo Lincoln Center, Meisei University, Tokyo, Japan.

Lincoln writes to his friend, Joshua F. Speed, of Kentucky, and relates details about domestic matters, including the upcoming birth of Abraham and Mary Lincoln's first child. Lincoln writes, "We are not keeping house; but boarding at the Globe tavern, which is very well kept now by a widow lady of the name of [Sarah] Beck. Our room . . . and boarding only costs four dollars a week. . . . I reckon it will scarcely be in our power to visit Kentucky this year. Besides poverty, and the necessity of attending to business, those 'coming events' I suspect would be some what in the way." Abraham Lincoln to Joshua F. Speed, 18 May 1843, CW, 1:323-25.

Edgar Circuit Court begins five-day session. Lincoln in letter to James Berdan May 7, 1846 says he has some cases coming up today in Edgar Circuit Court.Abraham Lincoln to James Berdan, 7 May 1846, CW, 1:380-81.

Lincoln is not listed among absentees on quorum roll call as House goes into Committee of Whole.Globe.

Lincoln writes to Duff Green protesting against Butterfield's appointment. "In the great contest of /40 he was not seen or heard of; but when the victory came, three or four old drones, including him, got all the valuable offices. . . . Try to defeat B. and in doing so, use Mr. Edwards, J. L. D. Morrison, or myself, which ever you can to best advantage." Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 18 May 1849, CW, 2:49-50.

John Shearer signs affidavit, written by Lincoln, alleging forcible detainer of farm by James Lawrence after expiration of lease. Lincoln also writes and files complainant's bill. Photocopy.

Lincoln corrects declaration filed for Jacob Spangler in Macon County case of Spangler v. Wood. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the Edgar County Circuit Court, Lincoln represents several defendants in the breach of contract case, Archer v. Bartlett et al. Archer's attorney files a compromise agreement among the litigants and requests a dismissal, which Judge David Davis approves. Lincoln, Charles Emerson, James Steele, and Milton M. Dill represent defendant Robert Clark in the case of People v. Clark. Clark, indicted for loaning public money, pleads not guilty. The court tries Clark, and a jury finds him not guilty. Lincoln and Kirby Benedict request continuances in both Paddock v. Snyder and Wolfe v. Snyder. Judge Davis approves the requests and sets both cases for hearing during the fall term of court. In the case of Rightmire v. Curtis, Lincoln informs the court that his client, defendant Joseph Curtis, has died since the previous court term, and Judge Davis abates the suit. Lincoln signs his name on the judge's docket, making an appearance for the plaintiffs in the case of Dubois et al. v. Wise; Judge Davis continues the case until the fall term of the court. Lincoln files a plea on behalf of his clients George K. Larkin and Daniel G. Burr in the case of Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, a dispute over the sale of a drugstore. Order to Dismiss, filed 18 May 1852, Archer v. Bartlett et al., case file, box 18; Judgment, 18 May 1852, Archer v. Bartlett et al., Order Book 3, 293; Judgment, 18 May 1852, People v. Clark, Order Book 3, 294; Order, 18 May 1852, Paddock v. Snyder, Order Book 3, 296; Order, 18 May 1852, Wolfe v. Snyder, Order Book 3, 296; Order, 18 May 1852, Rightmire v. Curtis, Order Book 3, 297; Judge's Docket Entry, May 1852 term, Dubois et al. v. Wise; Order, 18 May 1852, Dubois et al. v. Wise, Order Book 3, 297, all in Edgar County Circuit Court, Edgar County Courthouse, Paris, IL. Plea, filed 18 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr; Affidavit of George K. Larkin, 19 May 1852, Jaquith v. Larkin and Burr, both in Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln and Stuart defend nine women from Marion, DeWitt County, charged with riot. Their offense consisted in destroying saloon keeper's stock on his refusal to close his place of business. More than a hundred women attend trial. Jury find defendants guilty, but judge lets them off with fine of $2 each. Register, 27 May 1854; Record.

On behalf of Milton K. Alexander of Paris, Lincoln files ejectment suit against John Warner, and gets rule on defendant to plead within 20 days. In two other cases Lincoln appears as defendants' attorney, files and proves execution of powers of attorney, and confesses judgments for $186.38 and $169.99. Record.

He writes and files pleas in Fairchild v. Madden, for defendant. In J. C. Johnson & Brother v. Illinois Central RR he writes and files four pleas, for defendant with Moore. Photocopy.

To Joseph W. Brackett of Rock Island Lincoln writes account of his visit to land office May 9, 1857. There was no record in office to show quantity of land preempted and he failed to get business concluded. Register was perplexed "because of the peculiarity of the case and consequently he put me off from time to time till now." He encloses certificates. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph W. Brackett, 18 May 1857, CW, 2:395-96.

Lincoln and Mark W. Delahay go from Alton to Edwardsville, where Lincoln makes "fine Republican speech." Delahay to Trumbull, 22 May 1858, Lyman Trumbull Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Speech at Edwardsville, Illinois, 18 May 1858, CW, 2:447.

Robert buys water bucket at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 157.

In Chicago, on the third ballot, the Republican National Convention delegates nominate Lincoln to be the party's presidential candidate. At noon, the "[n]ews of Mr. Lincoln's nomination" reaches Springfield. In the evening, "the vast crowd . . . immediately" proceeds to Lincoln's home, where he delivers some remarks. Lincoln states "that he did not suppose the honor of such a visit was intended particularly for himself . . . but rather to the representative of a great party." Upon Lincoln's invitation, well-wishers fill his home to offer their congratulations. Illinois Daily State Journal (Springfield), 19 May 1860, 3:2; Press and Tribune (Chicago, IL), 19 May 1860, 1:3; Response to a Serenade, 18 May 1860, CW, 4:50-51.

President inspects banks of Potomac, crosses Chain Bridge, visits Great Falls, Va., and twice passes pickets in Virginia without being recognized. Baltimore Sun, 21 May 1861.

Requests Col. Francis P. Blair, Jr., Congressman from Missouri, to withhold delivery of order removing Gen. William S. Harney from command of Dept. of West, "unless in your judgment the necessity to the contrary is very urgent." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Jr., 18 May 1861, CW, 4:372-73.

Secretary of State Seward and President inspect ordnance office at Navy Yard. Extracts from Dahlgren Diary, John G. Nicolay Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln attends evening concert by Marine band in White House grounds. National Republican (Washington, DC), 20 May 1861, 3:1; New York Times, 20 May 1861.

Answers inquiry of Secretary of the Treasury Chase: "I believe I have told you fully what it was, and is, that pressed me to appoint him [George Denison, as naval officer in New York]: the urgent solicitation of an old friend who has served me all my life, and who has never before received or asked anything in return." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 18 May 1861, CW, 4:373-74.

[Mrs. Lincoln arrives in Boston. Baltimore Sun, 20 May 1861.]

Asst. Sec. Fox informs Lincoln that gunboats in James River were repulsed eight miles from Richmond. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In afternoon Lincoln confers with Sec. Stanton regarding Gen. McClellan's request for reinforcements. McClellan, War for Union, 345-46.

After 3 P.M. Sen. Browning (Ill.) and President visit soldiers in hospital at Columbia College. Browning, Diary.

President congratulates Victoria, Queen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on marriage of Prince of Wales. Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria, 18 May 1863, CW, 6:222.

Sec. Chase tells Lincoln that Abrahm Hiatt's commission will go forward. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin D. Morgan, 20 May 1863, CW, 6:224.

President orders arrest of editors and publishers of New York "World" and "Journal of Commerce" for printing spurious proclamation purporting to be signed by President. Publication of newspapers suspended. Abraham Lincoln to John A. Dix, 18 May 1864, CW, 7:347-50.

Interviews Dr. Winston, who knows topography of Virginia, bears letters of recommendation, and asks to be allowed to join Gen. Grant. Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 18 May 1864, CW, 7:350.

11 A.M. Responds to address presented by delegation from General Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church: "God bless the Methodist Church—bless all the churches—and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches." Response to Methodists, 18 May 1864, CW, 7:350-51.

Confers with Secs. Seward and Stanton at War Dept. regarding fraudulent proclamation published in two New York newspapers. Rescinds order for arrest of editors and publishers. Harper, Press, 293, 295.

Attends lecture on Battle of Gettysburg by Dr. J. R. Warner in hall of House of Representatives. Randall, Lincoln, 3:17.

Suggests to Sec. Chase: "Suppose you change your five per cent loan to six, allowing the holders of the fives already out to convert them into sixes, upon taking each an equal additional amount at six." Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 18 May 1864, CW, 7:347.