Lincoln gives notice that on Thursday next he will introduce road bill. [Bill introduced by Dawson of Sangamon and becomes law.] He votes to table act to remove school fund, and nay on amendment to State Bank of Vandalia debtor relief bill.House Journal.

On Lincoln's motion, bill for state road from Jacksonville to Syracuse and Bloomington is read second time and referred to select committee of Lincoln, Stuart of Sangamon, and Hinshaw of McLean.House Journal.

Lincoln writes and signs a declaration and praecipe in Harrison v. Dickinson and Taylor.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In the evening, State Representative Lincoln addresses the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, on the topic of "the perpetuation of our political institutions." Lincoln warns against the "mobocratic spirit, which . . . is now abroad in the land." He states, "There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law." Lincoln acknowledges that "[p]assion" played a role in America's fight for independence. But, Lincoln argues, "Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason" will best serve "for our future support and defence." Address Before the Young Men's Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, 27 January 1838, CW, 1:108-15.

Lincoln & Herndon appear for John H. Smith, defendant, in Smith v. Smith (SC), appeal from Bond County. Written argument by Herndon is submitted. Record.

Lincoln buys hairbrush, soap, and "Lubins Extract" at his drug store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 152.

Lincoln delivers a lecture to the Young Men's Literary Association at the Presbyterian Church in Pontiac. The subject of his lecture is "The Wheel and Axle." He spends the night at the home of Jason W. Strevell in Pontiac. Sentinel (Pontiac, IL), 31 January 1860, 3:1; Charles N. Strevell, Story of the Strevell Museum: A Lifetime Hobby (Salt Lake City, UT: Board of Education, 1940), 47-51.

[In U.S. Circuit Court in Springfield, four of Lincoln's current cases come to trial. Rice v. Wing is dismissed at plaintiff's costs. In Fox v. Johnson, and Fox v. Dale, jury is sworn, but after plaintiff's evidence is shown, defendants default. Court continues Rice v. Blakeman by consent. Record.]

Lincoln publicly designates February 11, 1861 as day of departure for Washington. He also makes known desire for "the utmost privacy" during remainder of stay in Springfield. N.Y. Herald, 28 January 1861.

He plans to "go via Lafayette to Indianapolis, where he will receive the hospitalities of Indiana Legislature; thence he will proceed, probably by way of Cincinnati to Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Albany. From Albany he intends to make for Harrisburg direct, thence to Baltimore and Washington; but a tour to New York and Philadelphia is not impossible." Baltimore Sun, 29 January 1861.

Lincoln writes an endorsement on a letter from Henry A. Wise, of the U.S. Navy's Ordnance & Hydrography Bureau. Wise forwarded a request from Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote, who is stationed at Cairo, Illinois. Foote explained, "As the mortar Boats have no accommodations for cooking, keeping or carrying provisions, the men must have a steamer for their accommodation. Shall I purchase or hire a steamer for them?" Lincoln replies, "If Flag-officer Foote, can find a suitable Boat which he can purchase at a fair price, let him purchase it at once." Henry A. Wise to Abraham Lincoln, 26 January 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Henry A. Wise, 27 January 1862, IHi; CW, 5:112.