Lincoln is appointed on two standing committees, important one on Finance and less important one on Counties. He is put on latter to direct Sangamon division. Inspectors of penitentiary report and recommend "leasing the whole concern to some trusty and responsible person for six, eight or ten years."House Journal.

Speaking in House on resolution to investigate internal improvements, Lincoln says he does not regard inquiry as unfriendly. "We had gone too far to recede, even if we were disposed to do so." Remarks in Illinois Legislature Concerning Resolutions Asking Information on Railroad and Fund Commissioners, 8 December 1838, CW, 1:122-23.