Norman H. Purple of Peoria petitions House, claiming seat of William J. Phelps. Lincoln moves that House take up petition at once, arguing that party feeling would be augmented by delay. He proposes that governor be authorized to issue "interest bonds" to defray interest on state debt. House Journal; Remarks in Illinois Legislature Concerning Petition of Norman H. Purple, 4 December 1840, CW, 1:214-15; Remarks in Illinois Legislature Amending a Bill Providing Interest on State Debt, 4 December 1840, CW, 1:215-17.

Stuart & Lincoln buy $30.50 worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant.Account (copy), 4 December 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.