Whigs, eager for party reasons to prevent sine die adjournment of House, absent themselves so there will be no quorum. Lincoln, Gillespie, and Gridley are present as observers. Over-confident, they vote on roll call. When quorum is announced they are taken by surprise, lose their heads in excitement and jump out window—all to no avail.House Journal; Sparta Democrat, 18 December 1840, 25 December 1840; Register, 11 December 1840.