Lincoln draws up affidavits of defendants in People v. Merrill, praying that venue be changed. Photocopy.

In the Sangamon County Circuit Court, Lincoln writes and files an affidavit requesting a change of venue for the defendants in the case of People v. Lane et al. A grand jury indicted Abraham Lane, John Lane, and Sarah Lane for stealing thirty "fruit trees." Lincoln requests the change of venue because his clients "fear they will not receive a fair and impartial trial . . . on account that the minds of the inhabitants of said county are prejudiced against them and each of them." The court approves a change of venue to Menard County. Writ of Mittimus, 12 May 1846, People v. Lane et al.; Indictment, filed 9 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., both in Box 16, Menard County Circuit Court, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL; Affidavit for Change of Venue (copy), 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., IHi, Springfield, IL; Order, 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Record I & J, 306; Order, 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Record I & J, 307, both in Sangamon County Circuit Court, Illinois State Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL; Circuit Court Transcript, 30 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Box 12, Menard County Circuit Court, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL.