[In Lincoln's absence, someone, probably his co-counsel David A. Smith, files a public notice in the Sangamon County Circuit Court case of Gilman et al. v. Hamilton et al., in which Lincoln and Smith represent plaintiffs Winthrop S. Gilman and Grundy H. Blackburn. In the public notice, Lincoln and Smith explain to the case's non-resident defendants that "an amended bill in Chancery has been this day exhibited and filed against them." Lincoln and Smith state further that the defendants "are hereby notified to plead answer or demur in the premises, or said amended bill will be taken pro confesso against them." Illinois Daily Journal (Springfield), 1 May 1852, 3:2; Decree, 3 September 1852, Gilman et al. v. Hamilton et al., Record L, 535-36, Sangamon County Circuit Court, Illinois Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL .

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