Lincoln files a plea for defendant Henry Hainline in the Tazewell County Circuit Court case of Keener v. Hainline. Hainline's dog attacked plaintiff Henry Keener and "did . . . greatly lacerate, hurt, and wound one of" Keener's legs. The injuries caused Keener to become "sick, sore, lame, and disordered." Keener is suing Hainline for $1,000 in damages. Hainline pleads "not guilty," and the court empanels a jury. The jury "fail[s] to render a Verdict." The court releases the jury and continues the case. Narratio, filed 16 August 1853, Keener v. Hainline, box 34, Tazewell County Circuit Court, Tazewell County Courthouse, Pekin, IL; Plea, filed 2 May 1854, Keener v. Hainline, Private Collection; Order, 2 May 1854, Keener v. Hainline, General Record F, 622, Tazewell County Circuit Court, Tazewell County Courthouse, Pekin, IL.

He also writes defendant's plea in Hall v. Woodrow. Photocopy.