In the Champaign County Circuit Court case of Spink v. Chiniquy, Lincoln is one of the attorneys representing Charles Chiniquy, a Catholic priest whom plaintiff Peter Spink is suing for slander. Spink alleges that Chiniquy called him a perjurer, thus damaging Spink's reputation "amongst all his neighbors & other worthy citizens." Spink seeks $10,000, in damages. Amended Declaration, May 1855 Term Spink v. Chiniquy, IHi, Springfield, IL; Urbana Union (IL), 29 May 1856, 3:1.

[Mrs. Lincoln buys hat ($1), ribbon, elastic, and pair "small Congress Garters" at John Williams' store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 148.]