On question of ordering second reading of "act for the incorporation of Agricultural Societies," Lincoln votes yea with majority. He votes yea on "act relating to clerks of the county commissioners' courts." His motion to add to rules of House, "It shall not be in order, to offer amendments to any bill after its third reading," is voted down.House Journal; Amendment to House Rules, [11 December 1834], CW, 1:29.

Lincoln reports road bill affecting Sangamon and Morgan counties. On his motion committee of five, of which he is chairman, is appointed to consider incorporation of Sangamon Valley Canal Company.House Journal; Photocopy.

[Illinois Supreme Court convenes at Vandalia. Court is in session until December 25, 1837.]

No roll calls are taken and little business transacted in morning session. At 2 o'clock memorial service is held for Peter Pruyne of Cook, House member who died recently.House Journal.

Lincoln writes in form of legal petition invitation to Mrs. O. H. Browning of Quincy to "repair, forthwith to the Seat of Government, bringing in your train all ladies in general, who may be at your command." John Dawson, E. B. Webb, and J. J. Hardin sign with Lincoln. Hardin writes accompanying letter, "endorsed" by Lincoln and Webb. Springfield Whigs meet and adopt resolution, written by Lincoln, challenging Democrats to debate resolutions adopted by Democratic convention which adjourned December 10, 1839.Abraham Lincoln to Mrs. Orville H. Browning, [11 December 1839], CW, 1:156-57; Resolutions Adopted at a Whig Meeting at Springfield, 11 December 1839, CW, 1:155-56.

Internal improvement interest bill is taken up. Amendment by Kitchell of Montgomery provides that no interest be paid on bonds sold in violation of law is voted on and passed 41-40. Lincoln votes nay.House Journal.

Whig state convention meets at noon in state house, Archibald Williams of Quincy is elected president. Lincoln is chosen one of nine presidential electors. In evening Hall of Representatives is packed to hear speeches by Brown of Vermilion, Smith of Cook, Powers of McLean, Bond of Clinton, Linder of Coles, and Baker of Sangamon.Alton Telegraph, 16 December 1843.

Defendant in Morgan v. Griffin (SC), by his attorneys, Lincoln, Hardin, and Smith, moves court to dismiss writ of error because plaintiff has not filed sufficient record.Record.

Trial of Charles H. Chapman of Chicago for perjury under bankruptcy act begins in U.S. Circuit Court. Logan & Lincoln represent the defendant in United States v. Chapman.Alton Telegraph, 21 December 1844.

Supreme Court orders defendants to join in error in Ellis v. Locke, and Ross et al. v. Nesbit. Lincoln appears for appellant in first and defendant in second. Plaintiff is ordered to assign errors and file abstracts in Simpson v. Ranlett. Lincoln and Dickey represent appellant and Peters appellee.Record.

Lincoln again writes to President Polk regarding F. L. Rhoads' application for lieutenancy. Since his letter of 8th he has received letter on behalf of Rhoads from E. D. Baker, which he submits to Polk.Abraham Lincoln to James K. Polk, 11 December 1847, CW, 1:419.

Lincoln is again appointed to Committee on Post Office and Post Roads. His appointment to Committee on Expenditures in War Department stands through 30th Congress. He votes in favor of resolution instructing Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into expediency of reporting tariff bill based on Tariff of 1842. It passes 96-94.Globe.

Lincoln writes amendment to bill of complaint in Enyart v. McAtee. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes and signs reply to assignment of errors in Penny v. McHenry. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

"The Commission to take testimony for the state, relative to claims for damages to contractors on the Canal, has been in session at the Canal office for the past few days, and from the natural course of procedure we should judge its labors would close without prolonged delay." Chicago Journal.

In letter to Elihu B. Washburne, Congressman-elect from Galena district, Lincoln writes: "As to my own matter, things continue to look reasonably well. . . . I have not ventured to write all the members in your district, lest some of them should be offended by the indelicacy of the thing—that is, coming from a total stranger. Could you not drop some of them a line?" He writes to Herbert W. Fay, former representative from DeKalb County: "When you were in the legislature . . . either in jest or earnest you suggested me for Senator. My friends are now asking me to make the race. See the representatives and senator of your district and let me know what indorsement I may expect in that locality." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 11 December 1854, CW, 2:292-93; Abraham Lincoln to Herbert W. Fay, 11 December 1854, CW, 2:292.

Lincoln loses trespass case, Lindley v. Merriman, when jury finds defendant not guilty. Livergood v. Beaumont, appeal in which he appears for plaintiff, is tried by court. Court finds for defendant and awards damages of $5. Record.

Lincoln writes and signs assignment of errors in Mayers & Mayers v. Turner (SC). Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

October term of U.S. Circuit Court adjourns, court holding dredge patent case under consideration. Chicago Journal, 13 December 1856.

In still another Davis case—defendant is John B. Miller—Lincoln files declaration and bond for costs. Declaration alleges nonpayment of two promissory notes, each for $1,608.90. Files; Record.

To Lyman Trumbull Lincoln writes his estimate of political situation. Douglas is still uppermost in his thoughts. He believes majority of Democratic politicians will try to kill him politically, but he is afraid they will not try the most effective way, which would be to outvote him in national convention. If they try to push slave code on him, he will appeal for Republican support, and must not receive it. Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 11 December 1858, CW, 3:344-45.

Lincoln gives William Kellogg advice on controversy Kellogg is having with Horace Greeley, N.Y. "Tribune" editor. "I think, if I were you, I would not pursue him further than necessary to my own justification. . . . Please excuse what I have said, in the way of unsolicited a[d]vice. I believe you will not doubt the sincerity of my friendship for you." Abraham Lincoln to William Kellogg, 11 December 1859, CW, 3:506-7.

Lincoln writes William Kellogg, congressman from Illinois, letter similar to one just sent Trumbull. Abraham Lincoln to William Kellogg, 11 December 1860, CW, 4:150.

In Springfield secession is now considered certain. "The President elect is prepared for the inevitable calamity, and his plans of action, it is said, are being adapted to it." N.Y. Herald, 15 December 1860.

Francis P. Blair Jr. of St. Louis confers with Lincoln. N.Y. Herald, 17 December 1860.

President interviews Rabbi Arnold Fischel of New York regarding appointment of Jewish chaplains for army. National Republican (Washington, DC), 13 December 1861, 2:3; N.Y. Herald, 13 December 1861.

Senators Orville H. Browning (Ill.) and Lyman Trumbull (Ill.) escort Lincoln to Senate Chamber for proceedings marking death of Senator Edward D. Baker (Oreg.). The President sat beside Vice President Hannibal Hamlin during the eulogies. "Visits of the President to either House of Congress are of rare occurrence. This is the first instance of the kind certainly within the past quarter of a century." Browning, Diary; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 12 December 1861, 2d ed., 2:1; N.Y. Times, 12 December 1861; National Republican (Washington, DC), 14 December 1861, 2:2.

"The President of the United States having entered the Senate chamber, he was conducted to the chair of the Vice-President." Senate Journal, 38.

Lincoln receives account of funeral services for Baker in San Francisco by telegraph. Deverett to Lincoln, 11 December 1861, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Restates original purpose of his Administration: 1. to regard Union as unbroken; 2. to restore national laws over seceded states as rapidly as possible; 3. to protect lives and property of all citizens in seceded states who have not engaged in rebellion. N.Y. Times, 12 December 1861.

President recognizes Ludwig von Baumbach, consul of Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt for Wisconsin and Minnesota, and B. B. Haagsma consul of Netherlands for Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois. Washington Star, 11 December 1862.

Goes for drive in carriage. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Transmits to Senate treaty with Republic of Liberia and information touching Indian barbarities in Minnesota. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 11 December 1862, CW, 5:550; Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 11 December 1862, CW, 5:550-51.

Recommends to Sec. Stanton: "John Speed named within [2d Lt. John Speed, son of James Speed], is a son of a particular friend of mine." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 11 December 1862, CW, 5:552.

"President Lincoln, we are happy to state, is now convalescent, and yesterday passed several hours in the transaction of official business." Washington Chronicle, 11 December 1863.

Telegraphs Gen. Schofield: "Please come to see me at once." Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield, 11 December 1863, CW, 7:61.

Pardons Edward W. Gantt, of Arkansas, guilty of treason incurred by serving as brigadier general in Confederate army. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 11 December 1863, 2d ed., 2:1; Jonathan T. Dorris, Pardon and Amnesty under Lincoln and Johnson: The Restoration of the Confederates to their Rights and Privileges, 1861-1898 (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1953), 36.