Senate and House, by joint vote, elect commissioner to sell Gallatin County Salines. Lincoln votes for Tyler D. Hewitt, who is elected. Probate judges are elected for four counties.House Journal.

From Vandalia, Illinois, where he is serving in the legislature, Lincoln writes to New Salem resident Mary Owens, with whom Lincoln is, perhaps reluctantly, romantically linked. He discusses politics and his state of mind. He writes, "The new State House is not yet finished, and consequently the legislature is doing little...The Governor delivered an inflamitory political Message, and it is expected there will be some sparring between the parties...I have been sick ever since my arrival here...I would rather be any place in the world than here. I...can not endure the thought of staying here ten weeks." Abraham Lincoln to Mary S. Owens, 13 December 1836, CW, 1:54-55.

Reports of treasurer and auditor are presented to House. Latter points out that expenses of state are twice as large as revenue, and recommends changes in revenue law. Remainder of day is devoted to hearing petitions and resolutions.House Journal.

In debate on bill concerning judgments, Lincoln tells House that present law has worked hardship on owners without aiding creditors.Discussion in Illinois Legislature Regarding an Act Concerning Judgments and Executions, 13 December 1838, CW, 1:123.

New resolution instructing committee on Internal Improvements to report bill repealing improvement system is tabled 44 to 42. On Lincoln's motion, House postpones seating either Love or Kerr of Pike County.House Journal.

Urquhart, attorney for plaintiff in error in England v. Clark (SC), moves that defendant be ruled to join in error December 20, 1841. Record.

Lincoln buys 38¢ worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant. Account (copy), 13 December 1841, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 252, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Davenport et al. v. People for use of Rock Island County Commissioners (SC), is dismissed by appellants on agreement of parties. Logan & Lincoln appear for appellants.Record.

Defendant moves court for additional security on supersedeas bond filed in Kimball v. Cook (SC). Butterfield is attorney for plaintiff and Lincoln and Dickey for defendant.Record.

Chapman trial continues. Newspaper reports that it has been conducted with great ability on part of Justin Butterfield, U.S. district attorney, and Logan & Lincoln.Alton Telegraph, 21 December 1844.

Chickering's motion for leave to file supplemental record is granted in Griggs et al. v. Gear. In Weld v. Gear, appellee is ordered to join in error by December 29, 1845. Rule against defendant made July 8, 1842 inPeople ex rel. Duncan v. Thorn is dismissed for want of prosecution. Lincoln appears for appellant in first two cases and for defendant in latter.Record.

Lincoln writes and files certificate of publication in Wren v. Moss et al. (SC).Photocopy.

Mrs. Lincoln buys more clothing material ($8).Irwin Ledger and Journal.

Lincoln receives letter from Herndon informing him of receipt of fee. "I . . . wish you to buy Bank certificates and pay my debt there," he replies, ". . . pay Lavely and Stout $20—and Priest & somebody (oil makers) $10—for materials got for house-painting. . . . As you are all so anxious for me to distinguish myself, I have concluded to do so, before long."Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 13 December 1847, CW, 1:420.

Lincoln opposes motion to permit Mr. Palfrey to introduce bill, without previous notice, to repeal all acts maintaining slavery in District of Columbia. Motion is defeated 68-89. He votes in favor of resolution instructing Committee on Territories to report bill providing territorial governments for California and New Mexico and excluding slavery. It passes 106-80.Globe.

In Supreme Court Lincoln & Herndon represent appellant in Enos et al. v. Capps, case involving right of Sangamon Circuit Court to enter default against infant defendant and whether chancery decree binding on several defendants may be reversed as to some defendants. Decision is rendered January 17, 1850. Record.

In Circuit Court, Webster & Huntington v. French et al. is settled by agreement, Lincoln writing court order. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[In Springfield, opening of Supreme Court, scheduled for today, is postponed because of absence of Justices Caton and Trumbull. Register, 14 December 1852.]

Lincoln receives letter from T. J. Turner together with depositions to be used in Adams case, which is docketed for approaching session of federal courts. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas J. Turner, 14 December 1853, CW, 2:207-8.

In court two of Lincoln's cases come to trial. In Cory v. E. P. Penniman & Co., jury finds for plaintiff, whom he represents, and assesses damages of $35. In other case he also gets favorable verdict. Record.

Lincoln receives letter from O. H. Browning asking for document Browning thinks he has. Abraham Lincoln to Orville H. Browning, 15 December 1856, CW, 2:386.

Lincoln stiffens another Illinois congressman, Washburne. "Prevent, as far as possible, any of our friends from demoralizing themselves, and our cause, by entertaining propositions for compromise of any sort, on 'slavery extension'." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 13 December 1860, CW, 4:151.

Lincoln buys yard goods and 75¢ pocket handkerchief at John Williams' store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 150.

At night Lincoln attends wedding "of his friend . . . Hon. O. M. Hatch, the Secretary of State, to Miss Enos, of this city." N. Y. Herald, 20 December 1860.

Officers of New York Irish Brigade call at White House and present petition to President requesting promotion of Col. Thomas F. Meagher. N.Y. Times, 14 December 1861.

White House borrows "Newton's Display and Heraldry" from Library of Congress. [William Newton, Display of Heraldry, London, 1846.] Borrowers' Ledger 1861-63, 114, Archives of the Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Writes note on photographs of members of Cabinet: "These likenesses, so far as I know the originals, are very good." Note on Photographs of Members of Lincoln's Cabinet, 13 December 1861, CW, 5:68.

Prepares pardon: "This may be his [Maj. John Pope (CSA)] full pardon for all political offenses" committed prior to January 1, 1862, provided he leaves ranks of rebellion and thereafter does nothing against government of U.S. Abraham Lincoln to Whom It May Concern, 13 December 1861, CW, 5:68-69.

In the evening, President Lincoln meets with General William T. Sherman's brother, U.S. Senator John Sherman, of Ohio. The following day, John Sherman writes to William Sherman's wife, Ellen, and reveals details of the Lincoln meeting. In November, amid controversy, William Sherman resigned his post in Kentucky. Currently, he is on leave from his assignment in Missouri. John Sherman writes, "It was manifest that the President felt kindly" toward General Sherman. John Sherman outlines the reasons why William failed in Kentucky, and he notes William's erratic behavior. John writes, "[William wrote] letters & despatches . . . some of which were proven by subsequent events to be entirely erroneous and all were desponding, complaining, and almost insubordinate. He constantly exaggerated the number & resources of the enemy and looked upon all around him with distrust & suspicion." John suggests, "If I was in Cump's place I would . . . quietly perform his duty wherever sent, and justify the President's remark that there was more fighting qualities in Gen. Sherman than in any Brigadier he had appointed. But it is idle for him, for you or any of his friends to overlook the fact that his own fancies create enemies & difficulties where none exist." John Sherman to Ellen Sherman, 14 December 1861, William T. Sherman Family Papers, University of Notre Dame Archives, Notre Dame, IN; Stanley P. Hirshson, The White Tecumseh: A Biography of General William T. Sherman (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1997), 103-104.

President decides that Thomas Thoroughman disloyalty case may be settled at discretion of Abraham Jonas and Henry Asbury, lawyers of Quincy, Ill. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 13 December 1862, CW, 6:1-2.

Notifies Senate that name of Capt. William M. Glendy (USN) has been withdrawn from list of promotions because he is eligible for retirement. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 13 December 1862, CW, 6:1.

Lincoln confides in O. H. Browning that Emily Todd Helm, half-sister to Mrs. Lincoln, is at White House and fact should not be made public. Browning, Diary.

Sends message to Gen. Schofield: "On the 11th. I telegraphed, asking you to come here and see me. Did you receive the despatch?" Abraham Lincoln to John M. Schofield, 13 December 1863, CW, 7:62.

Discusses Missouri affairs and seems inclined to remove Schofield and put Gen. Resecrans in his place. Hay, Letters and Diary.

In evening Gens. Sickles and Wadsworth call on President, who has special guest, James H. Hackett. Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 14 December 1863, 2d ed., 2:1; Hay, Letters and Diary.

President transmits to Senate treaties with Republics of Haiti and Honduras. Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 13 December 1864, CW, 8:166-67; Abraham Lincoln to the Senate, 13 December 1864, CW, 8:167.

Writes recommendation: "I shall be glad if Capt. Goodenow [Ira Goodnow, doorkeeper of House of Representatives] can & will find a suitable position for this fine little boy." Abraham Lincoln to Ira Goodnow, 13 December 1864, CW, 8:166.