Lincoln surveys for Alvin Ringo two tracts four miles southwest of New Salem and mile and a half northeast of present town of Tallula. [This is Lincoln's last survey, according to W. H. Herndon. Lincoln describes tracts as follows: "a part of the North half of Section 5 in Township 17 North of Range 7 West . . . and a part of the East one-half of the South West one-quarter of the said Section 5."]Surveys for Alvin Ringo, 16-17 November 1836, CW, 1:52-53.

The Courier, a Springfield newspaper, satirizes town politicians by pointing out that Lincoln and other Whigs are on friendly terms with Democrats in spite of mutual personal abuse during campaign.

Logan & Lincoln have 11 cases in court. Six they win by default, obtaining total damages of $2,386.72 for their clients. Two cases are continued and one dismissed. On Lincoln's motion, defendant in Campbell v. Smith is ruled to plead tomorrow.Record.

Lincoln draws from auditor $156.90 due to Jesse K. Dubois for making abstract of lands entered at Palestine, Ill. from September 1, 1836 to January 1, 1841.Auditor's Warrant.

Four cases are won by Logan & Lincoln by default, including Speed v. Branson & Branson. Four cases are dismissed, three continued, and on their motion, E. D. Baker is appointed guardian in two chancery cases. In Todd v. Ware, on Lincoln's motion defendant is ruled to file his answer by Monday. Robert S. Todd, plaintiff, is Lincoln's father-in-law.Record.

Lincoln writes to B. F. James that he is anxious no more newspapers follow lead of Alton paper and nominate Hardin for Congress. "Baker is certainly off of the track, and I fear Hardin intends to be on it." He writes out receipt and Josiah Francis signs it, releasing Lincoln from agreement drawn up June 12, 1841.Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin F. James, 17 November 1845, CW, 1:349; Receipt to Josiah N. Francis, 12 June 1841, CW, 1:254.

Lincoln draws up affidavits of defendants in People v. Merrill, praying that venue be changed. Photocopy.

In the Sangamon County Circuit Court, Lincoln writes and files an affidavit requesting a change of venue for the defendants in the case of People v. Lane et al. A grand jury indicted Abraham Lane, John Lane, and Sarah Lane for stealing thirty "fruit trees." Lincoln requests the change of venue because his clients "fear they will not receive a fair and impartial trial . . . on account that the minds of the inhabitants of said county are prejudiced against them and each of them." The court approves a change of venue to Menard County. Writ of Mittimus, 12 May 1846, People v. Lane et al.; Indictment, filed 9 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., both in Box 16, Menard County Circuit Court, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL; Affidavit for Change of Venue (copy), 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., IHi, Springfield, IL; Order, 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Record I & J, 306; Order, 17 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Record I & J, 307, both in Sangamon County Circuit Court, Illinois State Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL; Circuit Court Transcript, 30 November 1846, People v. Lane et al., Box 12, Menard County Circuit Court, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL.

Lincoln answers Lucas' letter: "I regret that the elections in the states have gone so badly; but I think there is some reason for hoping that this year has been the administration's 'darkest hour.' The appointments were it's most difficult task. . . . These are pretty much through with, and next we can get on grounds of measures—policy—where we can unite & rally again. At least, I hope so." Learning that Simeon Francis has not been appointed secretary of Oregon, or anything else, he telegraphs Secretary Ewing that he "most anxiously" desires Francis appointed Oregon surveyor general. Abraham Lincoln to Josiah M. Lucas,1 November 1849, CW, 2:67; Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 1 November 1849, CW, 2:67.

Sanders et ux. v. Dunham is dismissed by agreement at defendant's cost. Plaintiffs sued for $5,000 charging that Dunham circulated report that Katherine Sanders, his wife, had child in adultery by Negro. Lincoln is Dunham's attorney. Tanner v. Ketchum et al., continued at last term, is abated by death of defendant, Lincoln's client. Lincoln writes his own name on judge's docket in several cases. He evidently acquires these clients on arriving in Taylorville on morning of 16th or 17th. Record.

Moulton and Lincoln for complainant and Thorton for defendant in Stewardson v. Stewardson, in which divorce was granted November 6, 1852, file agreement stating that certain lands, bought by defendant with his wife's money and entered in her name, have been released to defendant with lien in favor of complainant to insure payment of alimony. Lincoln writes agreement. Record; Photocopy.

Lincoln writes note to Anson L. Brewer, Ohio attorney, on developments in Kelly v. Blackledge. Endorsement: Anson L. Brewer to Lincoln, [c. 17 November 1852], CW, 2:161.

Lincoln writes to H. E. Dummer: "While I was at Beardstown, I forgot to tell you that Wm. Butler says if you will give him charge, and full discretion, of a claim in your hands, against George G. Grubb . . . he knows how, and can, and will make something out of it for you. Please write him." Abraham Lincoln to Henry E. Dummer, 17 November 1853, CW, 2:206-7.

Lincoln writes court decree in Billington v. Mattlen et al., chancery to foreclose mortgage. Photocopy.

He reaches home in evening. Abraham Lincoln to Ichabod Codding, 27 November 1854, CW, 2:288.

Fall term of Sangamon Circuit Court commences. Lincoln & Herndon have five cases. Two are dismissed by agreement; three are continued. Record.

Lincoln angrily replies to letter from S. C. Davis & Co. complaining that lands of owners against whom judgments were won have not been sold. After describing what had already been done, Lincoln washes his hands of Davis business by offering to surrender it to anyone they name. "I believe we have had, of legal fees . . . one hundred dollars. I would not go through the same labor and vexation again for five hundred." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel C. Davis and Company, 17 November 1858, CW, 3:338.

From an account at the Springfield Marine & Fire Insurance Company, Lincoln writes a check payable to "Wife" in the amount of $10. Check of Abraham Lincoln to Mary Lincoln, 17 November 1859, Riggs Bank Archive, PNC Financial Services Group, Washington, DC.

Lincoln departs Springfield by train headed for the Illinois Supreme Court term in Mt. Vernon to participate in the case of People v. Illinois Central RR. He travels from Ashley, Illinois, on the route of the Illinois Central Railroad, the final sixteen miles to Mt. Vernon by stagecoach. Thirteen-year-old James Watson much later recalls riding on Lincoln's lap in the crowded stagecoach. Abraham Lincoln to Michael G. Dale, 8 November 1859, CW, 3:493-494; Mt. Vernon Register News (IL), 5 August 1930, 3:3.

[ Mrs. Lincoln buys cloth and socks at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 160.]

Gustave Koerner has interview with Lincoln, who says he "has no idea of taking a position towards the South which might be considered a sort of apology for his election." T. J. McCormack, ed., Memoirs of Gustave Koerner, 1809-1896, 2 vols. (Cedar Rapids, IA: The Torch Press, 1909), 2:105.

On Ruckel mortgage, made September 28, 1857, Lincoln credits $50 payment, third year's interest. Photocopy.

President interviews A. B. Bennett, prominent gentleman from Canada, who expresses sympathy with Unioncause. Smith to Lincoln, 17 November 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Writes Gen. Blair: "I suppose you are ordered to St. Helena. This means that you are to form part of McClernand's expedition, as it moves down the [Mississippi] river." Abraham Lincoln to Francis P. Blair, Jr., 17 November 1862, CW, 5:498-99.

Replies to Robert A. Maxwell, resident of Philadelphia addicted to writing sensational and sometimes unintelligible letters on public affairs to members of government: "Your despatch of to-day received. I do not at all understand it." [Probably relates to Richmond campaign and Gen. Franklin.] Abraham Lincoln to Robert A. Maxwell, 17 November 1862, CW, 5:499.

President watches parade of 2,500 from Invalid Corps pass White House. Journal, Samuel P. Heintzelman Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 November 1863, 2d ed., 2:5.

Presents elastic penholder to Atty. Gen. Bates and receives in return quill from Rocky Mountain Bald Eagle, pre-war gift to Bates from J. E. B. Stuart. Bates to Lincoln, 17 November 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

At suggestion of Sec. Seward, interviews Judge Duvall of Texas. Seward to Lincoln, 17 November 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Attends cabinet meeting. Abraham Lincoln to Salmon P. Chase, 17 November 1863, CW, 7:15.

Discusses train schedule to Gettysburg with Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 17 November 1863, 2d ed., 2:1; LL, No. 1023.

Recognizes Frederick Hertel as consul of Kingdom of Hanover at Chicago. Washington Chronicle, 20 November 1863.

Issues order concerning Union Pacific Railroad fixing "so much of the Western boundary of the State of Iowa as lies between the North and South boundaries of the United States Township . . . as the point from which the line of railroad . . . shall be constructed." Order Concerning Union Pacific Railroad, 17 November 1863, CW, 7:16.

Alters original one-day schedule to Gettysburg arranged by Stanton : "I do not like this arrangement. I do not wish to so go that by the slightest accident we fail entirely, and, at the best, the whole to be a mere breathless running of the gauntlet." Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, [17 November 1863], CW, 7:16.

In evening examines drawing of burial plot of National Cemetery at Gettysburg with William Saunders, designer. LL, No. 894.

Informs James Speed he has prepared about half of Gettysburg Address. John G. Nicolay, "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address," The Century Magazine 25:597.

Union Maryland Central Committee calls on President by appointment. Montgomery Blair introduces each member to Lincoln. William H. Purnell, chairman, delivers an address, and President replies that his pleasure from recent election consists in belief that policy he has pursued will be the best and only one that can save the country. Washington Chronicle, 18 November 1864; Reply to Maryland Union Committee, 17 November 1864, CW, 8:113-14.

Asst. Sec. Dana delivers two letters forwarded by Gen. Dix to President. President looks at letters and seems to think them of little importance. [Letters were picked up in New York by Mrs. Hudspeth and sent to Dix. They later became part of evidence in trial of Lincoln conspirators.] Charles A. Dana, Recollections of the Civil War. With the Leaders at Washington and in the Field in the Sixties (New York: Appleton, 1902), 276.

[John Nicolay confined to sickbed in Lindell Hotel, St. Louis. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:1; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 19 November 1864, 2d ed., 2:6.]

Lincoln submits to Secretary of State William H. Seward plan of H. P. Livingston to assist in putting down rebellion by purchasing controlling interest in Southern newspapers. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 17 November 1864, CW, 8:114.