Lincoln and Charles Maltby witness deed for John M. Camron and Polly Camron to David Whary. Whary purchases Lot 12 in New Salem for $16. Sangamon County Deed Book E, 309-10, Illinois Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois Springfield.

[Lincoln's name does not appear in Journal, no roll calls being taken; it is not known whether he is present.]

[Lincoln's name does not appear in proceedings of joint session to elect probate judges for eight counties.House Journal.]

"Little Bull law," deemed undemocratic by voters, is repealed 81 to 4. Lincoln votes with majority.House Journal; William E. Baringer, Lincoln's Vandalia: A Pioneer Portrait (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1949), 6-7.

Lincoln takes no part in proceedings. Ficklin of Coles, Whig leader, offers eight resolutions outlining constitutional powers of executive and history of violations since 1789. Resolutions are tabled and 150 copies printed. They are political, aimed at President Van Buren.House Journal.

Lincoln reports from committee bill to incorporate Springfield Mechanics Union. It is ordered to second reading. House by large majority decides not to postpone investigation of charges against Judge John Pearson of seventh circuit, and report of Judiciary committee is adopted. Lincoln votes nay on postponing and yea on report.House Journal; Photocopy.

Lincoln is appointed chairman of select committee to consider his resolution to inquire into expenditure for public printing. He votes for amendment requiring school commissioners to keep offices at county seats. His motion to table amendment of Murphy of Cook for state-wide prohibition is adopted 75 to 8.House Journal.

Logan & Lincoln file notices in Clark v. Clark, divorce petition, and Barret v. Fulton et al., chancery case, for defendants who reside out of state, to appear at next term of Sangamon Circuit Court.Record.

Lincoln files motion to dismiss Robinson v. Cheseldine & Nye (SC), appeal from Brown County, because there was no final lower court decree. On motion of Logan, and by consent, order for reversal given Monday in Bruce v. Truett is set aside and errors joined.Record.

Defeat of Henry Clay discourages many Springfield Whigs, including Lincoln. They hold meeting to discuss future of Whig party. Mass meeting had been held in St. Louis November 25, 1844 to organize American-Republican party.John T. Stuart to John J. Hardin, 18 December 1844, John J. Hardin Papers, Chicago History Museum, Chicago, IL.

Motion argued by Lincoln and Powell yesterday in Wren v. Moss et al. that defendants be ruled to join in error, is allowed.Record.

Lincoln writes and signs reply to assignment in errors in Wright v. Bennett (SC), case on custody of illegitimate child.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

In Wilcoxson v. Roby (SC), suit on penal bond from Stephenson County, court orders appellant to file abstracts by December 23, 1846. Lincoln is attorney for appellant and Jesse B. Thomas for appellee. Appellant is ordered to assign errors in Garrett v. Stevenson (SC), appeal from Tazewell County. Lincoln appears for appellant.Record.

Lincoln writes assignment of errors in Shaffer and Shaffer v. Weed (SC), signing for Constable and Lincoln.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln buys 50¢ worth sugar at Bunn's. Across square at Irwin's, he deposits $27.50 cash. Robert Irwin credits account $250 on note he gave Lincoln for legal fees. Bunn Journal; Irwin Journal and Ledger.

Purple concludes his argument in Compher et al. v. People. Case involves question whether sureties on bond of collector of Peoria County are discharged by changes in law regulating collectors. Court later affirms judgment of Peoria Circuit Court. Record; 12 Ill., 290.

Lincoln and Chumasaro for plaintiffs and Logan and Powell for defendants try Columbus Insurance Co. v. Peoria Bridge Co. in U.S. Circuit Court. Plaintiffs are suing certain stockholders of Peoria Bridge Co. for damages sustained by them as insurers of canal boat and cargo sunk by striking pier of bridge in Illinois River. Register, 20 December 1851.

In third letter to Washburne, Lincoln tries to overcome objection which one of Washburne's friends—evidently T. J. Turner, Representative-elect from Stephenson County—has offered to his candidacy. Turner has questioned whether Lincoln would be "impartial representative" of whole state. Lincoln answers that he is mortified "that any one should suspect me of an inclination to the contrary." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 19 December 1854, CW, 2:295.

Lincoln withdraws $107.36 from his account at Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Co. Marine Bank Ledger.

He writes $41.72 check to W. W. Watson & Son. Photocopy.

Appearing for plaintiffs, Lincoln & Herndon move that three cases be dismissed. Record.

Lincoln files praecipe in S. C. Davis & Co. v. Dwyer in U.S. Circuit Court. Files.

Lincoln urges William Fishback, young lawyer who handled foreclosure proceedings in S. C. Davis & Co. cases for Lincoln & Herndon, to return from Arkansas to Illinois. "Unless your prospects are flattering where you are," he says, "or your health will not permit, I wish you would return and take charge of this business." Abraham Lincoln to William M. Fishback, 19 December 1858, CW, 3:346.

In response to requests from Ohio Republicans and state officers, "with my grateful acknowledgments to both you and them, for the very flattering terms in which the request is communicated." Lincoln consents to publication of his debates with Douglas, and sends copies. "I wish the reprint to be precisely as the copies I send, without any comment whatever." Abraham Lincoln to George M. Parsons and Others, 19 December 1859, CW, 3:510.

He also writes to his Columbus supporter, Samuel Galloway, introducing John G. Nicolay, who will bring debates copies and publication instructions. OCHP—Unpublished letter, Galloway Papers.

He writes $9.30 check to "C. Loch," bootmaker. DLC—Original.

Mississippian, "a live disunionist, wearing the emblem of secession," calls on Lincoln. When conversation turns to secession, Southerner makes sullen remarks. Lincoln defines stand of his party and presents copy of Lincoln-Douglas debates, autographed. Visitor is visibly chastened. N.Y. Herald, 24 December 1860.

President receives Gen. James B. Ricketts, wounded and captured at Bull Run [Manassas], released on parole, accompanied by wife. N.Y. Times, 20 December 1861.

Orders purchase of 50 "Coffee Mill" guns at $735 each. Bruce, Tools of War, 123; Abraham Lincoln to James W. Ripley, 19 December 1861, CW, 5:75-76.

In evening Sen. Browning (Ill.) converses with Lincoln and they call on Gen. McClellan. Browning, Diary.

President calls special meeting of cabinet in morning to consider report from Senate caucus committee. Welles, Diary; Bates, Diary.

Meets Sen. Browning (Ill.) between White House and War Dept. in afternoon and talks briefly. Browning, Diary.

At 7:30 P.M. cabinet, except Sec. Seward, meets jointly with members of Senate Republican caucus committee and discusses reconstruction of cabinet until midnight. Welles, Diary; Bates, Diary.

Postmaster Gen. Blair offers to resign, but President asks him not to cause any more trouble. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln replies to Gen. Burnside: "Come of course, if in your own judgment it is safe to do so." Abraham Lincoln to Ambrose E. Burnside, 19 December 1862, CW, 6:10.

Orders Gen. Curtis to confer with Gov. Gamble (Mo.) and telegraph decision on question whether quiet can be maintained in all counties north of Missouri River by enrolled militia. Abraham Lincoln to Samuel R. Curtis, 19 December 1862, CW, 6:10-11.

Sec. Seward reads to President another dispatch from Cassius M. Clay, abusing Emperor Napoleon. Dennett, Hay Diaries and Letters, 139.

President and Mrs. Lincoln invite members of Congress, other public dignitaries, and officers of Russian vessels now in American waters to reception at White House from 1 to 3 P.M. The Marine Band provided music. Washington Chronicle, 19 December 1863; Evening Star (Washington, DC), 19 December 1863, 2d ed., 2:4; Daily National Republican (Washington, DC), 19 December 1863, 2d ed., 2:4.

In evening Susan Carr Craig, of Arkansas, accompanied by Representative Henry T. Blow, calls on Lincoln and asks for pass for herself and husband to Arkansas to raise cotton on their plantation. President promises to have permission made out on Monday.Permit to Mr. and Mrs. Craig, 21 December 1863, CW, 7:83-84; John T. Stuart to Mary Stuart, 20 December 1863, Stuart-Hay Families Papers, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL.

President asks Gen. Grant if, without embarrassment, Gen. Milroy could be assigned "a place." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 19 December 1863, CW, 7:80.

President receives invitation by hand of former Cong. Ashmun (Mass.) to attend Soldiers' Fair at Springfield, Mass., and declines. Abraham Lincoln to Ladies Managing the Solders' Fair at Springfield, Massachusetts, 19 December 1864, CW, 8:171.

Issues call for 300,000 volunteers. Proclamation Calling for 300,000 Volunteers, 19 December 1864, CW, 8:171-72.

Recognizes Henri Enderis as consul of Swiss Confederation at Chicago for states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Washington Chronicle, 22 December 1864.

Attends promenade concert at Ford's Theatre. Washington Chronicle, 20 December 1864.

Interviews O. H. Browning at White House in evening. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln writes to Joseph H. Choate, who is the chairman of the New England Society. Choate, of New York City, invited Lincoln to attend the Society's "Annual Festival in commemoration of the Landing of the Pilgrims, to be held at the Astor House" on December 22. Lincoln's "duties" prevent him from accepting the invitation. He offers, "The work of the Plymouth emigrants was the glory of their age. While we reverence their memory, let us not forget how vastly greater is our opportunity." John Hodges Choate to Abraham Lincoln, 28 November 1864, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to Joseph H. Choate, 19 December 1864, CW, 8:170; New York Herald, 23 December 1864, 5:1.