In Spear et al. v. Newton & Newton, defendant files demurrer to supplemental bill of complainant. After hearing argument, court overrules demurrer. Logan, Lincoln, and Stuart are for complainant and Strong and Doremus for defendant. Record.

Lincoln writes report in Keys & Matheny v. Matheny et al.Photocopy.

Lincoln is engaged with Logan & Lincoln's paper work. He fills out another subpoena in Martin v. Tinsley et al. He writes plea and agreement on evidence in Mallory v. Elkin, and writes and files supersedeas bond ($100) of George and Joseph England as ordered by Supreme Court July 13, 1841, in England v. Clark.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Photocopy.

[Sangamon Circuit Court does not meet today or Monday.]

Lincoln writes to unknown correspondent in Tremont concerning removal of the county seat of Tazewell County from Tremont to Pekin. He consulted with Logan, and although Logan believes the land will not revert, Lincoln gives his opinion that the land would revert to the donor if the county seat is moved to Pekin.Abraham Lincoln to a Gentleman in Tremont, 31 July 1843, CW, 1:329.

Report of master-in-chancery in Trailor v. Hill is approved and bill of complainant dismissed. Defendant files affidavit, and on motion it is ordered that execution issue for costs. Logan & Lincoln appear for defendant. Order of continuance in Foster v. Hill is set aside, and People v. Shepherd et al. is continued.Record; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

A few days before Illinois's Seventh Congressional District election, Whig-Party candidate Lincoln distributes a flyer denying that he is "an open scoffer at Christianity." Lincoln explains, "That I am not a member of any Christian Church, is true; but I have . . . never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion . . . Leaving the higher matter of eternal consequences, between him and his Maker, I still do not think any man has the right thus to insult the feelings, and injure the morals, of the community in which he may live."Handbill Replying to Charges of Infidelity, 31 July 1846, CW, 1:382-83; The Illinois Gazette (Lacon), 15 August 1846, 2:3-5; The Tazewell Whig (Tremont, IL), 22 August 1846, 1:5.

Lincoln answers roll calls on motions to suspend rules. Debate on establishment of territorial government in Oregon is order of day. House agrees to Senate resolution fixing August 14, 1848 as date of adjournment.Journal; Globe.

Lincoln writes, signs, and files with the Sangamon County Circuit Court a declaration and affidavit in Bailer v. Davis. Lincoln's client, Henry Bailer, signs the affidavit with his mark. Record; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Still at work on Sangamon & Alton cases, Lincoln writes to Martin: "The present operator here says, that the operator who was here on Jany. 25. 1851 is C. P. Rosser; and that he has no knowledge of his present whereabouts. . . . This is all I can learn." Abraham Lincoln to William Martin, 31 July 1851, CW, 2:107.

Moore v. Buchanan and Vandermark comes to trial in federal court. Jury is waived and court finds for plaintiff, Lincoln and Logan's client. His damages are assessed at $5,418.16. Record.

[Edwards and Conkling address Springfield Scott Club. Illinois Journal.]

Lincoln writes Douglas accepting latter's terms for debates. He also writes to Henry Asbury, anticipating Douglas's stand during the campaign: Douglas cares nothing for South, but will attempt to hold Illinois by every means. If pressed on power of territorial legislature to exclude slavery, he will answer that slavery cannot exist without "protective territorial legislation." He writes John C. Bagby of Rushville, declining to speak there August 21, 1858, as he debates Douglas at Ottawa on that date. He will try to send Trumbull. Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Douglas, 31 July 1858, CW, 2:531-32; Abraham Lincoln to Henry Asbury, 31 July 1858, CW, 2:530-31; Abraham Lincoln to John C. Bagby, 31 July 1858, CW, 2:531

Lincoln buys "trimming" for his wife at John Williams' store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 149.

President directs U.S. marshals to supply "decent lodging and subsistence" to political prisoners. DNA—WR RG 108, Off. Hdqrs. Army, Register of Letters Received, LXX, 302; Abraham Lincoln to United States Marshal, 31 July 1861, CW, 4:466.

Confers with Sen. Browning (Ill.), Cong. William P. Sheffield (R.I.), and Pope of Bloomington, Ill. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln and Sec. Seward visit hospital at Georgetown; President shakes hands with wounded. N.Y. Times, 2 August 1861.

President approves act empowering Chief Executive to decide when a state of insurrection exists. Stat. L., XII, 284.

President answers suggestion in letter addressed to August Belmont, New York financier, that "Mr. Lincoln must take a decisive course" as to restoration of Union. Lincoln writes that such a course is declared "in the inaugural, in each of two regular messages to Congress, and in many, if not all, the minor documents issued by the Executive since the inauguration." Those in rebellious states "must understand that they cannot experiment for ten years trying to destroy the government, and if they fail still come back into the Union unhurt. If they expect . . . to ever have the Union as it was, I join with the writer in saying 'Now is the time'." Abraham Lincoln to August Belmont, 31 July 1862, CW, 5:350-51.

President sends condolences to Frederick VII, King of Denmark, on death of Prince Frederick Ferdinand. Abraham Lincoln to Frederick VII, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:357-58.

Interviews L. H. Chandler acting as counsel for Dr. David M. Wright of Norfolk in murder case before military commission. Chandler to Lincoln, 1 August 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Cabinet listens for two hours to report presented by Col. John A. Rawlins on capture of Vicksburg, Miss. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln asks Gen. Hurlbut to reconsider question of resigning. Hay, Letters and Diary; Abraham Lincoln to Stephen A. Hurlbut, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:358-59.

Writes Samuel W. Moulton, enrollment commissioner for 10th District of Illinois: "Your removal has been strongly urged on the ground of 'presistent disobedience of orders and neglect of duty.' . . . I consider your services in your district valuable, and should be sorry to lose them. . . . I hope you will conclude to go on in your present position under the regulations of the Department." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel W. Moulton, 31 July 1863, CW, 6:359-60.

President at Fortress Monroe to confer with General Ulysses S. Grant. Welles, Diary, 1 August 1864.

Waits at wharf for Grant to come from Gen. Butler's house. Mrs. Butler does not see President or Mrs. Lincoln and ladies. Butler, Correspondence, 4:566.

Lincoln receives Grant aboard U.S.S. Baltimore at 10 A.M. for conference. Begins return trip to Washington at 3 P.M. Washington Chronicle, 2 August 1864.

Grant and members of staff accompany President to Norfolk, where they spend some time at the Navy Yard. Evening Star (Washington, DC), 1 August 1864, 3d ed., 2:1.