["A. Lincoln, Esq., is spoken of as likely to succeed Hon. J. Butterfield, as Commissioner of the General Land Office." Illinois Journal.]

Illinois legislature convenes. In letter to William Martin February 19, 1851, Lincoln says: "The Legislature having got out of the way, I at last find time to attend to the business you left with me." Abraham Lincoln to William Martin, 19 February 1851, CW, 2:98-100.

From this it appears that when not busy in court, he was following activities of legislature.

Whitecraft et al. v. Vandeveer, appealed from Christian Circuit Court, is tried by E. B. Herndon for plaintiffs and Lincoln for defendant. Case is action in debt to recover for cutting trees. Record.

Lincoln collects $25 from auditor, fee in full for legal services to state in Compher et al. v. People. Warrant #4746, Auditor's office.

In Whitecraft et al. v. Vandeveer, Supreme Court decides that since declaration does not allege that trees were cut vi et armis and without owner's consent, case is not within meaning of statute. Verdict of Christian Circuit Court is reversed and case remanded. Record; 12 Ill., 235.

Lincoln receives letter from Harriett Hanks, daughter of his cousin Dennis Hanks. She informs him that his father is very ill and will probably not recover. Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 12 January 1851, CW, 2:96-97.

Logan for plaintiff and Lincoln for defendant try Linton v. Anglin before Supreme Court. Anglin filed plea in abatement in Clark Circuit Court on ground that process issued in Clark was served on him in Coles County, where he was not resident. Plaintiff demurred, court overruled demurrer and Linton appealed. Court overrules Circuit Court and remands case. Record.

Lincoln writes to his step-brother John D. Johnston, of Charleston, Illinois, about Lincoln's father Thomas, who is gravely ill. Lincoln explains that his work and his wife's "baby-sickness" prevent him from being with his father. Lincoln "is doubtful whether it would not be more painful than pleasant" for him and Thomas to "meet now." Lincoln reminds Johnston to "use my name, if necessary, to procure a doctor, or any thing else for Father." He asks Johnston to remind Thomas to "confide in, our...merciful Maker; who will...not forget the dying man, who puts his trust in Him." Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 12 January 1851, CW, 2:96-97.

U.S. District and Circuit Courts adjourn. Register, 14 January 1851.

Webster & Huntington v. French et al., remanded to Sangamon Circuit Court January 19, 1850, and appealed again December 12, 1851, again comes before Supreme Court. Case turns on time bids for Quincy House were offered. Logan and Lincoln argue for plaintiffs, Edwards and Browning for defendants. Record.

Lincoln writes to Senator James A. Pearce of Maryland recommending Charles H. Constable, Illinois Whig, for Oregon judgeship. Abraham Lincoln to James A. Pearce, 13 January 1851, CW, 2:97.

In Supreme Court Peters for plaintiff and Lincoln for defendants argue Majors v. Hawks, Osborn & Co., which involves question whether debtor of partnership can discharge his debt, after notice of dissolution of partnership, by payment to one partner. McLean Court decided against Majors, defendant. Record.

Stuart and Edwards for plaintiff and Lincoln & Herndon for defendant try Penny v. Graves in Supreme Court. Question at issue is admissibility of testimony by deposition to vary terms of written agreement. Sangamon Circuit Court ruled such testimony inadmissible. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon lose Ward v. Owens et al., appeal from Cumberland, when Supreme Court reverses judgment of lower court and remands case. This is bill in chancery to set aside conveyance. Record; 12 Ill., 283.

Supreme Court hands down opinions in five Lincoln & Herndon cases. They lose Webster & Huntington v. French et al., and Majors v. Hawks, Osborn & Co.. They win Penny v. Graves, McHenry v. Watkins, and Enos et al. v. Capps. Record; 12 Ill., 302, 298, 287, 233, 255.

[Lincoln's father dies in Coles County. Family Record Written by Abraham Lincoln, [1851?], CW, 2:94-95.]

On 14th bill to incorporate Illinois Central Railroad Company was introduced in Illinois Senate. It has been referred to Committee on Internal Improvements where it is under consideration. Senate Journal.

Bill to incorporate Illinois Central Railroad is still in committee. According to affidavit of Anthony Thornton, representative from Shelby, Lincoln and several members of legislature were retained by company to promote its interests. Affidavit, files of Illinois Central Railroad Co.

Another source claims he opposed Illinois Central. John W. Starr, Lincoln and the Railroads: A Biographical Study (New York: Dodd, Mead, 1927), 42-45.

At any rate he is actively interested in bill.

Illinois Central incorporation bill is still in Senate committee. Senate Journal.

Bill incorporating Illinois Central is introduced in House. House Journal.

Illinois Central bill is reported to Senate, with amendments. Senate Journal.

In Supreme Court Harris v. Shaw et al. is tried by Edwards for plaintiff and Purple for defendants. Lincoln is also counsel for plaintiff, who gave property in public square at Tremont to Tazewell County on condition of county seat's being there and now sues for recovery because of removal to Pekin. Tazewell Circuit Court found for defendants. Record.

Logan continues his argument in Harris v. Shaw et al., and Lincoln concludes for plaintiff. Court takes case under advisement. Record.

In Senate, bill to incorporate Illinois Central is referred to Committee of Whole and made special order. Senate Journal.

Illinois Central bill is made special order of every day at 2 P.M. until finished. Senate Journal.

Illinois Central bill is before Senate. Senate Journal.

Lincoln buys $1.87 in merchandise. Irwin Ledger.

Senate is still considering Illinois Central bill. Senate Journal.