Lincoln & Herndon file amended petition in Evans et al. v. Staley et al. in Sangamon Circuit Court. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes to Illinois State Senator Joseph Gillespie, of Edwardsville, regarding the upcoming congressional election. At the time, state legislatures elected U.S. senators. Lincoln explains, "I have really got it into my head to try to be United States Senator . . . I do not ask you to yield to me, if you are thinking of becoming a candidate yourself. If, however, you are not, then I should like to be remembered affectionately by you; and also, to have you make a mark for me." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 1 December 1854, CW, 2:290.

Lincoln's court work consists of entering motion in one case and filing bill of exceptions in another. Record.

Lincoln has another easy day in court. As complainant's solicitors he and Herndon file supplemental bill in one case, while in another they enter motion that defendant be ruled to answer by February 1, 1854. Record.

The fall term of Sangamon Circuit Court closes. Three Lincoln & Herndon cases are called, but quickly disposed of. Record.

Lincoln writes divorce decree for Mary Sinclair, plaintiff, in Sinclair v. Sinclair. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Lincoln buys at John Williams' store $12.11 worth of assorted cloth, buttons, whalebone, and cord. Pratt, Personal Finances, 146-47.

Lincoln writes John McLean, justice of U.S. Supreme Court, that he understands displacement of present clerk of U.S. Circuit Court is contemplated. He hopes not, for he is very friendly with incumbent. However, if present clerk should be removed, he recommends William Butler. William J. Black, also applicant, "is every way worthy of the office." He writes John T. Stuart's bond as receiver of Mechanics and Farmer's Bank, Springfield, and signs with five others. Abraham Lincoln to John McLean, 6 December 1854, CW, 2:291; Bond for John T. Stuart, 6 December 1854, CW, 2:291-92.

In letter to Elihu B. Washburne, Congressman-elect from Galena district, Lincoln writes: "As to my own matter, things continue to look reasonably well. . . . I have not ventured to write all the members in your district, lest some of them should be offended by the indelicacy of the thing—that is, coming from a total stranger. Could you not drop some of them a line?" He writes to Herbert W. Fay, former representative from DeKalb County: "When you were in the legislature . . . either in jest or earnest you suggested me for Senator. My friends are now asking me to make the race. See the representatives and senator of your district and let me know what indorsement I may expect in that locality." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 11 December 1854, CW, 2:292-93; Abraham Lincoln to Herbert W. Fay, 11 December 1854, CW, 2:292.

Mrs. Lincoln sends Robert to John Williams' store for two spools silk thread. Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.

Lincoln writes Washburne again: "So far as I am concerned, there must be something wrong about U.S. Senator, at Chicago. My most intimate friends there do not answer my letters; and I can not get a word from them. Wentworth has a knack of knowing things better than most men. I wish you would pump him, and write me what you get from him. Please do this as soon as you can, as the time is growing short." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 14 December 1854, CW, 2:293.

To T. J. Henderson of Stark County, who had written Lincoln that he was not committed, and would vote to prevent slavery extension, Lincoln writes careful letter. "We shall have a terrible struggle with our adversaries. They are desperate, and bent on desperate deeds." With letter he sends copy of his Peoria speech. "You may have seen it before; or you may not think it worth seeing now." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas J. Henderson, 15 December 1854, CW, 2:293-94.

To Leonard Swett of Bloomington Lincoln writes: "I can not learn of a single copy of the Revised Code being here for sale. Sorry; but it seems to be so. Does the Rev. John S. Barger occassi[o]nally cross your path?" Abraham Lincoln to Leonard Swett, 17 December 1854, CW, 2:294.

In the U.S. Circuit Court Lincoln & Herndon file declaration in Collins et al. v. Cook. Plaintiffs ask damages of $1,000 for failure of defendant to pay two promissory notes of $596.23 and $132.27. Record.

Lincoln writes an opinion concerning the welfare of eighteen-year-old Irish immigrant John Fitzgerald. Shortly after arriving in Springfield, Fitzgerald "fell sick, and became a public charge." Someone asked Lincoln to determine which governmental entity—the City of Springfield or Sangamon County—should "bear the charge." After studying the "new city charter," Lincoln concludes, "I think the Legislature intended that all public charges, arising from the indigence of persons, resident within the City, were to be borne by the City—and not by the County." Opinion, 18 December 1854, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Opinion Concerning John Fitzgerald, 18 December 1854, CW, 2:294-95.

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 and Logan lose ejectment case, Morrison v. Briggs, in U.S. Circuit Court. Jury finds for plaintiff, orders that defendant restore property and pay damages of one cent. Record.

Lincoln is concerned with another ejectment case in U.S. Circuit Court, Taylor v. Humphries. In association with Taylor he files declaration, notice, affidavit of service, and bond for costs. In declaration plaintiff alleges that defendant, citizen of Kentucky, has withheld his land and damages him to extent of $5,000. Record.

Special election is held to choose Lincoln's successor to legislature. Of 491 voters Lincoln is 38th to appear. Whig candidate, N. M. Broadwell, is defeated. Election Returns.