In letter to Isham Reavis, who applied for student's position in his law office, Lincoln says that he is gone too frequently to make study with him advantageous. He advises Reavis to get books and read them without instruction. He writes A. L. Brewer of outcome of case he tried for him in Logan County in Sept., and tells him that defendants talk of going to Supreme Court. Abraham Lincoln to Isham Reavis, 5 November 1855, CW, 2:327; Abraham Lincoln to Anson L. Brewer, 5 November 1855, CW, 2:327.

At election for city officials Lincoln is 285th voter. Election Returns.

In the Sangamon County Circuit Court, Lincoln files a declaration in the case of Pea v. Williams. Lincoln's client, Nancy J. Pea, is suing Greenberry Williams for a breach of marriage contract. Pea asserts that in August, Williams "faithfully promised . . . to marry" Pea on September 1. Instead, on October 1, Williams "wrongfully and injuriously married" another woman. Pea claims that Williams "fraudulently intend[ed] craftily and subtly to deceive and injure her." Pea seeks $2,000, in damages. Declaration, filed 8 November 1855, Pea v. Williams, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

Sangamon Circuit Court convenes. Six of Lincoln & Herndon's cases are called. In two cases motions are entered, two others are set for hearing later in term, and two are continued until next year. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon, representing defendant, enter motion to dismiss Moore v. Ware. After argument, judge takes matter under advisement. As plaintiff's attorneys they move to dismiss slander suit, Preston et ux. v. Townsend et ux., at their client's costs. In two other cases they obtain judgments for $132.69 and $326.77. Several other cases are set for trial or continued. Record.

Court overrules Lincoln & Herndon's motion in Moore v. Ware, and gives plaintiff leave to file new appeal bond. Bullard v. Haddix, another appeal in which Lincoln & Herndon represent defendant, is settled by agreement, judgment for $50 being entered against their client. In Whited v. Whitney & Johnson defendants default, and Lincoln & Herndon obtain judgment for $132.99 for their client. Record.

Lincoln has important case, Mechanics & Farmers Bank v. Stockdale. Plaintiff, represented by Stuart and Edwards, is bringing suit for $5,000 due on account; defendant, through Lincoln & Herndon, pleads payment. Jury decides in favor of plaintiff. Illinois State Journal, 22 November 1855.

In Green v. Dikeman & Fullenwider, defendants default, and Lincoln & Herndon obtain judgment for $132.99 for Dikeman. Record.

In Stigleman, Johnson & Co. v. Paddleford et al. Lincoln writes and has sworn two affidavits of witnesses, and files memorandum of agreement to admit such evidence. He also writes memorandum of history of company. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Two of Lincoln's cases are called, one dismissed, one continued. Record.

Lincoln withdraws $37 from his account at Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company. Marine Bank Ledger.

In seven different cases in which Lincoln & Herndon represent plaintiffs, defendants default and judgments are obtained. Four of judgments, ranging in amount from $87.65 to $562.75, are in favor of Jacob Bunn. In Tinney v. Ingwerson et al., in which Lincoln & Herndon appear for defendant, jury is called, and then on plaintiff's motion jury is dismissed and case continued. Record.

People v. Kessler & Organ, before court at June term, is dismissed by state's attorney. Lincoln & Herndon represent defendants, who are charged with selling whiskey without license. In Bunn v. Singer defendant defaults, and plaintiff, whom Lincoln & Herndon represent, is awarded damages of $487.78. Four other cases are set for trial later in term. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon lose case when jury finds for plaintiff in Penny v. Purviance and assesses his damages at $318.75. In two other cases in which they appear as counsel, motions are entered, and continued. Record.

Correll et al. v. McDaniel et al., will case which resulted in no verdict June 19, 1855, is tried again. Lincoln & Herndon represent defendants. Jury finds that paper in question is not McDaniel's will, and they lose case (see April 25, 1857). Record.