In U.S. Circuit Court, Lincoln files praecipe for nine cases brought by S. C. Davis & Co., wholesale merchants of St. Louis. All are brought to enforce payment of notes given for merchandise. Files.

In three more Davis & Co. cases Lincoln files bills of complaint. Files.

In cases filed December 7, 1857, Lincoln files declarations. Files.

In still another Davis case—defendant is John B. Miller—Lincoln files declaration and bond for costs. Declaration alleges nonpayment of two promissory notes, each for $1,608.90. Files; Record.

Lincoln enters himself as security for costs in Keith & Thornton v. Burt in U.S. Circuit Court. Plaintiffs sue on $2,000 debt. Record; Bond owned by James A. Jones, Springfield, Ill.

McLean Circuit Court convenes for winter term. Lincoln's attendance is indicated by letter he writes December 18, 1857 in which he states that he received letter on "coming home from Bloomington last night." Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Whitney, 18 December 1857, CW, 2:428-29.

Lincoln, for plaintiff with Hanna and Scott in Matthew T. Scott Jr. v. St. Louis, Alton, and Chicago RR, secures order that defendant answer declaration on 22d. Record.

He reaches home in evening, and finds letters from Whitney and Trumbull. Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Whitney, 18 December 1857, CW, 2:428-29; Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 18 December 1857, CW, 2:428.

To Whitney Lincoln sends legal opinion, and adds note deploring attacks on "Long John" Wentworth by Chicago newspapers. In letter to Trumbull he summarizes local political situation. "Nearly all the democrats here stick to Douglas; but they are hobbling along with the idea that there is no split between him and Buchanan." Abraham Lincoln to Henry C. Whitney, 18 December 1857, CW, 2:428-29; Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 18 December 1857, CW, 2:428.

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

Lincoln writes his friend Jesse K. Dubois, auditor, advising him to accept $90,000 from Illinois Central in temporary settlement of disputed claim for taxes due state. "I do not write this as a lawyer seeking an advantage for a client; but only as a friend, only urging you to do, what I think I would do if I were in your situation. I mean this as private and confidential only, but I feel a good deal of anxiety about it." Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois, 21 December 1857, CW, 2:429.

Lincoln loses Pike v. Shaffer when jury finds defendant not guilty. Court orders him discharged and assesses damages against plaintiff, Lincoln's client. Record.

[McLean Circuit Court adjourns until December 28, 1857.]

[One of the Lincoln boys brings home from John Williams' store a pair of "Linen Kid Gloves." Pratt, Personal Finances, 149.]

"What does the New-York Tribune mean by it's constant eulogising, and admiring, and magnifying Douglas?" Lincoln writes Trumbull from Bloomington, where he is still attending McLean Circuit Court. If the "Tribune" continues to praise him to its thousands of Illinois readers, defections will result. "I am not complaining. I only wish a fair understanding." He also writes to William H. Davenport, client, explaining why Davenport v. Sconce and DonCarlos has been delayed in Vermilion Circuit Court. Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 28 December 1857, CW, 2:430; Abraham Lincoln to William H. Davenport, 28 December 1857, CW, 2:429-30.