<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-02'>Monday, December 2, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> In <name type='case' key='L04435'>James F. Reed &amp;
               Peter Rickard v. Catherine Early et al.</name> Lincoln writes and signs petition to
            sell real estate, writes answer of James C. Conkling, guardian, and writes court order
            to sell real estate. He receipts on back of execution order in <name type='case'>Jacob Forsyth &amp; Co. v. May &amp; Truett</name> that
            Springfield lots have been "levied."<bibl default='NO'>Herndon-Weik
               Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Photocopy.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> At meeting of town board, Lincoln, J. Whitney, and P. C. Canedy are
            appointed to investigate names on petitions for and against liquor licenses.<bibl default='NO'>Clerk's Minutes.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> [U.S. Circuit Court meets in Christian Church. Nathaniel Pope, presiding
            judge, is described as an "able jurist and distinguished lawyer."<bibl default='NO'>Quincy Whig, 14 December 1839.</bibl>]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-03'>Tuesday, December 3, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln is admitted to practice in U.S. Circuit Court by Judge Pope.<bibl default='NO'>Record.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Lawyers in attendance are Logan, Breese, Butterfield, Baker, Gatewood,
            Field, Williams, Cole, Douglas, Levi Davis, G. T. M. Davis, Foreman, and some 20
               others.<bibl default='NO'>Quincy Whig, 14 December 1839.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-04'>Wednesday, December 4, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln notes in fee book of Stuart &amp; Lincoln his employment by
            Isaac Cogdal, friend of his New Salem years, in suit brought against Cogdal by Webster
            &amp; Hickox, Springfield merchants.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>Stuart &amp; Lincoln fee book</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-05'>Thursday, December 5, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Defendant defaults in <name type='case' key='L02301'>Hooper,
               Martin, &amp; Smith v. Haines &amp; Son</name>, and plaintiffs, Lincoln's
            clients, are awarded $626.82 damages in U.S. Circuit Court.<bibl default='NO'>Record.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Lincoln writes supplementary bill in chancery in <name type='case' key='L04553'>Spear et al. v. Newton &amp; Newton</name>, which
            David Spear, his client, signs and swears.<bibl default='NO'>Herndon-Weik
               Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> [Committee reports to Springfield Mechanics Union that they have consulted
            Lincoln about obtaining charter from legislature.<bibl default='NO'>Minutes of Union.</bibl>]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-06'>Friday, December 6, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln's motion for new trial in <name type='case' key='L04344'>Powell v. E. C. Blankenship &amp; Co.</name> is granted in
            Sangamon Circuit Court. [Plaintiffs failed in justice of peace court and on December 2,
            1839 were given costs in circuit court. On March 13, 1840 they are awarded $95.77.]<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>Stuart &amp; Lincoln fee book</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1839-12-07'>Saturday,
  December 7, 1839.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield,
  IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln gets judgment by default in
  chancery case of <name type='case' key='L04891'>Wood et al. v.
  Ross</name>. Judgment is for amount of note, $827.56, with interest at 6 per
  cent from December 15, 1838.<bibl default='NO'>Record.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> He writes answer of Thomas Morgan in 
  <name type='case' key='L02599'>State Bank of Illinois v. Quinton
  et al.</name> As guardian, he files answer to petition of 
  <name type='case' key='L03408'>Lucy C. Haines v. heirs of Isaac
  Haines &amp; Haines</name>.<bibl default='NO'>Photocopy.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-09'>Monday, December 9, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Legislature meets in Springfield for first time. House sits in Second
            Presbyterian Church. Oscar Love and Richard Kerr of Pike contest seat. Debate is held on
            resolution of Williams of Adams referring case to election committee. Lincoln, Webb of
            White, and Marshall of Gallatin support resolution.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Alton Telegraph, 21 December
            1839.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Lincoln writes and signs petition to review in <name type='case' key='L01213'>David Bailey v. Cromwell &amp; McNaghton</name>.<bibl default='NO'>Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington,
               DC.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-10'>Tuesday, December 10, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> On Lincoln's motion, rule of House is dispensed with and he introduces bill
            authorizing "Collector of ________ county to collect certain taxes." Bill is read twice
            and on his motion referred to committee of Lincoln, Naper of Cook, and Bowman of Wabash.
            J. Calhoun is elected House clerk. Lincoln votes for Andrew Johnston.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Photocopy; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A185' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Bill Introduced in Illinois
                  Legislature to Authorize the Collector of ________ County to Collect Taxes</xref>,
               [10 December 1839], <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>,
            1:155.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-11'>Wednesday, December 11, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln writes in form of legal petition invitation to Mrs. O. H. Browning
            of Quincy to "repair, forthwith to the Seat of Government, bringing in your train all
            ladies in general, who may be at your command." John Dawson, E. B. Webb, and J. J.
            Hardin sign with Lincoln. Hardin writes accompanying letter, "endorsed" by Lincoln and
            Webb. Springfield Whigs meet and adopt resolution, written by Lincoln, challenging
            Democrats to debate resolutions adopted by Democratic convention which adjourned
            December 10, 1839.<bibl default='NO'>
               <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A187' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Abraham Lincoln to Mrs.
                  Orville H. Browning</xref>, [11 December 1839], <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:156-57; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A186' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Resolutions Adopted at a Whig
                  Meeting at Springfield</xref>, 11 December 1839, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:155-56.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-12'>Thursday, December 12, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln and Edwards of Sangamon call for yeas and nays on resolution
            requesting commissioners of board of public works to report expenditures on each
            railroad, and number of engineers employed. He votes nay on tabling, and nay on
            resolution repealing internal improvement system.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-13'>Friday, December 13, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> New resolution instructing committee on Internal Improvements to report
            bill repealing improvement system is tabled 44 to 42. On Lincoln's motion, House
            postpones seating either Love or Kerr of Pike County.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-14'>Saturday, December 14, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln's motion, agreed to yesterday, is reconsidered but tabled 44 to 41.
            "Lord Coke" appoints standing committees of "The Lobby." Committee on Etiquette,
            Politeness &amp; Ceremony consists of Wickliffe Kitchell, chairman, and Lincoln,
            Wheeler of Pike, French of Edgar, and Hinshaw of McLean.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Register, 25 December 1839.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1839-12-16'>Monday,
  December 16, 1839.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield,
  IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> House continues to discuss Kerr-Love
  contest. Resolution to seat Kerr loses 45 to 43. On resolution to seat Love,
  Lincoln moves to strike out words "until further testimony is heard on the
  subject." His amendment is adopted, but resolution to seat Love loses by tie
  vote, which pleases Whigs.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-17'>Tuesday, December 17, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln presents petition for charter for Springfield Mechanics Union,
            which is referred to select committee of himself, Henry of Morgan, and Green of Greene.
            He introduces for John Bennett petition (written Monday) praying vacation of part of
            Bennett's addition to Petersburg. It is referred to committee of which Lincoln is
               chairman.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A188' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Petition Written for John
                  Bennett</xref>, 16 December 1839, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:157; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A191' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Amendment Introduced in
                  Illinois Legislature to Bill Incorporating the Springfield Mechanics'
               Union</xref>, [19 December 1839], <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:158.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-18'>Wednesday, December 18, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Day is devoted to discussion of suspension of specie payments by state
            bank. Amendment by Daley of Greene to legalize suspension is tabled, Lincoln voting nay.
            Many members declare that bank should wind up its affairs when 60-day period of
            suspension expires December 21, 1839.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Lincoln opens debate on fiscal policy, Democrats having accepted challenge
            "after many efforts on the part of the Locos to get off." He attacks Democratic
               subtreasury.<bibl default='NO'>
               <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A190' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Speech at Springfield,
                  Illinois</xref>, 18 December 1839, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:157-58.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-19'>Thursday, December 19, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln reports from committee bill to incorporate Springfield Mechanics
            Union. It is ordered to second reading. House by large majority decides not to postpone
            investigation of charges against Judge John Pearson of seventh circuit, and report of
            Judiciary committee is adopted. Lincoln votes nay on postponing and yea on report.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Photocopy.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-20'>Friday, December 20, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Finance committee reports bill in relation to state bank, with amendment
            providing that "nothing in this act shall be construed to legalize the suspension of
            specie payments." Motion to table bill and amendment loses 58 to 26, Lincoln voting nay.
            He favors retention by legislature of right to alter bank charter.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-21'>Saturday, December 21, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Act to authorize limited partnerships is refused third reading. Lincoln
            votes yea. Resolution to reserve hall of House [Second Presbyterian Church] for use of
            committees every night is amended by Lincoln to read Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-23'>Monday, December 23, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln writes Stuart about lost deeds belonging to old Mr. Wright and $80
            which Stuart is supposed to have paid Robert A. Kinzie. He notes that Douglas is in town
            "but he is not now worth talking about." In House, he takes part in debate on opening
            session with prayer.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A192' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Abraham Lincoln to John T.
                  Stuart</xref>, 23 December 1839, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:158-59.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-24'>Tuesday, December 24, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> At meeting of town board, Lincoln and other trustees decide to license
            smaller groceries for $25 for two-month period.<bibl default='NO'>Clerk's
               Minutes.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Contest between Kerr (Whig) and Love (Dem.) for House seat from Pike County
            is settled with Kerr seated 44 to 43. Lincoln votes yea.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1839-12-26'>Thursday,
  December 26, 1839.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield,
  IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> As member of joint select committee to
  investigate state bank, Lincoln attends first of almost daily hearings. He
  delivers subtreasury speech in evening. "A speech which no man can answer, but
  Calhoun will try Saturday evening," says Quincy Whig (January 4, 1840).
  <bibl default='NO'>
               <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A193' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Speech on the
  Sub-Treasury</xref>, [26] December 1839,
  <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:159-79;
  <title>Sangamo Journal</title>, 6 March 1840.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-27'>Friday, December 27, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln reports bill to vacate part of Bennett's addition to Petersburg. He
            is put on committee with Nance of Sangamon and Hull of Tazewell to take up bill
            incorporating Petersburg. Motion to postpone indefinitely bill making school
            commissioners elective fails 53 to 25. Lincoln votes nay.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Photocopy.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> As member of joint committee to investigate state bank, Lincoln, with other
            members, signs letter to Thomas Mather, bank president, conveying resolution of
               investigation.<bibl default='NO'>
               <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A194' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Byrd Monroe et al. to Thomas
                  Mather</xref>, 26 December 1839, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:179.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-28'>Saturday, December 28, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> State bank investigating committee holds its first session in evening at
            bank. House adopts resolution instructing committee on state roads to prepare bill
            granting county commissioners' courts superintendency over state roads as with public
            roads. Lincoln votes yea.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; House Report, 340.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-30'>Monday, December 30, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> Lincoln votes nay on consideration of bill to distribute school fund to
            counties. State bank investigation committee meets in evening, and on Lincoln's motion,
            elects chairman and clerk. Woodworth of Cook is named chairman and L. T. Jamison
               clerk.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; House Report, 340-41.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1839-12-31'>Tuesday, December 31, 1839.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.</dateline>
         <p> House rejects, 55 to 24, resolution to investigate Bank of Illinois at
            Shawneetown. Lincoln votes nay. State bank investigation committee meets and resolves to
            present joint resolution listing all items to be investigated "to the Bank as it is, and
            that full and complete answers be required to all interrogatories."<bibl default='NO'>House Report, 340-41.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>