<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1840-12-01'>Tuesday,
  December 1, 1840.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>. </dateline>
         <p> Amendment proposed by Woodson of Greene to dismiss Board of
  Public Works and turn its affairs over to Fund Commissioners is referred to
  Internal Improvements Committee by vote of 46-40, Lincoln voting with majority.
  <bibl default='NO'> 
               <title>House
  Journal</title>.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-02'>Wednesday, December 2, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln offers resolution: "That the committee on education . . . inquire
            into the expediency of providing by law for examination as to qualifications of persons,
            offering themselves as school-teachers, that no teacher shall receive any part of the
            public school fund who shall not have successfully passed an examination." This
            resolution is embodied in sec. 81 of common school code adopted at this session.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-03'>Thursday, December 3, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> In Circuit Court, <name type='case'>Harrison v. Hart et
            al.</name> is submitted to Judge William Thomas of First Judicial District, by
            agreement. Logan and Baker represent complainant, Lincoln and Campbell defendants. In
               <name type='case' key='L04553'>Spear et al. v. Newton &amp;
            Newton</name>, court orders auditor to pay complainant, Lincoln's client, $820.39 and
            defendant $350.<bibl default='NO'>Record.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> No roll calls are taken, so it is not known if Lincoln attends legislature,
            where he is appointed to special committee with Gillespie and Bissell to negotiate loan
            from state bank to pay interest due January 1, 1841.<bibl default='NO'>Quincy Whig, 19 December 1840.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' type='Revised' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-04'>Friday, December 4, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
   </dateline>
         <p> Norman H. Purple of Peoria petitions House, claiming seat of William J. Phelps.
    Lincoln moves that House take up petition at once, arguing that party feeling would be augmented
    by delay. He proposes that governor be authorized to issue "interest bonds" to defray interest
    on state debt. <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%3A231' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Remarks in Illinois Legislature Concerning
      Petition of Norman H. Purple</xref>, 4 December 1840, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:214-15; <xref from='ROOT' url='http://www.hti.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=lincoln;rgn=div1;view=text;idno=lincoln1;node=lincoln1%3A232' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Remarks in Illinois Legislature Amending a
      Bill Providing Interest on State Debt</xref>, 4 December 1840, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:215-17.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Stuart &amp; Lincoln buy $30.50 worth of merchandise from a Springfield
     merchant.<bibl default='NO'>Account (copy), 4 December 1840, Irwin &amp;
     Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-05'>Saturday, December 5, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Whigs, eager for party reasons to prevent sine die adjournment of House,
            absent themselves so there will be no quorum. Lincoln, Gillespie, and Gridley are
            present as observers. Over-confident, they vote on roll call. When quorum is announced
            they are taken by surprise, lose their heads in excitement and jump out
            window&#8212;all to no avail.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>; Sparta Democrat, 18 December 1840, 25
               December 1840; Register, 11 December 1840.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-07'>Monday, December 7, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> House assembles in new state house to begin regular session of Twelfth
            General Assembly. Lincoln opposes placing unfinished business of last session in same
            order in present session. He introduces bill to provide for payment of interest on state
            debt, and on his motion, bill of Peck of Cook for that purpose is read second time by
               title.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-08'>Tuesday, December 8, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> On Lincoln's motion, rules are suspended and his bill to provide payment of
            interest on public debt is taken up. Motion to refer bill to Committee on Banks fails.
            He and Trumbull then add amendments designed to give fund commissioner power to
            hypothecate state bonds to pay interest due and cost of suits brought by state.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1840-12-09'>Wednesday, December 9, 1840.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>. </dateline>
         <p> Act to vacate plat
  of town of Livingston is on Lincoln's motion referred to select committee
  composed of Lincoln, Gridley of McLean, and Menard of Tazewell.
  <bibl default='NO'> 
               <title>House
  Journal</title>.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-10'>Thursday, December 10, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln's and Trumbull's amendments to bill providing for payment of
            interest on public debt, introduced Tuesday, are taken up and passed. Hicks of Jefferson
            brings in bill for similar act, which, on Lincoln's motion, is referred to committee on
               Finance.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> [Fashionable ball is held at American House.]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-11'>Friday, December 11, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Internal improvement interest bill is taken up. Amendment by Kitchell of
            Montgomery provides that no interest be paid on bonds sold in violation of law is voted
            on and passed 41-40. Lincoln votes nay.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-12'>Saturday, December 12, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Amendment of Cavarly of Greene to bill giving fund commissioner power to
            hypothecate bonds to pay interest due on internal improvement debt is lost 41-47,
            Lincoln voting yea. He reports from committee "act to vacate the town plat of the town
            of Livingston."<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' type='Revised' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-14'>Monday, December 14, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
   </dateline>
         <p> Bill authorizing circuit judges to appoint and remove clerks is refused second
    reading, Lincoln voting nay. He votes against engrossing for third reading bill of Hicks of
    Jefferson to provide for payment of internal improvement debt interest.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Stuart &amp; Lincoln buy $32.06 worth of merchandise from a Springfield
     merchant.<bibl default='NO'>Account (copy), 14 December 1840, Irwin &amp;
     Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' type='Revised' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-15'>Tuesday, December 15, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
   </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln votes against resolution authorizing governor to appoint three suitable
    persons to investigate canal commissioners. Senate bill authorizing $300,000 in bonds to be
    hypothecated to pay interest on internal improvement debt passes House. Lincoln votes for it.
     <bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Stuart &amp; Lincoln receive $50 from Jacob Forsythe &amp; Co. and they
    deposit the money into their account with a Springfield merchant. <bibl default='NO'>Account (copy), 15 December 1840, Irwin &amp; Corneau Account Book, 185,
     microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-16'>Wednesday, December 16, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Resolution of Hardin of Morgan County to have citizens vote for or against
            constitutional convention at next General Assembly election is tabled. Lincoln votes
            with majority. Samuel McRoberts, Democrat, is elected to U.S. Senate over Cyrus Edwards,
            Whig, 77 to 50. Lincoln votes for Edwards.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-17'>Thursday, December 17, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln attends legislature. He writes to Stuart about yesterday's
            senatorial election, and about applicants for offices at Stuart's disposal. "This affair
            of appointment to office is very annoying&#8212;more so to you than to me,
            doubtless. I am, as you know, opposed to removals to make places for our friends."<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%3A239' targOrder='U' to='DITTO'>Abraham Lincoln to John T.
                  Stuart</xref>, 17 December 1840, <title corresp='books_Basler2'>CW</title>, 1:221.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-18'>Friday, December 18, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Senate and House meet to elect attorney general. Josiah Lamborn, Democrat,
            is elected, 75 to 45, over David M. Woodson, Whig. Lincoln votes for Woodson.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1840-12-19'>Saturday,
  December 19, 1840.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>. </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln is appointed chairman of select committee to consider
  his resolution to inquire into expenditure for public printing. He votes for
  amendment requiring school commissioners to keep offices at county seats. His
  motion to table amendment of Murphy of Cook for state-wide prohibition is
  adopted 75 to 8.<bibl default='NO'> 
               <title>House
  Journal</title>.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-21'>Monday, December 21, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Motion of Hardin of Morgan to seat William J. Phelps as representative from
            Peoria is adopted, 48-33, Lincoln voting aye. He opposes bill for relief of William
            Dormandy. He points out that Dormandy has twice brought charred notes to state bank and
            has been refused payment, and that refusal has been upheld by court decision.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-22'>Tuesday, December 22, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln and Strong, attorneys for appellants, file record and assignment of
            errors in Supreme Court case <name type='case' key='L04225'>Elkin et al.
               v. People for use of Fleming, McIntire &amp; Co.</name>, suit on sheriff's bond
            from Sangamon County. Logan, for appellee, joins in error.<bibl default='NO'>Record.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-23'>Wednesday, December 23, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> [House of Representatives meets only in morning and no roll calls are taken
            so it is not certain that Lincoln attends.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>].</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-25'>Friday, December 25, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> [A. Bielaski opens school on third floor of Delany's brick building to give
            instructions in "Broadsword, Bayonet and Lance. . . . Instructions at all hours of the
            day." It has been conjectured that Lincoln may have taken broadsword lessons, and
            therefore chose this weapon in "duel" with Shields in fall of 1842.<bibl default='NO'>Springfield Courier, 25 December 1840.</bibl>
         </p>
         <p> Bielaski was an engineer employed in railroad surveying.]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-26'>Saturday, December 26, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> [House of Representatives meets without quorum and adjourns.]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-28'>Monday, December 28, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> [No roll call is taken in House of Representatives, so it is not possible
            to tell whether Lincoln attends.]</p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-29'>Tuesday, December 29, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln introduces bills to establish ferry across Illinois River, and for
            relief of creditors of late William Wernwag, who had contract to build bridge across
            Sangamon River and was heavily in debt at his death.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline>
            <date value='1840-12-30'>Wednesday, December 30, 1840.</date>
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>.
         </dateline>
         <p> Lincoln votes aye on resolution instructing Committee on Education to
            report bill distributing state school fund among counties in proportion to white
            inhabitants under 20 years of age. He votes nay on resolutions instructing Illinois
            delegation to prevent repeal of Independent Treasury law and reestablishment of national
               bank.<bibl default='NO'>
               <title>House Journal</title>.</bibl>
         </p>
      </div2>

<div2 part='N' sample='complete' org='uniform'>
         <dateline> 
            <date value='1840-12-31'>Thursday,
  December 31, 1840.</date> 
            <place key='39.8000, -89.6333' teiForm='name'>Springfield, IL</place>. </dateline>
         <p> Combination bill calling for repeal of appropriation for
  library of legislature and Supreme Court, and repealing premium on wolf scalps,
  is subjected to legislative maneuvers. Second section is finally stricken out,
  53 ayes to 25 nays, Lincoln voting aye. Five thousand dollars is later voted
  library.<bibl default='NO'> 
               <title>House
  Journal</title>.</bibl> 
         </p>
      </div2>