["A. Lincoln, Esq., is spoken of as likely to succeed Hon. J. Butterfield, as Commissioner of the General Land Office." Illinois Journal.]

Lincoln writes to his step-brother John D. Johnston, of Charleston, Illinois, about Lincoln's father Thomas, who is gravely ill. Lincoln explains that his work and his wife's "baby-sickness" prevent him from being with his father. Lincoln "is doubtful whether it would not be more painful than pleasant" for him and Thomas to "meet now." Lincoln reminds Johnston to "use my name, if necessary, to procure a doctor, or any thing else for Father." He asks Johnston to remind Thomas to "confide in, our...merciful Maker; who will...not forget the dying man, who puts his trust in Him." Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 12 January 1851, CW, 2:96-97.

In Supreme Court Peters for plaintiff and Lincoln for defendants argue Majors v. Hawks, Osborn & Co., which involves question whether debtor of partnership can discharge his debt, after notice of dissolution of partnership, by payment to one partner. McLean Court decided against Majors, defendant. Record.

Stuart and Edwards for plaintiff and Lincoln & Herndon for defendant try Penny v. Graves in Supreme Court. Question at issue is admissibility of testimony by deposition to vary terms of written agreement. Sangamon Circuit Court ruled such testimony inadmissible. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon lose Ward v. Owens et al., appeal from Cumberland, when Supreme Court reverses judgment of lower court and remands case. This is bill in chancery to set aside conveyance. Record; 12 Ill., 283.

Supreme Court hands down opinions in five Lincoln & Herndon cases. They lose Webster & Huntington v. French et al., and Majors v. Hawks, Osborn & Co.. They win Penny v. Graves, McHenry v. Watkins, and Enos et al. v. Capps. Record; 12 Ill., 302, 298, 287, 233, 255.

[Lincoln's father dies in Coles County. Family Record Written by Abraham Lincoln, [1851?], CW, 2:94-95.]

On 14th bill to incorporate Illinois Central Railroad Company was introduced in Illinois Senate. It has been referred to Committee on Internal Improvements where it is under consideration. Senate Journal.

Bill to incorporate Illinois Central Railroad is still in committee. According to affidavit of Anthony Thornton, representative from Shelby, Lincoln and several members of legislature were retained by company to promote its interests. Affidavit, files of Illinois Central Railroad Co.

Another source claims he opposed Illinois Central. John W. Starr, Lincoln and the Railroads: A Biographical Study (New York: Dodd, Mead, 1927), 42-45.

At any rate he is actively interested in bill.

Illinois Central incorporation bill is still in Senate committee. Senate Journal.

Bill incorporating Illinois Central is introduced in House. House Journal.

Illinois Central bill is reported to Senate, with amendments. Senate Journal.

In Supreme Court Harris v. Shaw et al. is tried by Edwards for plaintiff and Purple for defendants. Lincoln is also counsel for plaintiff, who gave property in public square at Tremont to Tazewell County on condition of county seat's being there and now sues for recovery because of removal to Pekin. Tazewell Circuit Court found for defendants. Record.

Logan continues his argument in Harris v. Shaw et al., and Lincoln concludes for plaintiff. Court takes case under advisement. Record.

In Senate, bill to incorporate Illinois Central is referred to Committee of Whole and made special order. Senate Journal.

Illinois Central bill is made special order of every day at 2 P.M. until finished. Senate Journal.

Illinois Central bill is before Senate. Senate Journal.

Lincoln buys $1.87 in merchandise. Irwin Ledger.

Senate is still considering Illinois Central bill. Senate Journal.