Lincoln writes to his wife's aunt Maria L. Bullock, of Kentucky. Lincoln is attempting to collect money from the sale of Bullock's Springfield lots. Lincoln reports, "It annoys me to have to say that I can not collect money now. I now believe the quickest way I can get your money is for me to buy the debts of you, as soon as I can get in any money of my own to do it with. I keep some money loaned at ten per cent; and when I can get hold of some, it would be a ready investment for me to just take these debts off your hands; and I shall try to do so." Abraham Lincoln to Maria Bullock, 3 January 1859, CW, 3:348.

Lincoln & Herndon collect $289.91 from former sheriff John Cook on execution of Chambers v. Inslee, which they won for plaintiff, and Lincoln signs receipt. Photocopy.

In U.S. Circuit Court Lincoln & Herndon get judgments in two cases filed preceding year: S. C. Davis & Co. v. Monical & Son, in which plaintiff is awarded $939.07, and Hamilton v. Moloney, in which $444.28 is awarded. In People v. Illinois Central RR—important case in Supreme Court—time to plead is extended on Lincoln's motion. Record.

[Legislature elects Douglas to U.S. Senate.]

Lincoln writes legal opinion on methods of dividing land sections into quarters. Opinion concerning Land Surveys, 6 January 1859, CW, 3:348-49.

He also has case in U.S. Circuit Court—VanBrunt & Watrons v. Madux—which, by agreement, is set for trial January 11, 1859. Record.

He writes and files defendants' answer in People v. Moore et al),., (SC suit to collect $200,000 from McLean County collector. Photocopy.

Robert buys and charges four pounds of candles ($1) at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln files separate answer of David Davis, one of defendants in Lawrence et al. v. Shaffer et al. in U.S. Circuit Court. Ownership of lot in Bloomington is involved. Files.

Herndon writes checks for $100 and $229.34 on firm's account in Marine & Fire Insurance Co. Original owned by Springfield Marine Bank.

Lincoln writes W. H. Wells, regretting that he cannot send copy of his debate with Douglas at Freeport. "All dallying with Douglas by Republicans, who are such at heart, is, at the very least, time, and labor lost; and all such, who so dally with him, will yet bite their lips in vexation for their own folly." Abraham Lincoln to W. H. Wells, 8 January 1859, CW, 3:349.

Lincoln attends vocal concert by Mrs. Mozart at Cook's Hall. Illinois State Journal, 11 January 1859.

Lincoln buys gallon of syrup at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln, with 51 others, signs letter to Mrs. Mozart expressing appreciation of her concert, and asking her to sing again on her return from Jacksonville, which she does Tuesday. Illinois State Journal, 11 January 1859; Abraham Lincoln et al. to Mrs J. M. Mozart, [10? January 1859], CW, 3:350.

Mrs. Lincoln buys 8-pound turkey (80¢) at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln has two cases in Supreme Court—People v. Moore et al., and Trustees of Township 23N, Range 1E v. Allin et al. In first case Lincoln, for defendants, withdraws his demurrer and defaults. In second, in which validity of sale of school lands is involved, Lincoln makes argument for defendants. Court later decides for defendants. Record; 21 Ill. 120.

He writes two clients about law case. Opponents demand case be continued or dismissed. "Write me at once which shall be done." Abraham Lincoln to Messrs. Cole and Wall, 21 January 1859, CW, 3:350.

People ex rel. Koerner et al. v. Ridgely et al., decided in favor of defendants by Sangamon Circuit Court November 15, 1858, comes before Supreme Court. Lincoln appears for appellants, McClernand and Logan for appellees. Question at issue is power of governor to dismiss trustees of state bank. Court takes case under advisement, and later affirms lower court decision. Record.

As plaintiffs' attorney Lincoln dismisses two cases in U.S. Circuit Court— Palmer & Wallace v. Magill, Denton & Co., and Harrison v. Greer. Record.

He writes testimonial letter for Samuel M. Hitt, who is traveling east on business. Testimonial Letter for Samuel M. Hitt, 25 January 1859, CW, 3:350-51.

In the evening, Springfield's Concert Hall is the scene of a celebration marking the 100th birthday of the late Scottish poet Robert Burns. The organizers promoted an evening of "toasts, sentiments[,] and songs." A newspaper reported that the "supper was splendid and abundant, and was well attended. The toasts offered on this occasion were most appropriate, and were responded to by some of the most talented men of the state, among whom were, Abraham Lincoln . . . and others." Daily Illinois State Journal, (Springfield), 25 January 1859, 3:3; Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 27 January 1859, 3:1; Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 28 January 1859, 3:4; The Greenville Advocate (IL), 10 February 1859, 2:2.

Smith's store sells gallon of syrup on Lincoln's account and 11 pounds of sugar, which Robert takes home. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Robert collects box of blacking at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln buys hairbrush, soap, and "Lubins Extract" at his drug store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 152.

Robert takes home 40¢ pair of shoes from Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln writes Trumbull. After complimenting him on speech he makes request. "When you can find leisure, write me your present impressions of Douglas' movements. Our friends here from different parts of the State, in and out of the Legislature, are united, resolute, and determined; and I think it is almost certain that we shall be far better organized for 1860 than ever before." Another speech has arrived, delivered by Israel Washburn, Maine congressman, sent by his brother, Elihu Washburne, Illinois congressman. Lincoln writes to sender, praising speech. Abraham Lincoln to Lyman Trumbull, 29 January 1859, CW, 3:351; Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 29 January 1859, CW, 3:351-52.

In People v. Illinois Central RR, parties agree that on August 13, 1857 defendant filed with auditor list of stock, property, and assets. Case, in which Lincoln is one of counsel for railroad, involves method of assessing road's property for taxation. 27 Ill. 64.

Lincoln & Herndon appear for defendant in Sangamon Circuit Court when jury is summoned to fix damages in People v. Moore et al. Jury sets figure at $14,284.11. Record.

Lincoln writes an opinion for several individuals representing the drainage commissioners of Bureau County, Illinois, regarding the validity of the sale of some swampland. Lincoln determines that the purchasers of the swampland are the lawful owners of the property. These issues are central in the case of Templeton v. Kelsey, which the Illinois Supreme Court will eventually hear on appeal from Bureau County. Opinion Concerning Swamp Lands in Bureau County, Illinois, 31 January 1859, CW, 3:352-55; Circuit Court Transcript, 2 March 1861, Illinois Supreme Court, case file 14264, Illinois State Archives, Springfield, IL.

In the afternoon, attorneys Lincoln, Milton Hay, and Benjamin S. Edwards examine Henry J. Atkins prior to finding him "qualified to practice law." The three attorneys "recommend that he be licensed." Afterward, in a letter to his brother, Howard M. Atkins, of Jacksonville, Illinois, Henry writes, "I passed a thorough examination this afternoon before three of the best lawyers in Illinois." Atkins boasts that he "only missed one question & that was a trivial mistake. The committee complimented me very highly, and said it had been a long time since a student had passed so good an examination before them." Certificate of Examination for Henry J. Atkins, 31 January 1859, CW, 3:352; Howard F. Dyson, "Lincoln in Rushville," Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society 8 (1903): 224-25; Henry J. Atkins to Howard M. Atkins, 31 January 1859, SC 2661, Manuscripts, IHi, Springfield, IL.

He buys "Red Gelatine," "Cooper Isinglass," and cream of tartar at his drug store, while Robert fetches six pounds of sugar from Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 152, 154.