[There is no record that Lincoln voted in presidential election.]

[Menard Circuit Court opens three-day term.]

In Sangamon Circuit Court, David Spear, one of defendants in Hornsby v. Ragsdale et al., files answer and exhibit. Lincoln is attorney for plaintiff.Record.

Wood et al. v. Ross is continued by plaintiff's attorneys, Stuart & Lincoln.Record.

Lincoln receives certificate of election to 12th General Assembly from N. W. Matheny, clerk of County Commissioners' Court.Photocopy.

Lincoln attends opening of called session of House of Representatives. Members meet in Methodist Church, which is wholly unsuitable. Senate meets in their unfinished chamber in state house. House has 40 Whigs and 51 Democrats, Senate 14 Whigs and 26 Democrats.Alton Telegraph, 28 November 1840.

House elects speaker; W. L. D. Ewing receives 46 and Lincoln 36 votes. Ewing is conducted to chair by Lincoln and Ebenezer Peck. Lincoln introduces resolution to inform Senate House has met and elected officers. He is appointed one of committee of seven to prepare and report House rules.House Journal.

In Sangamon County Court case, Hart v. Harrison & Houghton, Lincoln writes answer to bill of injunction and signs his client's name.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln votes for Newton Cloud, who is elected copyist of "House Journal." Lincoln is chosen with English of Greene and Carpenter of Hamilton to sit with two members of Senate on joint rules committee. He speaks and votes against printing 8,000 copies of governor's message.House Journal.

In each of three cases in Circuit Court, Barrett v. Spear, Crane v. Grubb, and Shackleford & Shackleford v. Shackleford, defendant confesses his indebtedness and judgment is entered against him. In each case Lincoln represents defendant.Record.

[Legislature is in session. Lincoln does not vote on two roll calls.]

Lincoln is appointed to Committees on Finance and Canal and Canal Lands. He offers resolution to refer as much of governor's message as relates to fraudulent voting to Committee on Elections. Democrats stop this Whig move by referring to joint committee.House Journal.

Lincoln does not attend morning session. He opposes move of Trumbull of St. Clair and other Democrats to have governor appoint agent to take over all books and property of internal improvement system, now under Board of Public Works.House Journal.