Lincoln and other eight members of Sangamon delegation, nicknamed Long Nine because of their height, attend opening session of Tenth General Assembly. He votes four times for Newton Cloud for Speaker, but James Semple is elected. On Lincoln's motion House elects David Prickett clerk.House Journal.

[No session of House.]

Gov. Duncan addresses legislature, denouncing President Jackson's policies. He points out difficulties attendant on sale of state bonds to finance internal improvements, necessity of militia, need of public education, and recommends that state purchase stock reserved in state bank. House Journal.

Lincoln is appointed to two of 14 standing House committees: important Committee on Finance, and minor Penitentiary Committee.House Journal.

[House meets in morning. Lincoln's name is not mentioned in proceedings.House Journal.

Supreme Court convenes and remains in session until March 2, 1837.Record.]

From Vandalia, Illinois, where he is serving in the legislature, Lincoln writes to New Salem resident Mary Owens, with whom Lincoln is, perhaps reluctantly, romantically linked. He discusses politics and his state of mind. He writes, "The new State House is not yet finished, and consequently the legislature is doing little...The Governor delivered an inflamitory political Message, and it is expected there will be some sparring between the parties...I have been sick ever since my arrival here...I would rather be any place in the world than here. I...can not endure the thought of staying here ten weeks." Abraham Lincoln to Mary S. Owens, 13 December 1836, CW, 1:54-55.

Lincoln moves report of auditor be tabled and 2,000 copies printed. Motion adopted. He votes for Archibald Williams of Quincy for U.S. senator on three ballots. Richard M. Young of Jonesboro is elected.House Journal.

Lincoln votes with majority to refer divorce petition of Henry King to Committee on Petitions. He votes yea on granting second reading to bill repealing act to improve cattle, passed last session.House Journal.

Dubois and Lincoln call for vote on amendment to "act to provide for receiving a distributive share of the surplus revenue of the United States on deposit." Lincoln votes nay on resolution: "That it is unconstitutional and foreign to the duties of . . . the Legislature to grant bills of divorce."House Journal.

Senate sitting with House elects W. B. Scates judge of third judicial circuit. Lincoln votes for S. D. Marshall, who is elected prosecuting attorney of same circuit. House adopts Senate resolution "requiring the treasurer . . . to demand specie on the drafts of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States for her proportion of the public deposits."House Journal.

Smith of Wabash proposes resolutions which become system of internal improvements. McClernand of Gallatin reports committee reply to Gov. Duncan's charges against President Jackson. Party fight ensues with Hardin of Morgan leading Whigs.House Journal.