Lincoln & Herndon file amended petition in Evans et al. v. Staley et al. in Sangamon Circuit Court. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes to Illinois State Senator Joseph Gillespie, of Edwardsville, regarding the upcoming congressional election. At the time, state legislatures elected U.S. senators. Lincoln explains, "I have really got it into my head to try to be United States Senator . . . I do not ask you to yield to me, if you are thinking of becoming a candidate yourself. If, however, you are not, then I should like to be remembered affectionately by you; and also, to have you make a mark for me." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 1 December 1854, CW, 2:290.

Mrs. Lincoln sends Robert to John Williams' store for two spools silk thread. Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.

In the U.S. Circuit Court Lincoln & Herndon file declaration in Collins et al. v. Cook. Plaintiffs ask damages of $1,000 for failure of defendant to pay two promissory notes of $596.23 and $132.27. Record.

Lincoln writes an opinion concerning the welfare of eighteen-year-old Irish immigrant John Fitzgerald. Shortly after arriving in Springfield, Fitzgerald "fell sick, and became a public charge." Someone asked Lincoln to determine which governmental entity—the City of Springfield or Sangamon County—should "bear the charge." After studying the "new city charter," Lincoln concludes, "I think the Legislature intended that all public charges, arising from the indigence of persons, resident within the City, were to be borne by the City—and not by the County." Opinion, 18 December 1854, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, IL; Opinion Concerning John Fitzgerald, 18 December 1854, CW, 2:294-95.

In third letter to Washburne, Lincoln tries to overcome objection which one of Washburne's friends—evidently T. J. Turner, Representative-elect from Stephenson County—has offered to his candidacy. Turner has questioned whether Lincoln would be "impartial representative" of whole state. Lincoln answers that he is mortified "that any one should suspect me of an inclination to the contrary." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 19 December 1854, CW, 2:295.

Lincoln and Logan lose ejectment case, Morrison v. Briggs, in U.S. Circuit Court. Jury finds for plaintiff, orders that defendant restore property and pay damages of one cent. Record.

Lincoln is concerned with another ejectment case in U.S. Circuit Court, Taylor v. Humphries. In association with Taylor he files declaration, notice, affidavit of service, and bond for costs. In declaration plaintiff alleges that defendant, citizen of Kentucky, has withheld his land and damages him to extent of $5,000. Record.

Special election is held to choose Lincoln's successor to legislature. Of 491 voters Lincoln is 38th to appear. Whig candidate, N. M. Broadwell, is defeated. Election Returns.