Lincoln sits on bench in place of David Davis. Forty-five cases come before him. None is contested, however, and his work is limited to entering decrees and orders. Record; Photocopy.

Lincoln & Herndon have two cases in Circuit Court. James L. Lamb & Co. v. Hill, in which they represent defendant, is referred to arbitrators, who find for plaintiff in sum of $823.10. In other case Lincoln & Herndon, plaintiff's attorneys, are given leave to file amended bill. Record.

Two of Lincoln & Herndon's cases are tried by court. In McConnell & Hoppin v. Young, appeal from justice of peace, court finds for plaintiff in sum of $35.96. Roll v. Wochner, appeal, court takes under advisement. In both cases Lincoln and his partner appear for defendants. Record.

Defendants default in Burrell v. Ward et al. and court orders bill taken for confessed. Lincoln & Herndon represent complainant. Record.

In Bryan v. Jones, trespass case in which Rosette represents plaintiff, and Lincoln & Herndon, France, and Campbell for defendant, jury finds defendant guilty and assesses plaintiff's damages at $200. Roll v. Wochner is argued again. Court finds for plaintiff and assesses damages at $60.95. Record.

Lincoln speaks at the Tremont House before a Republican gathering. He urges the attendees to keep a "steady eye on the real issue, let us reinaugurate the good old 'central ideas' of the Republic. We can do it. The human heart is with us—God is with us. We shall again be able not to declare, that 'all States as States, are equal,' nor yet that 'all citizens as citizens are equal,' but to renew the broader, better declaration, including both these and much more, that 'all men are created equal.'" Daily Democratic Press (Chicago, IL), 11 December 1856, 2:2-3; Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 13 December 1856, 2:6, 16 December 1856, 2:3; Speech at a Republican Banquet, Chicago, Illinois, 10 December 1856, CW, 2:383-85.

October term of U.S. Circuit Court adjourns, court holding dredge patent case under consideration. Chicago Journal, 13 December 1856.

Lincoln writes Browning. In addition to explaining his failure to locate paper—"I have no recollection of ever having had it"—he tells him that several Republicans believe "a sort of party State address" should be got up, and that "it has been suggested that you could draw up such a thing as well if not better than any of us. Think about it." Abraham Lincoln to Orville H. Browning, 15 December 1856, CW, 2:386.

He buys pair of "Kid Gloves" at John Williams & Co. and is charged $1. Pratt, Personal Finances, 148.

Springfield bar meets. Stephen T. Logan is called to chair, and J. B. White is elected secretary. E. B. Herndon states that James H. Matheny is about to retire as circuit clerk, and that his long, efficient service merits recognition. He presents resolutions commending Matheny, which are adopted. Lincoln pays Matheny graceful tribute. Illinois State Journal, 24 December 1856; Remarks to the Springfield Bar on the Retirement of James H. Matheny, 20 December 1856, CW, 2:386.

Circuit Court adjourns after its longest session. New England Society celebrates 236th anniversary of landing of Pilgrims with supper at Concert Hall. After supper come many toasts, interspersed with music and remarks by J. H. Matheny, William Jayne, Erastus Wright, Lincoln, and others. Illinois State Journal, 24 December 1856.

Lincoln writes Robert Boal of Lacon in interest of Boal's candidacy for speakership of House. Abraham Lincoln to Robert S. Boal, 25 December 1856, CW, 2:387.

Citizens in favor of establishing female seminary in Springfield meet. John T. Stuart is appointed president. Stuart, Lincoln, and Mr. McKeever of Pennsylvania speak, and general discussion follows. It is resolved that committee of one from each ward be appointed to inquire further into matter. Illinois State Journal, 1 January 1857.