In the evening, Lincoln speaks to Republicans who are celebrating at their headquarters after Chicago's municipal election. Lincoln reflects on his 1858 Senate race loss, and he takes issue with Republicans who, on the grounds of political expediency, voted for Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln explains the difference between Republicans and Douglas regarding slavery: Republicans believe that slavery is "wrong," while Douglas considers it "simply a question of dollars and cents." Lincoln adds, "[Republicans] are on a ground of unquestionable right," and he encourages them to "Stand by your principles." Chicago Daily Press and Tribune, 2 March 1859, 1:2; Speech at Chicago, Illinois, 1 March 1859, CW, 3:365-70.

"At last I am here to give some attention to the suit of Haines and Haines vs. Talcott and others," Lincoln writes P. H. Watson, opposing counsel in case. He suggests an arrangement by which litigation may be shortened, and asks Watson to write to him at Springfield. "Make any suggestions of your own with the same frankness as I have done." Abraham Lincoln to Peter H. Watson, 2 March 1859, CW, 3:370-71.

Lincoln writes advice to Hayden Keeling, client. "I do not think there is the least use of doing any more with the law suit. I not only do not think you are sure to gain it, but I do think you are sure to lose it. Therefore the sooner it ends the better." Abraham Lincoln to Hayden Keeling, 3 March 1859, CW, 3:371.

Lincoln is in Clinton for the DeWitt County Circuit Court. David Davis to George Davis, 9 March 1859, David Davis Family Papers, IHi.

Lincoln writes to William A. Ross, of Washington, Illinois, in response to Ross's proposal to publish a book of the debates between Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Lincoln expresses a keen interest in the project and recommends a layout and a title, "Illinois political canvass of 1858." Lincoln suggests that Ross "include the correspondence between Judge Douglas and myself which led to the joint discussions." In the interest of fairness, Lincoln proposes using debate reprints from two different Chicago newspapers, one favorable to Douglas, and the other favorable to Lincoln. William A. Ross to Abraham Lincoln, 18 March 1859, Robert Todd Lincoln Collection of Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to William A. Ross, 26 March 1859, CW, 3:372-74.

In court Lincoln files power of attorney from defendants and confesses judgment against them in Blong v. W. C. Taylor & Co. for $8,428.77, amount of note sued on and interest. Photocopy.

[Robert buys shoes, yard goods, and sewing materials for his mother at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 155.]

Lincoln acknowledges W. M. Morris's invitation to lecture at Galesburg. "I regret to say I can not do so now; I must stick to the courts awhile." Abraham Lincoln to William M. Morris, 28 March 1859, CW, 3:374.

He deposits $50 in his bank account. Of this, $30 represents payment on promissory note for $80 which he holds, made November 7, 1857 by Milton Davis of Vermilion County and due December 25, 1857. Lincoln Estate Inventory.

He writes $28.64 check to J. G. Hull, china and glassware merchant. DLC—Original.

Smith's store delivers, by dray, 32 pounds of "Java Coffee" to Lincoln's residence. Pratt, Personal Finances, 155.

Lincoln files separate answer of J. T. McCoy in Campbell v. McCoy & Blatchford in Logan Circuit Court. Files.

He writes and files affidavit and motion for new trial for defendant in Howser v. Palmer, "mule replevin case." Photocopy.

[Mrs. Lincoln buys sewing materials at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 155.]

In Gleeson v. Jones et al. Lincoln writes answer of James H. Matheny, guardian ad litem, replication, and court decree. Photocopy.

[Mrs. Lincoln buys more sewing materials at Smith's and boys hat and pair of shoes ($4.59). Pratt, Personal Finances, 155.]

Lincoln files bill and affidavit in Day v. Skinner & Turley which he drew March 22, 1859. He also writes and files order of court by which case is continued. Files.

He writes and files demurrer in Smith v. Bowman & Sewell, in which he and Parks are for plaintiff. Photocopy.