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 writes Delahay again in regard to visit to Kansas. "It will push me hard to get there without injury to my own business; but I shall try to do it, though I am not yet quite certain I shall succeed." Abraham Lincoln to Mark W. Delahay, 4 March 1859, CW, 3:371-72.

He deposits $250. Marine Bank Ledger.

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

[Mrs. Lincoln buys and charges three pounds of coffee at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.]

Lincoln writes, signs, and files defendant's answer in Harrison v. Wellen et al. He is acting with Hill. In same case he writes, signs, and files answer of DeWitt C. Jones. He writes, signs, and files answer of same client in Merriman & Woodard v. Wellen et al.Photocopy.

Lincoln pays his account with C. M. Smith ($407.72) in full. C. M. Smith Account Book, IHi.

He deposits $40 in his bank account. Marine Bank Ledger.

Lincoln, with 12 others, signs call for March 21, 1859 Springfield Republican convention. Illinois State Journal, 14 March 1859; Call for Springfield Republican Convention, 14 March 1859, CW, 3:372.

Second suit of Wilson Allen v. Illinois Central RR comes to trial. Damages of $2,000 are sought in compensation for alleged obstruction of drain. Jury finds for plaintiff in sum of $286. Lincoln appears for railroad. Record.

Lincoln writes and files replication and pleas in Bennett v. Williams, signing "Moore, p.d." Photocopy.

Lincoln writes $22.50 check to "J. W. Fracketton, Treasurer &c." DLC—Original.

Robert gets 10 pounds of sugar and four pounds of candles at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Lincoln is attorney for Abraham Nash, alias Yankee Sullivan, charged with assault with intent to kill. By agreement bail is increased to $1,000, and change of venue to Sangamon County granted. Record.

He writes and files pleas for defendants in Lacey v. Beverly et al., and in Closson v. McFarland. In first case he acts with Parks, in second with Estabrook. Photocopy.

[Mrs. Lincoln buys more yard goods ($2.75) at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 155.]

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.