[Fifth issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 5, 1 April 1840.]

[Bill of complaint written by Lincoln is filed in Circuit Court of Christian County at Taylorville in case of Baker v. Addington et al. No other evidence of Lincoln's presence in Taylorville on this date is known, and possibly bill of complaint was sent from Springfield.Record.

Lincoln speaks at Whig rally in court house. Democratic Register calls him "the lion of the Tribe of Sangamon . . . and judging from outward appearance, originally from Liberia." Alton Telegraph, 11 April 1840; Sangamo Journal, 10 April 1840.

Lincoln is re-elected to Springfield Board of Trustees. Minutes of Board of Trustees, 7 April 1840; Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 10 April 1840, 2:1.

At designated hour Democratic orator fails to appear. "Sangamo Journal" comments. "The wood and the lamp were ready but the high priest came not to the sacrifice. At length the gentleman who had given the challenge appeared and gave notice there would be no debate unless Mr. Lincoln would get the crowd."Sangamo Journal, 8 May 1840.