Lincoln writes to a romantic interest, Mary S. Owens, of Kentucky, about whether or not they should marry. He writes, "I ... wish you would think seriously before you decide. . . . My opinion is that you had better not do it. You have not been accustomed to hardship, and it may be more severe than you now immagine." Lincoln adds, "Whatever woman may cast her lot with mine, should any ever do so, it is my intention to do all in my power to make her happy and contented; and there is nothing I can immagine, that would make me more unhappy than to fail in the effort." Abraham Lincoln to Mary S. Owens, 7 May 1837, CW, 1:78-79.

Lincoln writes report of three commissioners, George Pasfield, Washington Iles, and John Williams, appointed by county commissioners "To view a road from the Public Square in Springfield to Nathan Hussey's on the Fort Clark [Peoria] road."IHi—Original.

Benjamin Talbott, recorder, brings to office of Stuart & Lincoln papers which become basis of controversy between Lincoln and James Adams over ten-acre tract north of Springfield, claimed by Adams and heirs of Joseph Anderson. C. R. Matheny, William Butler, and S. T. Logan examine assignment from Anderson to Adams.Sangamo Journal, 19 August 1837, 9 September 1837.

Lincoln draws up a contingent fee agreement between John T. Stuart, Stephen T. Logan, Edward D. Baker, and himself with Mary Anderson and her son Richard. In Wright et al. v. Adams, a bill in chancery case, the Andersons along with Joel Wright sue James Adams in the Sangamon County Circuit Court. According to the agreement, the attorneys are to have one-half of a ten-acre tract if they successfully sue Adams. The case becomes the basis for a controversy involving Lincoln, Logan, and Adams that culminates with Logan's libel suit against Adams, Logan v. Adams.Photocopy.