Lincoln writes to Caleb B. Smith of Indiana, former colleague in Congress, now member of Mexican Claims Commission, asking him and George Evans, of Maine, to call on Ewing in behalf of Dr. Anson G. Henry, applicant for register of Minnesota Land Office. "I have always had a tolerably high hope that Mr. Ewing will appoint Henry, if he does not forget my peculiar anxiety about it." He writes memorandum stating that W. S. Wallace and Orville Paddock of Springfield, rivals for pension agent, are both good Whigs and business men. Abraham Lincoln to Caleb B. Smith, 1 May 1849, CW, 2:46; Memorandum Concerning Orville Paddock and William S. Wallace, [1 May 1849?], CW, 2:45.

[Champaign Circuit Court convenes at Urbana.]

[Herndon states that sometime during spring of 1849, Grant Goodrich of Chicago tried to induce Lincoln to come to Chicago and form partnership. Lincoln refused because, having tendency toward tuberculosis, he feared that confinement and hard study would undermine his health. Herndon & Weik, 247.]

Lincoln loans John Hay $500, taking promissory note secured by mortgage on 150 acres of land about two miles south of Springfield. Note is payable six months from date, and is to bear interest at 6 per cent. Book CC of Mortgages, 43.

Lincoln writes to George W. Rives, of Paris, Illinois, in response to Rives's request for Lincoln's help in attaining a federal position, specifically related to the Minnesota Territory. Rives explains, "I learn from the deportment that the solicitations of . . . friends of the present administration are attended to more promptly." Lincoln writes, "You overrate my capacity to serve you. Not one man recommended by me has yet been appointed to any thing, little or big, except a few who had no opposition." George W. Rives to Abraham Lincoln, 25 April 1849, Robert Todd Lincoln Collection of Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to George W. Rives, 7 May 1849, CW, 2:46.

He buys, at Irwin's store, $4.62 in groceries and 6¾ yards moreen and piece of binding (15¢). Irwin Journal and Ledger.

On back of C. Ludlum's rent note Lincoln acknowledges receipt of full payment for house rental. Privately Owned.

Lincoln writes to Thomas Ewing explaining that his letter of April 13, 1849, in which he requested that King's and Davis's recommendations be transposed, was written at request of friend who then attacked King's character in order to get appointment for himself. Lincoln defends King and asks that his recommendations stand as originally made. Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Ewing, 10 May 1849, CW, 2:46-47.

Lincoln writes, for Charles H. Constable of Wayne County, job seeker, letter of introduction to Secretary Clayton. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 13 May 1849, CW, 2:48.

[Edgar Circuit Court begins its session at Paris.]

Lincoln is much disturbed by receipt of letters from Washington informing him that Justin Butterfield will probably be appointed commissioner of General Land Office. Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48-49.

Lincoln pays $4 cash at Bunn's store, amount he owes for two kegs paint. Bunn Journal.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of the Navy William B. Preston and objects to the impending appointment of Justin Butterfield, of Chicago, to the Commissioner of the General Land Office post. Lincoln seeks the office for himself and he notes Butterfield's minimal efforts to help elect President Zachary Taylor. Lincoln writes, "[W]hen you and I were almost sweating blood to have Genl. Taylor nominated, this same man was ridiculing the idea . . . and when Gen: T. was nominated, if [Butterfield] went out of the city of Chicago to aid in his election, it is more than I ever heard, or believe. . . . If there is one man in this state who desires B's appointment to any thing, I declare I have not heard of him." Abraham Lincoln to William B. Preston, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48-49; Thomas F. Schwartz, "An Egregious Political Blunder: Justin Butterfield, Lincoln, and Illinois Whiggery," Papers of the Abraham Lincoln Association 8 (1986): 9-19.

Lincoln writes to Secretary of State John M. Clayton and recommends Ethelbert P. Oliphant, who seeks a diplomatic post. Lincoln writes, "Oliphant, of Union Town, Pa. is a candidate for the appointment of Charge to Denmark." Lincoln informs Clayton that Oliphant, with whom Lincoln served in the Black Hawk War, once lived in Springfield. Lincoln closes, "His success would afford me sincere satisfaction." Ethelbert P. Oliphant to Abraham Lincoln, 8 May 1849, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Abraham Lincoln to John M. Clayton, 16 May 1849, CW, 2:48; Ethelbert P. Oliphant to Abraham Lincoln, 28 July 1859, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln records mortgage made by John Hay on 7th. Book CC of Mortgages, 43.

Lincoln writes to Duff Green protesting against Butterfield's appointment. "In the great contest of /40 he was not seen or heard of; but when the victory came, three or four old drones, including him, got all the valuable offices. . . . Try to defeat B. and in doing so, use Mr. Edwards, J. L. D. Morrison, or myself, which ever you can to best advantage." Abraham Lincoln to Duff Green, 18 May 1849, CW, 2:49-50.

Lincoln is doing everything in his power to prevent appointment of Butterfield. He writes to Joseph Gillespie asking him to request Senator John J. Crittenden of Kentucky to do what he can to block appointment. "He can control the matter." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 19 May 1849, CW, 2:50.

Lincoln writes and files a praecipe for the plaintiffs in Cantrall et ux. v. Primm, a slander case before the Sangamon County Circuit Court. Photocopy.

[Shelby Circuit Court opens its session at Shelbyville.]

Lincoln is granted patent on device for lifting boats over shoals. DNA—File No. 6469.

[He applied March 10, 1849. Application for Patent on an Improved Method of Lifting Vessels over Shoals, 10 March 1849, CW, 2:32-36.]

Lincoln writes letters to Richard W. Thompson and Elisha Embree, Whig congressmen from Indiana. He describes Butterfield's proposed appointment as "an egregious political blunder" which "will give offence to the whole whig party here," and asks them to write to President Taylor, "saying that either I, or the man I recommend, should . . . be appointed to that office, if any one from Illinois shall be." Abraham Lincoln to Richard W. Thompson, 25 May 1849, CW, 2:51; Abraham Lincoln to Elisha Embree, 25 May 1849, CW, 2:51.

He buys $2.39 worth of clothing material, plus half-yard flannel for 38¢. Irwin Journal.

[Moultrie Circuit Court convenes at Sullivan.]

Lincoln visits his father and stepmother. Thomas Lincoln's health is failing. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 128.

Mrs. Lincoln buys and charges 7 pounds sugar at Bunn's Grocery (50¢). Bunn Journal.

Lincoln is with his Coles County relatives, relating experiences as congressman. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 129-30.

Lincoln is still visiting. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 129-30.

[Macon Circuit Court begins its session at Decatur.]