Lincoln writes and signs for Davis and Murphy replication to defendant's answer in Davis v. Wilson, and writes court decree. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln, Howitt, and Roberts win People ex rel. Dunn v. Carle when jury finds defendant is father of Nancy Jane Dunn's child. Defendant is ordered to pay $50 a year for child's support. In Dunn v. Carle, jury finds defendant guilty of seduction and assesses damages of $180.41. Record.

Vermilion Circuit Court begins its session. Young v. Littler, continued at last two terms, is abated by reason of plaintiff's death. Lincoln is attorney for defendant. Gundy v. Gundy, in which he also represents defendant, is continued. Record.

Defendants in McRoberts v. Hollingsworth et al., whom Lincoln represents, default and clerk assesses plaintiff's damages at $284.62. Case is action in assumpsit. People for use of Wilson v. Kingsbury et al., action in debt, is heard on defendant's demurrer to plaintiff's declaration. Lincoln and Murphy lose case when court sustains demurrer. Record.

In Smith & Dunlap v. Dunlap, decided by Supreme Court January 7, 1851, defendant moves that Sangamon Circuit Court enter partial satisfaction of judgment. Judge Davis overrules motion, grants defendant's appeal to Supreme Court and instructs clerk to enter foregoing order, which is in Lincoln's handwriting. Photocopy.

Lincoln has only one case on first day of Edgar Circuit Court and it is continued. Record.

In Alexander v. Parrish, debt, he writes and files four pleas for defendant. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes petition of Joshua Gipson for writ of certiorari, who makes his mark before court, re judgment of Sangamon County Justice of Peace Court. Photocopy.

Two more of Lincoln's cases are continued. Record.

Starr et al. v. Cassady, bill to set aside deed, is submitted to court by Lincoln and Benedict for complainants and Dill and Linder for defendant. Court dismisses complainants' bill. Three other Lincoln cases are continued. Record.

Lincoln probably visits his stepmother at her home near Charleston. He makes entries in Lincoln family Bible, and discusses his stepmother's support. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 133; Family Record Written by Abraham Lincoln to, [1851?], CW, 2:94-95; Memorandum of Births in the Hall Family, [1851?], CW, 2:96.

[Shelby Circuit Court convenes.]

In Fancher v. Gollogher, slander, issue is joined on defendant's plea of not guilty. Jury finds defendant guilty on two counts and not guilty on two. Plaintiff's damages are assessed at $1,000. Plaintiff remits damages but retains his right to costs. Linder and Moulton are plaintiff's attorneys, Lincoln is defendant's. Record; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Spring term of Moultrie Circuit Court begins.]