[Spring term of Tazewell Circuit Court opens at Pekin.]

Lincoln files a plea for defendant Henry Hainline in the Tazewell County Circuit Court case of Keener v. Hainline. Hainline's dog attacked plaintiff Henry Keener and "did . . . greatly lacerate, hurt, and wound one of" Keener's legs. The injuries caused Keener to become "sick, sore, lame, and disordered." Keener is suing Hainline for $1,000 in damages. Hainline pleads "not guilty," and the court empanels a jury. The jury "fail[s] to render a Verdict." The court releases the jury and continues the case. Narratio, filed 16 August 1853, Keener v. Hainline, box 34, Tazewell County Circuit Court, Tazewell County Courthouse, Pekin, IL; Plea, filed 2 May 1854, Keener v. Hainline, Private Collection; Order, 2 May 1854, Keener v. Hainline, General Record F, 622, Tazewell County Circuit Court, Tazewell County Courthouse, Pekin, IL.

He also writes defendant's plea in Hall v. Woodrow. Photocopy.

Lincoln and Parker are associated in two cases which come to trial. In first, Phillips v. Beal, ejectment suit, jury finds for plaintiff, their client, and assesses his damages at one cent. In second, Hall v. Woodrow, jury fails to agree and is discharged (see May 6, 1854). Lincoln wins another case when suit on alleged debt of $3,000, which he is defending, is dismissed. In several other cases he files pleas. Record; Files.

Although he signs Bush and Gridley as defendants' counsel, Lincoln writes and files plea in Pearl & Pearl v. Graham et al. Plea alleges that trespass complained of was against common disorderly house in which "drunkenness, idleness, quarrelling, profane swearing, obscenity" and other offenses were permitted, and that in forcibly destroying liquors defendants did no more than was necessary or lawful. Record; Files.

In Brown et al. v. Ayers et ux., Lincoln writes defendant's affidavit and order of court. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

One of Lincoln's clients in riot case pleads guilty. Another, whom he is defending on charge of cheating and fraud, defaults, and writ of scire facias is issued. In third case, King v. John M. Gill & Co., jury hears evidence, and is discharged by agreement. Lincoln and Parker for defendant consent to judgment against their client in sum of $504.15 and costs. Record.

Lincoln writes defendant's separate answer in Brown et al. v. Ayers et ux.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Another defendant in Lincoln's riot case pleads guilty. Five plead not guilty. Jury is called, convicts two and acquits three (see May 9, 1854). Hall v. Woodrow, tried May 3, 1854, is removed to Peoria County on change of venue. In replevin suit in which Lincoln appears for one of two defendants, case is dismissed against his client. In two other cases motions are entered. Record.

Lincoln and Stuart defend nine women from Marion, DeWitt County, charged with riot. Their offense consisted in destroying saloon keeper's stock on his refusal to close his place of business. More than a hundred women attend trial. Jury find defendants guilty, but judge lets them off with fine of $2 each. Register, 27 May 1854; Record.

Lincoln writes William Hutchins' answer in Hutchin et al. v. Hutchin & Hutchin, and part of court decree. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes order of court in Myers v. Brown, and petition of William Phillips in Porter et al. v. Busey et al., petition for partition. Photocopy; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Court adjourns. "The amount of business discharged was larger than at any other term of recent date," Urbana Union comments 1 June 1854.

Lincoln participates in two jury trials. In first, his client is found guilty of keeping disorderly house and fined $20. In second, jury returns verdict against defendant, whom Lincoln and Lamon represent, and assesses plaintiff's damages at $127.54. Record.

He writes, signs for "Lincoln & Lamon p.d.," and files plea for Joseph B. Lamon, defendant, in S. & G. W. Titus v. Lamon. Photocopy.

Lincoln and Swett examine Hiram Beckwith and George Lawrence for admission to bar and recommend they be licensed. Certificate of Examination for Hiram W. Beckwith and George W. Lawrence, 27 May 1854, CW, 2:218.

Lincoln and Lamon defend John Armstrong, Reuben Bloomfield, and others charged with riot. State's attorney dismisses charges against all except these two, whereupon jury finds them guilty. Court fines them each $5 and costs. Record.

Lincoln writes and files notice and pleas (signed Allen, Lincoln & Lamon) in McFarland v. Layton, debt. Files.

With eight of his cases called, Lincoln has busy day. Three come before juries, but in two cases no agreement is reached. In third, verdict is in favor of Lincoln's client. Fourth case is settled by agreement, defendant, whom Lincoln and Lamon represent, consenting to judgment of $423.22. Of remainder, two are tried before court, and two are continued. Record.

[In Washington, President Pierce signs Kansas-Nebraska bill.]

Lincoln has five cases. One is complicated chancery suit—Wilson et al. v. Kingsbury et al.—which has been pending for nearly three years. Murphy and Lincoln for complainants obtain court order terminating case. In two cases Lincoln and Lamon obtain judgments for $372 and $261.90 respectively. Fourth case is dismissed, fifth continued. Record.

Lincoln writes petition of E. R. Knight in Mattoon v. Knight. Files.