In Pearl v. McKnight & Co., filed June 16, 1859, and Lee, Murphy, & Avery v. Adams, filed June 17, 1859, Lincoln gets judgments for $531.89 and $3,461.32, respectively. Whiting v. Mudge, argued June 21, 1859, is submitted to court, and after testimony and argument, is taken under advisement. In Allen & McGrady v. Illinois River RR Lincoln files declaration alleging debt and damages of $800,000. Record; Files.

Peoria and Hannibal Railroad case comes up again. It is continued, but on Lincoln's motion defendant is ruled to plead in 20 days, or plaintiff is to have judgment by default. Record.

Lincoln asks editor of "Central Transcript," Clinton, to put him on subscription list, promising to pay at fall court. He then criticizes article in recent issue against Republicans of northern Illinois, whom Lincoln defends. Abraham Lincoln to the Editor of the Central Transcript, 3 July 1859, CW, 3:389-90.

In the morning, Lincoln attends the July 4 festivities held at Turner's Grove, located one mile outside of Atlanta. Following music, an opening prayer, and a "[r]eading of the Declaration of Independence," Lincoln's friend and fellow Springfield resident, James H. Matheny, delivers a speech. Afterward, Sylvester Strong presents Lincoln with a custom-made cane. In the evening, Lincoln attends an ice cream social at the Congregational Church. A newspaper reports, "Speeches at large were made by Gen. Matheny and Hon. A. Lincoln. Matheny quoted the poets and Lincoln talked about eating. The Fourth of July closed at Atlanta on the morning of the fifth." Lincoln Weekly Herald (IL), 6 July 1859, 2:2; Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 9 July 1859, 2:1; Lawrence B. Stringer, History of Logan County, Illinois (Chicago: Pioneer Publishing, 1911), 226-228.

Lincoln writes to Indiana Congressman Schuyler Colfax, who had visited Jacksonville, Illinois, on July 4. Lincoln explains that he was unable to be in Jacksonville because he "had given my word to be at another place." Lincoln seeks Colfax's thoughts on how "to hedge against divisions in the Republican ranks" over the "explosive" issues of "foreigners . . . the Fugitive Slave law . . . [and] the spread . . . of slavery," all of which Lincoln fears will disrupt the "National convention." Lincoln suggests, "every locality . . . should look beyond our noses; and at least say nothing on points where it is probable we shall disagree." Abraham Lincoln to Schuyler Colfax, 6 July 1859, CW, 3:390-91.

In U.S. Court Lincoln files plea and notice in L. Edgerton & Dunning v. Stapleford. Files.

To Samuel Galloway, Republican lawyer of Columbus, Ohio, Lincoln writes about Ambos et al. v. Barrett which he is handling in U.S. Circuit Court. "My chief annoyance with the case now is that the parties at Columbus [plaintiffs] seem to think it is by my neglect that they do not get their money." Abraham Lincoln to Samuel Galloway, 27 July 1859, CW, 3:393-94.