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 is back at work in U.S. Circuit Court. Butler, Cecil, & Rawson v. H. Bell & Co., in which he represents defendants, is tried before jury, which finds for plaintiffs with $3,155.19 damages. Record.

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.

In two more cases in U.S. Court, Bischof & March v. Day, and Bischof & March v. Harrison, Lincoln has defendants ruled to plead by July 8, 1859. Record.

Mrs. Lincoln buys two boys' hats, pair of boys' gaiters, handkerchiefs, and thread at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 157.

In both suits called preceding day defendants default, and Lincoln gets judgments for his clients, with damages of $542 and $255.94 respectively. Record.

He writes $3.70 check to E. R. Wiley, clothier, and $2.87 to "Joseph Vere." DLC—Originals.

In U.S. Circuit Court two of Lincoln's cases terminate. McCallum, Bristol & Co. v. Illinois River RR is dismissed at plaintiff's costs. L. Edgerton & Dunning v. Stapleford is tried by court, and judgment for $1,989.34 entered against defendant, Lincoln's client. Record.

Robert buys 11 pounds of sugar at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 157.

Lincoln, Logan, and Hatch, "as friends of yours and of the people," urge James Miller, treasurer, to pay nothing "under any possible circumstances" on new McAllister and Stebbins bonds. Lincoln sends copy of his German paper, "Illinois Staats-Anzeiger," to Frederick C. W. Koehnle of Lincoln and John Capps of Mount Pulaski. Abraham Lincoln, S. T. Logan, and O. M. Hatch to James Miller, 11 July 1859, CW, 3:392; Abraham Lincoln to Frederick C. W. Koehnle, 11 July 1859, CW, 2:391.

Court decides Whiting v. Mudge, tried July 1, 1859, in favor of plaintiff, and assesses damages of $517.41. Lincoln represents defendant. Record.

Mrs. Lincoln buys box, 66 pounds of soap, wash bowl, and five kinds of cloth, hiring dray to deliver order. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.

Lincoln files joinder to defendant's plea in Howland v. Peoria & Hannibal RR in U.S. Circuit Court. Files.

Lincoln buys 75¢ pair of suspenders at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.

Mrs. Lincoln buys five yards cotton flannel at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.