Lincoln attends preliminary examination in case which has aroused wide interest, People v. Harrison. Harrison is accused of murder of Greek Crafton, Sangamon County ne'er-do-well. White, McClernand, and Broadwell appear for prosecution; Lincoln, Herndon, Logan, and Hay are for defense. Because of absence of two important witnesses, examination is adjourned. Illinois State Journal, 2 August 1859.

In a pre-trial hearing of the Sangamon County Circuit Court case of People v. Harrison, Lincoln and several other attorneys represent Peachy Quinn Harrison, whom the state's attorney indicted for the murder of Greek Crafton. On July 16, in Pleasant Plains, Harrison and Crafton fought; Harrison pulled a knife and stabbed Crafton. Crafton died two days later. On this day, the attorneys for both sides question "[q]uite a number of witnesses." A newspaper reports, "The case excited unusual interest and the Court House was densely crowded . . . [T]he defence urge the plea that Harrison acted wholly in self defence . . . The examination closed about six o' clock [in the] evening." Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 20 July 1859, 3:1-2; 3 August 1859, 3:1; Trial Transcript, [August 1859 Term], People v. Harrison, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Robert buys blacking brush at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.

Attorneys occupy day in summing up evidence in Harrison case. Broadwell makes opening statement for prosecution; Logan and Lincoln follow for defense, and McClernand closes for state. Harrison is bound over for trial, bail set at $10,000. Illinois State Journal, 4 August 1859.

Robert buys two dozen nutmegs at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.

Lincoln writes $92.66 check to "Ruckel & Johns," dealers in wallpaper, paint, and glass. DLC—Original.

Mrs. Lincoln buys dozen buttons at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 158.

Lincoln pays $24 by check to George W. Chatterton, jeweller. DLC—Original.

He buys and charges ($1.50) toilet powder and soap on his drug store account. Mrs. Lincoln buys shoes, buttons, comb, and brush at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 152, 158.

[Lincoln and Hatch must have left for St. Joseph in late afternoon or evening. Their stay is longer than planned, as steamboat runs aground up river.]

Lincoln writes Daniel Rohrer of St. Paul that he must regretfully decline invitation to take stump in Minnesota, for he must spend fall in courts. Abraham Lincoln to Daniel Rohrer, 19 August 1859, CW, 3:397.

He tells his friend D. A. Cheever that he cannot recommend editor for Tremont Republican paper, and suggests he inquire at Bloomington and Chicago. IU—Original.

Lincoln and Ozias M. Hatch are in Hannibal on railroad business. Quincy Herald, 22 August 1859, 2:4.

[Another pair of heavy drawers is charged to Lincoln's account at John Williams & Co. Mrs. Lincoln exchanges napkins at Smith's, and buys pair of gloves. Pratt, Personal Finances, 149, 159.]

Lincoln and Ozias M. Hatch pass through Quincy on their way home from Hannibal, Missouri. Quincy Herald, 22 August 1859, 2:4.

Robert buys pocket knife and yard goods at Smith's. Pratt, Personal Finances, 159.

Lincoln's account at Williams & Co. is charged $2.10 for six "French Towels." Pratt, Personal Finances, 149.

Lincoln, Dubois, and Browning discuss rumor that Miller, treasurer, contemplates resigning. He has promised not to, but Dubois and Lincoln have little faith in that, and suspect governor already has his resignation. Browning, Diary.

Lincoln writes answer of Caleb K. Lucas in Reed et al. v. Mann et al., Logan County case, signs "Lincoln & Herndon, for Respondent," and dispatches it to Lincoln. Photocopy.

Trial of P. Q. Harrison for murder commences in Sangamon Circuit Court. Counsel has changed since preliminary examination. White, Palmer, Broadwell, and Cogdale appear for prosecution; Lincoln, Herndon, Logan, and Cullom are for defense. Afternoon is spent examining prospective jurors. Illinois State Journal, 1 September 1859.

Mrs. Lincoln buys buttons at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 159.