Lincoln and Rev. Francis A. McNeill are speakers at memorial service for Bowling Green, conducted by Springfield Masonic Lodge No. 4. July 18, 1842 committee of five—John Bennett, Martin S. Morris, John Uhler, Edward Jones, and John Zwisler—was appointed to make arrangements "for the day of procession."Sangamo Journal, 20 August 1842, William H. Herndon Papers, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

Lincoln writes bill in chancery asking that land purchase contract be made null and void in Pickrell & Cantrall v. Smith et al., Sangamon Circuit Court.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

[Third and fourth of series of letters signed Rebecca, written in backwoods dialect, and poking fun at James Shields and Democrat policies are dated today, and appear in Sangamo Journal; September 9, 1842.]

Lincoln writes list of all candidates for the legislature from time he first ran, to his last candidacy, with votes cast. This statement Lincoln has certified by Noah Matheny, clerk of County Commissioners' Court.Tabulation of Votes in Sangamon County for State Representatives 1832-1836, [9 September 1842], CW, 1:297-99.

Logan & Lincoln, complainant's solicitors in Pickrell & Cantrall v. Smith et al., file notice and ask clerk to issue summons to Nov. term of Sangamon Circuit Court. Several defendants live out of state.Sangamo Journal, 16 September 1842.

Lincoln buys $26.56 worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant.Account (copy), 15 September 1842, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 282, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

[Tazewell County Circuit Court convenes for fall term lasting seven days. Docket does not show that Lincoln has any cases on first day.]

Logan & Lincoln get judgment for $277.35 in Justice & Justice v. Garth.Record.

Lincoln receives note from James Shields who has come to Tremont to get satisfaction re "Rebecca" letters. Lincoln replies that Shields' note is too general. Shields' second note asks if Lincoln is author of article in "Journal" of September 2, 1842, headed "The Lost Townships" and signed "Becca."Abraham Lincoln to James Shields, 17 September 1842, CW, 1:299-300.

Lincoln refuses to accept Shields's reply to his note until Shields withdraws his first note. Gen. Whiteside, Shields's second, and Dr. E. H. Merryman, Lincoln's second, fail to arrive at amicable settlement and duel is proposed. Lincoln, Whiteside, and Merryman return to Springfield. Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 14 October 1842.

Lincoln draws up instructions for Merryman in case his opponent should wish to have matter settled. In case no settlement is made, he selects as weapons cavalry broadswords of largest size, and outlines other duel preliminaries. Fearing arrest, Lincoln leaves for Jacksonville early to await his second and friends.Memorandum of Duel Instructions to Elias H. Merryman, [19 September 1842], CW, 1:300-2.

[McLean Circuit Court convenes at Bloomington for four-day term.]