Lincoln, Yates, Harris, and McConnel address political meetings. Yates speaks in afternoon and is followed by Harris; in evening Lincoln speaks at length on Nebraska question and is answered by McConnel. Register, 6 September 1854.

Lincoln has mortgage he took from Ritta Angelica da Silva August 11, 1854 recorded. Deed Record PP, 353.

Illinois Journal announces that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen T. Logan are candidates for representatives in next General Assembly.

Lincoln writes John M. Palmer of Carlinville, Anti-Nebraska Democrat: "Is it not just to yourself that you should, in a few public speeches, state your reasons, [for opposing Nebraska bill] and thus justify yourself? I wish you would; and yet I say 'dont do it, if you think it will injure you.' " He also writes to Alexander Morean of Jerseyville, stating that Yates could not visit that area, suggesting Palmer or Gillespie as anti-Nebraska speaker. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Palmer, 7 September 1854, CW, 2:228; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander B. Morean, 7 September 1854, CW, 2:227-28.

Lincoln writes to fellow attorney Richard Oglesby, of Decatur, Illinois, about rumors surrounding their political ally Richard Yates, who seeks another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lincoln explains, "I understand his enemies are getting up a charge against him, that while he passes for a temperate man, he is in the habit of drinking secretly—and that they calculate on proving an instance of the charge by you." Lincoln asks, "Will you please write me, and tell me what the truth of this matter is?" Abraham Lincoln to Richard J. Oglesby, 8 September 1854, CW, 10:24.

John Calhoun and Lincoln debate Nebraska question at public meeting in court house. Calhoun leads off with what "Journal" calls able speech, "but if any of his positions were left standing after Mr. Lincoln closed, gentlemen who were present and heard both speeches, could not discover them." Speech at Springfield, Illinois, 9 September 1854, CW, 2:229.

Register admits (September 11, 1854) that Lincoln, "with his usual ability, made the best of a bad position."

Lincoln writes editorial, which "Illinois Journal" publishes, continuing his Saturday debate with Calhoun. Editorial on the Kansas-Nebraska Act, 11 September 1854, CW, 2:229-30.

[McLean Circuit Court convenes for term of two weeks.]

Lincoln addresses German Anti-Nebraska meeting. "The speech was clear and unanswerable, for it was a plain statement of facts, and of sound, strong argument; it was eloquent, for he spoke the deep convictions of truth from a heart warmed with the love of his country, and the love of freedom." Bloomington Pantagraph, 20 September 1854; Speech at Bloomington, Illinois, 12 September 1854, CW, 2:230-33.

Coventry & Warwickshire Bank v. Whorrall is continued at cost of defendant, Lincoln's client. Record.