Lincoln represents the defendants in the U.S. Circuit Court case of Hurd et al. v. Rock Island Bridge Co. On this day, the plaintiffs' attorneys present "voluminous depositions" regarding the steamboat "Effie Afton," which was traveling on the Mississippi River to St. Paul, Minnesota, when it tried to pass under a newly-built railroad bridge at Rock Island, Illinois. The steamboat hit two piers, caught fire, and sank into the river. The plaintiffs are suing the Rock Island Bridge Company for damages to recover the value of the lost ship and cargo. Chicago Daily Democratic Press (IL), 10 September 1857, 1:2-3; Chicago Daily Tribune (IL), 10 September 1857, 1:4-5.

Presentation of depositions by T. D. Lincoln takes up most of day. Chicago Press, 11 September 1857.

In Eddy, Jameson & Co. v. Handshy & Logan, case in which plaintiff sues for collection of note for $1,384.21 and damages of $1,500, Lincoln files power of attorney and confesses judgment for $895.21. Judgment Record.

T. D. Lincoln continues to read depositions. Chicago Press, 12 September 1857.

Lincoln writes Jesse K. Dubois, auditor, that several people have complained about Dubois not enforcing banking laws. He hopes Dubois will explain. Abraham Lincoln to Jesse K. Dubois, 13 September 1857, CW, 2:414.

T. D. Lincoln reads depositions throughout morning. In afternoon oral testimony is presented. Chicago Press, 15 September 1857, 16 September 1857.

Plaintiffs' testimony is concluded during morning. One defense deposition is read, but owing to defense not being fully prepared, court adjourns early. Several defense witnesses testify. Chicago Press, 16 September 1857.

Defense witnesses continue to offer testimony. Chicago Press, 17 September 1857, 18 September 1857.

Defense occupies day in presentation of testimony. Chicago Press, 18 September 1857.

Defense presents depositions in morning, oral testimony in afternoon. Chicago Press, 19 September 1857.

T. D. Lincoln objects when Judd offers in evidence comparative statement of business done on railroad and river. T. D. Lincoln, Knox, A. Lincoln, and Wead argue question. McLean decides that no evidence of this kind can be offered to impair right of navigating river. Plaintiffs offer rebutting testimony. Chicago Press, 21 September 1857.

Mrs. Lincoln writes to Emily Todd Helm about her trip to New York. "I often laugh," she says, "& tell Mr. Lincoln that I am determined my next husband shall be rich." This throws light on Lincoln's mysterious eastern trip, suggesting pleasure tour taken on strength of large fee won from Illinois Central. Sandburg & Angle, 201; Helm, Mary, 122-23.

Judd offers to let case go to jury on instructions of court without argument, but McLean requests it be argued. Wead makes opening argument for plaintiffs, taking up most of day. Knox follows, but court soon adjourns. Chicago Press, 22 September 1857.