In the U.S. Circuit Court, Lincoln files a declaration in the case of Emmitt v. Barret. Lincoln & Herndon represent the plaintiff James Emmitt, who is suing James A. Barret for $8,000 in damages. Emmitt seeks the damages as a result of Barret's failure to repay a $4,816.66 promissory note. Declaration, filed 2 January 1858, Emmitt v. Barret, Record Group 21, case file 279, U.S. Circuit Court, Southern District of Illinois, National Archives and Records Administration, Great Lakes Region, Chicago, IL.