[Fifth issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 5, 1 April 1840.]

[Bill of complaint written by Lincoln is filed in Circuit Court of Christian County at Taylorville in case of Baker v. Addington et al. No other evidence of Lincoln's presence in Taylorville on this date is known, and possibly bill of complaint was sent from Springfield.Record.

Lincoln speaks at Whig rally in court house. Democratic Register calls him "the lion of the Tribe of Sangamon . . . and judging from outward appearance, originally from Liberia." Alton Telegraph, 11 April 1840; Sangamo Journal, 10 April 1840.

Lincoln is re-elected to Springfield Board of Trustees. Minutes of Board of Trustees, 7 April 1840; Sangamo Journal (Springfield, IL), 10 April 1840, 2:1.

At designated hour Democratic orator fails to appear. "Sangamo Journal" comments. "The wood and the lamp were ready but the high priest came not to the sacrifice. At length the gentleman who had given the challenge appeared and gave notice there would be no debate unless Mr. Lincoln would get the crowd."Sangamo Journal, 8 May 1840.

Lincoln, "one of the Presidential Electors", delivers a speech in the evening "at the old Court room." A local newspaper reports that Lincoln's topics include "the great questions at issue between the people and the office-holders." The newspaper adds, "Although not more than two or three hours previous notice could be given of the intended meeting, the room, which is very spacious, was crowded to excess; and his speech which, although highly argumentative and logical, was enlivened by numerous anecdotes, was received with unbounded applause, and left a very favorable impression on the minds of his auditors."The Alton Telegraph (IL), 11 April 1840, 3:4.

["Sangamo Journal" begins advertising "Lincoln's Speech and Tippecanoe Almanacs—To be disposed of in quantities at this office."]

Whig rally opens in court house at 10:30 A.M. It soon adjourns to public square and continues until dusk. Evening meeting in court house lasts until after midnight. Lincoln and nine other orators are heard. Missouri Republican of April 13, 1840 declared Lincoln's speech lucid, forcible, and effective. Belleville Advocate thought it "weak, puerile, and feeble. . . . Poor Lincoln!"

Finch & Finch v. Gardner, trespass action in Pike County Circuit Court, is tried by jury, which awards plaintiff $275. Lincoln, Wheeler, and Grimshaw represent defendant; they vainly move arrest of judgment.Record.

[Sixth issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 6, 15 April 1840.]

Lincoln attends meeting of board of trustees of town of Springfield. Trustees select election judges for election of mayor and aldermen under city charter, to be held April 20, 1840. Journal of the Board of Trustees.

In evening Lincoln attends last meeting of Springfield board of trustees. Poll-books of election held during day are examined and following Whigs are declared elected: mayor, B. S. Clement; aldermen, James R. Gray, Joseph Klein, Washington Iles, and William Prentiss. Journal of the Board of Trustees.

Lincoln writes and files amended declaration for plaintiff, Siloam Carter, in Carter v. Bennett & Ransdell in Sangamon Circuit Court. He filed declaration February 4, 1840. He files declaration in Ransdell v. Lightfoot & Lightfoot; and writes declaration and praecipe in Ransdell v. Calhoun.Photocopy; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln as attorney for plaintiffs in John & Augustus Kerr & Co. v. Constant & Francis bids in two lots in Athens, at sheriff's sale, on judgment for $440.14 won at fall term of Sangamon Circuit Court.Execution File No. 890.