Spring term of Tazewell Circuit Court opens for nineday term. Out of town lawyers attending are Lincoln, Douglas, William L. May, and J. B. Thomas.Sangamo Journal, 15 May 1840.

[Seventh issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 7, 1 May 1840.]

Tazewell Democratic convention meets in morning. At noon court adjourns and debate between Lincoln, Douglas, May, and Thomas begins. Lincoln opens discussion with denunciation of Van Buren Administration. He relates many amusing anecdotes which convulse house with laughter and concludes with vindication of Hero of Tippecanoe. Douglas answers him. Sangamo Journal, 15 May 1840.

Debate begun Saturday is concluded by May and Thomas.Sangamo Journal, 15 May 1840.

Lincoln writes answer of complainant and interlocutory decree in Babb v. Blair et al.Photocopy.

Stuart & Lincoln buy $9.25 worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant. Account (copy), 5 May 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln represents plaintiff in Bruner v. Bruner et al., and on his motion, William B. Parker is appointed guardian for infant defendants. By default, petition for partition of land is taken as confessed. Joseph Orendorff, William Ryan, and Archy Bryant are appointed commissioners to make partition.Record.

Lincoln writes answer of Parker, guardian ad litem of defendants in Bruner v. Bruner et al.Photocopy.

Kellogg v. Crain, action in debt, is continued on motion of defendant's attorney. Lincoln is for plaintiff, Benjamin Kellogg Jr.Record.

For plaintiffs in Stapp & Lanier v. Shannon et al., Lincoln writes and files affidavit that some defendants reside out of state.Photocopy.

[At Bloomington, spring term of McLean Circuit Court begins. Some records of McLean Circuit Court are available, but dockets and files were destroyed by fire in 1900. Thus it is impossible, except where collateral evidence is available, to determine cases in which Lincoln participated. Term closes May 14, 1840.]

In Clark & Clark v. Nancy Hinthorn et al., Lincoln is appointed guardian ad litem. Record.

[Eighth issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 8, 15 May 1840.]

Livingston County Circuit Court opens two-day term. Dockets are not available, thus it is impossible, except where collateral evidence is available, to determine cases in which Lincoln participated. Lincoln writes and files plea in Popejoy v. Wilson, trespass. He represents Popejoy. He writes letter for Anson L. Dean to Garrett M. Blue.Photocopy.

In Popejoy v. Wilson, Lincoln asks clerk to issue summons returnable next term.Photocopy.

[Dewitt County Court convenes for three-day term. Records of court for 1840's are available but absence of dockets makes it impossible to determine Lincoln's cases when his name does not appear on record.] Scott v. Troxel is dismissed by agreement at plaintiff's cost.Record.

In Ex parte Fruit and Walker, the administrators of the estate of John McGee, deceased, petition to sell real estate. The judge appoints Lincoln guardian ad litem for McGee's minor children. Lincoln files answer, "knowing no reason why the petition should not be granted." In People v. Turner, Lincoln, Douglas, and Benedict represent Spencer Turner who is indicted for the murder of Matthew K. Martin. Lincoln writes and files a plea in Pratt v. Lowry, and the judge later decided the case in favor of the plaintiff. Record; Photocopy.

Jury is called in People v. Turner, indicted for murder. Lincoln enters plea of not guilty for Spencer Turner, defendant. His argument brings verdict of not guilty. Lincoln receives 90-day note for $200 for his fee.Record.

Lincoln writes and files pleas in Young v. Cox, signing "Lincoln p.d."Photocopy.

["Mr. Lincoln, one of the presidential electors for the state, is `going it with a perfect rush' in some of the interior counties. Thus far the Locofocos have not been able to start a man that can hold a candle to him in political debate. All their crack nags . . . have come off the field crippled or broken down. He is wending his way north."Quincy Whig, 25 May 1840.]

Young v. Cox, action to collect on note, Lincoln for defendant, is lost when plaintiff is awarded $154.99, plus costs, after defendant withdraws pleas. Record.

In Ex parte Finley and Black, Hannah Finley and Jacob Black, Jr., the administrators of Alvin Finley, deceased, petition to sell real estate. Lincoln signs answer (written in another hand) as guardian ad litem of Mary Elizabeth Finley, infant heir of Alvin Finley, and the judge grants permission to the administrators to sell real estate. Photocopy.

[Ninth issue of The Old Soldier is published. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 9, 26 May 1840.]

Lincoln writes and files pleas in Prather & Co. v. Nesbitt & Nesbitt, suit to recover $87.23. He signs "Lincoln p.d."Photocopy.

Lincoln writes assignment of errors in James & Leonard v. Hughill, appeal from Tazewell County. He files assignment and transcript of record with Supreme Court clerk.Photocopy.