O'Byrne v. Stout, case involving alleged conversion of hog, comes up in Supreme Court. Joseph Gillespie, representing plaintiff, makes his argument, followed in afternoon by Lincoln for defendant. After Lincoln has finished Gillespie speaks second time and court takes case under advisement. Later it reverses Circuit Court decree. Record; 15 Ill. 180.

Lincoln pays $30 to his carriage maker for sleigh. Obed Lewis Account Books.

For John Marshall of Shawneetown, Lincoln calls at express office and gets 50 copies of Early Engagements, novel by Mary Frazear, which Marshall has sent him. He places 23 at one book store and 24 at another on consignment, and gives one to each newspaper. Last copy he takes home. Mrs. Lincoln reads it half through that evening, and is greatly interested. Abraham Lincoln to John Marshall, 8 February 1854, CW, 2:210-11.

Lincoln writes to John Marshall of Shawneetown, Illinois, regarding some books that Marshall sent to Springfield. The previous day, Lincoln distributed copies of a novel, written by Marshall's daughter Sarah Marshall, to various booksellers and to two of the local newspapers. Lincoln confides, "I am not much of a reader of this sort of literature; but my wife got hold of the volume I took home, read it half through last night, and is greatly interested in it." Lincoln adds, "My attention to this matter has been rather a pleasure than a trouble." Abraham Lincoln to John Marshall, 8 February 1854, CW, 2:210-11.

In Supreme Court Lincoln argues Johnson v. Robert A. Donnell & Co. et al., in which right of strict foreclosure is involved. He appears for defendant in error. Record; 15 Ill. 97.

He visits legislature, which is considering charter of the Terre Haute & Illinoistown Railroad. Lincoln and other adherents of "state policy" oppose this charter. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 11 February 1853, CW, 2:211-12.

Another of Lincoln's cases, Humphreys v. D. & I. P. Spear, comes up in Supreme Court. Oral arguments are made by Lincoln for appellant and by Edwards and E. B. Herndon for appellees. Court takes case under advisement, and later hands down decision affirming judgment of lower court. Record; 15 Ill. 275.

[Most members of legislature, many Springfield residents, and several editors start to Chicago as guests of Chicago citizens. At 7:00 A.M. they board cars for Bloomington. There they change to Illinois Central. At La Salle they transfer to Rock Island, on which they reach Chicago. Though no evidence connects Lincoln with this excursion, it is likely that he took part in it. Illinois Journal, 20 February 1854.

Mrs. Lincoln buys and charges ($1.50) pair of boys' boots. Pratt, Personal Finances, 146.]

[During morning visitors from Springfield are escorted around city. At five o'clock banquet with many toasts is served at Tremont House. At ten a ball begins. Illinois Journal, 20 February 1854.]

[Visitors leave Chicago on Aurora 'extension' at 8:00 A.M. At noon they reach La Salle, where they dine. Returning through Bloomington, they arrive in Springfield at seven. Illinois Journal, 20 February 1854.]

In Supreme Court, Johnson v. Robert A. Donnell & Co. et al., which Lincoln argued February 11, 1854, comes up again. Edwards opens for plaintiff, and Lincoln closes for defendant. Court takes case under advisement, and later affirms lower court decision. Record; 15 Ill. 97.

Pate v. People, action of debt on recognizance, comes before Supreme Court on appeal from Vermilion County. Lincoln argues case for appellant, whom he represented in lower court, and Campbell, state's attorney, appears for appellee. Ultimately court affirms Circuit Court judgment. Record; 15 Ill. 221.

Lincoln has very important case in Supreme Court—Illinois Central RR v. McLean County, Illinois & Parke. Case involves construction of company's charter exempting it from taxation in return for payment to state of proportion of earnings. Lincoln and Joy argue orally for appellant, Logan and Stuart for appellee. Case is continued (see January 16, 1856). Record; 17 Ill. 291.