Lincoln, Yates, Harris, and McConnel address political meetings. Yates speaks in afternoon and is followed by Harris; in evening Lincoln speaks at length on Nebraska question and is answered by McConnel. Register, 6 September 1854.

Lincoln has mortgage he took from Ritta Angelica da Silva August 11, 1854 recorded. Deed Record PP, 353.

Illinois Journal announces that Abraham Lincoln and Stephen T. Logan are candidates for representatives in next General Assembly.

Lincoln writes John M. Palmer of Carlinville, Anti-Nebraska Democrat: "Is it not just to yourself that you should, in a few public speeches, state your reasons, [for opposing Nebraska bill] and thus justify yourself? I wish you would; and yet I say 'dont do it, if you think it will injure you.' " He also writes to Alexander Morean of Jerseyville, stating that Yates could not visit that area, suggesting Palmer or Gillespie as anti-Nebraska speaker. Abraham Lincoln to John M. Palmer, 7 September 1854, CW, 2:228; Abraham Lincoln to Alexander B. Morean, 7 September 1854, CW, 2:227-28.

Lincoln writes to fellow attorney Richard Oglesby, of Decatur, Illinois, about rumors surrounding their political ally Richard Yates, who seeks another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lincoln explains, "I understand his enemies are getting up a charge against him, that while he passes for a temperate man, he is in the habit of drinking secretly—and that they calculate on proving an instance of the charge by you." Lincoln asks, "Will you please write me, and tell me what the truth of this matter is?" Abraham Lincoln to Richard J. Oglesby, 8 September 1854, CW, 10:24.

John Calhoun and Lincoln debate Nebraska question at public meeting in court house. Calhoun leads off with what "Journal" calls able speech, "but if any of his positions were left standing after Mr. Lincoln closed, gentlemen who were present and heard both speeches, could not discover them." Speech at Springfield, Illinois, 9 September 1854, CW, 2:229.

Register admits (September 11, 1854) that Lincoln, "with his usual ability, made the best of a bad position."

Lincoln writes editorial, which "Illinois Journal" publishes, continuing his Saturday debate with Calhoun. Editorial on the Kansas-Nebraska Act, 11 September 1854, CW, 2:229-30.

[McLean Circuit Court convenes for term of two weeks.]

Lincoln addresses German Anti-Nebraska meeting. "The speech was clear and unanswerable, for it was a plain statement of facts, and of sound, strong argument; it was eloquent, for he spoke the deep convictions of truth from a heart warmed with the love of his country, and the love of freedom." Bloomington Pantagraph, 20 September 1854; Speech at Bloomington, Illinois, 12 September 1854, CW, 2:230-33.

Lincoln appears for petitioner in Blanton et ux. v. Withers et al., bill for relief from McLean Circuit Court decree of Apr. Record.

[Mrs. Lincoln deeds 80 acres of land in Curran Township, Sangamon County, to Robert Anderson for $1,200. Lincoln joins in deed. Deed Record PP, 530-31.]

In Wheeler v. Illinois Central RR, attorneys argue demurrer to plaintiff's declaration. Court sustains second count in declaration. Lincoln appears for railroad. Record.

Lincoln writes to Illinois Central Railroad attorney Mason Brayman, of Chicago, and reports, "I have drawn on the I.C. R R Co or rather on you on their account, for $100." Lincoln explains, "The reason I have taken this liberty is, that since last fall, by your request I have declined all new business against the road, and out of which I suppose I could have realized several hundred dollars; [I] have attended . . . to a great variety of . . . business for the Co . . . and have received nothing. I wish now to be charged with this sum, to be taken into account on settlement." Abraham Lincoln to Mason Brayman, 23 September 1854, CW, 2:233-34.

Blanton et ux. v. Withers et al. is dismissed by Lincoln. Issue is joined in Chicago & Mississippi RR v. McLean County Bank & Gridley, bill for specific performance, Lincoln for complainant. Court finds for railroad; defendant is ordered to pay trust fund and costs, and granted appeal to Supreme Court. Record.

[At Metamora, fall term of Woodford Circuit Court commences.]

Douglas, scheduled to speak before Democratic meeting, refuses joint debate with Lincoln which Jesse Fell proposes. Isaac N. Phillips, ed. Abraham Lincoln By Some Men Who Knew Him (Bloomington, IL: Pantagraph Printing, 1910), 52-57.

Lincoln listens to Douglas speak in afternoon. "After candle-light" he addresses Whig meeting in courthouse. "Mr. L. spoke of Judge Douglas in a less denunciatory manner than is the custom on such occasions." Register, 28 September 1854; Illinois Journal, 29 September 1854; Speech at Bloomington, Illinois, 26 September 1854, CW, 2:234-40.

In Pearl & Pearl v. Graham et al., case involving destruction of liquor, from Tazewell on change of venue, Lincoln appears for defendants and obtains change of venue back to Tazewell County. In Jackson v. Whorrall, clerk enters this record: "defendant in person attended by Abraham Lincoln his attorney appeared whereupon the defendant Moves for leave to amend pleas." As defense attorney in Pearl and Pearl v. Kelso et al., trespass, Lincoln petitions for change of venue to Tazewell County. Also changed to Tazewell is Ricketts v. Goings, debt case, Lincoln and W. P. Brown for complainant. Record; Files.

Jury hears Davidson v. Burton and returns verdict of $1,700 in favor of plaintiff, represented by Clark, Lincoln, and Manning. In Coventry & Warwickshire Bank v. Whorrall, record reads: "This day comes the Plaintiff by his attorney N. H. Purple as well as the defendant in person attended by his attorney A. Lincoln." Lincoln enters demurrer, which is sustained. Case is continued at defendant's costs. Also continued at defendant's cost is Common v. Lucas, appeal, Lincoln for appellant. Record.

Coventry & Warwickshire Bank v. Whorrall is continued at cost of defendant, Lincoln's client. Record.