Robert Lincoln is sent to John Williams' store for half-pound of tea. Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.

Lincoln and Nathaniel Hay settle long-standing account. Hay takes up note for $200 which he borrowed from Lincoln in April 1849, replacing it with new note for same amount. He gives Lincoln due-bill for $16.80, amount of unpaid interest on note. Notes Drawn for Nathaniel Hay, 2 March 1855, CW, 2:307.

Lincoln buys pair boys' boots for $1.50 at John Williams' store, and "Pearl Powder" and "Woods Restorative" from his druggist. Williams & Co. Day Book; Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.

Lincoln pays his carriage maker $43.75 cash on account. Obed Lewis Account Books.

He does paper work in three Sangamon Circuit Court cases: petition to execute deeds in Mary L. Welles et al. v. John Hofferkemp et al.; bill in chancery in Matheny v. Mary L. Welles et al.; bill in Plunkett v. Gaines and Cartwright. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Photocopy.

Lincoln buys bottle of "Lubins Extract" from his druggist. Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.

Lincoln writes to Dr. William Fithian advice about contemplated litigation. Abraham Lincoln to William Fithian, 8 March 1855, CW, 2:307.

Lincoln apologizes to firm of New York lawyers for not having acknowledged receipt of bond they sent him in December. "When I received the bond, I was dabbling in politics; and, of course, neglecting business," he confesses. "Having since been beaten out, I have gone to work again." He suggests they ask H. E. Dummer of Beardstown to handle work. He then writes Dummer what he has done. Abraham Lincoln to James S. Sandford, Mortimer Porter, and Ambrose K. Striker, 10 March 1855, CW, 2:308; Abraham Lincoln to Henry E. Dummer, 10 March 1855, CW, 2:307-8.

Lincoln buys 10¢ worth of "Sweet Oil" at his drug store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.

Lincoln writes A. L. Brewer about claim—Kelly v. Evans—which Herndon filed in probate court of Logan County. He says that he made special trip to Lincoln last fall, only to find that no action had been taken on claim. On April 2, 1855 he will be there for court, and will give special attention to matter. Abraham Lincoln to Anson L. Brewer, 16 March 1855, CW, 2:308-9.

Due to failure of judge to appear, opening of spring term of Sangamon Circuit Court is deferred until Tuesday. In Probate Court Lincoln settles claim against estate of C. R. Welles, deceased. Record.

Lincoln writes to fellow attorney Henry E. Dummer, of Beardstown, Illinois, regarding Lincoln's former law partner. Lincoln writes, "[Stephen T.] Logan is willing to take the vacant seat on the [Illinois] Supreme [Court] Bench; but he is very anxious to not be beaten, if he is put on the track as a candidate. . . . I am quite anxious for Logan's election, first, because he will make the best Judge, & second because it would hurt his feelings to be beaten worse than it would almost any one else." Abraham Lincoln to Henry E. Dummer, 19 March 1855, CW, 2:309.

Judge Davis appears, and Sangamon Circuit Court convenes. Forty-four of Lincoln & Herndon's cases are called. In most they represent plaintiffs, and secure rules requiring defendants to answer. Two criminal cases, in both of which they represent defendants, are dropped; in two civil actions they obtain judgments for $385.48 and $109.90. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon have six cases in court. None comes to trial, although by agreement with opposing counsel several are set for hearing later in term. Record.

Twenty-three Lincoln & Herndon cases are called in Sangamon Circuit Court. In nine suits judgments are obtained, amounts ranging from $93.25 to $190.08. Others are either dismissed or continued. Record.

Lincoln's court work consists of entering motions and filing pleas in seven cases. Record.

He joins with Edwards and Stuart in letter to O. H. Browning in regard to Logan's candidacy for Supreme Court. When vacancy became imminent, they say, there seemed to be a universal opinion that Logan was man to fill it. "We shall be glad," they add, "if you will hoist Logan's name, in your Quincy papers." Abraham Lincoln, B. S. Edwards, and John T. Stuart to Orville H. Browning, 23 March 1855, CW, 2:309-10.

Lincoln has busy, though not very successful, day in court. In slander suit jury finds against his client, while court hands down adverse decisions in two cases. Three cases are dismissed for want of bond for costs, and in two others judgments against his clients, for $90.85 and $468.61, are entered. He succeeds in having motion to dismiss case overruled, and wins one case tried by court. Record.

Three of Lincoln & Herndon's four cases before Sangamon Circuit Court are continued. Fourth, trespass suit entitled Eastman v. Payne, is tried by jury. Lincoln & Herndon represent plaintiff, but jury finds for defendant. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon settle two cases by agreement. Cass v. Stacy is dismissed when defendant, whom they represent, agrees to pay $5 of costs. In Jack v. Swope, in which they also represent defendant, judgment is entered against their client for $495. Execution is stayed until June term, with leave to defendant to make defense. Record.

In Lawson v. Post & Brothers, with Logan, Lincoln & Herndon representing plaintiff, jury awards damages of $104.75. In another case Lincoln secures divorce on ground that husband is habitual drunkard and has deserted their client. Several other cases are continued after motions are entered and pleas filed. Record.

In Welles et al. v. Hofferkemp et al., Lincoln writes report of his client, administrix, supplemental petition to execute deeds, and court order for his client to convey real estate. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Two of Lincoln & Herndon's six cases come to trial. In appeal from judgment of justice of peace, court finds for their client and awards damages of $79.95. In Alsop v. North American Insurance Co., jury brings in verdict of $2,000 in favor of plaintiff. Lincoln & Herndon are attorneys for defendant. Record.

In Mary Welles et al. v. Julia Welles et al. Lincoln writes two commissioner's reports, answer of N. W. Broadwell, guardian of Julia Welles, and court decree. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Twenty-four members of Springfield bar, among them Lincoln, Logan, Stuart, Edwards, and Conkling, write open letter to David Davis, requesting permission to announce him as candidate for re-election to bench. Illinois Journal, 31 March 1855; Abraham Lincoln et al. to David Davis, 30 March 1855, CW, 2:310.

In court a number of Lincoln's cases are called, and two are tried. In appeal entitled Rape v. Lovelock court decides against his client, plaintiff; other case is taken under advisement. Record.

For third consecutive day, Lincoln writes legal papers for his client Mary L. Welles. In Matheny v. Welles et al. he writes answer of four witnesses named Cummins, report of Mary L. Welles, defendant's answer to bill in chancery (which Herndon signs), answer of W. H. Herndon, guardian of four Welles minors (Herndon signs), and decree of court. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln also composes defendant's plea in Beck v. Chicago, Alton, & St. Louis RR, and defendant's reply in Tinney v. Frederick et al.Photocopy.

Last day of spring term. Two related cases, Irwin v. Lindley & Baker, and Williams v. Lindley & Baker, in both of which Lincoln & Herndon represent defendants, occasion hard-fought legal battle. When issue is finally joined, court awards plaintiffs damages of $1,013.32 and $1,014.48. Lincoln & Herndon take appeal to Supreme Court. Record.

Lincoln buys $1.50 pair of boys' boots, and Mrs. Lincoln buys $4.00 "French Collar" and $1.56 worth of lace. Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.