In Alton, Lincoln speaks at a rally for presidential candidate John C. Fremont. The Republican Fremont is running against the Democratic Party's candidate James Buchanan. A newspaper reports, "Hon. A. Lincoln, finding it necessary to return by the evening train, spoke in the afternoon to a large audience in front of the Presbyterian Church. He made, as he always does, an earnest, argumentative, patriotic, and exceedingly able speech." Chicago Daily Journal (IL), 6 October 1856, 2:3.

In Gray v. French, pending in Supreme Court, Lincoln makes and files affidavit concerning paternity of child. He also writes and files assignment of errors. Privately owned.

Republicans have announced that Lincoln will speak, and he presumably does so. Peoria Weekly Republican, 3 October 1856.

Lincoln, representing respondent, writes and files answer of Thomas Snell in partition suit of Prettyman v. Snell in Tazewell Circuit Court. Files.

Lincoln collects $50 fee in Harris Lime Rock Co. v. Harris. Photocopy.

Fremont mass meeting is held in afternoon. Lincoln and Trumbull speak at one stand, Lovejoy and Bross at another, and German orators at third. After speaking, crowd enjoys meal provided by citizens. Yates speaks at courthouse in evening. Chicago Journal, 8 October 1856.

Fremont rally draws large crowd. Speakers address crowd from four stands. At stand No. One, Trumbull leads off. "Mr. Lincoln succeeded him in a speech that echoed the universal heart, while the stands two, three and four were also invested with listening crowds, that ever and anon, sent up a chorus of cheers, like the first full notes of victory." Chicago Journal, 9 October 1856.

Morning processions mark opening of Republican rally. Trumbull, Lincoln, and Bross speak in afternoon. Democratic paper, attempting to scatter discord, remarks that "Mr. Trumbull's speech contrasted very unfavorably with that of Lincoln, and made some of the Republicans regret the bargain which sent Trumbull to the senate instead of Lincoln." Peoria Press, 15 October 1856; Speech at Peoria, Illinois, 9 October 1856, CW, 2:379.

[Lincoln's account with John Williams & Co. is charged $1 for pair of slippers, and his drug store account is debited 15¢ for pills. Pratt, Personal Finances, 148, 151.]

Republicans mark opening of DeWitt Circuit Court with political rally. "The day was cold, gloomy, windy and dusty, and in consequence, the procession, though respectable in numbers, was not what it otherwise would have been. Speeches were made in the afternoon and evening by Judge Scott, Judge Dickey, Hon. A. Lincoln, L. Swett, Esq., L. Weldon, Esq., of Clinton, and Mr. Rosette of Springfield." Bloomington Pantagraph, 22 October 1856.

[Cases involving Lincoln are called in DeWitt Circuit Court, but record does not show that he takes part.]

Lincoln, Trumbull, Koerner, Bissell, and others address Republican meeting. "The palm . . . belongs to Mr. Lincoln; his was the speech of the day," Republican newspaper comments. Democratic paper jibes at him for closing his speech with remark, "God bless the Dutch." Belleville Advocate (R), 22 October 1856; St. Clair Tribune (D), 25 October 1856; Speech at Belleville, Illinois, 18 October 1856, CW, 2:379-80.

Lincoln writes court order dismissing Spink v. Chiniquy by agreement. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln addresses evening meeting at courthouse. "He directed his remarks, for the most of the time, to the subject of the constitutionality of Congressional legislation upon the subject of slavery in the territories, and showed from a long line of illustrious precedents in legislation that it is proper and has been practiced by those who made the Constitution." Urbana Union, 23 October 1856.

Lincoln writes bond for costs in Warner v. Nisewander. Photocopy.

He writes Abraham Jonas that he cannot be at Quincy on 23rd—he is so "hobbled" with case that he cannot leave. Abraham Lincoln to Abraham Jonas, 21 October 1856, CW, 2:380.

In evening Lincoln, Swett, and Hogg speak at meeting in West Urbana. "We were not present but understand much interest and enthusiasm were manifested by the entire audience." Urbana Union, 23 October 1856.

At fall term of court "attendance of legal gentlemen was pretty large, including the following gentlemen: A. McWilliams and Hon. A. Lincoln, of Springfield; Messrs. Swett and Packard of Bloomington," and others. Urbana Union, 23 October 1856.

Republican rally is held. "The procession was a large and fine one, with an abundance of flags and banners, and the Mt. Pulaski brass band was on hand with some good music. As many of the crowd as could hear, assembled in Union Hall, and were eloquently addressed by Mr. Bromwell, candidate for Congress and Fremont Elector for the District, and Hon. A. Lincoln." Lincoln speaks again in evening. Bloomington Pantagraph, 5 November 1856.

Lincoln addresses Republican meeting. "It was decidedly the largest gathering of people that ever occurred here. It was at least twice as large as the late Douglas demonstration. Lincoln and Trumbull were both here and made telling speeches." Pittsfield Free Press, 30 October 1856.

Lincoln sends apologies to J. M. Ruggles of Havana for not attending Republican meeting there today. He has just returned from Pike County. Abraham Lincoln to James M. Ruggles, 28 October 1856, CW, 2:380.

Herndon makes principal speech at Freemont and Bissell meeting held at courthouse. "After Mr. H. concluded, he was followed by a brief speech from the Hon. A. Lincoln, who made a candid appeal to every opponent of the sham Democracy to cast his vote for Fremont and Dayton, Bissell and Wood, and the whole Anti-Nebraska ticket." Illinois State Journal, 30 October 1856.

Yates addresses another Republican meeting at courthouse. After more than two hours, "Mr. Lincoln followed in his usual happy and forcible manner." Illinois State Journal, 1 November 1856.