Arguments in McConnel v. Delaware Mutual Safety Insurance Co. et al. (SC) are commenced. McConnel owned business which, under former owner, had been destroyed by fire. After paying claim, company discovered evidence of arson, and seeks to recover. McConnel, acting as his own attorney, commences argument, followed by D. A. Smith. Record.

Lincoln, representing company, continues argument in McConnel v. Delaware Mutual Safety Insurance Co. et al. Grimshaw, for appellant, concludes during afternoon. Court takes the case under advisement. Record.

(Eventually decree of lower court is affirmed. 18 Ill. 228.)

Lincoln has case in Supreme Court— Turley et al. v. Logan County, Illinois—involving legality of removal of county seat from Mt. Pulaski to Lincoln. Stuart argues and submits case for plaintiffs in error, Lincoln for defendant in error. Court holds removal valid. Record; 17 Ill. 151.

Supreme Court continues to command Lincoln's time. Today's question, involved in Hildreth v. Turner, is one of validity of consideration for which promissory note was given. Lincoln and Logan argue case—Lincoln for appellants, Logan for appellees. Record.

(Court later affirms judgment of court below. 17 Ill. 184.)

Lincoln's work in the Supreme Court ends for term with arguments in two cases, Davis v. Scarritt, and Manning & Glover v. Warren et al. In first, involving question of partnership, he appears for defendant in error; in second, concerning operation of statutes of limitation in courts of equity, he represents appellant. He loses both cases. Record; 17 Ill. 202, 267; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes Levi Davis that Manning & Glover v. Warren et al., appeal from Jersey County, has been decided by Supreme Court "on the Statute of Limitations." He sends abstract. Abraham Lincoln to Levi Davis, 11 February 1856, CW, 2:330.

Lincoln writes notice regarding change of road on western edge of Springfield. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes to Richard P. Morgan, an official with the Chicago & Mississippi Railroad, and requests a new "annual pass." The Railroad retained Lincoln for legal work and in turn provided him with a pass, also called a "chalked hat." Lincoln jokes that he is like someone who breaks a friend's "wheelbarrow" and asks to borrow it again once it is repaired. He writes, "'Heres your old 'chalked hat' I wish you would take it, and send me a new one, case I shall want to use it the first of March.'" Abraham Lincoln to Richard P. Morgan, 13 February 1856, CW, 2:330.

Lincoln writes G. U. Miles regarding tract of land in Menard County. After stating facts as he understands them, he adds: "The reason I write you is, that I can not understand, from the Major's letter, precisely what your difficulty is. . . . Please write me; and return me this letter, as it will save me hunting up the facts again." Abraham Lincoln to George U. Miles, 14 February 1856, CW, 2:330-31.

Lincoln writes Elihu N. Powell what he has done in Aspinall case. He finished checking facts "and filed the declaration Q.E.D." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu N. Powell, 15 February 1856, CW, 2:331-32.

Out of patience, Lincoln replies to letter from Miles, who has mortgage on land worth $1,200 to secure debt of $203.41. "Suppose I foreclose," he asks, "you will bid the same; if nobody bids more, all will be well; but somebody will bid more; and then how will you stand? You will have to let the land go for that sum; or bid higher, and advance the cash for all above that sum. Don't you see?" Abraham Lincoln to George U. Miles, [17 February 1856], CW, 2:332.

Lincoln writes Gustave Koerner of Belleville: "You left here sooner than I expected; else I should have asked you on what terms you settled your fee in the case [Clark & Morrison v. Page et al., tried Sept. 6, 1855], in connection with which we met at Carlinville last fall. I think you said you had no objection to tell me. If you have not, please write me at once, as I wish to regulate my claim somewhat by yours." Abraham Lincoln to Gustave P. Koerner, 18 February 1856, CW, 2:332.

Lincoln writes to George P. Floyd, of Quincy, Illinois, regarding payment Floyd sent to Lincoln for some legal work. Lincoln determines that Floyd has overpaid him, and he writes, "I have just received yours of 16th, with check on Flagg & Savage for twenty-five dollars. You must think I am a high-priced man. You are too liberal with your money. Fifteen dollars is enough for the job. I send you a receipt for fifteen dollars, and return to you a ten-dollar bill." Abraham Lincoln to George P. Floyd, 21 February 1856, CW, 2:332-33.

Illinois Anti-Nebraska editors gather in meeting which marks beginning of Republican party in Illinois. After meeting, 30 or 40 attend dinner. Among them is Lincoln, "who seems to be ready," Democratic Register comments (February 25, 1856) "at the tap of the fusion drum, on all occasions. He was toasted in connection with the fusion candidacy for governor, to which he modestly responded." Richard Oglesby of Decatur toasts Lincoln as "our next candidate for the U.S. Senate." Lincoln, replying, said he was in favor of that, adding that he was in much the position of a man attacked by a robber who demanded his money. "I have no money," said the victim; "but if you will go with me to the light, I will give you my note." If Lincoln were let off from making speech, he would give his note. Lincoln is not let off. Speech at Decatur, Illinois, 22 February 1856, CW, 2:333.

Lincoln buys sweet oil (15¢) at Corneau & Diller, druggists. Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.