In Hedrick v. Merry & Thomas W. Smith & Co. in U.S. Court, Lincoln files declaration asking damages of $10,000 for alleged failure of the defendants to deliver 400 head of cattle (see January 8, 1858). Files.

In Woodford Circuit Court, which opened on 5th for six-day term, Lucy Ann Davenport v. Lucy Davenport et al., Lincoln for defense, is continued at plaintiff's costs on plaintiff's motion. Record.

[Lincoln and 28 other Whigs have signed call for county convention October 19, 1857 to select delegates to "Mass convention," which Springfield Whig paper publishes today. Call for Sangamon County Convention, 8 October 1857, CW, 2:424-25.

His drug store account is charged 25¢ for bottle of "Carminative." Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.]

Lahr v. Swarens, trespass vi et armis, Lincoln with Shope and Davidson for plaintiff, is tried by jury, which finds for plaintiff with $20 and costs against defendant. Record.

Lincoln and Grove represent Melissa Goings, defendant, in People v. Goings, charged with murdering her husband, Roswell, with stick of firewood. During trial defendant disappears, causing Lincoln to be accused of encouraging her to depart. "I did not run her off," Lincoln is alleged to have replied. "She wanted to know where she could get a good drink of water, and I told her there was mighty good water in Tennessee." In Lahr v. Blair, trespass, Lincoln is for plaintiff with Davidson and Shope. He writes part of replication. Case is dismissed by agreement at defendant's cost. In Saltonstall v. Saltonstall et al., Lincoln writes John Saltonstall's answer. Record; Photocopy.

Lincoln has case in DeWitt Circuit Court, fall term of which commenced October 5, 1857. With Swett and Orme he appears for plaintiff, Lewis Bunn, in Bunn v. Spencer, assumpsit. Moore represents defendant. Jury fails to agree, and case is continued. Record.

Lincoln writes answer of Abram Emery in Humphreys & Humphreys v. Emery & Woodard. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes, signs, and files pleas in two cases in which he is associated with Clifton Moore, Woodard v. Illinois Central RR, and Powers, Lemen & Co. v. Beeres. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes and files affidavit in Phares v. Dockum, and another in Smith, Murphy & Co. v. Woodard & Beam. He writes bill for discovery in Snell v. Kelly. Photocopy; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Fall term of Champaign Circuit Court convenes. Lincoln attends entire week. Lincoln, Sims, and Sheldon file declaration in Dinsmore v. Newell. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes and files interpleaders of defendant in Pepper v. Shouse et al., signing "Coles, Sim & Sheldon & Lincoln for interpleaders." Photocopy.

[On one day this week Lincoln writes undated plea for defendant in Keeton v. Dunn. Photocopy.]

Editor of Urbana "Constitution" writes: "Among the notables who have attended our Court the past week, Hon. A. Lincoln stuck up prominently. We regret to say that his eyesight is failing him seriously: tall as he is, he appears to be entirely unable to see far enough to get a glimpse of that U.S. Senatorship." In court, Lincoln writes amendment to bill in Dean v. Kelly et al., injunction case, and writes complainant's affidavit. Injunction is granted on condition complainant gives bond for $1,000 penalty and pays costs and damages. Record; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes Koerner about quo warranto case before court August 11, 1857—People ex rel. Koerner et al. v. Ridgely et al. "I want your authority, at my discretion," he says, "to pass the case over the next term of the Supreme Court. I can not mention the reason now; but there is a reason which I believe you will appreciate, when you come to know it." Abraham Lincoln to Gustave P. Koerner, 25 October 1857, CW, 2:425.

[Vermilion Circuit Court convenes at Danville. In Springfield, Sangamon Circuit Court commences second week of its fall term. In Danville, Spencer v. White, Beckwith and Lincoln for plaintiff, is ordered tried morning of 29th. Record.

Beckwith must have managed this, for Lincoln could hardly have arrived in time. Lincoln's drug store account is charged 15¢ for ounce of "Syrup Ipecac." Pratt, Personal Finances, 151.]

Lincoln wins Spencer v. White when defendant withdraws plea and plaintiff is awarded $168.16 and costs. Record.

In Martin v. Underwood, Lincoln writes demurrer, signing "Davis, Harmon & Lincoln." Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes and signs his own affidavit in Davenport v. Sconce and DonCarlos, and writes review of case. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.