Death of David Nowlin, representative from Monroe, is announced. After appointment of committee to make funeral arrangements, House adjourns.House Journal.

Lincoln presents petition of 631 citizens of Sangamon County "praying the repeal of all laws authorizing the retail of intoxicating liquors," which is, on his motion, referred to Judiciary Committee without reading. He votes yea with minority on granting third reading to "act to authorize limited partnerships."House Journal.

Lincoln writes to William Butler, of Springfield, Illinois, and addresses a rift between Butler and their mutual friend, Edward Baker. Lincoln notes the combative tone of Butler's letter to Baker, who "was writhing under a severe tooth-ache, and therefore he at that time was incapable of exercising that patience and reflection which the case required." Lincoln counsels, "It is always magnanamous to recant whatever we may have said in passion; and when you and Baker shall have done this, I am sure there will be no difficulty . . . left between you. I write this without Bakers knowledge; and I do it because nothing would be more painful to me than to see a difficulty between two of my most particular friends."Abraham Lincoln to William Butler, 1 February 1839, CW, 1:141-42.

On motion to postpone adjournment from February 3 to February 5, Lincoln votes nay. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Eleventh General Assembly of the State of Illinois, Special Session (1839-40), 329.

First number of The Old Soldier, Whig campaign newspaper, of which Lincoln is one of five editors, is published from Sangamo Journal office in Springfield. Old Soldier (Springfield, IL), Issue 1, 1 February 1840.

Lincoln votes nay on three amendments to act to establish ferry at Peoria. He reports from Committee on Finance and recommends passage of bill authorizing certain debtors to discharge indebtedness in internal improvement scrip. Bill reorganizing judiciary is passed, 45-43, Lincoln voting nay.House Journal.

Lincoln mails to clerk of Circuit Court of Menard County declaration, praecipe, note, and bond for costs in Plummer & Wilson v. Hoey & Hoey. Plaintiff is seeking to collect note for $138.87 given by defendants in Baltimore March 10, 1837.Photocopy.

He files petition for divorce of Solomon Goodman against Nancy Goodman and asks that summons be issued to defendant.Sangamo Journal, 4 February 1842.

Lincoln files certificate of White County Circuit Court clerk in Gatewood & Co. v. McGehee (SC) and moves writ of error be dismissed for want of prosecution. Motion is allowed. Argument is concluded by N. D. Strong in Fitch et al. v. Pinckard et al., and case submitted. Judgment is affirmed February 9, 1843.Record.

Lincoln, for defendant in People ex rel. McGoon v. Browne writes motion that bill of exceptions signed by Browne be made part of record. He signs "Campbell & Lincoln." Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln answers Herndon's letter. "I will stake my life, that if you had been in my place, you would have voted just as I did. . . . You are compelled to speak; and your only alternative is to tell the truth or a lie." While Whigs condemn President for beginning war, they consistently vote supplies. Even Whigs who have participated in war "do not hesitate to denounce, as unjust, the Presidents conduct in the beginning of the war."Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 1 February 1848, CW, 1:446-48.

Bill concerning U.S. District Court for Western District of Virginia is again reported in House. Amendment is offered raising to $2,000 salaries of district judges. After discussion bill is tabled, Lincoln voting nay. Globe.

At 6:00 AM, Edward Baker Lincoln, the second child of Abraham and Mary Lincoln, dies in Springfield. Edward, who had been ill for nearly two months, would have turned four years old on March 10. In a letter he wrote a few weeks later to his stepbrother John D. Johnston, Lincoln informed Johnston that "we lost our little boy...We miss him very much." Illinois Daily Journal (Springfield), 2 February 1850, 3:1; Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 23 February 1850, CW, 2:76-77.

Illinois Central bill is still under consideration. Senate Journal.

Lincoln substitutes for defendant's attorney, Ballance of Peoria, in Forsyth v. Barton in U.S. Circuit Court. Record.

Smith continues his argument in Gilman et al. v. Hamilton et al. Lincoln concludes argument for appellants. At later date court affirms lower court decree. Record; 16 Ill. 225.

[Traffic with points north of Springfield on railroad is finally resumed, but with difficulty. Illinois Journal, 2 February 1855.]

Lincoln has two cases in Supreme Court: Laughlin v. Marshall, and Illinois Central RR v. Morrison & Crabtree. First case, which involved two certificates of deposit totalling $1,000, he argues on behalf of Marshall. (Court affirms decision of trial court.) In second case, in which Lincoln and Ficklin appear for railroad, Ficklin makes opening argument. Record; 19 Ill. 390.

Lincoln writes M. W. Delahay, now living in Kansas, that he expects to visit Council Bluffs during year. He cannot tell just when, for he must keep close watch on court business. Abraham Lincoln to Mark W. Delahay, 1 February 1859, CW, 3:355.

In Supreme Court, People v. Illinois Central RR is called. Attorneys file agreed case, to be argued at Ottawa (see July 14, 1859, January 12, 1860). Record.

Robert buys paper of tacks (10¢) at Smith's store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 154.

Ambos v. James A. Barret & Co., Lincoln for plaintiff, is continued in U.S. Circuit Court. In Supreme Court he submits Leonard v. Villars et al., acting for defendant. He deposits $539.95, and writes $100 check to "Woods and Henckle," tailors, evidently for new suit for his New York trip. Browning calls after tea and spends hour or two, and in evening Lincoln and Grimshaw address "large and enthusiastic meeting" at Republican Headquarters. Record; Marine Bank Ledger; DLC—Original; Browning, Diary; Illinois State Journal, 2 February 1860.

Lincoln returns home, probably in late afternoon, after seeing stepmother in Coles County, Ill. Charles H. Coleman, Abraham Lincoln and Coles County, Illinois (New Brunswick, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1955), 210.

In writing Sen. Seward (N.Y.) of meeting with Cong. Kellogg (Ill.) on January 21, 1861, he states: "On the territorial question—that is, the question of extending slavery under the national auspices,—I am inflexible. I am for no compromise which assists or permits the extension of the institution on soil owned by the nation." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Seward, 1 February 1861, CW, 4:183.

Receives bronze medal of Henry Clay sent by Daniel Ullmann, New York attorney. Abraham Lincoln to Daniel Ullmann, 1 February 1861, CW, 4:183-84.

Accepts invitation of committee of citizens of Cincinnati to stop on way to Washington. Baltimore Sun, 4 February 1861; Abraham Lincoln to Benjamin Eggleston, Charles L. Moore, and A. McAlpin, 1 February 1861, CW, 4:182.

Lincoln writes letter of sympathy to Queen Victoria of England on death of husband. Abraham Lincoln to Queen Victoria, 1 February 1862, CW, 5:117-18.

Discusses with Secretary of State William H. Seward and Congressman Alfred Ely (N.Y.), recently in prison in Richmond, advisability of placing Confederate privateers detained in New York and Philadelphia harbors on footing of prisoners of war. N.Y. Tribune, 3 February 1862; National Republican (Washington, DC), 3 February 1862, 2:5.

In afternoon Seward escorts Baron F. von Gerolt, Prussian minister, to White House for ceremonial call on President. Seward to Lincoln, 1 February 1862, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President sends for Asst. Sec. Fox, who arrives after dinner. Fox, Diary, Gist-Blair Family Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President explains to Gov. Morton (Ind.): "I think it would not do for me to meet you at Harrisburg." [Peace Democrats were advocating a Northwest Confederacy. Secret societies were being formed for purpose of sabotaging Union.] Abraham Lincoln to Oliver P. Morton, 1 February 1863, CW, 6:87-88.

President directs Sec. Stanton to have transport sent to Negro colony established on Ile à Vache and to bring back all who wish to return. Abraham Lincoln to Edwin M. Stanton, 1 February 1864, CW, 7:164-65.

Orders that draft for 500,000 men, to serve for three years or during war, be made on March 10, 1864 next. Order for Draft of 500,000 Men, 1 February 1864, CW, 7:164.

Interviews Capt. Ulric Dahlgren, who has waited from 11 A.M. until 4 P.M. They discuss personal and military matters while Lincoln is being shaved. Dahlgren to Dahlgren, 1 February 1864, John A. Dahlgren Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

President approves resolution submitting Thirteenth Amendment to states. Resolution Submitting the Thirteenth Amendment to the States, 1 February 1865, CW, 8:253-54.

Interviews J. W. Singleton, who has talked with President Davis. Randall, Lincoln, 4:330.

Confers with Sen. Howe (Wis.) about idea of furloughing sick, proposed in letter of Mrs. Porter. Howe to Lincoln, 1 February 1865, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Interviews Henry Ward Beecher relative to outlook for peace. Abraham Lincoln to Henry W. Beecher, 27 February 1865, CW, 8:318-19.

Responds to serenade of crowd at White House celebrating passage of resolution sending Thirteenth Amendment to states. N.Y. Tribune, 3 February 1865; Response to a Serenade, 1 February 1865, CW, 8:254-55.

President seldom gets to bed before midnight. William H. Crook, "Lincoln as I Knew Him. Compiled and written down by Margarita S. Gerry," Harper's Monthly Magazine 114 (December 1906):110-11.

Telegraphs Maj. Eckert at City Point, Va.: "Call at Fortress-Monroe & put yourself under direction of Mr. S. [Seward] whom you will find there." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas T. Eckert, 1 February 1865, CW, 8:252.

Telegraphs Gen. Grant: "Let nothing which is transpiring, change, hinder, or delay your Military movements, or plans." Abraham Lincoln to Ulysses S. Grant, 1 February 1865, CW, 8:252.