Lincoln and Benjamin S. Edwards examine papers and listen to oral testimony of Harry Wilton, late U.S. marshal for Illinois, charged with using his office for political effect in taking 1840 census. Statement signed by both men shows that 54 of 76 appointments were Democrats, but they draw no conclusions from evidence.Statement Regarding Harry Wilton, 25 June 1841, CW, 1:258-59.

Lincoln and Edwards are praised by Springfield's Democratic paper for being "able and willing to do justice to a political opponent when wronged."Register, 16 July 1841.