Lincoln writes John T. Stuart in Washington, sending resolutions he had introduced in legislature, and asks Stuart to show them to John C. Calhoun. Proposal is for Illinois to buy all public land in state for 25¢ an acre. Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 1 January 1840, CW, 1:181.

Stuart & Lincoln deposit $38.25 in stock into their account with a Springfield merchant.Account (copy), 1 January 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln votes with majority to table amendments to act concerning justices of peace and constables. He moves amendment to public revenue act: "That hereafter all Revolutionary pensioners in Illinois be permitted to loan their pension money without paying a tax." He votes to table resolution requiring all male inhabitants to work three days a year on public roads.House Journal.

Lincoln is appointed to committee with Nance of Sangamon and Moore of McLean to consider petition of Sangamon County citizens asking for change in Menard County line. He votes to table bill dealing with estrays, and votes against printing 1,500 copies of report on public expenditures. On Lincoln's motion, Senate bill to incorporate Clinton Steam Mill Co. is passed.House Journal.

Most of day is spent on internal improvement bill. Lincoln votes to make state stockholder in all railroads to extent of its expenditures on each project. He opposes several resolutions to suspend construction on railroads and river improvement.House Journal.

Lincoln writes power of attorney for himself from Jesse K. Dubois to sell two Springfield lots.IHi—Original.

Lincoln's name is not mentioned in legislative proceedings. Day is devoted to discussion of charges against Judge John Pearson, in which Lincoln is greatly interested. Pearson is considered incompetent by Chicago bar, and his removal is desired. Issue has risen over his falure to heed mandamus issued by Illinois Supreme Court.House Journal.

Lincoln is appointed one of committee of seven to enquire whether, under constitution, law can be passed authorizing appropriation to indemnify Fayette County for keeping state prisoner.House Journal.

Lincoln votes affirmatively on ordering to second reading bills relating to state bank and also on act in relation to garnishees.House Journal.

Illinois State Register charges that Lincoln has "bolted" internal improvements and "become a joint stock company man—has blown his pledges to the winds and left the system to shift for itself. What an example of good faith!"

Lincoln presents petition of citizens of Sangamon and Menard Counties for state road from Petersburg in Menard County to Waverly in Morgan County. On his motion, petition is referred to select committee composed of Lincoln, Nance of Sangamon, and Harris of Macoupin.House Journal.

Mr. Zimmerman of Union introduces resolution to address justices of Supreme Court out of office because they have held office too long. Real reason is court's recent decision retaining Whig secretary of state, A. P. Field, in office despite appointment of Democrat to succeed him. Motion of Maus of Tazewell to table resolution fails. Lincoln votes nay.House Journal.

Lincoln is one of 32 members of legislature signing protest against House action in refusing to impeach Judge Pearson. After his name he writes, "True as I believe." House Journal; Photocopy.

Lincoln introduces bill for act fixing times for holding circuit courts in Eighth Judicial Circuit. He votes against amendment providing local option, and votes to table new charter for State Bank of Illinois.House Journal.

Because of death of James Copeland, representative from Johnson County, no session of House is held.House Journal.

Lincoln receives from David Prickett $90.08, balance of judgment, except costs, awarded Kerr & Co. August 6, 1839.Photocopy.

Lincoln, one of seven members of joint select committee investigating state bank, is concerned with efforts of bank to divert Galena lead trade from St. Louis to Alton merchants. Committee closes its investigations January 20, 1840.Illinois Reports, 1840.

Lincoln presents petition of Mrs. Sarah Martin for divorce, which is read, and on his motion referred to select committee of Lincoln, Nance of Sangamon, and Henry of Morgan. Amendment which provides for election of assessors and collectors is lost 43-37, Lincoln voting yea.House Journal.

Stuart & Lincoln deposit $100 cash into their account with a Springfield merchant. Account (copy), 16 January 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln votes seven times in favor of continuing some form of internal improvement, although it is obvious that House majority has lost faith in extensive system adopted in 1837.House Journal.

On motion to engross bill for further work on Illinois and Michigan Canal, Lincoln votes yea.House Journal.

Lincoln writes Stuart that legislature has done nothing of importance. He wants as many copies of new life of Harrison as can be spared, and everything else Stuart thinks "will be a good`war-club'." He declares nomination of Harrison "takes first rate." In House he introduces minor bill.Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 20 January 1840, CW, 1:184; House Journal.

Lincoln writes Stuart about bill changing date of congressional elections to August 1840. In 1839 legislature, because of census of 1840, moved 1840 election forward one year. Bill has passed House, and, he says, will pass Senate. His prediction is incorrect; Senate tables it. Lincoln is very active in legislature.Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 21 January 1840, CW, 1:195; House Journal.

As chairman of select committee on Illinois and Michigan Canal, Lincoln reports amendment providing continuance of work and leads debate on subject. He is appointed on committee to settle problems arising from formation of Menard and Dane counties.House Journal.

Stuart & Lincoln buy $.038 worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant and they deposit $380 into their account with the merchant. Account (copy), 22 January 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln favors issuing scrip to continue work on canal. He explains that people near canal also favor it and are willing to run risk. He helps table resolution authorizing suit against signers of bond executed in Springfield to obtain state house. (See March 22, 1838.)House Journal.

Lincoln reports bill from finance committee authorizing purchase of house for governor. On his motion, appropriation bill is made special order of session at 7 P.M. On his motion, rule is dispensed with and bill to change name of Dane County to Christian is passed.House Journal.

Bill is reported by Lincoln, from select committee, dissolving marriage of Nathaniel B. Martin and Sarah Martin. He is appointed on committee on relief of purchasers of canal lots and lands; and on another on incorporation of Springfield.House Journal.

Lincoln votes nay on bill providing popular election of school commissioners, and yea on act concerning groceries. On his motion, House votes to meet following evening to elect treasurer of Board of Canal Commissioners.House Journal.

Act is passed repealing system of internal improvements established in 1837. Lincoln is still strong advocate of internal improvements and votes nay. He reports act to authorize collector of Ogle County to collect taxes for 1839 from citizens of Lee County, formerly part of Ogle.House Journal.

Stuart & Lincoln withdraw $380 cash from their account with a Springfield merchant. Account (copy), 28 January 1840, Irwin & Corneau Account Book, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln votes against various clauses in report of joint judiciary committee appointed to examine contracts for sale of state bonds. House concurs with Senate on removal of Chicago branch of state bank to Lockport. Lincoln votes yea. House Journal.

Stuart & Lincoln buy $6 worth of merchandise from a Springfield merchant.Account (copy), 29 January 1840, Irwin & Corneau, 185, microfilm, IHi, Springfield, IL.

Lincoln defends internal improvements. "He thought [them] . . . of sufficient importance to justify this last effort . . . to save something for the state, from the general wreck. . . . That after the immense debt, we have incurred . . . at least one work calculated to yield something . . . should be finished and put in operation."House Journal.

Lincoln votes yea on bill to incorporate Springfield.House Journal.

Large Whig meeting is held in evening in House. Addresses are made by Gen. Thornton, O. H. Browning, E. D. Baker, Alexander P. Field, and others. Lincoln does not speak but probably attends.Sangamo Journal, 7 February 1840.