On this "fatal first of Jan. '41," Lincoln passes through an emotional crisis, the exact nature of which is unknown. One story is that he failed to appear at his own wedding; but more probably he broke his engagement with Mary Todd . Whatever the occurrence, result was acute mental anguish.Abraham Lincoln to Joshua F. Speed, 27 March 1842, CW, 1:282-83.

On four votes taken on bill to regulate tavern and grocery licenses, Lincoln does not vote, his only activity being two votes for adjournment.House Journal.

[Lincoln's name does not appear on eight votes.House Journal.]

Act incorporating town of Galesburg in Knox County is passed, 52-31, Lincoln voting aye. His name does not appear on three afternoon roll calls.House Journal.

Lincoln writes and files bill for divorce of Ann McDaniel v. Patrick McDaniel in Sangamon Circuit Court, signing "Logan & Lincoln for Complainant."Photocopy.

Act providing for safekeeping and delivery of public money is read third time and rejected 41-41, Lincoln voting nay.House Journal.

Hardin moves to take up circuit court bill laid on table yesterday. Motion is agreed to 43-40, Lincoln voting aye.House Journal.

To celebrate Jackson's victory at New Orleans, House dispenses with rules, 63-19, Lincoln voting aye; and aye on vote of respect to Jackson's memory. On resolution that military fame of Andrew Jackson has been rivalled by his equally successful and distinguished services to nation as statesman and benefactor, Lincoln casts negative vote.House Journal.

Lincoln votes with majority to table resolution to instruct Judiciary Committee to inquire into expediency of reporting stay law bill, to stay proceedings on judgments and executions.House Journal.

Lincoln opposes investigation of accounts of late Board of Public Works.House Journal.

Lincoln answers two of four roll calls.House Journal.

Lincoln is absent from legislature because of illness.

Lincoln is absent from legislature because of illness.

Lincoln is absent from legislature because of illness.

Lincoln is still absent from legislature. His condition is suggested by correspondent of John J. Hardin: "We have been very much distressed, on Mr. Lincoln's account; hearing he had two Cat fits, and a Duck fit since we left. Is it true? Do let me hear soon." Martin McKee to Hardin, 22 January 1841, John J. Hardin Papers, Chicago History Museum, Chicago, IL.

Lincoln attends legislature for at least part of day, but he "is reduced and emaciated in appearance and seems scarcely to possess strength enough to speak above a whisper. His case at present is truly deplorable but what prospect there may be for ultimate relief I cannot pretend to say." Carl Sandburg and Paul M. Angle, Mary Lincoln, 179.

Lincoln writes to his law partner Congressman John T. Stuart regarding the appointment of a postmaster for Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln recommends Dr. Anson G. Henry, in part, out of his desire to keep Henry in Springfield. Lincoln writes, "I have, within the last few days, been making a most discreditable exhibition of myself in the way of hypochondriaism and thereby got an impression that Dr. Henry is necessary to my existence." Lincoln apologizes for not "writing more; I have not sufficient composure to write a long letter." Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 20 January 1841, CW, 1:228-29.

Long fight to change Supreme Court from Whig to Democratic begins. Lincoln opposes addition of five new judges. Senate bill to increase payment of bounty on wolf scalps is postponed indefinitely, Lincoln voting aye.House Journal.

Lincoln votes on morning roll call. In evening he attends meeting of friends at Butler's where he submits question of Stuart's re-election to Congress and finds all in favor.House Journal; Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 23 January 1841, CW, 1:229-30.

Lincoln writes to his law partner Congressman John T. Stuart and discusses Stuart's possible bid for re-election. In the second half of the letter, Lincoln reveals that he is suffereing an intense bout of depression as he writes, "I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth. Whether I shall ever be better I can not tell; I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible; I must die or be better, it appears to me." Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 23 January 1841, CW, 1:229-30.

House some days ago amended Senate reapportionment bill. Trumbull moves that House recede from its amendments; motion is lost, 32-54, Lincoln voting nay.House Journal.

House devotes most of morning to resolutions, amendments, and roll calls on ways and means of collecting third installment [$16,666.66] due state from Springfield citizens on $50,000 pledge toward erection of state house. Lincoln favors payment. House Journal.

Lincoln writes and signs declaration in Rowland, Smith & Co. v. Francis et al.Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

On Lincoln's motion, Senate bill for "act making an appropriation for work done on the State House," is read third time and passed. He introduces bill for "act authorizing certain debtors of the State to discharge their indebtedness in Illinois Internal Improvement scrip." Under this bill, passed later in session, Springfield pays debt. Lincoln speaks in favor of Hardin's resolution of January 26, 1841 that House adjourn sine die February 22, 1841.House Journal.

Lincoln votes for amendment to act relative to payment of auditor's warrants, and later against passage of bill. He opposes amendment to move adjournment date from February 22, 1841 February 23, 1841 February 24, 1841 February 25, 1841 February 26, 1841 February 27, 1841 February 28, 1841 March 1, 1841.House Journal.

Lincoln presents petition of Sangamon citizens to authorize Richard C. Norred to erect milldam across Sangamon River. On his motion it is referred to select committee of which he is appointed chairman and Francis of Sangamon and White of Logan members. On two roll calls he opposes bill reorganizing judiciary.House Journal.

Lincoln favors act granting timber belonging to internal improvement system to county of Vermilion for building bridge on abutments erected for Northern Cross Railroad over Big Vermilion River at Danville. Bill is tabled.House Journal.