"There is a good deal of diversity among the whigs here, as to who shall be their candidate for the Presidency; but I think it will result in favor of Genl. Taylor," writes Lincoln to R. S. Thomas of Virginia, Illinois. He informs Thomas of what he has done regarding application for lieutenancy for one of his friends. He knows of nothing more he can do, for "you know I can have no intimacy with the President."Abraham Lincoln to Richard S. Thomas, 1 January 1848, CW, 1:422-23.

Lincoln votes against resolution to inquire into expediency of proposing peace without indemnity. It is rejected 41-137. Ashmun moves to amend resolution of thanks to Gen. Taylor for his victory at Buena Vista by inserting, "in a war unnecessarily and unconstitutionally begun by the President." Whigs force adoption of amendment, Lincoln voting aye.Globe.

[Herndon deposits $500 in Lincoln's bank account at Robert Irwin's store, his share of fee from Siter Price & Co. Irwin Ledger.]

Lincoln presents petition of "James Semple and others, against the petition of the city of Alton, Illinois, praying a relinquishment of certain lands." He votes for resolution requesting President to communicate to House any instructions given to officers or others regarding their permitting Santa Anna to return to Mexico.Globe.

Replying to Botts of Virginia, Lincoln defends action of Postmaster General in fixing compensation to be paid Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad for transporting mail between Washington and Richmond. Company petitions for increase. Botts supports claim and accuses Postmaster General of personal antagonism.Globe; Remarks in United States House of Representatives Concerning Postal Contracts, 5 January 1848, CW, 1:423-29.

Postal discussion continues. Lincoln makes brief statement explaining attitude of Committee on Post Office and Post Roads. Lincoln writes third auditor certifying signature of E. D. Baker on claim papers of Dr. Argyle W. Furr.Remarks Continued in United States House of Representatives Concerning Postal Contracts, 6 January 1848, CW, 1:429-30.

One evening between today and January 19, 1848 Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln attend performance of "the Ethiopian Serenaders" at Carusi's Saloon.National Intelligencer, 6 January 1848, 17 January 1848; Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 2 July 1848, CW, 1:495-96.

Congressman Lincoln writes to his law partner William Herndon and critiques Lincoln, the public speaker: "As to speech-making, by way of getting the hang of the House I made a little speech two or three days ago on a post-office question of no general interest. I find speaking here and elsewhere about the same thing. I was about as badly scared, and no worse, as I am when I speak in court. I expect to make one within a week or two, in which I hope to succeed well enough to wish you to see it." As for his future political career Lincoln writes, "It is very pleasant to learn . . . that there are some who desire that I should be reelected. . . I made the declaration that I would not be a candidate again, more from a wish to deal fairly with others, to keep peace among our friends, and to keep the district from going to the enemy, than for any cause personal to myself; so that, if it should so happen that nobody else wishes to be elected, I could not refuse the people the right of sending me again."Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 8 January 1848, CW, 1:430-31.

Lincoln votes against proposed amendment to post office bill which would divide railroad and steamboat companies carrying mail into four classes and specify rate of compensation. Negative vote of speaker prevents passage.Globe.

Stewart of Pennsylvania attacks Polk's war and tariff policies, and Venable of North Carolina assails Ashmun's resolution. Lincoln obtains floor, but House adjourns before he can speak.Globe.

He writes Blair & Rives, publishers of "Congressional Globe" asking loan of Debates of 28th Congress, second session. "If sent [by messenger], I shall be careful to return uninjured, or pay for."Abraham Lincoln to Blair & Rives, 11 January 1848, CW, 1:431.

Lincoln attacks Polk's war policy. He defends his "spot resolutions" and attempts to disprove Polk's contention that Mexicans began war. "The President is, in no wise, satisfied with his own positions," he declares. ". . . He is a bewildered, confounded, and miserably perplexed man. God grant he may be able to show, there is not something about his conscience, more painful than all his mental perplexity!"Globe; Speech in United States House of Representatives: The War with Mexico, 12 January 1848, CW, 1:431-42.

Lincoln votes to end debate on President's message at 2 o'clock tomorrow. Motion carries 100-95.Journal.

In response to request of House, President submits all information relative to Santa Anna being permitted to return to Mexico "which is compatible with the public interests." John Quincy Adams denounces Polk for withholding information. General debate follows.Globe.

[After routine business House adjourns until January 17, 1848.]

Seizure of African-American waiter in Washington by three slave traders induces Joshua Giddings to introduce resolution to investigate slave trade in District or removing capital to free state. Lincoln votes against motion to table, but it passes. He votes in favor of resolution declaring it inexpedient to order our troops in Mexico to fall back. Globe.

John Jameson of Missouri replies to Lincoln's speech of 12th. "Strange position before the American Congress for such a Representative [from district of Hardin, Baker, and Shields]," he says.Globe.

[Henry Clay presides over immense meeting of American Colonization Society in House.]

From Committee on Post Office and Post Roads Lincoln reports bill for relief of William Fuller and Orlando Saltmarsh.Globe; Report in United States House of Representatives Concerning Petition of William Fuller and Orlando Saltmarsh, 19 January 1848, CW, 1:442-44.

He writes to Herndon regarding case in Christian County, and to J. R. Diller, postmaster at Springfield, promising that he will do what he can to have his allowance for clerk hire and other expenses increased.Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 19 January 1848, CW, 1:445; Abraham Lincoln to Jonathan R. Diller, 19 January 1848, CW, 1:444-45.

House goes into Committee of Whole on private calendar. Lincoln presents petition of Uriah Brown "praying for a further testing of his discovery of `liquid fire,' to be used in national defenses; which was referred to Committee on Naval Affairs." Petition tabled. House adjourns until January 24, 1848.Journal.

Before leaving Springfield Lincoln received letter from S. D. Marshall of Shawneetown asking him about law case. Not having time to look into it, he referred matter to Logan, who evidently forgot it. Having received another letter from Marshall, he explains. "I know nothing that I can here do in the matter."Abraham Lincoln to Samuel D. Marshall, 22 January 1848, CW, 1:445.

Lincoln introduces petition of John Dawson praying remuneration for his services as acting pension agent in Illinois for three years during Tyler's administration. Journal.

Barrow of Tennessee speaks on administration's war policy, claiming that war was unnecessary, and criticizing Polk's request for additional troops. Dixon of Connecticut defends Ashmun's resolution.Globe.

Lincoln presents petition of citizens of Scott County, Illinois, requesting mail route from St. Louis to Jacksonville, Illinois.Journal.

Green of Missouri defends administration's war policies.Globe.

Lincoln votes aye on motion to end debate on President's message. It passes 104-95.Journal.

Palfrey of Massachusetts delivers antislavery speech. Remarks by Henley of Indiana precipitate argument regarding President's alleged partiality to Democrats in army appointments. Henley defends Polk and attacks Whigs' evident intention to nominate "military chieftain," for President.Globe.

Lincoln votes aye on resolution directing clerk to prepare report on private claims. It passes.Journal.

Most of day is taken up with committee reports and debate on war policies.Globe.

[Meeting at Marshall, Ill. complains of Lincoln and his "Spotty" resolutions.Fulton (Canton, Ill.) Ledger.]

Lincoln votes against reconsideration of yesterday's vote. Motion to reconsider is tabled, 89-87.Journal.

House takes up private calendar and receives petitions and executive communications.Globe.

On or about this date, Lincoln returns to William Thomas, Jacksonville attorney, letters he is afraid of losing in connection with Treasury matter. Lincoln can do nothing, he notes, "till a further hearing from you."Abraham Lincoln to William Thomas, [c. 28 January 1848], CW, 1:445-46.

Lincoln answers roll call.Journal.

House receives committee reports and considers petitions and private bills.Globe.

Lincoln writes to a treasury department official, John M. McCalla, regarding a deceased soldier, Andrew Hodge, who "died somewhere on the Rio Grande in the fall of 1846." Lincoln explains, "His father, W. H. Hodge, wishes to draw the arrearage of his pay, and also to get his land warrant." Hodge's father "sent the papers to [McCalla's] office last summer, and received a note . . . acknowledging the receipt of them, since when, he has heard nothing . . . Will you please inform me what, if any thing, I can do to advance the matter?"Abraham Lincoln to John M. McCalla, 29 January 1848, CW, 1:446.

Lincoln receives letter from Herndon questioning wisdom of his stand on Mexican War.Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 1 February 1848, CW, 1:446-48.

In House he votes against tabling resolution, offered by Giddings, whereby committee would be appointed to inquire under what authority slave trade is carried on in District of Columbia. He votes for resolution requesting President to explain why Gen. Scott has been suspended.Globe.