Lincoln writes draft to Robert Irwin for $4.22 to balance account. Irwin Ledger.

House considers bill to supply deficiencies in appropriations for year ending June 30, 1849. Amendment is proposed allowing sergeant-at-arms clerk at $4 day provided office is deprived of messenger. Lincoln votes to strike out proviso. Motion carries. He votes aye on amendment, which carries. Globe.

Lincoln's boarding house messmates linger at table all evening discussing Lincoln's amendment. They heartily approve. "Giddings' Diary," Cleveland Post, 31 March 1878; John G. Nicolay and John Hay, Abraham Lincoln: A History, 10 vols. (New York: Century, 1890), 1:533.

Lincoln writes to James M. McLean, former Whig legislative colleague, who asked about jobs. Lincoln says he knows nothing about Taylor's intentions. Abraham Lincoln to James M. McLean, 11 January 1849, CW, 2:22.

Lincoln attends House, for his name does not appear on list of absentees. Journal.

"Mr. Lincoln gave notice of a motion for leave to introduce a bill to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, by consent of the free white people of said District, and with compensation to owners." Journal.

Lincoln receives letters from John Bennett and James Berdan. Former desires office in California, latter, Jacksonville lawyer, asks for documents. Abraham Lincoln to John Bennett, 15 January 1849, CW, 2:23; Abraham Lincoln to James Berdan, 15 January 1849, CW, 2:23.

Besides attending House, Lincoln answers letters of previous day. He will do what he can for Bennett. Referring to James Shields' nomination and probable election to Senate, he asks Berdan: "How do you suppose this, as a fruit of the glorious Mexican war, tastes to Breese, McClernand et al?. Do you suppose they are in a mood of blessing the war about now?" Abraham Lincoln to John Bennett, 15 January 1849, CW, 2:23; Abraham Lincoln to James Berdan, 15 January 1849, CW, 2:23.

Lincoln answers roll call in House. Journal.

Lincoln's name is not on list of absentees, so he must have attended House. Journal.

Lincoln votes against House motion to table resolution reported by committee on printing 1,000 extra copies of documents submitted by secretary of war relating to harbor at Buffalo. Motion fails and resolution, amended, is adopted. Globe.

Lincoln votes against reconsideration of bill granting compensation for slave sent west with Indians. He votes against passage, but it passes 101-95. Globe.

To J. B. Herrick, who has recommended William M. Black for register of Land Office at Vandalia, Lincoln writes: "I shall, when the time comes, try to do right, in view of all the lights then before me." Abraham Lincoln to Josiah B. Herrick, 19 January 1849, CW, 2:23-24.

In Journal Lincoln's name does not appear on absentee list.

Lincoln, as agent of Thomas French, presents two drafts, totaling $1,476.67, and sent to him for collection, to Gales and Seaton, publishers of "National Intelligencer." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gales and William W. Seaton, 22 January 1849, CW, 2:24.

In House, Lincoln votes to reconsider bill relative to claims of Alabama for money spent suppressing Creek Indians in 1836-37. Motion is passed. Globe.

In House amendment to civil and diplomatic appropriations bill to allow congressmen ten cents per mile for mileage, and $2,000 per annum in lieu of per diem expenses and all other allowances, is defeated, 36-150. Lincoln votes with majority. Globe.

Lincoln writes to Henry E. Dummer of Beardstown, relating results of Post Office chore performed for this old friend and colleague. Abraham Lincoln to Henry E. Dummer, [23? January 1849], CW, 2:24.

Lincoln answers House roll call. Journal.

Lincoln answers House roll call. Journal.

Evening meeting of subscribers to Inaugural Ball is held at Willard's Hotel. Lincoln is elected to board of managers. National Intelligencer, 30 January 1849.

Lincoln writes to John Murray, of Belleville, Illinois. Murray seeks a federal position and asks Lincoln to intervene on his behalf. Lincoln answers, "I entertain the strongest personal friendship for you; but I have more than one application . . . before yours, appealing to my feelings in the same way. I know not what control of this matter may fall into my hands; and I can only say . . . that I will . . . when the time comes, give your claim, among others, that consideration, which is due to impartiality, fairness, and friendship." Abraham Lincoln to John Murray, 27 January 1849, CW, 2:24-25.

Lincoln presents memorial of Illinois citizens praying grant of public land to aid railroad from upper and lower Mississippi to Chicago. Journal.

He votes to resolve House into Committee of Whole to consider bill reducing postal rates and correcting franking abuses. Motion is carried. Globe.

Lincoln votes against motion to table resolution for printing 10,000 extra copies of report of Committee on Naval Affairs on railroad across Panama. Vote is tie, speaker votes nay, defeating motion. When resolution comes to vote, Lincoln votes aye. It passes 96-86. Globe.

District of Columbia Committee reports bill which merely prohibits slave trade in District of Columbia. Motion to table is defeated, 72-117, Lincoln voting nay. Debate on slavery rages, but Lincoln does not participate. Globe.

In evening, board of managers of Inaugural Ball meets at Copp's Pavilion. National Intelligencer.