[Legislature convenes for regular session.]

Lincoln and Doughty withdraw their plea in Norton v. Gorden, before U.S. Circuit Court July 8, 1852, and defendant defaults. Plaintiff is awarded $1,068.39 debt and $641.92 damages. Logan is attorney for plaintiff. In Supreme Court, Casey v. Casey, appeal from Jefferson County, is set for hearing tomorrow. Record.

Scates commences argument for plaintiff in Casey v. Casey, bill in chancery to set aside transfer of inheritance on ground of fraud. Lower court entered decree in accordance with bill. Scates, Logan, and Lincoln represent plaintiff, Nelson defendant. Record.

[Members of legislature go in body to Alton on railroad. Lincoln may have gone along, although U.S. Court remains in session. Emerson delivers third lecture. Browning, Diary.]

Lincoln is counsel for appellants in two related cases—Ross v. Irving, and Pryor v. Irving—before Supreme Court. Cases involve constitutionality of "occupying claimants' law," pertaining to manner of assessing value of improvements on land. Williams argues for appellants, Blackwell and Grimshaw for appellees. Record.

Lincoln writes and signs rejoinder in Wallace v. Witmer & Langford, Sangamon Circuit Court case. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln concludes for appellants in Ross v. Irving, and Pryor v. Irving. On February 2, 1853, Supreme Court decides that method of determining value of improvements by commissioners is unconstitutional, thus reversing Pike Circuit Court. 14 Ill. 171-83.

Lincoln writes to N. W. Edwards: "Please pay N. W. Edwards & Co, eighty dollars, which will be in full of interest on your note till 1st May 1853." Abraham Lincoln to Ninian W. Edwards, 15 January 1853, CW, 2:188.

Lincoln appears for appellant in Alton & Sangamon RR v. Baugh. He writes bill of exceptions, which T. L. Dickey signs. On February 2, 1853, Supreme Court decides that company, after payment of damages for right of way, is not bound to construct fences along its road and that proprietors of land cannot place obstructions or cattle guards along it. Decision affirms judgment of Sangamon Circuit Court. Record; 14 Ill. 211; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln for plaintiff and Logan and Edwards for defendant try Alton & Sangamon RR v. Carpenter before Supreme Court. Issue is whether benefit to adjoining land from construction of railroad should be deducted in determining value of right of way. On February 2, 1853, court decides in affirmative, reversing Sangamon Circuit Court. Record; 14 Ill. 190-93.

Lincoln buys boys' cap and "1? yds. Jaconet" at John Williams' store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 146.

About this date Lincoln receives letter from John A. Rockwell who solicits his aid in obtaining coal mining charter from legislature. "Being very busy in the Courts when your letter reached me," Lincoln later explains, "I let a few days slip before attending to it." Abraham Lincoln to John A. Rockwell, 15 February 1853, CW, 2:190-91.