[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.

Scates continues his argument in Casey v. Casey. He is followed by Nelson for defendant. Record.

Lincoln and Johnston submit report of investigation of Illinois and Michigan Canal claims to legislature. Lincoln also presents his account—$65 for travel and four dollars a day for 21 days service. Illinois Reports, 1853, No. 9; Report of Commissioners Appointed to Investigate the Illinois and Michigan Canal Claims, 7 January 1853, CW, 2:162-87.

Nelson concludes argument for defense in Casey v. Casey. Record.

Lincoln concludes for plaintiff in Casey v. Casey. Lincoln writes Gov. Matteson recommending pardon for William D. Davis, sentenced to three years for manslaughter in July 1850, and whom Lincoln then defended (see July 1, 1850). Abraham Lincoln to Joel A. Matteson, 10 January 1853, CW, 2:187-88.

In afternoon Gov. Matteson is inaugurated. At night Ralph Waldo Emerson speaks on "The Anglo-Saxon" in House of Representatives. Browning, Diary.

[Emerson speaks on "Power." After his address ladies of First Presbyterian Church give supper in Senate Chamber. Lincoln is probably present. Browning, Diary.]

[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.

[The legislature passes a law appropriating funds to pay Lincoln and two others for "services rendered to the state." Lincoln receives $149 for serving on a commission formed "to take evidence in relation to certain claims." "An Act to Pay Certain Persons Therein for Services Rendered to the State," 17 January 1853, General Laws of the State of Illinois (1853), 448.]

Lincoln writes and signs petition for Supreme Court review of Alton & Sangamon RR v. Carpenter. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln writes and signs assignment of errors and writes part of transcript of instructions to jury in Alton & Sangamon RR v. Baugh. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Lincoln attends temperance lecture by Rev. James Smith, D.D., pastor of First Presbyterian Church. Abraham Lincoln to James Smith, 24 January 1853, CW, 2:188.

Lincoln and 38 others write to Dr. Smith: "The undersigned having listened with great satisfaction to the discourse, on the subject of temperance, delivered by you on last evening, and believing, that, if published and circulated among the people, it would be productive of good; would respectfully request a copy thereof for publication." Abraham Lincoln to James Smith, 24 January 1853, CW, 2:188.

"Commenced trial of case of Holloway v. Frink, Walker & Co., in the U.S. Court," records Browning in his Diary. "Lincoln & self for Pltf, Logan & Edwards for Deft— Weather has been cool & dry for several days. Quite cold tonight." Mrs. Lincoln buys and charges $8.80 worth of "Goods" at John Williams' store. Pratt, Personal Finances, 146.

"About as cold a day as we have had this season," Browning writes. "Concluded the trial of Holloway v. Frink, Walker & Co." Pratt, Personal Finances, 146.

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.

By agreement defendant in Northup v. Brown is given leave to file his plea in U.S. Circuit Court. Williams and Lawrence are attorneys for plaintiff, Browning, Bushnell and Lincoln for defendant. Record.

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.