State Fair is in progress, and politicians make it occasion for meetings. In afternoon Douglas speaks in hall of House. Singleton and Harris follow with short talks. When they have finished, Lincoln announces that he or Trumbull, or both, will answer Douglas next day. Chicago Journal, 5 October 1854.

At two o'clock Lincoln takes stand and answers Douglas. He speaks for more than three hours. Douglas is present, interrupts occasionally, and as soon as Lincoln has finished speaks in reply. Illinois Journal, 5 October 1854; Register, 6 October 1854.

Antislavery radicals, under name "Republicans," announce meeting next day. Owen Lovejoy tries to induce Lincoln to attend, but he refuses. Speech at Springfield, Illinois, 4 October 1854, CW, 2:240-47.

Lincoln leaves Springfield to attend court in Tazewell County, partly with intention of avoiding entanglement with radicals. First Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Ottawa, Illinois, 21 August 1858, CW, 3:1-37.

Since there was no railroad connection between Springfield and Pekin, and distance was too great to be covered in one day, Lincoln must have spent most of this day en route. Lincoln writes and sends to Clinton plea and notice in Dye v. Illinois Central RR. Photocopy.