In Alton, Lincoln speaks at a rally for presidential candidate John C. Fremont. The Republican Fremont is running against the Democratic Party's candidate James Buchanan. A newspaper reports, "Hon. A. Lincoln, finding it necessary to return by the evening train, spoke in the afternoon to a large audience in front of the Presbyterian Church. He made, as he always does, an earnest, argumentative, patriotic, and exceedingly able speech." Chicago Daily Journal (IL), 6 October 1856, 2:3.

In Gray v. French, pending in Supreme Court, Lincoln makes and files affidavit concerning paternity of child. He also writes and files assignment of errors. Privately owned.

Republicans have announced that Lincoln will speak, and he presumably does so. Peoria Weekly Republican, 3 October 1856.

Lincoln, Trumbull, Koerner, Bissell, and others address Republican meeting. "The palm . . . belongs to Mr. Lincoln; his was the speech of the day," Republican newspaper comments. Democratic paper jibes at him for closing his speech with remark, "God bless the Dutch." Belleville Advocate (R), 22 October 1856; St. Clair Tribune (D), 25 October 1856; Speech at Belleville, Illinois, 18 October 1856, CW, 2:379-80.

Lincoln writes bond for costs in Warner v. Nisewander. Photocopy.

He writes Abraham Jonas that he cannot be at Quincy on 23rd—he is so "hobbled" with case that he cannot leave. Abraham Lincoln to Abraham Jonas, 21 October 1856, CW, 2:380.

In evening Lincoln, Swett, and Hogg speak at meeting in West Urbana. "We were not present but understand much interest and enthusiasm were manifested by the entire audience." Urbana Union, 23 October 1856.

At fall term of court "attendance of legal gentlemen was pretty large, including the following gentlemen: A. McWilliams and Hon. A. Lincoln, of Springfield; Messrs. Swett and Packard of Bloomington," and others. Urbana Union, 23 October 1856.

Republican rally is held. "The procession was a large and fine one, with an abundance of flags and banners, and the Mt. Pulaski brass band was on hand with some good music. As many of the crowd as could hear, assembled in Union Hall, and were eloquently addressed by Mr. Bromwell, candidate for Congress and Fremont Elector for the District, and Hon. A. Lincoln." Lincoln speaks again in evening. Bloomington Pantagraph, 5 November 1856.

Lincoln sends apologies to J. M. Ruggles of Havana for not attending Republican meeting there today. He has just returned from Pike County. Abraham Lincoln to James M. Ruggles, 28 October 1856, CW, 2:380.