In letter of November 4, 1851 to John D. Johnston Lincoln says: "When I came into Charleston day-before yesterday I learned that you are anxious to sell the land where you live, and move to Missouri." Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 4 November 1851, CW, 2:111-12.

Shelby Circuit Court convenes. Lincoln writes and signs "Ficklin & Lincoln" to pleas in Mercer v. Evans. He writes, signs, and files pleas in Nathan v. Noland, and writes affidavit of James Evans. He and Ficklin are for defense. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC; Photocopy.

[Lincoln has at least two cases at this term which cannot be assigned to particular days. In Stewardson v. Stewardson he and Ficklin dismiss complainant's bill. In Mercer v. Evans, slander, jury finds for plaintiff and assesses damages at $5. Lincoln is attorney for defense. Record.]

Lincoln writes to his stepbrother about his proposed removal to Missouri: "What can you do in Missouri, better than here? . . . Your thousand pretences for not getting along better, are all non-sense—they deceive no body but yourself. Go to work is the only cure for your case." At all events Lincoln intends to protect his mother's interest in Coles County land. Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 4 November 1851, CW, 2:111-12.

[In Lincoln's long absence on circuit, his banker pays his bills. Robert Irwin debits Lincoln's account $250 for bills payable. Irwin credits Lincoln with $35.30 interest, deposits $9.57 cash received from some Lincoln debtor, and gives Mrs. Lincoln $5 cash. Irwin Journal & Ledger.]

[Mrs. Lincoln buys $2 in merchandise. Irwin Journal & Ledger.]

[Mrs. Lincoln buys $2 bonnet at Irwin's store, and $4.97 worth of red flannel and merino at John Williams & Co. Irwin Journal & Ledger; Pratt, Personal Finances, 145.]

[Mrs. Lincoln buys yard of plaid flannel and buttons ($1.48) at John Williams & Co. Irwin Journal & Ledger; Pratt, Personal Finances, 145.]

Having received another letter from Johnston, Lincoln writes: "I still think as I did; but if the land can be sold so that I get three hundred dollars to put to interest for mother, I will not object if she does not. But before I will make a deed, the money must be had, or secured, beyond all doubt, at ten per cent." Abraham Lincoln to John D. Johnston, 9 November 1851, CW, 2:112.

[Moultrie Circuit Court convenes at Sullivan.]

Froman v. Pearson & Walton is dismissed by agreement. Lincoln and Benedict appear for defendants. Signing "Post & Lincoln," Lincoln writes and files five pleas and affidavit for defendant in Austin v. Whitley. After having agreed to submit dispute to referee, defendant refused to accept award and plaintiff sues for $500 damages. Lincoln writes and signs replication in King et al. v. Lee et al. In Andrews v. House he wins leave to take depositions for plaintiff. Record; Photocopy; Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Emerson and Wait, attorneys for plaintiff in Austin v. Whitley, dismiss suit. Record.

In the Macon County Circuit Court, a jury grants a divorce to Lincoln's client Sarah Ogden in the case of Ogden v. Ogden. Among other charges, Sarah claims that the defendant, Jonathan Ogden, "repeatedly" hit her and then left her "in a destitute and suffering situation." "In lieu of alimony," the court orders Jonathan to give Sarah "bedding . . . [and] four hundred dollars." The court awards Jonathan "custody . . . of the children," but it allows Sarah to "visit said children occasionally" and "without hinderance." Answer of Jonathan Ogden, filed May 1851, Ogden v. Ogden; Bill for Divorce, filed 9 May 1851, Ogden v. Ogden, both in case file A1037, Macon County Circuit Court, Illinois State Regional Archives Depository, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL; Decree, 14 November 1851, Ogden v. Ogden, Record C, 86, Macon County Circuit Court, Macon County Courthouse, Decatur, IL.

Lincoln writes to Joseph McIntyre, Pekin attorney, about legal document he needs at once. Abraham Lincoln to Joseph S. McIntyre, 14 November 1851, CW, 2:112.