In letter to Isham Reavis, who applied for student's position in his law office, Lincoln says that he is gone too frequently to make study with him advantageous. He advises Reavis to get books and read them without instruction. He writes A. L. Brewer of outcome of case he tried for him in Logan County in Sept., and tells him that defendants talk of going to Supreme Court. Abraham Lincoln to Isham Reavis, 5 November 1855, CW, 2:327; Abraham Lincoln to Anson L. Brewer, 5 November 1855, CW, 2:327.

At election for city officials Lincoln is 285th voter. Election Returns.

In the Sangamon County Circuit Court, Lincoln files a declaration in the case of Pea v. Williams. Lincoln's client, Nancy J. Pea, is suing Greenberry Williams for a breach of marriage contract. Pea asserts that in August, Williams "faithfully promised . . . to marry" Pea on September 1. Instead, on October 1, Williams "wrongfully and injuriously married" another woman. Pea claims that Williams "fraudulently intend[ed] craftily and subtly to deceive and injure her." Pea seeks $2,000, in damages. Declaration, filed 8 November 1855, Pea v. Williams, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

Sangamon Circuit Court convenes. Six of Lincoln & Herndon's cases are called. In two cases motions are entered, two others are set for hearing later in term, and two are continued until next year. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon, representing defendant, enter motion to dismiss Moore v. Ware. After argument, judge takes matter under advisement. As plaintiff's attorneys they move to dismiss slander suit, Preston et ux. v. Townsend et ux., at their client's costs. In two other cases they obtain judgments for $132.69 and $326.77. Several other cases are set for trial or continued. Record.

Court overrules Lincoln & Herndon's motion in Moore v. Ware, and gives plaintiff leave to file new appeal bond. Bullard v. Haddix, another appeal in which Lincoln & Herndon represent defendant, is settled by agreement, judgment for $50 being entered against their client. In Whited v. Whitney & Johnson defendants default, and Lincoln & Herndon obtain judgment for $132.99 for their client. Record.

Lincoln & Herndon lose case when jury finds for plaintiff in Penny v. Purviance and assesses his damages at $318.75. In two other cases in which they appear as counsel, motions are entered, and continued. Record.

Correll et al. v. McDaniel et al., will case which resulted in no verdict June 19, 1855, is tried again. Lincoln & Herndon represent defendants. Jury finds that paper in question is not McDaniel's will, and they lose case (see April 25, 1857). Record.