Lincoln & Herndon file amended petition in Evans et al. v. Staley et al. in Sangamon Circuit Court. Photocopy.

Lincoln writes to Illinois State Senator Joseph Gillespie, of Edwardsville, regarding the upcoming congressional election. At the time, state legislatures elected U.S. senators. Lincoln explains, "I have really got it into my head to try to be United States Senator . . . I do not ask you to yield to me, if you are thinking of becoming a candidate yourself. If, however, you are not, then I should like to be remembered affectionately by you; and also, to have you make a mark for me." Abraham Lincoln to Joseph Gillespie, 1 December 1854, CW, 2:290.

Lincoln's court work consists of entering motion in one case and filing bill of exceptions in another. Record.

Lincoln has another easy day in court. As complainant's solicitors he and Herndon file supplemental bill in one case, while in another they enter motion that defendant be ruled to answer by February 1, 1854. Record.

The fall term of Sangamon Circuit Court closes. Three Lincoln & Herndon cases are called, but quickly disposed of. Record.

Lincoln writes divorce decree for Mary Sinclair, plaintiff, in Sinclair v. Sinclair. Herndon-Weik Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Mrs. Lincoln buys at John Williams' store $12.11 worth of assorted cloth, buttons, whalebone, and cord. Pratt, Personal Finances, 146-47.

Lincoln writes John McLean, justice of U.S. Supreme Court, that he understands displacement of present clerk of U.S. Circuit Court is contemplated. He hopes not, for he is very friendly with incumbent. However, if present clerk should be removed, he recommends William Butler. William J. Black, also applicant, "is every way worthy of the office." He writes John T. Stuart's bond as receiver of Mechanics and Farmer's Bank, Springfield, and signs with five others. Abraham Lincoln to John McLean, 6 December 1854, CW, 2:291; Bond for John T. Stuart, 6 December 1854, CW, 2:291-92.