Lincoln writes and reports from Committee on Finance bill for relief of Sangamon County circuit clerk. It is referred to select committee of Allen of Franklin, Hankins of Fayette, and Lincoln. He directs through House Senate bill establishing Menard, Logan, and Dane counties.Photocopy; House Journal.

[Lincoln's name is not in proceedings.House Journal.]

He gives receipt for $7.50 to Moses M. Martin for legal services to estate of Isaac Martin.Probate File.

Act to distribute school fund to counties occupies House during morning. Lincoln votes yea on amendments making it optional whether fund be distributed or placed in bank to constitute trust fund to be loaned on real estate, banks to guarantee 8 per cent.House Journal.

Lincoln continues to defend internal improvement system by votes to postpone indefinitely bill classifying railroads, and for three fund commissioners in preference to one. He votes yea on bill authorizing limited partnerships. Bill fails 42 to 35.House Journal.

Lincoln votes for bills providing branch railroad to Carlinville from Alton & Shelbyville, and for additional $50,000 to be added to $100,000 appropriated for Rock River improvement. He votes yea on bill relocating penitentiary, and nay on act regulating tavern licenses. License bill fails.House Journal.

Whigs open 1840 presidential campaign at evening meeting. Lincoln states object, and suggests committee to draft address to people "setting forth the causes of our opposition to the present administration and recommending all the opponents of misrule of the Government to unite upon the common platform of Union and compromise."Sangamo Journal, 16 March 1839.

House turns down, 39 to 36, bill to increase capital of Bank of Illinois. Afternoon motion to reconsider is accepted, and on second vote bill fails 39 to 38. Lincoln, Edwards, and Elkin vote yea. Lincoln votes yea with majority to pass Senate bill incorporating Quincy House Co.House Journal.