Lincoln presents petition of 631 citizens of Sangamon County "praying the repeal of all laws authorizing the retail of intoxicating liquors," which is, on his motion, referred to Judiciary Committee without reading. He votes yea with minority on granting third reading to "act to authorize limited partnerships."House Journal.

Lincoln writes to William Butler, of Springfield, Illinois, and addresses a rift between Butler and their mutual friend, Edward Baker. Lincoln notes the combative tone of Butler's letter to Baker, who "was writhing under a severe tooth-ache, and therefore he at that time was incapable of exercising that patience and reflection which the case required." Lincoln counsels, "It is always magnanamous to recant whatever we may have said in passion; and when you and Baker shall have done this, I am sure there will be no difficulty . . . left between you. I write this without Bakers knowledge; and I do it because nothing would be more painful to me than to see a difficulty between two of my most particular friends."Abraham Lincoln to William Butler, 1 February 1839, CW, 1:141-42.

House, 44 to 36, Lincoln voting yea, tables Calhoun's resolutions declaring that Congress should not abolish slavery in District of Columbia, or territories, or prohibit slave trade between states.House Journal.

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

Lincoln votes yea with majority to pass, 53 to 23, "act to provide for securing to mechanics and others, liens for the value of labor and materials."House Journal.

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.

House adopts resolution 54 to 33 recommending vote at next general election on convention to amend constitution. Lincoln and Baker are only Sangamon representatives to oppose resolution.House Journal.

Revenue bill is voted down 42 to 40, but vote is reconsidered and bill passes 37 to 32. Seven representatives from Sangamon vote yea on both ballots. Lincoln votes nay on postponing indefinitely bill to increase capital of state bank.House Journal.

On Lincoln's motion, House rules are dispensed with, and bill to incorporate Vandalia and Alton Turnpike Road Co. is read by title and ordered to second reading. On his motion, Menard, Logan, and Dane counties are added to eighth judicial circuit.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.