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.

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 votes with majority to raise salaries of Supreme Court judges to $1,500 a year. He votes yea on bill to apprehend horse thieves, and yea on passage of bill to prohibit betting on elections. House Journal.

Lincoln tells House that Democratic protest against Whig antisubtreasury resolutions contains false statements.Discussion in Illinois Legislature Concerning Protest of Resolutions on Sub-Treasury, 9 February 1839, CW, 1:143.

Lincoln, from Committee on Counties, reports bill to amend law in relation to sheriffs and coroners. It is ordered engrossed for third reading. House begins discussion of important revenue bill.House Journal.

House devotes afternoon to revenue bill. Hardin's amendment that taxes on lands owned by nonresidents be paid direct to state treasury is brought to vote. Lincoln favors amendment, but House does not adopt it. Motion to engross revenue bill fails. Lincoln votes yea.House Journal.

House passes bill establishing Illinois Asylum for Deaf and Dumb, Sangamon delegation voting yea. Lincoln votes nay on passage of bill to distribute school fund to counties. Vote is 47 yeas and 33 nays.House Journal.

Lincoln writes to Stuart giving instructions about renewing his note at state bank. Money to renew it is in hands of William Butler. He sends note signed in blank for Stuart to use. He closes with: "Ewing wont do any thing. He is not worth a damn." This probably refers to Ewing's attempt to repeal bill removing capital to Springfield.Abraham Lincoln to John T. Stuart, 14 February 1839, CW, 1:143.

On Lincoln's motion, House agrees to hear reports of select committees. He reports bill for relief of Sangamon circuit clerk, with amendments, which are concurred in.House Journal.

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 writes and reports from Committee on Counties supplemental bill to act establishing Menard, Logan, and Dane counties. It is ordered engrossed for third reading. He votes yea with rest of Sangamon delegation on bill appropriating $20,000 for improvement of Big Muddy River, which passes 52 to 21. House Journal; Photocopy.

Committee, including Lincoln, is appointed to take up bill vetoed by Council of Revision, supplementing "act for the limitation of actions and for avoidance of vexatious law suits." On Lincoln's motion, House is granted Vandalia residents tomorrow evening for "any public amusement they may choose to indulge in."House Journal.

House adopts resolution 56 to 26 authorizing vote on constitutional convention. Lincoln votes nay on this and also on Baker's motion to table bill dividing state into judicial circuits. He votes yea on allowing presiding officers of House and Senate $7 a day.House Journal.

Bill increasing capital stock of Bank of Illinois is amended by striking out section restricting notes smaller than $5. Sangamon delegation votes yea. On Lincoln's motion, bill for relief of Sangamon circuit clerk is amended to include clerks of Clinton, Fayette, and Franklin.House Journal.

Lincoln writes to William Butler of Springfield on renewal of his note: "I would rather you should not be at the trouble of sending me a horse, as you kindly offered to do. . . . No news."Abraham Lincoln to William Butler, 23 Febraury 1839, CW, 1:145-46.

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.