Lincoln answers Herndon's letter. "I will stake my life, that if you had been in my place, you would have voted just as I did. . . . You are compelled to speak; and your only alternative is to tell the truth or a lie." While Whigs condemn President for beginning war, they consistently vote supplies. Even Whigs who have participated in war "do not hesitate to denounce, as unjust, the Presidents conduct in the beginning of the war."Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 1 February 1848, CW, 1:446-48.

Representative Lincoln writes to William H. Herndon, his law partner in Springfield, Illinois, soon after listening to Congressman Alexander H. Stephens, of Georgia, deliver a speech in the U.S. House. Lincoln calls it "the very best speech, of an hour's length, I ever heard." He adds, "My old, withered, dry eyes, are full of tears yet." Stephens opposed further funding for the war with Mexico, and he claimed that President James K. Polk's "lawless abuse of power" led to America's involvement in the conflict. Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 2 February 1848, CW, 1:448.

Lincoln's bank account, at his order, is debited $14.52 for taxes.Irwin Ledger.

[Treaty of peace is signed at Guadalupe Hidalgo.]

Lincoln votes against resolution directing Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into advisability of raising $5,000,000 annually, until public debt is paid, by taxes on personal property, stocks, and money at interest. It is defeated 44-143. He votes in favor of two resolutions referring sections of President's message to committees.Globe.

Lincoln's tenant, Cornelius Ludlum, pays $22.50 cash into Lincoln's account for three months rent.Irwin Ledger.

Congressman Lincoln writes to Andrew McCallen, of Shawneetown Illinois, in response to McCallen's recent inquiry. Apparently, McCallen seeks to involve his "Regiment" in the war with Mexico. Lincoln advises McCallen that the United States may not need more troops because "[t]here is now some probablility of peace." Lincoln writes, "but, should the war go on, I think volunteers, with the right of electing their own officers will be voted, but that no more regulars, will be voted. Until Congress shall act, of course, nothing can be done towards getting your Regiment into the service. Whenever it shall act I shall be happy to assist you in any way I can." In a postscript, Lincoln adds, "Dont pay postage on letters to me. I am entitled to them free."Abraham Lincoln to Andrew McCallen, 4 February 1848, CW, 1:448-49.

Lincoln presents memorial of citizens of Tazewell County praying reduction of postage.Journal.

He votes aye as House passes resolutions of thanks to Taylor and Scott. Wilmot of Pennsylvania, who introduced tax resolution, denies proposal is primarily scheme to tax slaves. He blames Buchanan for charge, whereupon Brown and Thompson defend Buchanan in acrimonious debate.Globe.

Lincoln replies to invitation to attend Taylor meeting at Philadelphia on 22d. "It will not be convenient for me to attend, yet . . . I am decidedly in favor of Gen. Taylor." His selection will probably be pleasing to Whigs of Illinois, he states, for at constitutional convention last summer more than 70 members signed endorsement of him as their favored candidate.Abraham Lincoln to Taylor Committee, 9 February 1848, CW, 1:449-50.

Lincoln votes aye on motion to print copies of memorial from representatives of Society of Friends of New England praying speedy termination of war. It passes, 98-88.Globe.

Speaker transmits President's reply to House resolution requesting information regarding peace overtures by Mexico.Globe.

Lincoln votes aye on motion to take up private calendar. It passes.Journal.

D. W. Tompkins, representative from Mississippi, who also boards at Mrs. Sprigg's, shows Lincoln letter from Josephus Hewett of Natchez, whom Lincoln had known ten years ago in Illinois. Lincoln writes to Hewett. "For old acquaintance sake, if for nothing else, be sure to write to me on receiving this."Abraham Lincoln to Josephus Hewett, 13 February 1848, CW, 1:450-51.

Lincoln receives letter from Herndon defending Polk.Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 15 February 1848, CW, 1:451-52.

He votes to table motion to expunge Ashmun's January 3, 1848 amendment, and presents petition praying that Congress make same bounty land provision for veterans of War of 1812 as for Mexican War soldiers.Globe.

Congressman Lincoln responds to a letter from his law partner William H. Herndon. Herndon and Lincoln differ on whether or not the Constitution granted power to President James K. Polk to enter into a war with Mexico. Lincoln contends that Congress has the "war-making power." He warns, "Allow the President to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so, whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose—and you allow him to make war at pleasure." Lincoln adds, "your view . . . places our President where kings have always stood."Abraham Lincoln to William H. Herndon, 15 February 1848, CW, 1:451-52.

He votes on two roll calls on bill authorizing loan for prosecution of war.Globe.

National Intelligencer announces Lincoln and Douglas as Illinois managers of "Birth Night Ball" planned for February 22, 1848 to raise money for Washington Monument.

"Your letter, asking me to procure passports, has been received," writes Lincoln to H. O. Merriman of Peoria or A. L. Merriman of Pekin: "I have just been to Mr. Buchanan [secretary of state], who turned me over to an understrapper. . . . He gave me a printed circular showing exactly what is to be done, which I transmit to you."Abraham Lincoln to Halsey O. or Amos L. Merriman, 16 February 1848, CW, 1:452.

He attends House where loan bill is under consideration.Journal.

Managers of "Birth Night Ball" meet at City Hall.National Intelligencer, 16 February 1848.

Loan bill passes 192-14, Lincoln voting for it.Journal.

Lincoln writes to fellow Whig Congressman Thomas S. Flournoy, of Virginia, "In answer to your enquiries." Lincoln explains, "I am in favor of Gen: [Zachary] Taylor as the whig candidate for the Presidency because I am satisfied we can elect him, that he would give us a whig administration, and that we can not elect any other whig." As for Illinois, Lincoln predicts that a Taylor candidacy "would certainly give us one additional member of Congress...and probably would give us the electoral vote of the state . . . but the majority against us there, is so great, that I can no more than express my belief that we can carry the state." He writes William H. Young of Mount Pulaski, Mexican War veteran, that he will attend to Young's bounty land claim. "Hurra for Gen: Taylor." Abraham Lincoln to Thomas S. Flournoy, 17 February 1848, CW, 1:452-53.

Lincoln answers roll calls on several private bills and presents petition from citizens of Edgar County requesting reduction of postal rates.Globe; Journal.

[Messenger from Mexico transmits Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to President Polk.James K. Polk, The Diary of James K. Polk during his Presidency, 1845 to 1849, Now First Printed from the Original Manuscript in the Collections of the Chicago Historical Society, 4 vols., edited and annotated by Milo Milton Quaife (Chicago: McClurg, 1910).]

Lincoln writes letter to Usher F. Linder, candidate for Illinois General Assembly: "You should simply go for Genl. Taylor; because by this, you can take some democrats, and lose no whigs; but if you go also for Mr. Polk on the origin and mode of prossecuting the war, you will still take some democrats, but you will lose more whigs, so that in the sum of the opperation you will be loser."Abraham Lincoln to Usher F. Linder, 20 February 1848, CW, 1:453.

Lincoln attends House. Journal.

Speaker is suddenly interrupted "by several gentlemen, who sprang from their seats to the assistance of the venerable John Quincy Adams, who was observed to be sinking from his seat in what appeared to be the agonies of death." He is borne to rotunda, and thence to speaker's room, and House adjourns.

Commissioner of General Land Office informs Lincoln that he is sending him patent in favor of John W. Stringfield. Lincoln forwards letter to Noah W. Matheny at Springfield, writing at bottom: "Dear Noah: Please forward the Receiver's receipt to Judge Young as commissioner."Abraham Lincoln to Noah W. Matheny, [c. 21 February 1848], CW, 1:453.

House meets, but after prayer for "the venerable sage who lay in an adjoining room," adjourns.Globe.

Lincoln and Douglas are advertised as representatives of Illinois on managers list for "National Birth-Night Ball" scheduled for March 1, 1848.Charles O. Paullin, "Lincoln in Congress," Magazine of History 43 (1).

[After prayer and reading of Journal House adjourns.Globe.

At 7:30 P.M. Adams dies in speaker's room. He was 81 years old.]

House and Senate meet together. Prayer is followed by speeches by Winthrop, Hudson, and Holmes. It is resolved that Adams' seat remain unoccupied for 30 days and be draped in mourning. Lincoln is appointed to committee of 30 "to superintend the funeral solemnities."Globe; Journal.

Members of House and Senate, President and Cabinet, Justices of Supreme Court, officers of army and navy attend Adams' funeral service in House. Lincoln, of Committee on Arrangements, marches in procession which conducts body to Congressional Burying Ground.Journal; Globe.

Putnam of New York introduces resolution, similar to Wilmot Proviso, prohibiting slavery in territory acquired from Mexico. Lincoln votes against motion to table, but motion passes, 105-92. House passes bill giving Mrs. Adams franking privilege for life. It then goes into Committee of Whole to consider deficiency appropriation bill.Globe.

In evening Lincoln receives letter from R. S. Thomas of Virginia, Illinois, enclosing petition for mail route.Abraham Lincoln to Richard S. Thomas, 1 March 1848, CW, 1:455.