Bill concerning U.S. District Court for Western District of Virginia is again reported in House. Amendment is offered raising to $2,000 salaries of district judges. After discussion bill is tabled, Lincoln voting nay. Globe.

Lincoln writes confidentially to William Schouler: "In these days of Cabinet making, we out West are awake as well as others." He asks Schouler to insert in his paper, with or without comment, as he sees fit, article from "Illinois Journal" proposing E. D. Baker for cabinet. West "is not only entitled to, but is in need of, one member of the cabinet." Abraham Lincoln to William Schouler, 2 February 1849, CW, 2:25.

On February 3, 1849 Stephens of Georgia offered resolution that President furnish House information relative to negotiation of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Houston of Alabama moves to amend, "if compatible with the public interest." Lengthy partisan discussion of administration's Mexican policy follows. Amendment is defeated 89-46, Lincoln voting against it. Globe.

Lincoln answers roll call. Journal.

To William A. Crafts, who has written regarding financial status of Asahel Thayer, he writes that he is under impression that he "is not able to pay any thing," but has brother in Springfield in good circumstances. "Lest I be mistaken, I send your letter to a friend in Springfield, with the request that he will ascertain the material facts and write you." Abraham Lincoln to William A. Crafts, 6 February 1849, CW, 2:25.

Lincoln votes in favor of motion to table joint resolution from Senate "to extend the time for receiving proposals for the printing of Congress." Motion passes 90-86. Globe.

Lincoln attends House. Journal.

Lincoln attends House. Journal.

Lincoln votes to make bill relating to Department of Interior special order of day for February 16, 1849. It fails. Questions recurs of referring bill to Committee of Whole. This also fails, Lincoln voting nay. On question of ordering bill engrossed for third reading, Lincoln votes aye, and motion passes 111-76. Globe.

Lincoln receives draft for $105 on Corcoran & Riggs, Washington bankers, evidently legal fee. CSmH—Original.

Lincoln writes to David Davis, of Bloomington, Illinois, regarding the numerous individuals who seek patronage positions, specifically that of the Commissioner of the General Land Office. Lincoln writes, "Out of more than . . . three hundred letters received this session, yours is the second one manifesting the least interest for me personally. I do not much doubt that I could take the Land office if I would. It also would make me more money than I can otherwise make. Still, when I remember that taking the office would be a final surrender of the law, and that every man in the state, who wants it himself, would be snarling at me about it, I shrink from it." Abraham Lincoln to David Davis, 12 February 1849, CW, 10:14; Thomas F. Schwartz, "'An Egregious Political Blunder' : Justin Butterfield, Lincoln, and Illinois Whiggery," Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association 8 (1986): 9-19.

Lincoln's Springfield bank account is debited $27 for payment to Bela C. Webster. Irwin Journal.

Lincoln presents five memorials of citizens of Illinois for grant of land to aid railroad (Journal), and speaks on railroad grants. Remarks in U. S. House of Representatives Concerning Disposal of the Public Lands, 13 February 1849, CW, 2:26-27.

He votes to amend yesterday's "Journal" to show that while rules were suspended to allow Wallace of South Carolina to address House on Wilmot Proviso, same courtesy was refused Ashmun of Massachusetts. Globe.