Smith continues his argument in Gilman et al. v. Hamilton et al. Lincoln concludes argument for appellants. At later date court affirms lower court decree. Record; 16 Ill. 225.

[Traffic with points north of Springfield on railroad is finally resumed, but with difficulty. Illinois Journal, 2 February 1855.]

Lincoln has another Supreme Court case, People v. Blackford et al., appealed from Circuit Court of Sangamon County. He argues and submits case for appellees, while D. B. Campbell appears for appellants. Record; 16 Ill. 166.

The day after he lost a bid for a U.S. Senate seat, Lincoln writes to Congressman Elihu B. Washburne, of Galena, Illinois. At the time, the state legislature elected U.S. senators, and ultimately, it chose Lyman Trumbull. Lincoln attributes his loss to Governor Joel A. Matteson. Lincoln writes, "He has been secretly a candidate . . . I regret my defeat moderately, but I am not nervous about it. I could have headed off every combination and been elected, had it not been for Matteson's double game—and his defeat now gives me more pleasure than my own gives me pain." Abraham Lincoln to Elihu B. Washburne, 9 February 1855, CW, 2:304-6.

Ritta Angelica da Silva gives Lincoln her promissory note for $125, payable in four years with interest at 10 per cent (see June 9, 1860). To secure note she gives mortgage on Lot 5 in Block Six, Welles and Peck's Addition to Springfield. Record.

To W. H. Henderson Lincoln writes: "I am not Senator. I have to content myself with the honor of having been the first choice of a large majority of the fiftyone members who finally made the election." A less good humored man, Lincoln says, would not have permitted his many supporters to surrender to Trumbull's five. "I could not, however, let the whole political result go to ruin, on a point merely personal to myself." Abraham Lincoln to William H. Henderson, 21 February 1855, CW, 2:306-7.

Lincoln buys pair of boys' boots ($2.75). Pratt, Personal Finances, 147.