In the mid-1800’s, covering the Illinois 8^th Judicial Circuit required traveling approximately 450 miles by horseback and horse and buggy through fourteen counties, including Mount Pulaski, the Logan County Seat from 1848 to 1855.  However, it was not until 1849 that Mr. Lincoln re-joined this Judicial Circuit, having served two years in the United States House of Representatives: 1847 - 1848.   

       Mr. Lincoln “allowed” Judge David Davis and the other lawyers to stay at the Mount Pulaski House Hotel, while he resided with friends that he had made, namely the Capps, Lushbaugh and Beidler families of Mount Pulaski.     [click on the photos above for more]

20 June 1861 Where Does He Stand! The importance of the crisis has induced our intelligent correspondent "Senex," of Mt. Pulaski, to write the people a letter on Traitors.
In times like these we have a right to know who are the friends of the country, and we therefore insert his letter. If the "lawyer" spoken of is a loyal citizen, let him so declare himself; if his is an enemy, wishing the success of treason, it should be known. We deem it our duty to insert the letter and to ask him to come out and define his position, as the time for neutrality is passed. Do this soon, or the strong hand of Uncle Sam may close on the seat of your breeches and hold you up amid the curses and indignation of your countrymen, as an object of everlasting ridicule and disgrace!      SENEX Mt. Pulaski, June 10th.

      Snippet from 2011 R & B Summer Quarterly