Annotation
[1] Alton Telegraph, December 29, 1838.
[2] A resolution proposed by Archibald Williams, representative from Adams County, on December 20, as follows: ``That we deprecate the practice of the General Assembly of electing members of their own body to fill State offices, as corrupting in its tendencies, by throwing around such members as intend to become candidates for such offices an influence adverse to impartial legislation'' (House Journal, Eleventh General Assembly, First Session, p. 120). The resolution was adopted, with amendments, but on the following day a motion for reconsideration was made by Benjamin Johnson of Bond County. Lincoln's remarks were made, following acrimonious debate, on a motion to refer the resolution to the committee on the judiciary. Lincoln's motion and remarks are not recorded in the House Journal, but the motion to refer to the committee on the judiciary is recorded as decided in the negative, and hence the resolution remained as adopted the preceding day.