While there is no existing documentary proof that Lincoln ever practiced law in Indiana, staff researchers agree on a strong possibility. The names of Indiana attorneys appear occasionally in the docket books of bordering Illinois counties, and vice versa, demonstrating that such activity was not uncommon in antebellum western states. Moreover, we know from previous discoveries that Lincoln often ventured outside the Eighth Judicial Circuit to pick up additional work. Consequently we believe that focused searches are advisable in three neighboring Indiana counties. Vigo County yielded no Lincoln case records, though there was ample evidence of cross-border legal representation.
Vermilion County offers unusual rewards and challenges in the search.
Unquestionably it was one of the most important venues for Lincoln on the Eighth Circuit, principally because of the quasi-partnership he had there with Ward Hill Lamon. However, the case files there are so fragile that even inspecting them is problematic at best. Discussion is underway with conservation specialists at the Illinois State Archives about alternative methods to examine the case files without damaging them. The combination of additional counties and reduced funding probably will delay completion of the search stage by up to six months. Once again visitors to Springfield in February will have many opportunities to enrich their understanding of Abraham Lincoln.