Unsigned handwritten document, one page, 7.75 x 3.25, May 26, 1854. Lincoln pens a promissory note on behalf of his client. In full: “One year after date I promise to pay John Villars seven hundred dollars, with interest at ten per cent per annum from date until paid, interest payable annually in advance, the first years interest being now paid; value received.” Signed at the conclusion by Peter R. Leonard. In fine condition, with a partial separation to the lower fold passing through Leonard’s signature. Lincoln penned this document in the course of settling a case in which his client, John Villars, had sued Peter Leonard to collect on an earlier promissory note. Lincoln prepared four promissory notes for Leonard to sign, with this one one, marked “A” in the left margin, the first to become due. After Leonard failed to pay the first two notes, Villars sued to foreclose the mortgage. The court ruled in favor of Villars, and Leonard’s land was sold to satisfy the judgment; however, the decision was later overturned in the Illinois Supreme Court as the land sale had violated the rights of Leonard’s wife. A handsome example of Lincoln’s distinctive hand as he attempts to fairly resolve a complicated matter. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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