ALS, one lightly lined page, February 24, 1856. Barnum writes from New York to Messrs. Curtis and Scribner[?]. In full: “In one of your letters you stated that the Bank St. property of E. T. Nichols seemed to have no lien prior to mine. A Mr. Brayton of Cleveland (coal dealer) called on me to day to say that his wife Charlotte G. Brayton took a mortgage on that property for $1800 in July/53 & that the interest has been paid punctually until & except last payment due Jany. last. If the records show this prior mortgage to exist of course that weakens the securities so much. I hope you will learn the face in the case & at all events I trust the matter will all be settled up soon as possible.” Light intersecting folds, light smudge to one word, and a hint of mild handling wear, otherwise fine, bright condition. R&R COA.