Description:

James Buchanan FIVE TIMES Signed Promissory Note!

An autograph document in the hand of James Buchanan (1791-1868), future 15th U.S. President, signed an extraordinary FIVE TIMES as "James Buchanan." Two of the signatures are integrated within the text and in the third person, while three confirm receipt of funds. Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Ca. June 20, 1817 - November 25, 1820. Counter-signed by two witnesses recto, John Reitzel and Ulrich Shirk. Expected wear to the document including toning, scattered discoloration, and folds, one split with minor loss, else good to very good. The sight size of the note is 7.375" x 5." Matted and framed behind glass, to a completed size of 13.875" x 17" x 1."

The document is displayed below an artist-signed watercolor showing Buchanan and his Federal-style mansion, Wheatland, both matted and framed within a mahogany-finished frame. The partial document is double-sided, and there is a cut-out verso revealing the obverse. Not examined out of the frame. The frame shows some superficial nicks, and the glass has some tape residue verso, else very good. Accompanied by a complete transcript and a former collector's research about town history and genealogy.

The document outlines the terms of a contract between James Buchanan and Barbara Shirk (1758-1827), and it also serves as a promissory note and a receipt. Shirk, a local widow, pledged to pay Buchanan $80 to settle a legal matter, possibly related to her husband David Shirk's estate. Three notations verso indicate that Barbara Shirk paid Buchanan's fees in three installments between June 20, 1817 and November 25, 1820, including a down payment. Buchanan drove a hard bargain: unlike today, when some lawyers waive legal costs unless the plaintiff wins, Buchanan's terms clearly state that full payment is due whether or not the case is successfully litigated.

In W.U. Hensel's excellent article, "James Buchanan as a Lawyer," the historian describes the young solicitor as "a miscellaneous and busy country lawyer" during his early and prosperous law career. Buchanan represented clients in several counties of southeastern Pennsylvania, and was widely practiced in the appellate and state courts, and as such, he would have been familiar with and interested in civil cases like this.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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February 1, 2023 11:00 AM EST
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