2pp., 8vo (222 x 184 mm), restoration to previous partial or complete separations along old folds, light restoration to minor tear affecting Fell's signature, 1 3/4 in. separation along fold at lower right.

In full: "I close with the within proposal - that in pay $150 now, and Execution [stayed] a year from date of judgment, at which time I have your word that the remainder will be paid. Think I will see you at Bloomington in two or three days. If not I will write again. Yours as ever, A. Lincoln."

The present endorsement appears on the back of a letter written to Lincoln by Kersey H. Fell (1815-1893). In his letter to Lincoln, Fell proposes paying a small debt to Lincoln by assigning him part of a "little Judgment... say $150 Dollars, and the bal. in a year..." Lincoln's endorsement is a note approving this arrangement.

Along with his brother Jesse, Kersey H. Fell was active during the Illinois land boom of the late 1830s. It was Lincoln who advised Fell to take on the study of law, and in 1841, Fell was admitted to the Illinois State Bar. He served as Lincoln's substitute at the 1856 Republican National Convention and stumped for Lincoln's nomination as vice-president, a nomination which eventually went to William L. Dayton. Lincoln received the 1860 presidential nomination while Fell was traveling in Europe; Fell is said to have rushed home upon hearing the news to cast a ballot for his friend in the general election.

PROVENANCE:
Sotheby's, New York, 15 December 1986, Sale 5530 Lot 57A