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Original handwritten promissory note dated Northfield, July 28, 1813, recording a promise to pay John Rogers or his order six dollars on demand, with interest.
The makers sign as Thomas Wadleigh and Wm. Witcher. John Whitcher appears as the attesting witness beside the marginal word “Attest.” The promise uses the period wording “jointly and severally.”
The reverse carries a February 14, 1814 judgment endorsement for $6.20 plus costs, together with a docket apparently reading “Rogers v. Whitcher et al.” The original obligation and subsequent legal endorsement survive together on the same small sheet, documenting a private debt during the War of 1812 era.
Attributed to Northfield, New Hampshire, through the associated names. Thomas Wadleigh is probably the Northfield resident born in 1774 who served as clerk and bodyguard to Squire Charles Glidden, accompanying him on horseback when he carried money. If this identification is correct, Wadleigh was the son of Jonathan Wadleigh, a Bunker Hill veteran. This biographical identification remains an attribution; military service by the signers has not been established.
An appealing piece for collectors of early American finance, legal manuscripts, New Hampshire local history, and Wadleigh, Rogers, Witcher/Whitcher/Whicher family genealogy.
Approximately 6¼ x 2 inches, estimated from the photographed ruler.
Condition: age toning, scattered foxing and staining, handling soil, fold creases, uneven edges and small edge nicks. Ink strength varies, with the reverse endorsement noticeably lighter than the principal writing. Please examine all photographs for condition and handwriting.
One original document, written on both sides. The photographs show the same document in full views and details.
Type: Handwritten promissory note with judgment endorsement
Date: July 28, 1813
Additional Date: February 14, 1814
Place Written: Northfield
Attributed Location: Northfield, New Hampshire, USA
Makers: Thomas Wadleigh; Wm. Witcher
Payee: John Rogers
Attesting Witness: John Whitcher (apparent)
Original Amount: $6, payable on demand with interest
Judgment Amount: $6.20 plus costs
Period: Early American Republic; War of 1812 era
Subject: Private credit; debt collection; legal history; genealogy
Material: Paper
Language: English
Format: One sheet, handwritten on both sides
Approximate Size: 6¼ x 2 inches
Quantity: 1 document
