Bond of David Rutledge, 31 January 18331
Know all men by these presents that we David Rutledge. William Green Jr. and A. Lincoln are held and firmly bound unto Alexander Trent— and Martin ^S.^ Trent in the penal Sum of one hundred and fifty dollars. well and truly to be paid unto
them— as witness our hands and seals this 31st of Jany 1833—
David Rutledge seal William Green seal A. Lincoln seal The condition of the above obligation is such If the above bounden David Rutledge
shall make a good and lawful deed of conveyance to the said Alexander Trent and Martin ^S^ Trent for the East half of Lot Number five South of Main Street in the first survey
in the town of New-Salem— on or before the first day of July next. the above obligation is to be null void
and of no effect— otherwise to remain in full force and virtue at law—2
[ certification
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01/31/1833
01/31/1833
In testimony where of the said David Rutledge Alexander Trent and martin ^S.^ Trent have here unto set their hands and seals this 31st day of January. 1833
David Rutledge seal A. Trent seal M S. Trent seal 1Abraham Lincoln wrote the text and certification of this document and his signature.
David H. Rutledge, William Green, Jr., and Alexander and Martin S. Trent signed
their own names.
2Green and Lincoln were sureties on this bond, vouching for the financial security
of Rutledge and accepting responsibility for the debt should Rutledge fail to pay.
When Rutledge failed to meet the obligation, the Trents initiated a debt case in Sangamon County Circuit Court against Rutledge and his sureties, including Lincoln.
Trent & Trent v. Rutledge et al., Martha L. Benner and Cullom Davis et al., eds., The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: Complete Documentary Edition, 2d edition (Springfield: Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, 2009), http://www.lawpracticeofabrahamlincoln.org/Details.aspx?case=140579.
Copy of Autograph Document Signed, 1 page(s), Abraham Lincoln Association Files, Lincoln Collection, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, IL).