PROMISSORY NOTE IN WHICH JOHN L. HAMILTON, S.W. WOOD, AND WM. A. ROBERTSON PROMISE TO PAY WILLIAM ELLETH AS GUARDIAN OF THE NINE HEIRS OF ISAAC CROWDIN [?] THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN DOLLARS "FOR THE HIRE OF A NEGRO MAN WOMAN AND TWO CHILDREN." THEY AGREE TO PROVIDE THE SLAVES WITH BLANKETS "AND A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF GOOD NEW CLOTHING FOR THE YEAR." SIGNED AND DATED "AT UNION MO THIS 2ND DAY OF JANUARY AD 1843.

Union, Missouri, 1843. 7" x 7", single page. Completely in manuscript with several mathematical notations in blank bottom margin. Docketed on verso "Hamilton, Wood &c" and "Gilbert & Judy". Old folds, light tanning and wear. Very Good.

John L. Hamilton [born c.1820] and William R. Robertson [born c.1800] were both Virginians living in Franklin County. S.W. [Stephen William] Wood [1816-1886] was born in Virginia and moved with his family to Missouri about 1831. He was listed in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census as a clerk. He enlisted as a private with Co. E, 4th Regiment, Confederate Missouri Infantry in February, 1862, and is listed as a lawyer on his intake forms. He was soon promoted to Major and was a field officer at the Battle of Allatoona. (Inventory #: 37550)