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Sale 58
Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction
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Description |
Realized |
Lot 116 |
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Carson, Christopher "Kit" (1809-1868) Carson was a frontiersman, trapper, soldier and Indian agent. He was a guide for Frémont's government-financed explorations, served in the Mexican War, fought for the Union in the Civil War, and was appointed superintendent of Indian affairs for the Colorado territory in January 1868, a position he held until his death.
Rare Document Signed "C. Carson" as commander of the Navajo Expedition during the Civil War, 2 ledger pages pasted together, 19½ x 16½, August, 1863. A report of persons and articles employed and hired at the "Depot Navajoe Expedition, Ft Canby, N[ew] M[exico]" during the preceding few months. Listed are the names of 55 persons, including many Indians such as Black Knee, Peacock and Torn Shirt, members of the Utah Indian Guard, an interpreter, teamsters, blacksmiths, herders, etc. The Navajos had been a problem ever since the U.S. had occupied New Mexico at the end of the Mexican War. When the regular troops from that area were sent back east during the Civil War, Carson was sent into the area with 700 men to round up and evacuate the Navajos. The following January, he trapped a number of them in the Canyon de Chelley, a Navajo stronghold, and herded them on the 300 mile "long walk" to Fort Sumter, New Mexico. Carson, a Colonel at this time, was brevetted Brigadier General for his efforts in this area. Autographs of Carson in any form have always been a rarity. A few small to medium fold splits, else fine. Carson's signature is very bold.
Estimated Value $14,000 - 18,000.
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| Unsold |
Lot 117 |
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Chief William Red Fox (1870-1976) Oglala Lakota Sioux whose Lakota name was Tokalu Luta. Red Fox was part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show for many years and appeared in many films. His mother was the sister of Chief Crazy Horse. Autograph Manuscript Signed, 5pp, written on stationery from The New Hamilton Hotel in Laredo, Texas, 11 x 8½ in., Corpus Christi, Texas, n.d. (1965). This is a handwritten account of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, titled "As I remember It." As written by RedFox, in part: "I was six years and fourteen days old at the time of the Custer fight. As it was told to me by my father Chief Black Eagle and my mother White Swan, the sister of Chief Crazy Horse….We left Pine Ridge [Reservation] the eight day of May 1876. Arrived in Montana about June the fifth. My people expected truble they divided up into three different villages. In case of attact they would not be caught in a trap. They knew Custer had left fort Lincolm for the Little Big Horn. Chief Gall and Chief Two-Moons sent word to my uncle Chief Crazy Horse that they were on their way to join him in case of truble with Custer they hatted him for the killing of the fifty three old women men and children and for burning their village several years before [This is a reference to the battle of Washita River, Nov. 27, 1868] and he Raped Black Kettle fourteen year old daughter she gave berth to a boy who is known as Yellow Hawk that they claim is his son from that attact….
On Sunday morning June 25th 1876 Custer…divided his forces into four grupes send Reno to attack my people from the southwest of the Big Horn River. Benteen from the northeast. Godfry and McDugal with the supply train….He told them he would…make the attact at four oclock….About 2 PM…we heard shots fired later we were told that my father and Chief Standing Bear had blocked Captain Benteen from crossing the river. Ghost Dogs, and Crow King had blocked Reno and his men Stinking Bear had Blocked Godfre and McDougal.
About 3 oclock Custer appeared and my uncle Crazy Horse rode out and then retreated like they were afraid. Custer came riding on then. Chief Gall came out to the left side of Custer and Two Moons and his Cheyenns came to the right of Custer. When Custer seen this he started his charge then he dismounted, placed his men on high grounds his horses placed under senteries the Indians made a curcle around him then rode their horses accross the circle kicking up durt [to] stampead his horses. Then the Indians made their attact. Custer bugle sounded for the sentries to bring the horses but they had been killed his bugle sounded for retreat but…most of his men and horses were killed. some said he was the last one to die but that not true. Captain Kegho was the last man to be killed and his horse Comanche was the only horse alive….my people said no one knows who killed [Custer] or when he fell. they say the battle lasted forty minutes….the Indians had better guns than the soldiers good horsemen and knew the country and planed how to fight the battle…." Red Fox also reports that, years later, he spoke to the last white men to see Custer alive, John Martin Kenipe and Theadore Goldwin Kenipe, who had been left 20 miles away with some sick soldiers, and they told him that Custer had disobeyed orders and gone against the advice of his scouts, saying "he was not like Gen. Crook he would not retreat…." Eight days earlier, on June 17, 1876, Crook had been forced to retreat when surprised by Crazy Horse and 500 warriors.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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| Realized
$1,351 |
Lot 118 |
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Earp, Wyatt Berry Stapp & Nicholas Porter Earp. Autograph Endorsement Signed "W.S. Earp" as Constable, on the verso of a partly-printed Document Accomplished and Signed by "N.P. Earp," as Justice of the Peace, Lamar, Missouri, July 22, 1870, 2 pp, 5 x 8½ in. Edges are a bit frayed and some overall toning, else fine. A subpoena listing witnesses to be served in the case of the state vs. Theodore Edwards, Samuel Jones and Joseph Graham. On the recto, Justice of the Peace N.P. Earp (1813-1907), who was Wyatt Earp's father and the patriarch of the Earp clan, filled in the details and the names of the seven individuals ordered to appear before the Justice of the Peace, "to testify on the trial of a case." On the verso, Wyatt Earp reports that "I have served the within subpoena upon the within Names mentioned by Reading the same to them this July 22 1870.W.S. Earp, Const." The docket is also by Wyatt Earp : "State of Mo. / Edwards others / Justice fees 35 / constable fees 2.00." The constable fees took some thought; he marked through two attempts before settling on his fee. This document, signed by the young Earp and his father, is one of the earliest extant Wyatt Earp documents.
Less than a year after signing this document, Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) was the subject of two lawsuits and an arrest warrant for horse theft. He fled Missouri and all three cases were eventually dismissed. Whether or not Earp hunted buffalo between 1871-74 is difficult to determined, but he is known to have been arrested a couple of times for "keeping and being found in a house of ill-fame." As was often the case, the line was blurred between lawfulness and lawlessness, and in April 1875, Earp became a deputy in the Wichita marshall's office.
In addition to being a law officer at various times and places (including Dodge City 1878-79), Earp tried many occupations, including buffalo hunter, saloon keeper, gambler, real estate speculator, and miner. He gained fame for his part in the celebrated gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona on October 26, 1881, which pitted Wyatt, his brothers Virgil and Morgan and Doc Holliday against Ike Clanton and his gang, three of whom were killed during the fight. Earp's fame was helped along by Stuart N. Lake's romanticized version of his life, Wyatt Earp, Frontier Marshal (1931) and by various movies, TV shows, and other biographies. Through the years, Earp has evolved into an iconic figure of the American West.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000.
Christie's, June 14, 2005, lot 284, realized $18,000.
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| Realized
$14,950 |
Lot 119 |
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[Gold Rush]. Archive including letters, documents, newspaper articles, two original Autograph Manuscripts Signed by Forty-niner Samuel Curtis Upham, and a handwritten note signed by John C. Fremont. From the collection of Samuel Curtis Upham (1819-1885), a Vice President of The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, of which Gen. John A. Sutter was President. In 1849 Upham went to California from Philadelphia via Cape Horn and dug for gold in the Caleveras River but after an attack of rheumatism, went to Stockton, then to San Francisco. In 1850 he and five partners started the "Sacramento Transcript," the first daily newspaper published outside of San Francisco. In mid-August, 1850, he sailed back to Philadelphia via the Isthmus of Panama, and, in 1851, published Philadelphia’s "Sunday Mercury." In 1878, he published "Notes of a Voyage to California via Cape Horn" and "Scenes in El Dorado in the Years 1849-50." During the Civil War, Upham sold patriotic items to support the Union and anti-Confederacy novelty items. In 1862, he began printing Confederate money, stamped "facsimile" with his name and address at the bottom. Trimming off the facsimile notice, they were used in the South as genuine. In the 1870s, Upham wrote many hymns, poems, and song lyrics such as "Stand Your Ground" (1875), "Centennial Ode" (1876), and "Deadwood City-1877" (1877) as well as tributes to the 49ers.
(1) "Newspaper Cutting" scrapbook, London: Marcus Ward and Co., 11¾ x 9 in., used by Upham to affix newspaper articles, letters to him, handwritten and signed copies of letters Upham wrote to others, printed poems and songs, leaflets, programs, and documents to its 75 pages. Front cover separated from torn binding; some pages loose. Includes an 18-word ANS signed, "J. C. Fremont", affixed to page numbered 75, beneath a printed invitation card and admission card for "Reception / To / Gen'l John C. Fremont, / Governor of Arizona Territory,". Also includes a two page Autograph Letter Signed of poet Joaquin Miller with envelope, letters on stationery of "The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California," "Office of ‘The Pioneer’" ("Biographical Sketches and Incidents of Pioneer Life"), "The Society of California Pioneers," and "Office of the Territorial Pioneers of California," admission tickets, a silk-like ribbon of "The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California / Headquarters New York." The program for the "Dedication of the Lick Monument," Fredericksburg, Pa., is affixed along with newspaper articles and letters relating to the dedication. Also present are approximately 30 loose newspaper clippings, letters, and envelopes of varied condition.
(2) Autograph Manuscript Signed "S.C. Upham" in title, 7½ pp, 7" x 8½ x 7 in., separate sheets. Titled "S.C. Upham’s Address at the Dedication of the Lick Monument at Fredericksburg, Pa., April 22, 1878. Edits by Upham. At his death, James Lick, land baron and philanthropist, was the wealthiest man in California. Fine condition.
(3) Eleven printed poems, hymns, and sheet music, each authored by Samuel C. Upham, 7¾ x 4¾ in." to 10½ x 8 in. Published by S.C. Upham, 1876. Mostly fine.
(4) Eight different 3¼ x 5½ in. Civil War cacheted envelopes, and one panel, published by S.C. Upham (name on envelope). Fine condition.
(5) Autograph Manuscript Signed "Samuel C. Upham" at top, 3pp, 8¼ x 5¾, separate sheets, regarding the death of Benjamin Park Kooser, who belonged to Co. H 3rd U.S. Art’y Regiment that arrived in the then territory of Mexico, in January, 1847…" Fine condition.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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| Unsold |
Lot 120 |
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[Gold Rush]. Archive of letters, documents, and two Cal Gold quarter dollars belonging to Samuel Curtis Upham (see bio in previous lot). Most items are quarto and in fine condition.
1) ADS "Ebbets & Co," one page, San Francisco, Nov. 26, 1849. Acknowledging receipt of $398.40 from F Bonnard. Rough upper and lower edges. Francis A. Bonnard later printed and bound the first city directory of San Francisco in 1852 at the "Despatch" printing office. From 1853-1856, he published "The Daily Sun." Arthur Mercien Ebbets (1830-1903) came to San Francisco from New York, via Cape Horn, in 1849. He was involved in the shipping and commission industry, insurance and adjustment, and the coal trade.
2) DS "Francis A. Bonnard," "Henry S. Warren," and "Theodore Russell," one page, San Francisco, Dec. 28, 1849. Establishing a partnership in a printing business. Minor smudging.
3) DS "Francis A. Bonnard," one page, San Francisco, Upper California, January 1850. Witness: "Arthur M. Ebbets." Selling his third in the above printing business to J. Munroe Julian.
4) ADS and accomplished by Samuel C. Upham, one page, Sacramento City, June 29, 1850. Marked "(Copy)," in the upper left by Upham, of a document signed by G. Kenyon Fitch acknowledging receipt of $2,900 for Upham for his proportion of the types, presses and other material of the ‘Sacramento Transcript’ Newspaper. Creased.
5) ADS "Samuel C. Upham," one page, Sacramento, August 8, 1850. Marked "Copy," giving Robert D. Merrill power of attorney. Upham had decided to return to Philadelphia.
6) ALS "Saml C. Upham," 2pp, Sacramento City, August 9, 1850. Retained copy, to Robert D. Merrill, instructing him to collect "notes in my favor amounting to $7033.47 … the several amounts in gold dust of a good quality…. I do not wish to return again to California"
7) ADS "Samuel C. Upham" in text, one page, Sacramento City, August 9, 1850. Marked "(Copy)" in the upper left by Upham. Completely in Upham’s hand. In part, "Recd Sacramento city, Aug. 9, 1850, of Samuel C. Upham, Gilbert C. Weld’s six notes in his favors, all in Upham’s hand, including signature.
8) Two ADsS "Saml C. Upham" in text, one page, Sacramento city, August 9, 1850. Marked "(Copy)" in upper left. Completely in Upham’s hand. In part, "Recd Sac city, Aug. 9, 1850, of Samuel C. Upham, Edward J. Feeneys two notes, all in Upham’s hand, including signatures.
9) ADS "Samuel C. Upham" in text and all in his hand one page, Sacramento city, August 10, 1850. Acknowledging receipt of a mortgage.from Edward J. Feeney.
10) ADS "Saml C. Upham," one page, San Francisco, August 13, 1850, In part, "The originals of the enclosed papers I take with me on the Steamer ‘Columbus’ which sails for Panama on the 15th inst. In case the originals should be lost, the copies will be of service as a key to my affairs in California…." Slight tears at right edge.
11) ADS "Saml C. Upham," one page, Steamship Columbus, Panama Bay, September 4, 1850. "(Copy)" penned by Upham in the upper left. All in Upham’s hand, including signatures. Text of a motion passed by the passengers thanking the captain and officers.
12) Newspaper clipping from "The Transcript." Sacramento City, Thursday, December 12, 1850, Reporting "…Mr. U[pham]. intends to reside in Philadelphia and promises to become our regular correspondent … " Slight tear at lower edge.
13) "Journey to the Gold Diggins by Jeremiah Saddlebags. Illustrated by James Alexander Read and Donald F. Read. 56 pages, 9" x 5.75". Engraved caricatures on every page. Publisher's pictorial wrappers; back wrap missing. Adhesive at left edge attaching front wrap to binding. The adventures of Jeremiah Saddlebags, a fictitious prospector, and his quest for gold in California. The illustrations are some of the first caricatures in American literature of the forty-niners. New York: Stringer & Townsend, 1849." Front wrap soiled, light soiling throughout.
14) "To the Pioneers of California. / Ye Ancient Yuba Miner, of the Days of ’49. / An Old Subject in a New Dress. / By Samuel C. Upham, a ’49-er." 6pp, Philadelphia: 1878. Printing of the song Upham wrote in November 1877. With silhouette illustrations.
15) California Fractional Gold. (a) 1873 Indian Head Octagonal Quarter Dollar, measures 3/8 of an inch. Depicts an Indian Head encircled by 13 stars. Date 1873 at base of coin, holed at bottom of "87" of date. Within wreath on verso: "¼ / DOLLAR / CAL" (b) 1874 Indian Head Octagonal Quarter Dollar, measures 3/8 of an inch. Depicts an Indian Head encircled by 13 stars. Date 1874 at base of coin. Within wreath on verso: "¼ / DOLLAR / CAL". Fine condition.
Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,800.
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| Unsold |
Lot 121 |
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Sutter, John (1803-1880) Sutter founded the colony of Nueva Helvetia on the site of what is now Sacramento. After becoming a Mexican citizen, he received a land grant and built Sutter's Fort, a frontier trading post. When gold was discovered on his property (January 24, 1848), his workmen deserted him, his livestock were stolen and squatters settled his land. He eventually resettled in the village of Litiz, with a small government pension. Archive of General John A. Sutter includes a unique handwritten manuscript and a fantastic gold nugget ring, most probably a Sutter presentation.:
(1) Autograph Manuscript Signed "Genl Sutter" in the text, one page, 10½ x 8¼, n.p., n.d., c. 1870s. On lightly lined paper. Fine condition. Titled "That Old Millrace." In full, "With the most cordial esteem / Inscribed / To / The Man who gave the Gold to California, and to the World. / air Byrons ‘Ruddy Wine / What tongue can describe it / What pencil can trace / the Wonders disclosed, / Through that Old Millrace? / Repeat that Old Millrace / Cambyces May conquer – Atilla deface / And the Tartar destroy every work of our race / But what are the actions of One and of all - / How will they compare? By my troth not-at-all. / Repeat = What tongue can describe it &c. / There are five or six other Verses comming [sic] down through all time & comparing the Deeds of Alexander, Caesar, Frederick, Napoleon, Wellington &c &c. and shewing [sic] that their acts only brought effusion of blood, devastation & ruin; but the deeds of this single Man (Genl Sutter) redeemed half a Hemisphere and saved America from Bankrupcy [sic]." Folds, lightly soiled. Fine condition. From the collection of Samuel Curtis Upham (see Upham's bio in Lot 119). Upham wrote poems for the celebrations of the 26th and 27th anniversaries of California’s admission to the Union. Gen. Sutter attended the September 8, 1877 dinner.
Since Upham was known for composing songs for special occasions, especially ones relating to California and the Gold Rush, Gen. Sutter ostensibly wrote this manuscript for Upham, suggesting it as a tribute to himself. Sutter wrote it to the tune of "Byron’s ‘Ruddy Wine.’" The ring most probably was presented by Gen. Sutter to S.C. Upham in gratitude for is poems. Gen. Sutter, in the November 1857 edition of "Hutchings’ California Magazine," wrote about another ring he had made out of gold nuggets. In part, "I went in the race and picked up several pieces of this gold, several of the laborers gave me some which they had picked up, and from Marshall I received a part. I told them that I would get a ring made of this gold as soon as it could be done in California; and I have had a heavy ring made, with my family’s coat of arms engraved on the outside, and on the inside of the ring is engraved, ‘The first gold, discovered in January, 1848…’"
(2) Gold nuggets mounted on a silver ring, most probably presented to Upham by Gen. Sutter.
(3) Program for the "Fourth Annual Banquet / of / The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, / Celebration of the / Thirty-first Anniversary of the Discovery of Gold / At Sutter’s Saw Mill, / at the / Sturtevant House, / New York, / Monday Evening, January 20, 1878," 4pp, 9¼ x 5¾, two conjoined sheets, front and verso. Included in the program on page one: "Welcome, by General John A. Sutter, President … ‘Song of the Argonauts; or, the Days of ’49,’ composed by Mr. S.C. Upham, of Philadelphia, a ‘49er and Member of the Society, and sung by Mr. J.G. Pierson. – Company joining in the Chorus … Song – ‘The Land we Adore.’ Composed by S.C. Upham, Esq., by the Quartette. – Company joining in the Chorus … Song – ‘Ye Ancient Yuba Miner, of the Days of ’49’ composed by Mr. S.C. Upham, and sung by Mr. J.G. Pierson…" Pages two and three are the music and words to "The Land We Adore." On the fourth page are the words to "Song of the Argonauts…" with the heading "Respectfully Dedicated to the Pioneers of California." Printed note at the bottom: "*General John A. Sutter, aged 74 years." Fine condition.
(4) Printing of "The Land We Adore. / By Samuel C. Upham, a ‘Forty-niner,’" one page, 11 x 8½ in. Philadelphia, 1877. Headed: "The following poem written for the occasion, was read by the author at the celebration of the Twenty-Seventh Anniversary of the admission of California into the Union, held at the Ocean Hotel, Long Branch, N.J., Sept. 8th, 1877, under the auspices of ‘the Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California:’" Footnotes explain the references in the poem including the lines "Others are present, with locks frosted by age, / Whose names add new luster to history’s page;" referring to "Generals John A. Sutter and John C. Fremont…" Fine condition.
(5) Program for the "Re-Union of Californians. / Celebration of the 27th Anniversary of the Admission of California into the Union, / Under the Auspices of the / Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California, / at Ocean Hotel, Long Branch, New Jersey / Saturday, September 8, 1877…," 4pp, 5½ x 3¼, two conjoined sheets, front and verso. The front depicts a bear captioned "California / 1850. 1877. / Pioneers." The fourth page lists the members of the arrangements, invitation, and reception committees. Pages two and three lists the program including "Introduction by the President of General John A. Sutter, Pioneer of 1838. / Poem, ‘The Land We Adore,’ composed expressly for this occasion, and read by Samuel C. Upham, Esq., a ‘49er.’ / … ‘Song of the Argonauts: or, the Days of /49,’ composed by Mr. S.C. Upham, and sung by Wm. J. Hill, Esq…" Fine condition.
(6) Autograph Letter Signed "Francis D. Clark. / Secretary," one page, 10 x 8 in. Pictorial letterhead of "The Associated Pioneers of the Territorial Days of California," New York, July 26, 1876. To S.C. Upham, Philadelphia. In full, "I am instructed by this society to tender you their thanks for your kind offer to write a Poem to be read on the 9th of September next at the re-union of Californians at Phila. and to say that your offer has been accepted. I am this day in receipt of a letter from Genl Sutter the veteran pioneer saying that he shall if alive be with us, he is a member of our society." Clear impression of the society’s 2½ in. diameter pictorial seal is affixed at the lower left. The letter is glued to a 11¼ x 8½ page, rippled at all edges. Very good condition. Three items are affixed on verso: (a) 2½ x 5 in. pictorial ticket to the September 9, 1876 "Re-Union / of / Californians / at Globe Hotel, Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia…" (b) 6½ x 2½ in. silk-like ribbon captioned "[eagle vignette] Re-Union / of / Californians. / [bear vignette] / Philadelphia, / September 9, 1876." (c) 2.25" x 5.75" two-part silk-like ribbon imprinted in gold "The / Associated / Pioneers / of the / Territorial / Days of / California / New York / 1875." Fine condition.
Estimated Value $18,000 - 20,000.
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| Unsold |
Lot 122 |
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Hardin, John Wesley (1853-1895) Notorious gunfighter and outlaw who supposedly killed over 40 men. In 1878 the law caught up with Hardin for the 1874 murder of Charles Webb, a Texas deputy sheriff, and he was sentenced to 25 years in Huntsville Prison. Hardin studied law while in prison and when the governor of Texas pardoned him in 1894, he opened a law office in El Paso. By 1895 he was back to his old ways--fighting and gambling. When he threatened to kill John Selman, a Texas lawman, Selman's father took no chances that Hardin might make good on his threat and shot Hardin in the back of the head while he was shooting dice. Selman Sr. was tried and acquitted. Hardin was 42 when he died.
Playing card with a bullet hole through the center signed "J.W. Hardin 1895" in black ink the same year that Hardin died. The card, which is the King of Clubs, is matted with a full-length image of Hardin and a business card for John W. Hardin Esq., Attorney At Law, with an office at 200½ El Paso, Wells Fargo Bldg. At lower right, the card says, "Practice in all courts." Overall size is 12½ x 12 in. Fine condition.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized
$8,400 |
Lot 123 |
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Masterson, James (1855-1895) Old West lawman, brother of gunfighters and lawmen Bat Masterson and Ed Masterson. James was probably involved in more gunfights that either of his more famous brothers. Autograph Letter Signed twice, once "James Masterson" at the end and once "James Roane Masterson" in the text, one page, 8 x 5 in., Houston, Texas, Nov. 26, 1884. Paper loss in two blank corners, else fine. Masterson writes the Secretary of State at Austin that he is enclosing his "oath of office as judge [oath not present]…to which office I was elected…(4th Novr). Please send memy commission. Write my full name James Roane Masterson. Roane is a family name and all my commissions…have it so. Your prompt attention will oblige as my court is in session…." James served as Deputy Marshall (1878) and Marshall (1879-81) of Dodge City. He also served as a lawman in Colorado and New Mexico and was involved in some well-known gunfights, as well as in the capture of a member of the Doolin-Dalton gang. He died of tuberculosis at the age of 39. This is the only full-name signature of James to reach the marketplace of which we are aware.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized
$235 |
Lot 124 |
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Masterson, William Barclay "Bat" (1855-1921) Buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, sheriff and U.S. Marshal, gambler, and newspaperman. Autograph Note Signed "Bat," twice, once at the end and once on Page 2 in a holograph correction, one-half page on page 3 of a typescript copy of Masterson's biography, with several holograph annotations, n.p., n.d. (circa 1912). Light wear and folding creases, else fine. The biography was written by Robert M. Wright and was intended for use in his forthcoming book, Dodge City, the Cowbow Capital. Wright sent the typescript to Masterson for review. Masterson made several corrections and wrote the following note:
"My Dear Bob, You have certainly paid a fine tribute to me and my brother Ed for which I thank you ever so much. Ed and I arrived at Tom Nixons ranch just west of where Dodge City now stands in the fall of 1871 and worked for Nixon as buffalo skinners until the following spring. It was during July and August of 1872 that I filled the R.R. contract for which I drew a blank. Ed and I again skinned buffalo for Nixon during the fall and winter of 1872-3. After that I hunted for myself. (Bat)."
The railroad contract for which he "drew a blank" refers to a grading job for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad which Bat and his brother Ed did but the contractor skipped town with their $300. The next April Bat ran into the contractor in Dodge City and "convinced" him to pay their $300.
Among the holograph corrections Masterson made are the following: He crossed out the name "Kinch Riley" and added "Charlie Bassett" as being a member of the posse he organized to hunt down the train robber Dave Rudebaugh. After William Cody's name, who is mentioned as having helped Bat shelter Billy Thompson (who was shot up in a gunfight), Bat inserted "(Buffalo Bill)" and added that Cody's home was "in North Platte." In Ramon F. Adams' book, Six Guns and Saddle Leather: a Bibliography of Books and Pamphlets on Western Outlaws and Gumnen, he cites as errors in Wright's book the inclusion of Charlie Basset's name in the posse, as well as the year 1877 being the date of Masterson's run for sheriff; however, as evidenced in this manuscript, it was Masterson himself who gave this information to Wright.
Wright quotes Masterson's announcement as a candidate for sheriff of Ford County, which was published in the Dodge City Times in 1877. Incidentally, Masterson and Wyatt Earp served as sheriff's deputies at the same time; they had met and become friends years earlier when they were both skinning buffaloes. Wright also describes the death of Bat's brother, Edward Masterson, who was marshall of Dodge City at the same time Bat was sheriff of Ford County.
This is the only known Autograph Letter Signed by Bat Masterson, one of the most famous figures to come out of the American West.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Bonham's, June 28, 2005, lot 3337, sold for $68,000.
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| Unsold |
Lot 125 |
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Reno, Marcus A (1834-1889) Union officer in Civil War. In 1876, as a rnajor in the 7th Cavalry under George Custer, he was officer of the only unit to survive the Battle of the Little Bighorn and, as such, the subject of controversy. Partial partly-printed Document Signed "M.A. Reno" as Special Examiner in the U.S. Pension Office, Washington, D.C., 1¼ x 8½ in.,n.d. Being Numbers 7 and 8 of a form, filled in and signed by Reno in pencil. At an 1879 Court of Inquiry regarding charges of cowardice and drunkenness at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, no charges were substantiated against Reno. In 1880 he was courtmartialed because of drinking and subsequently dismissed from the service (the decision was reversed in 1967 and his discharge changed to honorable). Reno subsequently moved to Washington, D.C. and was hired by the Bureau of Pensions as an examiner.
Estimated Value $500 - 600.
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| Unsold |
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