WILLIAM
F. CODY. Autograph Letter Signed to Mr. Hersey, New Bedford,
MA, 3 July 1916. 1 page, 11" x 8½", on vignette letterhead.
Nicknamed "Buffalo Bill," William Cody was the legendary Pony
Express rider, cavalry scout, hunter, Indian fighter, and showman who
launched his very popular Wild West shows in 1883. By the date of this
letter, written just six months before his death, Cody no longer operated
his own show, but he was part of other ventures, one of which is identified
on this illustrated lettersheet as “The Chicago Shan-Kive
and Round-Up,” a rodeo for which Cody was one of the honorary
judges.
“Yours of the 30th June – Just came,” Cody
writes to an old friend and associate. “Will follow your instructions
regarding – photographers name – date of takeing photographs
of printing &c – Sent some lithographs.... by reading this
letter head you will see we will be in Chicago – Aug. 19 –
27th. We are going to pull off some stunt – Come and see it. And
see me – and we will make medicine heap – At the same time
see Arlington.
“Here is a New York Draft for $200,” he continues.
“I had it saved up for the Printing note – But I’d
rather you to have it. I’ll dig up some more for them.”
He has signed, “Your friend W. F. Cody.”
The vignette letterhead, printed in various shades of red, brown, and
black, has decorative lettering and illustrations of two cowboys, one
twirling a lasso and the other riding a bucking bronco, with grandstands,
bedecked with flags and bunting, in the background. It lists the dates
and location (“Old Cubs’ Ball Park”) of the
Chicago show and identifies “Col. Wm. F. Cody of Wyoming”
as one of the Honorary Judges at the event.
The letter has slight marginal wear and some expert repairs on the verso.
However, it is in very good condition overall, and is an attractive
and colorful full-page letter by Cody.
Accompanying the letter is a colorful though slightly worn booklet from
one of Cody’s Wild West shows entitled “Buffalo Bill’s
Wild West Historical Sketches and Daily Review.” $1500.00
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