Description:

Annie Oakley
Newark, NJ, March 14, 1906
Annie Oakley Letter Re: Trial in 1906
ALS
Autograph letter signed "Annie Oakley", four pages, 5" x 6.5", Newark, March 14, [1906]. On her gilt initialed letterhead to R. G. Williams, also in Newark. With the original transmittal cover in her hand which bears expected tearing from opening and wear. Letter is in very good condition.

In part: "…I expected to have some news in regard [to] my trial in Scranton [PA]. I was to fight there today but as usual it has been postponed for two weeks, however I go to Philadelphia next week. Will let you know if any thing important comes my way. Thank you for troubling with the blotters. They may do us some good. Mr. B[utler] will be home in about four weeks. I think the trip has done him much good both from a business and a health standpoint. I think he will be thoroughly capable of handling a company next season. 'Out of the Fold' opens on the 7th at the American Theatre N.Y. for a 4 weeks run. Hope it will be a success…".

From 1904-1910, Oakley was involved in over 50 cases against papers and other publications who crafted scandalous and sensational stories for their readership. Of particular hurt to Oakley was the publication of a story that alleged that Oakley robbed an "old colored man" in Chicago to support her cocaine habit, by the Dunkirk Herald of Chatauqua County, New York. A burlesque dancer was in fact arrested for the attack, and admitted she had told police her name was "Annie Oakley."

Oakley, who at the time was living a quiet life in semi-retirement and was extremely devoted to charity for orphans and the elderly, was devastated by this libel. Feeling that the papers' retraction of the damaging story was not enough, Oakley and her husband James Butler set to sue every paper which published this unconfirmed story, some 55 in all.

While many of the juries found for Oakley, they were too often Pyrrhic victories in which Oakley far outspent what she received in damages. She did, however, manage to win $20,000 from William Randolph Hearst; however many others were modest wins to those made in spirit only: in more than one case, Oakley and Butler were awarded literally pennies.

When Oakley and Butler died at the age of 66 in 1926, most of the estate was left to charities that assisted orphans and widows.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5" x 6.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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