Description:

Buffalo Bill Cody ALS: "Our business ... is big. But rain + cyclones knock us"

A 1p autograph letter signed by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), as "Will" at the bottom. Written in Baltimore, Maryland on May 20, [n.y.], but ca. 1908-1914, on a single sheet of stationery with "Buffalo Bill's / Wild West / Combined / With / Pawnee Bill's / Great / Far East" letterhead. The letter is currently hinged to a larger piece of Philatelic Album Leaf paper at the top and bottom, but could be removed. Expected surface wear including light folds, isolated chipped edges and closed tears, and a larger repaired closed tear in the upper left corner. Else near fine. The letter measures 8.5" x 11" while the mount measures 9.25" x 12.875." Accompanied by an auction tag from Dreweatts / Bloomsbury Auctions from December 2016.

Buffalo Bill Cody wrote this letter to his cousin, John Franklin "Frank" Cody, who lived in Ontario, Canada. Buffalo Bill regularly corresponded with his Canadian cousin, as seen in numerous entries found in the digital collections of the William F. Cody Archive and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Many of the cousins' letters discuss mining, just one of Buffalo Bill's many business ventures. Around this time, Buffalo Bill invested in the Campo Bonito mine works in Arizona, and often consulted Frank on business matters relating to the enterprise. Buffalo Bill's mining investment proved to be a flop. Fortunately, the entrepreneurial entertainer maintained a very diversified portfolio. Buffalo Bill funneled Wild West tour earnings into ranching, irrigation and water control, urban development, hospitality, and motion pictures, in addition to mining.

The letter underscores how Buffalo Bill had been forced to return to work after financial reverses threatened his retirement dreams of living off mining profits. One definitely gets the sense that the aging Cody, wracked with aches and pains, was struggling to stay in character; the once virile and versatile showman was now in his 60s.

In full:

"Baltimore
May 20th

Cousin Frank

Your letter just recd. I have not written for several days. The old trouble is bothering me again. We had a tornado and a deluge of rain strike us last week. I overtaxed myself rescuing women and children and got wet to the skin and before I could get to my car and get dry clothes I had a chill.

[illegible] just written Jeffrey. And I feel sure he will send the certificates Baker + Ewing telegraph. That Mr Smith seems pleased with the mines. They say he is the Most capable Expert they ever seen. And is doing it thoroughly [?] But what his report may be They will have no way of knowing. Only by what few expressions he may drop - But they say Smith seems much interested

Our business where we have clear weather is big. But rain + cyclones knock us.

Love to all

Will."

The incredibly popular "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show was a colorful and rollicksome traveling circus featuring Cowboys, Indians, Bandits, and other motley characters. Performers like Sitting Bull and Calamity Jane reenacted famous events, staged stunts and tricks, raced on horseback, and circled their Conestoga wagons to the dazzled delight of American and European crowds. In 1908, Cody merged with Gordon "Pawnee Bill" Lillie's traveling circus; the "Two Bill's Show" would fold in 1913.

Before he became a showman, Cody served as a Union soldier in the Civil War, Pony Express rider, scout, Indian fighter, and professional hunter. Cody allegedly earned his moniker "Buffalo Bill" by the ease with which he slew thousands of the beasts of the Plains. Cody was seldom seen without "Lucrezia Borgia," his Springfield Model 1866 rifle.

A bold autograph in an unusual form--"Will"--from the man who mythologized the Wild West!

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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