Description:

Bull Sitting

Two pages, 5.75" x 9.5", Chicago, July 31, 1884. Signed by "M.L. Berry". Light toning with faint handling marks. A great Sitting Bull related circus show promoter's letter by W. L. Berry to his friend Jerome.. Lightly toned, scant handling marks. Else near fine.

Letter written in anticipation of either the 1885 season with Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, or Sitting Bull's traveling tour with the show "Sitting Bull Connection" in 1884, in which he toured parts of Canada and the northern United States and met Annie Oakley. Letter with spectacular content.

Sitting Bull ultimately joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West show and earned about $50 a week for riding once around the arena, where he was a popular attraction. Although it is rumored that he cursed his audiences in his native tongue during the show, the historian Utley contends that he did not. Historians have reported that Sitting Bull gave speeches about his desire for education for the young, and reconciling relations between the Sioux and whites. Sitting Bull stayed with the show for four months before returning home. During that time, audiences considered him a celebrity and romanticized him as a warrior. He earned a small fortune by charging for his autograph and picture, although he often gave his money away to the homeless and beggars.

The letter offered here speaks of the anticipation that ensued when the traveling show was securing the release of Sitting Bull from the government to participate in their program. Shown in part below:

"… I have friends in St. Paul trying to get the famous Indian Chief "Sitting Bull" he has letters from senator Sabin and John A Logan asking his release from the government you know he is a U.S. prisoner, if my friend succeeds in engaging his Royale Scalps. I am sure of plenty of money next season …"

A letter bubbling over with excitement and campy phrases. Fantastic content, and a perfect reflection of the period.

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