EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBLew Wallace Letter, Including Discussion of Jesse James
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveNov 21, 2014 - Nov 22, 2014
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (301)
- Lot Description
Lew Wallace Letter, Including Discussion of Jesse James
Lew Wallace (1827-1905). Union major general in the Civil War, Governor of New Mexico Territory (1878-1881), and author of the best-selling book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1880). ALS, 2.5pp, 6 x 9.5 in., "Hotel Bristol, New York" letterhead. November 20, 1895. Addressed to J.L. Chilton. An interesting letter in which Wallace responds to an individual questioning his treatment of Jesse James while he served as Governor of the New Mexico Territory. He states, I for one would be the last official to say the judiciary and public law officers are all honest and of the utmost integrity. Unfortunately they are not...There are a good many men across the country unjustly charged and convicted. But we can never have perfect justices until we have perfect men.
He goes on to discuss Jesse James, who roamed quite freely for many years. We know he was aided at times by various law enforcement agents...It is known that Jessie [sic] James was first convicted of a crime he was innocent thereof which embarked the brothers on a life of crime. Wallace said that as Governor, he never considered pardoning the James brothers, adding, I for one do not consider Jessie [sic] James a "Robin Hood" as the Eastern Journals do seem to find him. A reward posted by a Governor for a man dead or alive indicates that a capital crime or crimes have been committed...that no shadow of doubt exists as to the guilt of the accused. It will of course encourage an officer of the law to shoot first and ask no questions. This under ordinary circumstances is reproachable. But in the case of Jessie [sic] James I believe several have been justifiable.Auctioneer's Note: Cowan's has determined that this letter is not in Wallace's hand. It is likely a dictation or secretarially signed retained copy.
Condition
A clean, bright letter with expected folds.
- Shipping Info
-
SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
-
- Buyer's Premium
