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THBWilliam F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody ALS Regarding his Partner Nate Salsbury's Death and Barnum's Circus, 1902
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
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About Auction
LiveJun 9, 2017 - Jun 10, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
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- Lot Description
Cody, William F. "Buffalo Bill" (1846-1917). ALS, 2pp, 4.5 x 7 in., on letterhead with E. Ranch, Olympia, London. W. and buffalo embossed in gold, written from Plymouth. July 31, [1902]. Addressed to Bill, and accompanied by original envelope inscribed to W.A. Bell / Bell Show Print / Sigourney / Iowa / USA.
Nathan "Nate" Salsbury was producer and manager of the highly successful Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show that toured the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. He helped Cody launch it in 1883 and continued to work with him until his death in 1902. Bereaved personally and professionally, Cody wrote to his friend W.A. Bell, I am all alone now Salsbury’s death--and Mr. Starr and Mr. Cooke both had to go to America to help the Barnum Circus in its trouble so I am driving it all. It was a massive undertaking, and Cody was understandably overwhelmed by it.
Cody's success and public interest in the Wild West inspired many to begin their own Western shows. W.A. Bell, a professional printer who printed many Wild West show items, contemplated entering into the business and consulted not only Cody, but also another character and customer--the “Poet Scout,” Captain Jack Crawford.
Crawford and Cody met each other during the Great Sioux War. They were friends, but had a rocky relationship. Early in their show careers, Crawford joined Cody’s act in 1876. The relationship soured by the summer of 1877 when Crawford accidentally shot himself backstage. He blamed the incident on Cody’s drunkenness. The two dissolved their partnership and went their separate ways.
Cody orchestrated a large theatrical show, while Crawford lectured across the nation and published many poems and books. Crawford lampooned dime novels, where Cody initially made his fame, and blamed them for young men turning to criminal activities, poverty, and dissipation. Crawford supposedly criticized Cody’s management and performance to their mutual friend W.A. Bell in the letter offered here. Bell mentioned it in a previous letter to Cody. In response, Cody wrote, In regards to Crawford, he has never made a financial success in his life his [illegible] was but he can talk. My advice my friend is to stay out of show business and be entertained.
We were not able to find any records for a Wild West Show headed by W.A. Bell. We assume that he heeded Cody's advice and did not enter into show business, but continued to print Western related items throughout the rest of his career.
Fold in letter. Ink strong and legible. Envelope trimmed open on right edge.Condition
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