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THBWilliam F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Two 1916 ALsS to his Lawyer Regarding Financial Woes and Failing Health
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
View Full Catalog (392)
- Lot Description
Cody, William F. "Buffalo Bill" (1846-1917). 2 ALsS, both on illustrated letterhead for Buffalo Bill and the 101 Ranch Shows Combined with The Military Pageant "Preparedness" and addressed to his lawyer Henry J. Hersey, written less than five months before Cody's death.
First is 1p, dated at Gary, IN, August 28 [1916]. Cody struggled with the financial management of his show for many years, in part due to his desire to make sure his employees were fairly paid and happy. Changing tastes and declining popularity in the 20th century had dwindled his once-great fortune and forced him to form partnerships with Pawnee Bill, Sells-Floto Circus, and the Miller Bros. 101 Ranch, the latter offering no ownership and a daily fee of $100 plus a percentage of profits above $2,750. Cody laments sparse crowds and other issues but seems satisfied that the show will go on: We just could not get them to coming. The entire press jumps on us all over for cruelty to animals. And said the grand stand had been condemned for years it was not safe, etc...I guess the promoters played about even. All [ill.] money was paid duly and fully. The people well fed and happy $ got $900 out of it. Just my $100 a day. Now we have a new worry. Are talking a rail road strike. But it may never happen. So I won't even worry until it does.
Second letter 2pp, dated at Chillicothe, OH, September 19 [1916]. Cody is now in desperate financial trouble and considering selling off everything to meet his obligations: I think Link is trying to get a receiver for all the property...Walls might win by default...Walls letter accompanying the Petition & Summons explained nothing. I wish I could find someone who wanted a hotel proposition. And a growing one. I would sell the Irma Hotel...and the hotel farms and 160 acres, all improved...maybe an ad in the Colorado Register...I am not very strong and so worn out I can't think, let alone act...
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