Description:

(AZTEC LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY)
Fine content A.L.S. "Henry Kinsley", 1p., 4to, Holbrook, July 14, 1890, a letter to his uncle, Edward Kinsley, a major investor in the ranching concern. Edward Kinsley, a Boston lawyer and figure in the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, took advantage of an offer from the railroad to buy a million acres of grazing land for fifty cents an acre, and formed the corporation in 1884 to do so. Kinsley, his nephew, and others purchased 33,000 head of cattle and a swath of grassland stretching 650 miles from New Mexico to Flagstaff, headquartered in Holbrook, and bought the Hashknife cattle brand, so named for its likeness to a utensil used by chuck wagon cooks. Kinsley brought the cattle, the cattle brought the Hashknife cowpunchers, and the punchers brought big trouble to the little Arizona town. Although only the country's third-largest ranching operation, the Hashknife quickly earned a reputation for primacy in thieving, rustling, brawling, and outright gun fighting. In 1886, the 250-soul town recorded 26 shooting deaths. The Salvation Army even made the area a prime target for charity and evangelizing, to no avail. Only a severe blizzard in 1899 that killed thousands of Aztec cattle and forced the company to liquidate would bring peace back to Holbrook. He writes, in part: "...It will please the boys out here to read it for they are always asking where old man Kinsley is, and when he will come out again. They say you are a rail road man from way back and no flies on you - you bet. Mr. Robinson is in Albuquerque and writes that he will not be able to go to the coast this month, so now I am in doubt whether to wait or go on, for I hate to go alone...". Very fine, with transmittal cover canceled in Holbrook with Aztec Land and Cattle Company printed return address.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent priority or equivalent by courier, signature required, unless otherwise instructed. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice.

May 13, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 21.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000