Description:

WILLIAM B. "BAT" MASTERSON
(1853 - 1921) American frontier lawman, Indian fighter and scout, he served as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and was associated with Wyatt Earp in Tombstone. Masterson earned himself a national reputation as a stern keeper of frontier law in Kansas, and won the admiration of President Theodore Roosevelt. Excessively rare T.L.S. "W. B. Masterson" on Morning Telegraph letterhead, 1p. 4to., New York, Feb. 4, 1914, to Robert M. Wright in Dodge City, Ks. Masterson writes to his old friend about the poor sales of his book Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital,, in part: "...I got your letter yesterday and hasten to reply for fear I'll forget it as I find it is quite easy for me to forget things now. I am indeed sorry that the book doesn't sell more readily than it does for it really is a meritorious volume. I will call Mr. Price's attention to what you say regarding his writing from time to time stories from the book and believe as you do that it will help its sale immensely. What is required to stimulate the sale of a book is advertising and unless that is done there is little demand for a book no matter how interesting it is...I have talked the book up among friends and one of them told me the other day he intended sending for a number of books to present same to personal friends...I hope for better results...". A pin hole at top, and just a miniscule chip or two at bottom, else fine. The letter is pinned to a three page typescript copy of a draft biography of Ed Masterson for Wright's book, with a few holograph corrections in Masterson's hand. Ex: Estate of Robert M. Wright.

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May 14, 2009 10:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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