Lot 1578
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. Extraordinary T.Ms. with A.L.S. "Bat" at conclusion and signed "Bat" in the text, also with numerous holograph corrections and additions, 3pp. 4to., a draft of a biographical text sent by author Robert M. Wright, then writing Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital, to his friend Masterson for review and correction. The text concerns itself with anecdotes from the lives of Masterson and his brother Ed. Wright relates how Masterson's partner in grading railroad lines had run off with their money, and then praises Masterson's character: "...There is nothing low-down about him. He is high-toned and broad-minded, cool and brave. In 1876 he became a candidate for sheriff of Ford County, of which Dodge is the county seat...". He continues: "...There was a train robbery committed at Kinsley, Kansas and one Dave Rudenbaugh was the main guy...[Bat] gathered a posse...and took the trail. He caught onto a scent that led him to Henry Lovell's cattle camp. ...Bat was certain the robbers would seek this camp for shelter which they did...they were captured without a shot being fired...Bat was a man most loyal to his friends...exemplified in his action saving Billy Thompson. Billy and Ben Thompson were brothers, high rollers and desperate men as well as gamblers. Billy was shot all to pieces in a gun play...Bat promised Billy to bring him out...Ben Thompson was at the only hotel there desperately wounded...friends of Thompson were to commence a sham battle at the big dance hall...by [shooting] a perfect fusillade of shots...everyone ran out of the hotel...Bat landed Billy in a sleeper and locked the door...they landed next morning at William Cody's...". The text also sets forth details of the killing of Ed Masterson. Among the corrections Masterson makes is the excision of the name "Kinch Riley" from the members of the Rodenbaugh posse, adding "Charlie Bassett", and adding "Buffalo Bill" beside Cody's name. At the conclusion of the text, Masterson adds still more biographical information, in full: "My Dear Bob, You have certainly paid a fine tribute to me and my brother Ed for which I thank you ever so much. Ed and I arrived at Tom Nixon's ranch just west of where Dodge City now stands in the fall of 1871 and worked for Nixon as buffalo skinners until the following spring. It was during July and August of 1872 that I filled the R.R. contract for which I drew a blank. Ed and I again skinned buffalo for Nixon during the fall and winter of 1872-3. After that I hunted for myself. (Bat)". Masterson crosses out his typed name "W. B. Masterson" at the top of the page, writing in: "William Barclay (Bat) Masterson" and also adding "William Barclay" before his name on the next line. Masterson would later make every effort to promote Wright's book, often quoting passages in his column in The Morning Telegraph. Very good. Bat adored his brother Ed, who served as Ford County Sheriff. On April 9th, 1878, while attempting to disarm a drunken cowboy, Jack Wagner, Ed was shot once in his right side. Bat, who was nearby, responded, running across the street shooting at both Wagner, and his employer Alf Walker. Ed Masterson died shortly thereafter, after walking into the street and collapsing. Wagner, hit in the abdomen, died the next day. Walker, hit in the lung and twice in the arm, was thought likely to die but was taken back to Texas and subsequently recovered. Masterson's signature is extraordinarily rare - holograph material, especially with content, simply never comes to market. Ex: Estate of Robert M. Wright.
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.
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
| 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 |