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. Extraordinary T.Ms.S. "William Barclay (Bat) Masterson", 6pp. 4to., a draft of biographical text sent by author Robert M. Wright, then writing his volume Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital, to his friend Masterson for review and correction (see above lot). The text concerns itself with anecdotes from the lives of Masterson and his brother Ed. Wright describes Masterson's partner in grading railroad lines having run off with their money, and then praises his 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 Rudebaugh 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 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. 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. 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.

May 14, 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