American frontiersman and entertainer (1846–1917). By the age of 15 Cody had already been a horse wrangler, Pony Express rider, and unsuccessful prospector. He became a scout for the Union army and after the war took a job for a company that supplied meat for railroad construction crews, killing 4,280 buffalo during 1867–68. Dubbed “Buffalo Bill” by writer Ned Buntline, Cody organized his famous Wild West Show in 1883 and met with great success during national and worldwide tours in the following decades. ALS signed “W. F. Cody,” one page, 8.5 x 11, on wonderful ‘Buffalo Bill’ (Himself) and the 101 Ranch Shows Combined with The Military Pageant ‘Preparedness’ letterhead, August 28 [1916]. The financially troubled showman bemoans to his lawyer Henry J. Hersey, in part: “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 & you know no one knows what…However I guess the promoters played about even. All…money was paid daily & fully. The people well fed and every one made 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.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one small hole next to image of letterhead, and a couple pencil notations. Matted and framed to an overall size of 14.75 x 17.5.
Cody lost his Wild West Show to Harry Tammen in 1913 after a failed loan. He refused to retire despite staggering debt and the onset of health issues. In early 1916, he was able to enter into a deal with the Miller brothers, owners of the sole Wild West Show still in operation, but was unable to gain any share of the show’s ownership and instead settled on a flat daily fee of $100 and a percentage of the daily profits above $2750. This proved to be a lucrative arrangement for both parties and Cody rode in the Miller’s show until the end of the season on November 11, 1916. RRAuction COA.
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