American adventurer, educator, and author (1847-1917), who was known as ‘Captain Jack’ and as ‘The Poet Scout.' A master Wild West storyteller and a hugely popular performer in the late nineteenth century, Crawford became a national celebrity after his daring ride of 350 miles in six days to carry news to Fort Laramie of Gen. George Crook’s victory at the Battle of Slim Buttes during the Great Sioux War. Handwritten poem by Jack Crawford, penned on the reverse of a 5.75 x 9.25 sheet of The New Hoffman House stationery, no date, signed at the conclusion: "J. W. Crawford, 'Capt. Jack.'" The poem, which is entitled "In Conclusion" and inscribed to noted German-American photographer "Arnold Genthe," reads in full: "I look upon your Shaddow faces, Strong and clear and always true / As the artistic critic traces, Natures trail to art in you. / I recognize a power uplifting, As the dew drops fly away / When the clouds dispersed are drifting, And I see the king of day. / God points to all the way to glory, And to souls like yours imparts / In the flowers of song and story, Reciprocity of hearts / So dear Genthe here's a greeting, With these hasty lines I trace / In remembrance of that meeting, When you trapped my laughing face, Yours in clouds or sunshine." In very good to fine condition, with chipping to the edges, and two old tape repairs on the back.
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