ALS signed “W. F. Cody,” one lightly lined page, 6 x 9.5, Congress Hotel, Chicago letterhead, January 17, 1910. Cody writes to Irving R. Bacon in Detroit. In full: “Mr. Southgate [president of the hotel where Cody is staying] is sick a bed. But I done the next best thing. Henry Reinhardt is a friend of mine. He sells lots of paintings here at the annex. And he will write you—and for you to write him and send him a catalogue of your pictures. He think he can sell them for you. If I had the cash I would take your ‘Conquest of the Prairies.’ But I am short. Address Cody Wyo.” The painter Irving R. Bacon (1875–1962) studied in Munich and later became an illustrator for such publications as Harper’s Weekly and McClure’s. Best known for his historical and genre scenes, he was also the “personal” painter for Henry Ford and immortalized the automotive family and their accomplishments in a number of large-scale works. The Buffalo Bill Cody Museum now owns a number of Bacon’s works. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Cody’s hand. In bright, crisp, very fine condition. Boldly penned and superbly preserved! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
