COLE YOUNGER Writing from prison in Stillwater, Minnesota, the outlaw thanks a state senator for a speech advocating his release. Autograph Letter signed twice: "Cole Younger", 2 pages, 7½x12¼. Stillwater, Minnesota, 1899 March 26. Signed on both pages. To "Hon. M. G. Daly, Senate Chambers, St Paul, Minnesota". In full (spelling errors in original): "Mrs. McNeil, Mrs. Greene and Hon. G. H. Schurmer was here to day. Wish I could repeat all they said in regard to the speech you made in the Senate in favor of the Wilson Bill. I had read what little the papers give and felt very grateful. But if posable I would feel still more after hearing them speak so highly. They were wishing I could have herd you. I told them I would feel very happy as it was if you could only here them praising you. They said everone said it was one of the best speeches made in the Senate during the session. Let me assure you there will never be any act of ours in or out of prison that will caus you to regret having extended a helping hand to us in this our hour of distress and our heart felt gratitude is yours in read more...

FRANK JAMES Awaiting his second trial in a year, the famous outlaw writes to his wife and son, expressing (well founded) optimism about the outcome. Autograph Letter signed: "Frank James", 2 pages, 8½x14. Hand addressed envelope included (toned and torn from opening). Huntsville, Alabama, 1884 February 29. To "My dear Wife and Rob", in full: "This being my lucky day I will write you a brief. Although the situation has not changed materially since I last wrote you I am feeling real well today, much better than for some time. It may be from the fact I got up much earlier than common. I arose this morning before seven, three hours earlier than I usually get up. I had a long conference with General Walker yesterday and you may hear some good news in the next week. I am spending my time as usual. As Rob would say 'the same old thing' each and every day. Tell Rob I heard someone singing his song this morning, 'Goodbye my love, goodbye'. Who do you think I wrote today I bet you can't guess in twenty guesses. See if you can. I will tell you in the last of this who it was. As yet I have not heard from any of my 'Mo' friends. I guess they are waiting until the weather gets warm. I am going to live on eggs from this on. read more...

ANNIE OAKLEY B/w photograph of Annie Oakley from the chest up in a white blouse and jacket. This photo is especially unusual because it shows her without the rows of shooting medals that she often wore. Anything signed by Oakley is exceedingly rare. Photograph mount signed: "Compliments. of/Annie. Oakley." on verso. B/w, 4¼x6½ overall, image 4x5½ (two surfaces). Photograph by Gray, 1030 Tremont St., Boston (imprint at lower margin). Oakley (1860-1926, born Phoebe Anne Moses in Darke County, Ohio), was born to a Quaker family and began to shoot rabbits and quail at age nine. Within five years, she was a breadwinner for her family as a markswoman, and, at age 15, she saved her family's farm with income she had earned from shooting game. On August 23, 1876, at age 16, Annie married Frank Butler, a vaudeville performer who became her partner. Annie's self-effacing personality (on and off stage) made her a popular performer. In 1885, the Butlers joined Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, where Annie was a star for 17 years. The five-foot-tall Oakley got her name "Little Sure Shot" from Sitting Bull and used it in her promotional materials. read more...

ANNIE OAKLEY Out of character but not out of extravagance, the "sure-shot" poses in an extraordinary "Indian Princess" garb, hand-made with the feathers of her prized kills for a Valentine's Day Masquerade. Winning the costume contest that night, Oakley again demonstrates versatility and creative ingenuity, and this rare and exclusive photo captures it all. Signed and dated in her script, with pencil note in her hand on verso. This whimsical photo, not shot for publicity, was probably gifted to a family member or dear friend. Extremely Rare! Photograph signed in ink: "Annie Oakley 1919", and in pencil on verso: "Pinehurst 1919". Sepia, 3½x6. Shown in elaborate Indian costume with feathered head dress, gazing at the horizon. Annie Oakley (1860-1926) was born Phoebe Anne Oakley Mozee in Ohio. She was the sixth of eight children. At the age of nine she began to shoot rabbits and quail and was almost a dead shot from the first. Within five years, she was a breadwinner for her family as a markswoman. In 1876, at age 16, she married Frank Butler, a vaudeville performer who became her partner. Annie's self-effacing personality (on and off stage) made her a popular performer. read more...

PAT GARRETT While traveling New Orleans in hopes of escaping his tainted reputation as the infamous killer of Billy the Kid, a somber Pat Garrett writes to his wife, "I am so lonesome and blue I wish I had not let you leave me." An Extremely Rare and emotional piece! Autograph Letter Signed: "P. H. Garrett," 3 pages, 5x8. New Orleans, Louisiana. March 11, 1894. To his wife, in full: "I got your letter yesterday with the one from Richard enclosed. The letter from him was about a piece of land I bought from Bill Halloman and don't amount to anything. I went to see Maricio this evening (Sunday) he is doing fine but is very weak is wandering all around the hospital, but the doctor say he had better stay there for a few days, it is so mucky and wet at the track he might get sick again. It has been raining every day since you left here until today we have had a beautiful spring day warm like summer I think the race track will get good now and then I can win a race you may look for Billy home in a few days I have no money to send you wife and am very sorry but can't help. Have Milas to sell the black mare Sis if he can't get more than $50. read more...

CHARLES A. LINDBERGH Lindbergh's driver's license application signed by him twice and notarized, only three months before the kidnapping of his infant son. In the year after the kidnapping, with the baby found dead but no suspect yet apprehended, the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commissioner (and future Governor) Harold Hoffman sent this application to a radio station which was closely following the case. Hoffman, later unmasked as a criminal himself, meddled extensively in the kidnapping case. Document signed twice: "C. A. Lindbergh", 2 pages (front and verso), 3¾x5. Mercer County, New Jersey, 1931 December 29. New Jersey Automobile Driver's Renewal Application, filled out by Lindbergh himself, giving his address (Hopewell, New Jersey) and physical description. He gives New York City as his place of (self) employment, and attests that he has never had his license revoked or suspended, nor had he been refused a license. Signed and attested as truthful by Lindbergh on verso and notarized by "Edward R. Whitehead". Light vertical crease at center (not affecting signatures). Signatures slightly smudged (still legible). Lightly worn at edges. Otherwise, fine condition. read more...

WILLIAM F. 'BUFFALO BILL' CODY The man known for his showmanship and scouting skills signed this handwritten letter concerning his financial issues. Various close associates liquidate Cody's assets so that he can pay his creditors. Autograph Letter Signed: "W. C. Cody" one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, Chicago Shan-Kive and Round-Up letterhead. Dated September 18, 1916. Letter to his attorney Henry Hersey regarding his grim financial situation. In Part: “They can explain this situation to you better than I care for they have not kept me well footed. But if you do not hear from them, I'll write you all I know. First Link got judgement for about $11,800. And sold the Irma hotel and four lots and bid it in him self. I have until Jan. 15th 1917. In which to reclaim the property. There separately he sold the fixtures, paintings, etc - I furnished the money and had W.L. Walls bid them in for me. Then Link advertised and sold a hotel of mine called Pahaska Tepee. I furnished the money and had Walls bid that in for me.” read more...

WILLIAM F. CODY: BUFFALO BILL 4¼x6½ cabinet card photo, signed both as W.F. Cody and as Buffalo Bill Cabinet Card Photograph signed: "W.F. Cody/'Buffalo Bill'". B/w, 4¼x6½. Superb portrait of William F. Cody with his desirable double signature. Photographer's imprint, "Gessford/238 Fifth Ave./N.Y.", at lower mount. William Frederick Cody (1846-1917) was a rider for the Pony Express in 1860, a scout for the Kansas Cavalry against the Indians (1863) and served in the U.S. Army in the Civil War (1863-1865). From 1867-1868, he furnished buffalo meat for the Union Pacific Railroad construction crews, earning his nickname, "Buffalo Bill". Cody was a scout for the 5th U.S. Cavalry from 1868-1872 and in 1876. From 1872-1883, he was on stage as an actor at first in E.Z.C. Judson's play, Scouts of the Plains. He organized Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1883 and toured the United States and Europe successfully for over 30 years. Fine condition. read more...

JOSEPHINE "JOSIE" EARP Very content-rich ALS to the man writing the manuscript of Wyatt Earp's autobiography, and mentioning help they are getting from Western actor William S. Hart. While urging author Flood to keep the story clean and to finish it soon, she reminds him of several more events in Wyatt's life he must include. Autograph Letter signed: "Your friends/Earps", 3 pages (12x8 integral leaf and 8x6 unattached page). Vidal, California, 1925 November 9. To John H. Flood, Jr., Los Angeles. In full: "Your letter came Monday. And I was glad to hear from you also good news. Although I am sure disappointed. And yet I still feel grateful to have them find the oil. I was in hope they would bring in a two or three hundred barrel well. But - as I said I must be satisfied as it could have been a bust too. I have been watching the oil news very closely but saw no account of it. I hope it will not be a mistake. Now when we get the story also picture we will then be ready to settle down. We had a very fine letter from Bill [friend and actor William S. Hart] and he is very anxious to read more...