PATRICK F. "BIG CASINO" GARRETT - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 08/16/1900 - HFSID 346675

PATRICK GARRETT
The legendary sheriff who gunned down Billy the Kid signed this typed letter regarding a transfer of money
Typed Letter Signed: "P. F. Garrett, Sheriff". 8½x6¼. Dated August 16, 1900. One page. In Full: "For value received, I hereby transfer…to Mr. S. Spitz of Santa Fe New Mexico, my account against the Territory of New Mexico for Fifty Dollars…for Requisition issued by the Governor of the Territory of New Mexico."  Accompanied by a mailing envelope addressed to Garrett. Patrick Garrett (1850-1908) lived a fairly long life despite his proclivity for gunfights and maintaining the law. After being elected to Sheriff in Lincoln County, New Mexico in November of 1880, Garrett engaged in a nine-month chase to hunt down Billy the Kid, even crossing county lines. He shot and killed the criminal on July 15, 1881. Garrett published a book about Billy the Kid and his unlawful lifestyle, making him out to be a ruffian. Other sources mythicized Billy the Kid, and this latter point-of-view generally won the day despite Garrett's best efforts. Following this lawful murder, Garrett became a Texas Ranger and continued to engage in law enforcement activities until 1901, when he was appointed the Collector of Customs in El Paso. Selected by President Teddy Roosevelt himself, the job did not suit the wild Garrett. He was replaced in 1906. Garrett died of a gunshot wound fired by an unknown assailant over a business deal in 1908. The site of his murder is commemorated by a historical cement marker placed there in 1938. Normal mailing folds. Toned at center fold. Creased and lightly toned. Left edge lightly frayed. Light pencil in unknown hand at bottom edge. Otherwise, fine condition.