ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 7, Washington letterhead, May 1, 1893. In part: “Dear Gordon-Cumming, I am sincerely obliged to you for the very curious revolving flintlock; I have never seen anything like it. I have no doubt it will be very valuable for the cabin; and I am personally much pleased to have seen it…when you receive this you will already have finished that article!” In fine condition, with typical toning, a few creases and a couple small areas of trivial soiling, fold through a letter of the signature. Sir Gordon-Cumming was an author and big game hunter and is referenced in two of Roosevelt’s books. At the time this letter was written, Roosevelt published The Wilderness Hunter and was the U.S. Civil Service Commissioner in Washington, D.C. The cabin referred to in this letter was likely the Maltese Cross. In 1883 the first log cabin, which served as a hunting cabin, was built at the mouth of Cherry Creek on the banks of the Little Missouri River. During that year, Roosevelt first visited western North Dakota. He fell in love with the badlands and established two ranches there, the Maltese Cross Ranch and the Elkhorn Ranch. The "cattle-kings", ranchers and cowboys, reigned and ruled the land. In an autobiography, dated 1913, Theodore Roosevelt said, "There were all kinds of things I was afraid of at first, ranging from grizzly bears to ‘mean’ horses and gun-fighters; but by acting as if I was not afraid I gradually ceased to be afraid. The worst of all fears is the fear of living." COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
