Notorious Old West figure (born 1829) who, after serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, earned infamy as one of the most successful and prolific stagecoach robbers of the 1870s and 1880s. His courteous, gentlemanly behavior during robberies—he was known to say “please” when demanding loot—became his “signature,” as did his penchant for leaving taunting original verse at the scenes of his crimes. After he was caught and served a six-year prison term, he was released in 1888 and was never heard from again. Scarce ink signature, “Charles E. Boles,” on an off-white 2 x .25 slip. The consignor notes that the signature was originally removed from an 1864 receipt of military stores signed by Boles as First Sergeant of Company B, 116th Illinois Infantry. Close trimming to top and bottom edges, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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