TLS signed “W. F. Cody,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, The Irma Hotel letterhead, January 28, 1907. Letter to Joseph T. McCaddon, one of his former competitors. In part: “I telegraphed you last night that I had bought horses for the show and had them here on my ranch feeding them…I am now corresponding with six or seven Union Pacific bandit hunters, one or two ex-sheriffs, who actually participated in the great train robbery. I will get them for the same salary that we pay to cowboys, and will have it in their contracts that they are not only to assist in the great train robbery, but also in the introductory and other battle scenes….
Do you think it would be possible for us to get those Indians, who are now playing at the Hippodrome, in the Spring? If we could, it would save us the transportation for new Indians….I think we should have as many new cuts for our Rough Rider and program as possible. Oh, I forgot to say, that these men I am engaging for the train robbery, as well as the cowboys, will have to have their railroad fares and their saddles, chaps, etc….I am very glad that every thing is going so satisfactorily at that end. I feel sure that we are going to give the best show that we have ever given, that is if the cars for the train robbery will be all right.
There was some publicity and newspaper articles got out about the great train robbery that we are going to produce…So if Pawnee Bill or any other parties get up a train robbery, it cannot be helped…their’s will simply be a farce. As you know, Pawnee Bill and the other would be wild wests, are always trying to imitate anything that the original show produces.” Cody adds a handwritten postscript, “I presume the horses will be shipped direct to Bridgeport when the Circus moves out?” In fine condition, with rust stains and filing holes at the top. Accompanied by a beautiful custom-made leatherbound presentation folder. Cody’s lengthy letter reveals the exhaustive work that went into organizing his Wild West shows as well as the financial stresses he encountered—with popularity waning and expenses soaring, the show went bankrupt in 1913. Interestingly, Cody would join forces with Pawnee Bill the following year and tour together as ‘The Two Bills Show.’ Superlative content from the famed showman. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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