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ALS signed “J. W. Ragsdale,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, January 1, 1874. Handwritten letter to "Hon. Silas Woodson, Gov. State of Mo., Jefferson City," sent three months after being hired to track down the members of the James-Younger Gang, reporting on his progress. In part: "I again write you in regard to travels since I last written you the most important one being from Lees Summit. I there asertained that 2 men of suspicious looks had gone north. I hired a horse & followed & found out that they crossed the Mo. River at a place called Cogsville in Jackson County. They went north to Elk Horn in Ray Co. & was there joined by two other men answering the discription of the James Boys. I still followed north east…to Grundy near Trenton I lost track & returned via of Galaton Hamilton & Carnney. I there found a party who I think I can trust & employed him to go & work for Rose James Boys Brotherinlaw who lives on the old James farm & to keep a close wach for them should they return & to inform me imediately by Telegraph…
I am satisfyed the parties I was following were bad caracters but as nearly all the parties who I made enquiries of seem to be friends of the James & Younger it is hard to get any information that I can rely upon as I dare not let my business be known…I am doing all in my power but find it very dificult to get in posession of any reliable information. I am out of pocket up to this date for travling expence & after contingent expence one hundred & eighty five dollars & as money matters are very close I stand in need of money." Boldly endorsed at the conclusion in ink by Silas Woodson, remitting the requested funds. In fine condition.
The Western Americana auction of Jochen Zeitz.
