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Lot #212
Bat Masterson

“W. B. Masterson as Sheriff” accused of permitting a jail escape

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Estimate: $4000+
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Description

“W. B. Masterson as Sheriff” accused of permitting a jail escape

Three documents related to a lawsuit brought against Masterson in 1879, including: a manuscript fair copy of the arrest order issued to Masterson on November 3, 1879, one page both sides, produced in court as “Exhibit (C),” in part, “The state of Kansas to W. B. Masterson Sheriff of said Co. You are hereby commanded to arrest S. B. Camp and hold him to bail in the sum of $85.” Masterson’s notes are transcribed on the reverse in a clerical hand, indicating that he executed the arrest warrant and then accepted bond for Camp’s release. Second document is a handwritten summons by court clerk W. P. Myton, one page, to “notify W. B. Masterson as Sheriff and R. M. Wright and Jas. N. Kelly his bondsmen that they have been sued by S. Galland.” Third, a true copy of the petition setting forth the complaint against Masterson, that “contrary to Law and through gross neglect willfully permitted him to escape…to the damage of said Plaintiff in the sum of $23.75.” In overall very good condition. Provenance: Bonhams & Butterfields. Dr. S. Galland was a Prussian–born physician who came to Dodge City in the early 1870s, where, in addition to his medical duties, he was co-owner of the Great Western Hotel. S. B. Camp had refused to pay his hotel bill, for which he was arrested, and Galland’s complaint was that he had not yet been remunerated. An interesting assemblage of great Wild West interest.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #479 - Ended July 13, 2016