Frontiersman and entertainer. By the age of fifteen Cody had already been a horse wrangler, pony express rider, and unsuccessful prospector. He became a scout for the Union army and after the war took a job for a company that supplied meat for railroad construction crews, killing 4280 buffalo during 1867–1868. Dubbed “Buffalo Bill” by writer Ned Buntline, Cody organized his famous Wild West Show in 1883 and toured with it with great success for many years. ALS signed “W. F. Cody,” one page, 5.75 x 9.25, New Hoffman House letterhead, April 6, 1904. Letter to a Mr. Bacon regarding a portrait. In full, “I am to be in but one painting for Mr. Rosewater. Mr. Rosewater may want another one painted. This I can’t say - But I will give $250 towards the one painting I am to be in.” The recipient has written at the bottom, “Kindly return, I. R. B.” A light shade of overall toning, several mailing folds and a bit of trivial foxing, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
