New Mexico lawman (1850–1908) who killed his former gambling partner, the fabled outlaw Billy the Kid, in 1881. In 1901 he was appointed customs collector in El Paso, Texas, where he served for five years before retiring. Garrett was fatally ambushed near Las Cruces; his suspected murderer, Jim ‘Deacon’ Miller, was never brought to justice. ALS, in pencil, signed “P. F. Garrett,” three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, March 11, 1894. Letter, written from New Orleans, to his wife. In full (with spelling and grammar retained): “I got your letter yesterday with the one from Richard enclosed. The letter from him was about a piece of land I bought from Bill Halloman and don’t amount to anything. I went to see Maricio this evening (Sunday) he is doing fine but is very weak is wandering all around the hospital, but the doctor say he had better stay there for a few days, it is so mucky and wet at the track he might get sick again. It has been raining every day since you left here until today we have had a beautiful spring day warm like summer I think the race track will get good now and then I can win a race you may look for Billy home in a few days I have no money to send you wife and am very sorry but can’t help. Have Milas to sell the black mare Sis if he can’t get more than $50.00 then you must have some money I think will make some money tomorrow if I do I will send you some at once. I failed on the plan I told you I have to make some money don’t be discouraged darling we will get along some way let us hope for the best it will rain there after while and then the country will come out allright I want to see you and the children the worst kind why don’t Pon and Ida write to me. I am still here at Mr. Minssels and am writing on the same table and by the same light that we played dominos, but I am so lonesome and blue I wish I had not let you leave me but I guess it was best you went I feel alful pretty tonite because I shaved my moustache off every body says I am so handsome clean shaven don’t you wish you could see me.” Garrett’s writing a shade light, but still completely legible, tape remnants to two corners of first and last page, and some light spotting to bottoms of interior pages, otherwise fine condition.
After his less–than–admirable killing of Billy the Kid turned much of the public away from him, Garrett moved his family from New Mexico to Uvalde, Texas to escape his tainted reputation and start fresh. He left law enforcement behind and focused his attention on developing new irrigation projects and raising the fastest horses in the west. Though incredibly successful at the latter, Garrett had a hard time finding real competition among the local ranchers; unable to make enough money racing against the occasional out-of-towner, he travelled with his best horses in search of solid bets. This letter, written from New Orleans in March of 1894, was likely written while preparing for the first annual Crescent City Derby—later renamed the Louisiana Derby—which continues to take place every year in late March. A deeply personal letter underscoring the financial struggles that the legendary lawman faced, and his passion for horses that he hoped could sustain his growing family. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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