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Col. W.F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill," Personal Letter, Battle of Summit Springs, 1915

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Col. W.F. Cody,  Buffalo Bill,  Personal Letter, Battle of Summit Springs, 1915
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An amazing piece of Western history from one of the West's most iconic figures, "Buffalo Bill." This letter, written by Cody, comes on Wild West/ circus letterhead. Top left: "The Biggest Circus in the World/ The Sells-Floto Shows Company Inc./ General Offices & Winter Quarters/ 236.7 Symes Bldg., Denver, Colorado." Vignette of an elephant with mouth open and trunk raised. Center top in red: "Two Big Institutions Joined Together At One Price Of Admission." Top right: "Buffalo Bill's Original Wild West/ Col. W. F. Cody/ "Buffalo Bill' Salutes From the Saddle." Vignette of buffalo with Cody's portrait on its flank. Red type: "Col. W. F. Cody." Letter is addressed from Perry, Okla. and dated Sep. 23rd, 1915. Text of letter: "My Dear Grinnell (?), Glad to hear from you. I am still as active as I was in 69. It might take me a wee bit longer on some things huh? Summit Springs Lies in Eastern Colorado. ... The Indians didn't think any white men knew where they were. Yours very truly W. F. Cody." Cody fought in the 1869 Battle of Summit Springs, a conflict between the U.S. Army (led by Colonel Eugene A. Carr) and the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers (led by Chief Tall Bull). The army was retaliating for raids in Kansas by the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers. Two-hundred forty-four soldiers plus 50 Pawnee scouts overwhelmed the Cheyenne forces, with 35-50 killed. The army only suffered one casualty. Cody was only a scout at the time. He shot and killed a Cheyenne who had escaped the conflict on Tall Bull's horse, leading Cody to believe that he had killed Tall Bull. Others claim the chief was killed by Major Frank North. The letter appears to be addressed to Grinnell, who is probably George Bird Grinnell (1849-1938), a famous American anthropologist, naturalist, historian, and writer. Grinnell is recognized for his study of Native Americans and his conservation efforts, especially as it relates to buffalo. He also started the first Audubon Society. Cody died in 1917. Condition: Letter has toning, fold marks, and small tears along the edges. The text is easy to read and Cody's signature is prominent. A fantastic piece that belongs in a museum! Burger CollectionCity: County: State: Date: