Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 86

The Manuscripts, Collectibles & Space Auction

The William K. Steiner Collection - Western Americana

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 499		Carson, Christopher "Kit" (1809-1868) Trapper, scout, Indian agent, and soldier. John C. Fremont hired him as a guide in 1842 and Carson guided him to Oregon and California and through much of the Central Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. Fremont's reports, which were widely read, made Carson a national hero, the consummate mountain man whose exploits were exaggerated and made into frontier legend. Document signed ("C. Carson / Indian Agent"), 1 page (6 5/8 x 7¾ in.) on a half sheet of blue-ruled paper, written in a clerical hand, Taos, New Mexico, Utah Territory, March 31, 1859. Being a "Statement of Persons employed within the Utah Agency, Taos, N. Mex: during the 1st Quarter of 1859," docketed on verso; a few marginal stains, neat repair to fold separation. Certifying that John Mostin, employed as an interpreter, at a salary of $500 per year, "is, in all respects, capable of performing the duties for which he is employed." Mostin was Carson's secretary, and had taken down his dictated autobiography in 1856. His official appointment as "interpreter" was in 1857. A rare autograph of the legendary mountain man. Carson never learned to read or write, other than signing his name to documents. Carson spoke Spanish and several Indian languages and his first two wives were from the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes; the third was Mexican. During the Mexican-American war Carson was a scout and courier, celebrated for his rescue mission after the Battle of San Pasqual and for his coast-to-coast journey from California to Washington, DC to deliver news of the conflict in California. He was appointed as the Indian Agent to the Ute and Jicarilla Apaches in the 1850s, during which time he signed this document. During the Civil War, he led a regiment of mostly Hispanic volunteers, the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Infantry, at the Battle of Valverde. After the Confederates were driven from New Mexico, he led forces to suppress the Navajo, Mescalero Apache, and the Kiowa and Comanche Indians. Carson was breveted a Brigadier General and took command of Fort Garland, Colorado until poor health forced his retirement from military life. Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000. Frank T. Siebert, Sotheby's, Oct. 28, 1999, lot 908. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $10,800
Lot 500		Cody, William F (1846-1914) Legendary figure of the Old West, best known for his Wild West Show, which was organized in 1883 and toured the U.S. and Europe until 1916 and featured acts such as sharpshooter Annie Oakley and Indian chief Geronimo. Double signature ("W.F. Cody / Buffalo Bill"), with sentiment, place and date: "Yours Truly…St Louis Mo / April 8th /77" on an album page, 7½ x 5 in. Minor soiling. With two other album pages, one signed "Mrs. W. F. Cody / St Louis Mo. / April 8th /77"; Louise Frederici (1844-1921) and Cody married in 1866. The third album page is signed by Cody's eldest daughter, Arta Lucille (1866-1904), "Yours Truly Arta L.E. Cody / St. Louis. Mo. / April. 8th 1877." Estimated Value $400 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $575
Lot 501		Garrett, Pat (1850-1908) American lawman famous for killing Billy the Kid. Document signed ("P.T. Garrett") as Sheriff, 1 page, 6¼ x 8½ in., Santa Fe, New Mexico, Aug. 16, 1900. The document reads: "For value received, I hereby transfer, assign and set-over to mr. S. Spitz of Santa Fe New Mexico, my account against the Territory of New Mexico for Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for Requisition issued by the Governor of the Territory of New Mexico and dated [blank] for apprehension of [blank]." Garrett signed as Sheriff and a penciled name (last name "Medina") is written below. Toning and folds. With an envelope from the Commissioner of Public Lands in Santa Fe, addressed to Garrett in Las Cruces, N. Mex. and marked "Personal." Garrett gained fame for killing Billy the Kid (c. 1859-61-1881) a young gambler and gunman born William Henry McCarty, Jr., but who went by the aliases Henry Antrim and William Harrison Bonney. Bonney who had allegedly killed 21 men (but more likely eight or nine), had a $500 bounty put on his head by New Mexico Governor Lew Wallace, a former Union general and the author of Ben Hur. Garrett went to the house where Bonney was staying and shot him in the dark. Garrett's reputation was sullied by the way he killed the Kid, giving him no warning. Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $720
Lot 502		James, Frank (1843-1915) A Confederate soldier, guerrilla and outlaw. He was the older brother of outlaw Jesse James and was also part of the James-Younger Gang. Entering middle age and weary of the criminal life, James lived an honest and peaceful existence, working as a race starter at county fairs, a theater doorman, and a star attraction in traveling theater companies. Autograph letter signed, 1 page, 10½ x 8 in., on paper, St. Louis, Mo., July 10, 1900. To Mr. Claude Mimms, Guthrie, Kentucky. James replys regarding his engagement as a starter for an upcoming race in Kentucky: "…Replying to your favor of the 7th will state that I am ready to close contract with you to start your races Sept. 19 to 22nd inclusive of my terms…I charge for my services $30.00 per day and expenses (ie) Rail Road fare and hotel bill, make no contracts for less than four days salary to be guaranted by your local Bank and paid immediately at the close of your meeting without discount or deductions of any nature whatsoever…" Age toned. Vertical & horizontal folds. With original autograph transmittal envelope, 3½ x 6½ in., FRANK JAMES / 4279 LACLEDE AVENUE / ST. LOUIS, MO., St. Louis, Mo., July 10, 1900. Age toned. Small tears along left & right envelope edges. Remnants of four tape marks. The lot also includes a letter of authenticity from Louise Rosson Burr, the granddaughter of Claude Mimms; and a 3½ x 3 in., printed picture of Frank James. Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,625