Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders. Col. W. F. Cody. (Buffalo Bill), President. Nate Salsbury. Vice-President & Manager.
of the World.
John M. Burke. General Manager.
Albert E. Sheible, Business Manager.
Jule Keen, Treasurer.
July 8th [2] Dear George
Mr. Salsbury has told me of the dirty cowardly act Say I dont like to accuse an innocent man— And I have been to severe on some of my best friends perhaps. So I am trying not to be such a crank. But from this distance if I was going to suspect anyone I wouldnt over look shot gun Bailey. [3] And the Coronet player. [4]
Your friend CodyNote 1: Buffalo Bill's Wild West performed in Kenton, Ohio, on July 8, 1896. The day's entry in the 1896 Route Diary: "Kenton, Ohio. / Wednesday, July 8. Arrived in town at 6 A. M. Three-quarters mile haul to lot, which we found to be large and roomy and in good condition. R. F. Watson, an American soldier, had a saber run through his left ear during the military drill. While Engineer C. H. Crowell was down-town this morning he was arrested on suspicion of being connected with a $900.00 robbery; he was taken to headquarters, searched and let go. Reserve seats were sold to-day for 25 cents each for the first time this season. William Sloan, second cook, closed to-day. / Business in the afternoon big, in the evening fair. / Lot, Liston and Fountain streets. / Arena, 179 x 366." [back]
Note 2: The year is not inscribed by Cody but was 1896 as determined by the Routes List. [back]
Note 3: Possibly James A. Bailey (1847-1906), who was Cody's "Director of Tour" for Buffalo Bill's Wild West in 1896. [back]
Note 4: Cody's comment may refer to William Sweeney (1856-1917), a cornet player who organized and directed the Cowboy Band in Buffalo Bill's Wild West from 1883 to 1913. [back]
