Buffalo Bill's Wild West
New York [1]April 19th 1901 My Dear George
Glad to get your letter of the 13 th Am glad the new ditch is completed— Am glad you are cleaning and going over the old ditch— When you want my money for the new south fork bridge its ready— George I am glad you dont beleive all you hear. Peake told me that last year your hogs run at large— and Many complaints were made No hogs should be allowed to run at large. Am glad you count me in on the Power & Elictric Co [2] — for I want to help make it a success— and our college [3] will light by it if we can find a location near Town [4] — We held our first meetings in New Jersey this forenoon. And I tell you
Buffalo Bill's Wild West
this Military College— is going to be a great success— And just think of what a help it will be to our town— why no Military Government Fort near a town will be a starter to it— We have raised in four days money enough to start it— Gen. Sumner [5] — will write you— and I hope every one will do all they can to assist the General when he gets there— and before if he requires anything. here is his address— Gen. E. V. Sumner— Room 506 Townsend Bld 1123 Broadway— New YorkA letter of thanks from the Club would please him— I hope we can secure a nice location near Cody—
In about two weeks the General will go to Fort Custer. Mont— where
Buffalo Bill's Wild West
he will establish head quarters to receive the recruits— and let contract for horses &c—Then he comes to Cody to select location and let contract for building Fort &c—
Ever body in Cody should take an interest in helping the General— give him a reception &c—
Yours in haste Cody—P. S.
When a hundred recruits are enquiped & mounted— they will march through Pryor pass to their new home near Cody— others to follow—
W. F. C.
Regards to Club and citizens
Note 1: Buffalo Bill's Wild West performed in New York City, New York, from April 2 through April 20, 1901. [back]
Note 2: Beck would eventually establish the Shoshone Electric Light and Power Company in 1904. [back]
Note 3: William F. Cody announced the founding of "Cody Military College and International Academy of Rough Riders" in 1901 to considerable fanfare. However, the project never became a reality. [back]
Note 4: Cody, Wyoming. [back]
Note 5: General Edwin Vose Sumner, Jr. (1835-1912), was a veteran of the Civil War and the Indian Wars. [back]