FEB 2 — 1916
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Dear Sir [1]
You favor of Jan 29th received and I can see why the Interior Department havent the full set of films same as the War Department. The Essanay Film Co [2] — Through carelessness or cussedness, failed to send but one set of Reels insted of two — I am writing the Essanay Co — and calling their attention to the mistake. And asking them to send a complete set to — Franklin K Lane, Secretary of the Interior — And ill follow this request up until the reels are sent.
Sincerely yours W. F. CodyNote 1: Recipient of this letter is likely Ezekiel Jarman Ayers (1866-1931) who was Chief Clerk, Department of Interior, Superintendent of Buildings, and Acting Assistant Secretary of Interior; he was appointed by Secretary of War Franklin K. Lane in 1911, serving until his resignation in 1920. [back]
Note 2: Essanay Film Manufacturing Company: Founded in Chicago in 1907 by George K. Spoor (1872-1953) and Gilbert M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson (1880-1971), Essanay was originally known as the Peerless Film Manufacturing Company, but the name soon changed to Essanay ("S" and "A"). Essanay released "The Adventures of Buffalo Bill," but it is best known for its series of Charlie Chaplin comedies of 1915. [back]
