Signed Autograph Letter From The Only Eyewitness Of The Death Of Billy The Kid At The Hands Of Sheriff Pat Garrett

PETER MAXWELL

Publication: Letter written and signed by Peter Maxwell, 1881, Fort Sumner, New Mexico

First edition. 9 3/4" x 7 3/4" ruled sheet of paper. Peter Maxwell was a prominent ranching figure in New Mexico, as well as an associate of both Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. It was in Maxwell's bedroom at Fort Sumner, from where this letter was sent, that Garrett killed Billy the Kid as Maxwell looked on, making him the only eyewitness to the killing. This letter was written less than four months before the killing to the successful firm of Browne & Manzanares of Las Vegas, New Mexico, who worked for Maxwell as commission agents. The contents of the letter are brief and reads: "Enclosed, please find letters which you requested me to return to you." Letter has old folds and tiny splits at two fold points with signature slightly smeared else a near fine copy.

Inventory Number: 52871