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Five Astonishing Letters Concerning Western Outlaws Sent To Floyd B. Streeter PINK (HARRY THOMAS "PINK" SIMMS) SIMMS

Five Astonishing Letters Concerning Western Outlaws Sent To Floyd B. Streeter

PINK (HARRY THOMAS "PINK" SIMMS) SIMMS

Other works by PINK (HARRY THOMAS "PINK" SIMMS) SIMMS

Publication: Written by Pink Simms, 1934 - 1936, Lewistown, Montana

First edition. Five 8 1/2" x 11" autographed letters signed May 7, June 18, August 6, October 27, and February 9, 1934-36. The letters were sent to Floyd B. Streeter, an American historian and writer, best known for his biography of Ben Thompson, Ben Thompson, Man With A Gun. Total of 18 pages. Pink Simms was replying to a letter of inquiry from Streeter concerning the life and times of Ben Thompson. Simms' response to Streeter in these letters exhibit Streeter's many questions concerning outlaws of the American West. The letters are excellent recollections of the short-lived outlaw and cowboy period of the American West. Simms made his first money when he became a rider with John Chisum of Lincoln County, New Mexico. With this introduction to Streeter, Simms proceeded in his letters to describe more than just Ben Thompson but included a host of other frontier lawmen and outlaws such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Wes Hardin, Clay Allison, et al. He was not an admirer of Wyatt Earp or his biographer Stuart Lake: "Wyatt had nerve of a sort but he was no line wolf, he liked to lead a pack -- all bad. I would be willing to let him rest if his would-be apologist would do the same. I happen to know that several substantial authors were offered Wyatt's book before Lake. Having a knowledge of the true facts they turned it down flat." He discusses the habits of the town marshals and considered them "common pimps." He also gives the account of the killing of Ben Thompson and why it was considered a massacre. Simms thought more of Thompson than Earp stating:"When it comes to pure unadulterated guts I think he was the peer of all famous gunfighters." Simms was also the most knowledgeable of the Lincoln County War because he lived there and spoke with those who participated. A very important grouping of letters in very good to near fine condition and housed in a four-point slipcase with a leather label on the spine and titles stamped in gold gilt.

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