3494

Wells Fargo Stage Robbers - Framed Letter

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Wells Fargo & Express Co's Memorabilia Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Wells Fargo Stage Robbers - Framed Letter
SOLD
1,000.00USD+ (250.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2018 Dec 07 @ 13:16UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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This lot contains two framed sets of historical documents regarding a stage robbery perpetrated in California by Jim Thompson and John Rutherford. The story of Thompson and Rutherford appears in the book, "Wells, Fargo & Co. Stagecoach and Train Robberies, 1870–1884" edited by the infamous Wells Fargo detective James B. Hume and special agent John N. Thacker. The larger frame displays a three-page letter written on two pieces of stationery, each approximately 8.5x11 inches. This letter is cleverly matted and framed between two sheets of glass, front and back, so that page two, written on the back of page one, is easily visible through the rear glass, and a very good reproduction of page two is also positioned on the front between actual pages one and three. The letter describes two men, Jim Thompson and John Rutherford, in the most uncomplimentary terms as suspects in a recent stagecoach robbery. The writer notes that a lawyer who got Rutherford a verdict of innocent in a previous trial has re-appeared on the scene, and the writer is concerned that the same miscarriage of justice may be repeated. The handwriting is quite ornate in a style with loops and flourishes little used today. There is an official stamp imprint from Wells Fargo & Co. on the top of page one. All in all, this is a beautiful display piece with an interesting story to read on its own, but when combined with the other frame, a more complete tale is told. The narrower frame displays three pages of two Western Union Telegrams, dated October 2 and October 3, 1884, written by Wells Fargo & Co. special agent John N. Thacker regarding the custody of stage robbers Jim (James) Thompson and John Rutherford. The first telegram indicates that the culprits are in custody on $1000 bond each. Further it indicates that the citizens who found the treasure box are asking for a reward of two hundred dollars, but Thacker believes they may settle for a smaller amount. In the second telegram, Thacker indicates he has evidence against Thompson and Rutherford, and indicates his imminent departure for San Luis Obispo the next morning. Together the letter and telegrams document important parts of the story of two major criminals who caused havoc in California and the two famous Wells Fargo & Co. detectives who brought them to justice. State: California City: San Francisco Date: 1884 HWAC# 86311