A peek at letters between 'Billy The Kid' and Gen. Lew Wallace

The only surviving authenticated portrait of Billy the Kid. This tintype portrait sold at auction in June 2011 for USD $2,300,000 to William Koch. Scan courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. 'Billy The Kid, or 'The Kid' was born William Henry McCarty in 1859 in NYC to an Irish immigrant named Catherine McCarty. They arrived in Indianapolis in the 1860s along with her older son James. She appears in the 1865 city directory, when Billy would have been age 8. In Indianapolis she became involved with Civil War veteran (54th Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry) William Henry Harrison Antrim, before heading west in 1870.

A March 11, 1879, letter from Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace to Henry Carroll is photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Lincoln, N.M., Mch. 11. '79. Capt. Henry Carroll, Comd'g Fort Stanton, Sir: I beg to submit to you a list of persons whom it is necessary in my judgement, to arrest speedily as possible, and, until further directions, hold securely in Fort Stanton. Your good judgement will inform you how to proceed in the matter. I only suggest great care in the management, as it is more desirable to get the parties named than to run them off. The following is the list: 1. John Slaughter 2. Andrew Boyle 3. John Selman 4.-- Selman, John's brother, alias "Tom Cat.” 5. Gus Gildey 6. -- Irvin 7. Reese Gobbes. 8. "Rustling Bob” 9. Robert Speakes 10 "The Pilgrim." 11. John Beckwith. 12. Jim French 13. Joe Scurlock 14. “The Kid” -- William Bonney 15. Tom Folliard 16. Charles Bowdrey 17. Henry Brown 18. John Middleton 19. Fred Weight 20. Jacob B. Mathews 21. Jesse Eavens 22. James J. Dolan 23. George Davis, alias "Tom Jones.” 24. – Rivers 25. Ingenio Salazar 26. John Jones 27. James Jones 28. William Jones 29. Marion Turner 30. Caleb Hall (Collins) 31. Haskell Jones 32. Joseph Hill, (alias Olney) 33. Buck Powell 34.James Hyson 35. Jake Owens (a “Rustler”) 36. Frank Wheeler (horse - stealing.) The accusations against these parties are murder and grand larceny -- mostly murder. I send you a party who knows where most of them can be found, and who will serve as guide. Please outfit your detachment for continuous and vigorous work. If you have or can employ Indian trailers, it will be better. Push the "Black Knight" and their confederates without rest and regardless of boundary lines. I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully, Your Friend, Lew Wallace, Governor New Mexico. True Copy: CE Gansh, 2d Lieut 15th Inf.

A March 15,1879, letter from Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace to Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Lincoln, March 15, 1879, W.H. Bonney, Come to the house of old Squire Wilson (not the lawyer) at nine (9) o'clock next Monday night alone. I don't mean his office, but his residence. Follow along the foot of the mountain south of the town, come in on that side, and knock at the east door. I have authority to exempt you from prosecution, if you will testify to what you say you know. The object of the meeting at Squire Wilson's is to arrange the matter in a way to make your life safe. To do that the utmost secresy is to be used. So come alone. Don't tell anybody -- not a living soul -- where you are coming or the object. If you could trust Jesse Evans, you can trust me, Lew. Wallace.

A March 15,1879, letter from Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace to Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Lincoln, March 15, 1879, W.H. Bonney, Come to the house of old Squire Wilson (not the lawyer) at nine (9) o'clock next Monday night alone. I don't mean his office, but his residence. Follow along the foot of the mountain south of the town, come in on that side, and knock at the east door. I have authority to exempt you from prosecution, if you will testify to what you say you know. The object of the meeting at Squire Wilson's is to arrange the matter in a way to make your life safe. To do that the utmost secresy is to be used. So come alone. Don't tell anybody -- not a living soul -- where you are coming or the object. If you could trust Jesse Evans, you can trust me, Lew. Wallace.

A March 15,1879, letter from Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace to Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Lincoln, March 15, 1879, W.H. Bonney, Come to the house of old Squire Wilson (not the lawyer) at nine (9) o'clock next Monday night alone. I don't mean his office, but his residence. Follow along the foot of the mountain south of the town, come in on that side, and knock at the east door. I have authority to exempt you from prosecution, if you will testify to what you say you know. The object of the meeting at Squire Wilson's is to arrange the matter in a way to make your life safe. To do that the utmost secresy is to be used. So come alone. Don't tell anybody -- not a living soul -- where you are coming or the object. If you could trust Jesse Evans, you can trust me, Lew. Wallace.

March 20, 1879, letter from Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney or "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, to Friend Wilson, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: San Partricio, Thursday, 20th, 1879, Friend Wilson. Please tell you know who that I do not know what to do, now as those Prisoners have escaped. to Send word by bearer. a note through You it may be that he has made different arragements if not and he still wants it the same to Send (William Hudgins) as Deputy, to the Junction tomorrow at three Oclock with some men you know to be all right. Send a note telling me what to do W H Bonney P.S. do not Send Soldiers.

A March 20,1879 letter from Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace to Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Fort Stanton, March 20, 1879, W.H. Bonney, The escape makes no difference in arrangements. [crossed out text: I will comply with my part, if you will with yours. To remove all suspicion of [crossed out text:] arrangement, understanding, I think it better to put the arresting party in charge of Sheriff Kimball, who will be instructed to see that no violence is used. This will go to you tonight. [crossed out text: If you still insist upon Hudgins, let me know.] If I don't get [crossed out text: receive] other word from you, the party (all citizens) will be at the junction by 3 o'clock tomorrow. Lew. Wallace.

A document titled "Statements, 23 March 1879, by Kid" refers to Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, is among the papers belonging to then Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: Statements by Kid, made Sunday night March 23, 1879, 1. There is a cattle trail beginning about 5 miles above Yellow Lake in a conon, running a little west of north to Cienega del Matcho (mule spring) and continuing around the point of the Capitan mountain down toward Curisoso in the direction of the Rio Grande. Frank Wheeler, Jake Owens and Dutch Chris are supposed to have used this trail taking a bunch of cattle over. Vansickle told K. so. They stopped and killed two beeves for Sam Corbett -- hush money to Vansickle to whom they gave the beeves. Vansickle also said the Owens-Wheeler outfit including “Chris” had been using the trail for about a year; but that lately their horses had given out, and of 140 head which they started with they had only got through with 40. That now they were going to the Reservation to make a raid on the Indian horses to work on. The Rustlers. The “Rustlers" Kid says, was organized in Fort Stanton. Before they organized as "Rustlers" they had been with Poppins posse. They came from Texas. Owens was conspicuous amongst them. They were organized before the burning of McSwein's house. and after that they went on their first trip down the country as far as the Coe's ranch and then on to the Felix, where they took the Tunstall cattle. From the Felix they went to the Pecos, where some of them deserted. Owens amongst them (Martin, known to Sam Corbett) was in charge of the Tunstall cattle, and was taken prisoner and saw them kill one of their own party. On the same trip they burnt Lola Wise's house and took some horses Coe at this time was ranching at the house. On this trip they moved behind a body of soldiers, our Company, and a company of Navajo Scouts. They moved in sight of the soldiers, taking horses, insulting women. Gengonio Trujillo, (Jus. Peace) Juan Trujillo, Jose M Gutierres, Pancho Sanchez, Santos Tafoya, are witnesses against them. They stopped on Pecos at Seven Rivers. Collins, now at Silver City, was one of the outfit – McK. named the Prowler by the Cowboys. At Seven Rivers there joined them Gus. Gildey (wanted at San Antonio for killing Mexicans) Gildey is carrying the mail now from Stockton to Seven Rivers--James Irwin and Reese Goble, (rumored that their bodies were found in a drift down the Pecos)--Rustling Bob (found dead in the Pecos, killed by his own party)--John Selman (whereabouts unknown) came to Rosswell while Carroll was there The R's stayed at Seven Rivers; which they left on their second trip via the Berenda, for Fort Stanton. On their return back they killed Cahaves boys and the crazy boy, Lorenzo and the Sanchez boy, 14 yrs old. They also committed many robberies. They broke up after reaching the Pecos, promising to return when some more horses got fat. Shedd's Ranch The trail used going from Seven Rivers to Shedd's was round the S.W. point of the Guadaloupe Mts by a bank on the right hand of trail; from Shedd's the drive would be over to Las Cruces. Jesse Evans, Frank Baker (killed) Jim McDaniels (at Cruces, ranging between Cruces and El Paso) Reed at Shedd's bought cattle from them--also sold cattle to E.C. Parish, butcher in Cruces. “Big Mose” (at Cruces last heard from) and , diserter from Calvary-(went to Arizona) Mimbres, Used to be called Monery City -- situated 30 miles on the road to Cruces from Silver City South. A great many of what are known as “West Hardin gang” are there. Among them Joe Olney, known in Mimbres as Joe Hill; he has a ranch in old Mexico somewhere near Coralitos. He makes trips up in this county: was at Penasco not long ago. San Nicholas Spring Is about 18 miles from Shedd's Ranch on the road to Tuleroso, left hand road. There's a house at the spring, and about 4 or 5 miles from it N.W. is another corral of brush and a spring, situated in a canon. There Jim McDaniels used to keep stolen Indian horses. McD. one of the Rio Grande posse. Kid says the latter is still used. The Jones Family, Came from Texas. Used to keep saloon at Fort Griffin. The family consists of the father, Jim Jones, John Jones, boy about 10 yrs old, a girl about 13, and the mother. Marion Turner lives with the family, and he killed a Mexican at Plaisers Mill "just to see him kick.” He had no cattle when the war started. The Jones' John and Jim killed a man named Riley, a partner of theirs, on the Penasco 3 or 4 years ago.

December 12, 1880 letter from Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney or "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, to then Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: I noticed in the Las Vegas Gazette a piece which stated that, Billy the Kid, the name of which I am known in the Country was the Captain of a Band of Outlaws who hold Forth at the Portales. There is no such organization in Existence. So the Gentleman must have Drawn very heavily on his Imagination. My bussinness at the White Oaks the time I was waylaid and my horse Killed was to see Judge Leonard who has my case in hand. he had written to me to come up. that he thought he could get Everything Straighend up. I did not find him at the Oaks & Should have gone to Lincoln if I had met with no accident. After mine and Billie Wilsons horses were killed we both made our way to a Station forty miles from the Oaks kept by Mr. Greathouse. When I got up next morning The house was Surrounded by an outfit led by one Carlyle. Who came into the house and demanded a Surrender. I asked for their Papers and they had none. So I Concluded it amounted to nothing more than a mob and told Carlyle that he would have to Stay in the house and lead the way out that night. Soon after a note was brought in Stating that if Carlyle did not come out inside of five minutes they would kill the Station Keeper )Greathouse) who had left the house and was with them. in a Short time a shot was fired on the outside and Carlyle thinking Greathouse was Killed jumped through the window breaking the Sash as he went and was killed by his own Party they thinking it was me trying to make my Escape. the party then withdrew. they returned the next day and burned an old man named Spencer's house and Greathouses also I made my way to this Place afoot and During my absence Deputy Sheriff Garrett Acting under Chisums orders went to the Portalio and found Nothing. on his way back he went by Mr. Yerbys ranch and took a pair of mules of mine which I had left with Mr Bowdre who is in charge of Mr Yerbys cattle. he (Garrett) claimed that they were stolen and Even if they were not he had a right to Confiscate any outlaws property. I have been at Sumner Since I left Lincoln making my living Gambling the mules were bought by me the truth of which I can prove by the best citizens around Sumner. J.S. Chisum is the man who got me into Trouble and was benefited Thousands by it and is now doing all he can against me. There is no Doubt but what there is a great deal of Stealing going on in the Territory and a great deal of the Property is taken across the Plains as it is a good outlet but so far as my being at the head of a Band there is nothing of it in several Instances I have recovered Stolen Property where there was no chance to get an Officer to do it. One Instance for Hugo Zuber Postoffice Puerto De Luna. another for Pablo Analla Same Place. If some impartial Party were to investigate this matter they would find it far Different from the impression put out by Chisum and his Tools. Yours Respect' William Bonney.

December 12, 1880 letter from Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney or "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, to then Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: I noticed in the Las Vegas Gazette a piece which stated that, Billy the Kid, the name of which I am known in the Country was the Captain of a Band of Outlaws who hold Forth at the Portales. There is no such organization in Existence. So the Gentleman must have Drawn very heavily on his Imagination. My bussinness at the White Oaks the time I was waylaid and my horse Killed was to see Judge Leonard who has my case in hand. he had written to me to come up. that he thought he could get Everything Straighend up. I did not find him at the Oaks & Should have gone to Lincoln if I had met with no accident. After mine and Billie Wilsons horses were killed we both made our way to a Station forty miles from the Oaks kept by Mr. Greathouse. When I got up next morning The house was Surrounded by an outfit led by one Carlyle. Who came into the house and demanded a Surrender. I asked for their Papers and they had none. So I Concluded it amounted to nothing more than a mob and told Carlyle that he would have to Stay in the house and lead the way out that night. Soon after a note was brought in Stating that if Carlyle did not come out inside of five minutes they would kill the Station Keeper )Greathouse) who had left the house and was with them. in a Short time a shot was fired on the outside and Carlyle thinking Greathouse was Killed jumped through the window breaking the Sash as he went and was killed by his own Party they thinking it was me trying to make my Escape. the party then withdrew. they returned the next day and burned an old man named Spencer's house and Greathouses also I made my way to this Place afoot and During my absence Deputy Sheriff Garrett Acting under Chisums orders went to the Portalio and found Nothing. on his way back he went by Mr. Yerbys ranch and took a pair of mules of mine which I had left with Mr Bowdre who is in charge of Mr Yerbys cattle. he (Garrett) claimed that they were stolen and Even if they were not he had a right to Confiscate any outlaws property. I have been at Sumner Since I left Lincoln making my living Gambling the mules were bought by me the truth of which I can prove by the best citizens around Sumner. J.S. Chisum is the man who got me into Trouble and was benefited Thousands by it and is now doing all he can against me. There is no Doubt but what there is a great deal of Stealing going on in the Territory and a great deal of the Property is taken across the Plains as it is a good outlet but so far as my being at the head of a Band there is nothing of it in several Instances I have recovered Stolen Property where there was no chance to get an Officer to do it. One Instance for Hugo Zuber Postoffice Puerto De Luna. another for Pablo Analla Same Place. If some impartial Party were to investigate this matter they would find it far Different from the impression put out by Chisum and his Tools. Yours Respect' William Bonney.

December 12, 1880 letter from Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney or "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, to then Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: I noticed in the Las Vegas Gazette a piece which stated that, Billy the Kid, the name of which I am known in the Country was the Captain of a Band of Outlaws who hold Forth at the Portales. There is no such organization in Existence. So the Gentleman must have Drawn very heavily on his Imagination. My bussinness at the White Oaks the time I was waylaid and my horse Killed was to see Judge Leonard who has my case in hand. he had written to me to come up. that he thought he could get Everything Straighend up. I did not find him at the Oaks & Should have gone to Lincoln if I had met with no accident. After mine and Billie Wilsons horses were killed we both made our way to a Station forty miles from the Oaks kept by Mr. Greathouse. When I got up next morning The house was Surrounded by an outfit led by one Carlyle. Who came into the house and demanded a Surrender. I asked for their Papers and they had none. So I Concluded it amounted to nothing more than a mob and told Carlyle that he would have to Stay in the house and lead the way out that night. Soon after a note was brought in Stating that if Carlyle did not come out inside of five minutes they would kill the Station Keeper )Greathouse) who had left the house and was with them. in a Short time a shot was fired on the outside and Carlyle thinking Greathouse was Killed jumped through the window breaking the Sash as he went and was killed by his own Party they thinking it was me trying to make my Escape. the party then withdrew. they returned the next day and burned an old man named Spencer's house and Greathouses also I made my way to this Place afoot and During my absence Deputy Sheriff Garrett Acting under Chisums orders went to the Portalio and found Nothing. on his way back he went by Mr. Yerbys ranch and took a pair of mules of mine which I had left with Mr Bowdre who is in charge of Mr Yerbys cattle. he (Garrett) claimed that they were stolen and Even if they were not he had a right to Confiscate any outlaws property. I have been at Sumner Since I left Lincoln making my living Gambling the mules were bought by me the truth of which I can prove by the best citizens around Sumner. J.S. Chisum is the man who got me into Trouble and was benefited Thousands by it and is now doing all he can against me. There is no Doubt but what there is a great deal of Stealing going on in the Territory and a great deal of the Property is taken across the Plains as it is a good outlet but so far as my being at the head of a Band there is nothing of it in several Instances I have recovered Stolen Property where there was no chance to get an Officer to do it. One Instance for Hugo Zuber Postoffice Puerto De Luna. another for Pablo Analla Same Place. If some impartial Party were to investigate this matter they would find it far Different from the impression put out by Chisum and his Tools. Yours Respect' William Bonney.

January 1881, letter from Henry McCarty, alias William H. Bonney alias "the Kid," or Billy the Kid, to then Governor of the New Mexico Territory, Lew Wallace, photographed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in the Lew Wallace Collection at the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Transcript: "Santa Fe, Jan., 1st, 1881," "Gov. " Lew Wallace," "Dear Sir, I would like to See you for a few moments if you can spare time. Yours Respect " W. H. Bonney