January 9
My dearest Josie:
I trust that this note finds you well. I have been on the trail for some time now, thinking of you while lying under the stars at night...wondering why I've chosen this outlaw life that has kept me from you. I dream of our time together in the Hideout - small and a bit cold in the wintertime, but cozy and familiar - back when we first met and I fell in love with your full, brown beauty, prettier than a Tombstone sunset. Alas, the frontier has made me her mistress, and I cannot help but heed her call.
February 12
My dearest Josie:
Today we crossed into Montana territory, and its big skies remind me of how hard it must be for you in our Hideout this winter. I wish I could build you a suitable house large enough to entertain friends and family and be safe from the harsh Southeast winters and sweltering summers. The outlaw life to this point, however, has not provided me with the gold with which to satisfy my wishes for you. Tomorrow we should cross a stage that may help in that matter....if you no longer hear from me remember that I ride to one day bring the world back to you. Please write if your freezing fingers can manage the task.
March 3
My dearest Josie:
Imagine my surprise today upon visiting Western Union to send a few pieces of acquired gold to you to find a letter from a business associate in Carolina. After much bellyaching about the five dollars I supposedly owe him (he cheats at poker), he mentioned that he happened to see you in a shiny new hifallutin' hacienda partyin' - right on the same property that you and I shared in our early time together. I know he is jealous of you and I, but he said that folks was drinkin' and laughin' all around you while sheltered from the cold by a huge, fancy shelter and a long, polished bar. He even said that he thinks that folks were visitin' all hours - much more than they did when I was home. He said that you seemed to be "available" more now than before. Though I know he's just pushin' me, I wish you would write to let me know that nothing has changed. Tomorrow we ride south to Nevada Territory, so please post to the fort there.
March 21
My Josie:
I have not heard from you since before Christmas - I cannot bear the thought of you wasting your time in that shiny new saloon while I am out here bedding down with critters and their like...old Zeke was in a parlor in Carson City today and heard tell from a showgirl who was just off the stage from St. Louis about a new barroom in Raleigh that offered six or seven taps of homemade beer and even reserved one for a customer's brew. She said that there were plenty of places to rest yourself and there must be room for at least 100 folks. She said that a bartender goes by the name of Jackie was famous in those parts and that the new place was the talk of the town. I know in my heart that this is our beloved Hideout - but someone has plied you with riches, rebuilt our home and stolen your heart. I ache to think of it - please write and let me know that I am just delirious from thirst.
April 7
Josie:
I have reached California and found no gold. My dearest in Carolina has found a new love who has lavished his wealth on you and crushed my dreams. I wish you the best in your new palace and wish only that you would acknowledge receipt of my letters with a short note.
April 30
Miss:
I have heard wonderful things about your sister - please speak of me well to the beautiful Betty.
My dearest Josie:
I trust that this note finds you well. I have been on the trail for some time now, thinking of you while lying under the stars at night...wondering why I've chosen this outlaw life that has kept me from you. I dream of our time together in the Hideout - small and a bit cold in the wintertime, but cozy and familiar - back when we first met and I fell in love with your full, brown beauty, prettier than a Tombstone sunset. Alas, the frontier has made me her mistress, and I cannot help but heed her call.
February 12
My dearest Josie:
Today we crossed into Montana territory, and its big skies remind me of how hard it must be for you in our Hideout this winter. I wish I could build you a suitable house large enough to entertain friends and family and be safe from the harsh Southeast winters and sweltering summers. The outlaw life to this point, however, has not provided me with the gold with which to satisfy my wishes for you. Tomorrow we should cross a stage that may help in that matter....if you no longer hear from me remember that I ride to one day bring the world back to you. Please write if your freezing fingers can manage the task.
March 3
My dearest Josie:
Imagine my surprise today upon visiting Western Union to send a few pieces of acquired gold to you to find a letter from a business associate in Carolina. After much bellyaching about the five dollars I supposedly owe him (he cheats at poker), he mentioned that he happened to see you in a shiny new hifallutin' hacienda partyin' - right on the same property that you and I shared in our early time together. I know he is jealous of you and I, but he said that folks was drinkin' and laughin' all around you while sheltered from the cold by a huge, fancy shelter and a long, polished bar. He even said that he thinks that folks were visitin' all hours - much more than they did when I was home. He said that you seemed to be "available" more now than before. Though I know he's just pushin' me, I wish you would write to let me know that nothing has changed. Tomorrow we ride south to Nevada Territory, so please post to the fort there.
March 21
My Josie:
I have not heard from you since before Christmas - I cannot bear the thought of you wasting your time in that shiny new saloon while I am out here bedding down with critters and their like...old Zeke was in a parlor in Carson City today and heard tell from a showgirl who was just off the stage from St. Louis about a new barroom in Raleigh that offered six or seven taps of homemade beer and even reserved one for a customer's brew. She said that there were plenty of places to rest yourself and there must be room for at least 100 folks. She said that a bartender goes by the name of Jackie was famous in those parts and that the new place was the talk of the town. I know in my heart that this is our beloved Hideout - but someone has plied you with riches, rebuilt our home and stolen your heart. I ache to think of it - please write and let me know that I am just delirious from thirst.
April 7
Josie:
I have reached California and found no gold. My dearest in Carolina has found a new love who has lavished his wealth on you and crushed my dreams. I wish you the best in your new palace and wish only that you would acknowledge receipt of my letters with a short note.
April 30
Miss:
I have heard wonderful things about your sister - please speak of me well to the beautiful Betty.
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