Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47018

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47018

John S. "Rip" Ford Autograph Letter. One page, 7 3/4 x 11 inches, San Antonio; May 5, 1897. An unsigned letter to Captain John J. Dix, Jr., written just six months before Ford's death in November 1897. He discusses joining a historical society in Austin and completing a biographical piece on fellow Texas Ranger, John Coffee Hays. In part:

"I am satisfied you have been guilty of using profane language at what you considered my neglect in not answering promptly. I shall not excuse profanity, but will explain the cause of delay...The old woman and myself visited our daughter, Addie, at Austin, during February last. While there I joined a historical society. It has ex-governor Roberts, and other distinguished gentlemen as members. I shall recommend you as one. Well, I promised to write a life of Colonel John C. Hays. I finish [sic] it yesterday, and sent it to the Secretary of the association at Austin...I published a reply in the Express to a falsehood appearing in John Henry Brown's pretended history of Indian Wars of Texas...The book is full of photographs of people, whom the Lord may know, but I certainly do not claim their acquaintance. It is a big volume. The getter up is one Daniels, who is better qualified for a high position in Hell than a place in decent society."

At the end, Dix adds, in pencil: "True to my knowledge / Dix."

Condition: Somewhat toned with smoothed folds. Fully separated at the topmost fold. A few small instances of loss, touching text but not affecting legibility. Rough left edge where integral page was removed. A few very light stains.

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