John S. "Rip" Ford Autograph Letter. One page, 7 3/4 x 11 inches, San Antonio; May 5, 1897. An unsigned letter to Cap...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Consign your material with Heritage! Although the Consignment Deadline for this auction has passed, we are always accepting quality consignments.
Track Item
Share this lot
Description
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.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
January
26th
Monday
Auction Dates
February
26th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
33 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 23
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms