Contract signed between Garrett and the Englewood Gold Mining Company.

GARRETT, Patrick F.

Published by 11 December 1906

About this Item

A scarce signature by the lawman who killed the fabled outlaw Billy the Kid in 1881, on a contract with the Englewood Gold Mining Company, paying him to dig a tunnel on their property in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Garrett agrees to excavate a 250-foot tunnel at $7.50 per foot, beginning 17 December. He is to supply his own tools, while the company is to provide timber, track, and a car. Garrett was then in dire straits. He had achieved national fame for killing Billy the Kid, which he capitalized on in his 1882 book, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid. But in 1905 he failed to secure a further appointment as collector of customs in El Paso and returned to his ranch in Dona Ana County. He was insolvent, and his possessions were seized and auctioned for back taxes in 1906. This contract shows his desperate need for money and work. He was ambushed and killed in a land dispute in 1908. Contract, 2 sheets typed recto (333 x 214 mm), attached with pins to notary acknowledgement, 1 sheet typed recto (212 x 164 mm). Light handling creases. In very good condition.

Seller Inventory # 170666

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Contract signed between Garrett and the Englewood Gold Mining Company.
• Publisher: 11 December 1906
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)