Bass Outlaw Legal Summons with Printed Account of His Murder, Superb

1p, measuring 8.25" x 7", El Paso, Texas, dated January 6, 1893. Signed "B J Thomas" as Clerk, the document summons Frank Norris, Eugene Sullivan, and Tom Wade to appear in court in a suit against Bass (Baz) Outlaw, on behalf of the state of Texas. Countersigned by Deputy "C. Arana." Outlaw was serving with the Texas Rangers at the time, and although a decent lawman, he was consistently getting in trouble for drinking. His problem with alcohol would ultimately lead to his death, as on April 5, 1894, he was shot by Constable John Selman during a drunken confrontation.

Included with the document is a limited edition printed booklet with a facsimile account of Outlaw's wounding and death. 8pp, 9" x 11", entitled "The Killing of Bass Outlaw". Austin: The Brick Row Book Shop, 1963. Limited to 250 copies. The booklet includes a 4pp letter from John R. Hughes to Genl. W. H. Mabry about the encounter, as well as a telegram addressed to Mabry reporting that Texas Ranger Joe McKidrict died in his attempt to arrest Outlaw. Both dated April 6, 1894, they read in part:

Letter: "…He [McKidrict] went to a printing office and was conversing with a friend, when he heard a police whistle and a shot fired. He ran in the direction of the sound and found B.L. Outlaw on the back steps of a house of Ill Fame. Outlaw was drunk and had his pistol in his hand…McKidrict attempted to arrest him when Outlaw shot him in the head just over the left ear and shot him once in the back as he fell. McKidrict did not fire a shot but fell dead instantly. Outlaw then fired at Constable Selman missing him, but powder burnt his face. Selman then shot Outlaw through the body just over the heart…Outlaw then walked up Utah street very near one block, where Private McMahan of Co "D" met him and ordered him to surrender…McMahan and a Mexican led Outlaw to a saloon, that being the nearest house, where they found a bed for him. He died about four hours after being shot…Outlaw was in arrest when he died. He will be buried today by his friends in El Paso…"

Telegram: "Joe McMidrick [sic] a member of Co D was killed tonight while attempting to arrest B L Outlaw. Outlaw is dead also." The summons document has flattened folds and faint soiling. An overall very fine group.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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