Letter From Chris Madsen to Mrs. Mattie Thomas, 1937-01-27

Typed and signed letter from Chris Madsen to Heck Thomas's widow about the legendary incident at the hideout on Bill Dunn's ranch where Bill Doolin supposedly saved Bill Tilghman's life. According to Madsen, it didn't happen that way at all, and through this letter he is seeking Mrs. Thomas's advice regarding Zoe Tilghman's (incorrect, according to him) written account of the incident. He says in the letter :"You probably remember that in April and May 1894 Heck, Bill and I with a posse were hunting the outlaws, and one cold morning jumped their hiding place at the Dunn's ranch. Heck came up from the rear of the dug-out and Bill and I were a short distance from the front door to welcome them when the outlaws would come out. It turned out that when Heck threw a stick of Dynamite on the roof of the dugout and the inhabitants did come out with their hands in the air, they were not the one we had expected to find there. They were a second class lot of Horsethieves, so we did not make a dry haul, but really did not get what we were after. After disarming the prisoners we made them go back in the dugout, and make their own breakfast in which Heck and the Posse participated." "While I am willing to go a long way for an old friend and co-worker, I cannot see my way to serve Mrs. Tilghman in this case, but would like to hear from you in regard to what Heck may have told you in regard to this matter." At the end of the letter he encloses a $5 check as a Christmas present for Mrs. Thomas or the kids, and signs the letter "Your friend / C. Madsen."