Beschreibung:

6 documents, 2 books plus background material related to the life, legend, and family of William Sloan Tough (1840-1904). William S. Tough served as a Pony Express rider, Kansas "Red Leg," and Civil War scout, then in later years as a U.S. Marshal from Kansas and prominent livestock dealer. In an extensive article in the Kansas City Daily Drovers Telegram from October 5, 1945, William Tough's son John Tough gives the history of his father's company, noting that his father eschewed publicity, so there really are no biographies available on him. A native of Maryland, William Sloan Tough came West at the age of 20. He and his traveling companions were noticed for their ability to handle horses and wagons. William was chosen to lead a wagon train, assembling at the time at the Missouri River. He rapidly gained recognition and was soon leading wagon trains from St. Joseph to various points west. When the Civil War erupted, it was obvious that the Army would need the skills of a man such as William Tough to transport supplies between outposts and forts along the frontier. He was soon made assistant provost marshal of Leavenworth (fort and city) with the rank of Captain, a title he carried the rest of his life, and in November 1863 became chief of scouts at Fort Smith for the region. It was while serving as a scout that he worked with William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and formed a lasting friendship. Captain Tough had a way with horses from his earliest years, and loved raising, training and owning the animals. His son relates a story about a horse named "Smuggler," which was being offered for $12,000. At least three millionaires were interested in the colt, which showed a lot of promise, but thought the amount being asked was too much for an untested animal. Captain Tough purchased the horse for the asking price while the eastern millionaires were trying to get the price lower. Tough refused many offers to sell the horse at more than the price paid, but finally agreed to bring him east for a trial mile. This could be the reference in the Rockefeller letter which is listed below. Before Tough could get the horse east, there was some interference by greedy individuals wanting a cut of the profits, so Tough, known for his honesty, cancelled the deal and sold Smuggler to someone in the West for $40,000. Eventually Captain Tough started selling horses and other livestock in the Kansas City Stockyards district. Previously about 14,000 horses and mules were sold in the Stock Yards, but Tough established his company pledging absolute honesty. His "motto" became: "All Stock Must Be As Represents or Buyer Need Not Take them." Within a short time, W.S. Tough & Sons was handling 56,000 horses and mules a year. He began procuring horses for the British Military during the Boer War. The travel took its toll, and William Sloan Tough died shortly after fulfilling his contract with England. His son, Littleton, died at the young age of 36, just six years after his father, leaving John Tough to run the company. The archive includes the following: Cody, William F. (1846-1917) ALS, 1p, on Buffalo Bill's Wild West letterhead, Wilimington (DE), May 21, 1902. To Captain William Tough, Lawrence, KS. Request for W.S. Tough & Sons to sell a few hundred head of cattle, plus two-year-old fillies and brood mares. Cody, W.F. ANS, 1p, Grand Rapids, MI, August 10 [1908 postmark]. This one to L.M. Tough, (Lyttleton Morgan). Thanking him for his letter and assuring him (Johnny) Baker is OK again (after an injury). With cover. Captain William Tough had a brother named Littleton, and apparently named one of his sons Littleton (or Lyttleton) (1874-1910). James B. Pond (1838-1903), ALS, 4pp, on his New York letterhead, April 4, 1901. To "Mr. Tough." Writing to William S. Tough's little brother, Lyttleton (sometimes Littleton) Tough, Pond reminisces about his days in service. "I remember seeing you ride by your brother Williams' side where there was danger & you seemed unco