signed first edition
1870 · Topeka, KS
by Harvey, James M.
Topeka, KS: J. F. Cummings, Printer to the State of Kansas, 1870. Book. Very Good. Single Leaf. Signed by Author(s). First Printing. 8 1/2 " x 11 3/8". Dated the fourteenth day of September, 1870. " To the Sheriff of Any County, Kansas: Whereas requisition in due form has been made by the Governor of the State of Illinois of one John Randell a fugitive from justice, who stands charged with the crime of Forgery. Now Therefore, James M. Harvey (signature) Governor of the State of Kansas ....command you to apprehend, arrest and deliver said fugitive to the custody of John W. ? of the State of Illinois....". SIGNED at the bottom right, James M. Harvey and COUNTERSIGNED by the Secretary of State Thomas Moonlight. The warrant is Very Good, printed on this paper that has been backed with thicker construction paper at some point, written parts faded but mostly legible, with State Seal lower left, numered 33 top left, and with three engravings. James M. Harvey was the fifth Governor of Kansas, and served in the U.S. Senate: January 11, 1869, to January 13, 1873, serving the remainder of the term of Alexander Caldwell upon his resignation. Harvey earned the nickname "Old Honesty" through his years of service. Kansas Secretary of State Thomas Moonlight was appointed Governor of Wyoming Territory by President Cleveland on January 5, 1887, serving until April 9, 1889. On February 4th, 1889, Governor Moonlight signed a pardon for twenty year old Harry Longabaugh, who later became known as the "Sundance Kid". Moonlight was also Minister to Bolivia for President Cleveland from 1893 to 1897, where, ironically, the Sundance Kid and Butch Cassidy were gunned down by the Bolivian military in 1906. While Harvey's signature is found in current commerce, none were found of Moonlight's in online searches. A unique bit of Western Americana..
(Inventory #: 009539)