^Lot 165 James A. Bailey

American showman (1847–1906) best known as a partner in Barnum and Bailey’s circus. ALS, in pencil, signed “J. A. Bailey,” one page, 7.75 x 12.25, September 1, 1877. Letter to Joe McCaddon, the brother of Bailey’s wife Ruth, who after the merger of Barnum and Bailey’s circuses, was employed as the circus’ assistant treasurer for a number of years. In part: “Mr. R. N. Cooper is to take charge of every thing until I come. You do everything you can to assist him and tell him just what has been done since I left, also how everybody behaved themselves & c also what & how much money has been spent, what for and in fact tell him every little items that has occurred, also give him a check for what money you have in the Bank of New South Wales, or draw it all out yourself and turn it all over to him and when you want any money ask Reuben for it. No person but Reuben knows you have this money in bank don’t tell about it to any other. Reuben will keep it a secret. Reuben knows everything that is in this letter.” In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds. Bailey was a partner in James Cooper’s International Circus at the time of this letter and obviously took a very vested interest in the financial matters of the show.