SCR00007.177

Now, the facts are that Mr. Cody, Mr. Salsbury, Buck Taylor, Lillian Smith and Annie Oakley were presented to the Queen. She spoke very few words and handled no guns. As regards Miss Oakley shooting a shotgun, nearly every shooter east of the Rocky Mountains knows that for the first three years before the public Miss Oakley did nothing but rifle and pistol shooting, and gave it up because she could not get a living salary for doing it. This was owing to the fact that gallery or fancy rifle shooting was very early learned, and at that time there were about twenty girls and women giving exhibitions in that line. And I find by actual count there were no less than sixteen here, some of them at present playing in music halls here, while Miss Oakley is the only lady trap shot seen here yet. It may be well to say that she has not entirely forgotten all her rifle shooting, as was proved by her recent visit to Wimbledon, an account of which I sent you.

Inclosed you will find two letters, one from Mr. Salsbury, the main owner of the Wild West, and which, in justice to Miss Oakley, I hope you will publish. In conclusion, I will say Miss Oakley has the extract from your paper framed and it hangs in her tent, creating no little amount of amusement. To the readers of your paper I will say I may bring Miss Oakley out to California before many years, when I venture to say she will make as much of a sensation there as she has here. With thanks for sending paper, and hoping you may find room for this, I am, respectfully,

Frank E. Butler.

[We shall be glad at any time to receive communications from "A California," or Mr. Butler, and can assure the latter that when he comes this way he and Miss Oakley will meet an appreciative reception.—ED.]