The Unvarnished Recollections of Fred Dodge (The Western Frontier Library Series)

Fred Dodge (1854-1938) lived a life steeped in adventure, chronicled vividly in his memoirs. For over fifty years, he served as a clandestine operative for Wells Fargo, forging deep friendships with icons like Wyatt Earp and gaining renown for his sharpshooting prowess. His recollections span a tapestry of Wild West exploits—stagecoach heists, train robberies, and arduous pursuits across rugged terrain. Remarkably, he even details legal battles Wells Fargo faced, such as lawsuits over delayed deliveries and encounters with unruly animals like a ferocious horse.

"Under Cover for Wells Fargo," edited meticulously by Carolyn Lake, presents Dodge's unembellished reflections. Lake stumbled upon Dodge's journals amidst Stuart N. Lake's archives, originally intended for a biography that never materialized. Dodge's resemblance to Morgan Earp was uncanny, fostering an early bond with the Earp brothers. During this era, Dodge posed as a gambler, concealing his true identity as a Wells Fargo agent from even Wyatt.

Dodge casts an illuminating gaze on the Earps' saga in Tombstone and recounts his collaboration with lawman Heck Thomas in the pursuit of outlaws across Kansas and Oklahoma. Notable among these were the notorious Bill Doolin's gang and the infamous Dalton brothers.

Fred Dodge's memoirs are a testament to an era of lawlessness and justice on the American frontier, offering a firsthand account of legendary figures and the gritty realities they faced. His narrative preserves the essence of a bygone era, where courage, cunning, and a steady aim were the currency of survival.

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