Disrespectful - Spoiler Alert
In the context of the movie, I understand and can even accept why Martin's letter was passed around and then read aloud in the bar. However, in the context of the story, I feel it was very disrespectful and highly unethical.
Martin wrote a private letter to his wife and asked Davies to deliver it to her. Davies may have had the best intentions but he was overstepping his boundaries when he opened and read the letter. Martin wrote it knowing he was going to die.
He had made peace with it and wanted to share his final thoughts with his wife, not with everyone in town. When he realized Davies had read the letter and wanted everyone else to read it as well, Martin objected making quite a fuss. He did not want it shared even if it would help his case.
Even after this, Davies completely disregarded his wishes and continued trying to get the others to read it. At some point, Davies turned over possession of the letter to Carter. Carter was present when Martin insisted that his letter not be shared yet he too proceeded to let other people read it.
When Croft said he couldn't read, Carter read it aloud for the entire bar to hear. What was next, publishing it on the front page of the local newspaper; posting it to the saloon doors; or using it as evidence when the posse goes on trial? Those would all be inappropriate uses by the way.
I was also surprised and disturbed that Davies broke his promise in regards to delivering the letter and looking after Martin's family. He haphazardly turned the letter over to Carter in whose hands anything could have happened. Even if Carter had agreed to deliver the letter, that's not what Davies had promised Martin.
What was done to the three men was bad enough but the way in which Martin's letter was handled makes things even worse. Davies, who seemed to be the town's most upstanding, trustworthy citizen, even in the eyes of the sheriff, failed him. Even if we assume Carter and Croft got the letter to Mrs. Martin, Davies failed to honor Martin's last wish. A man's dying request should be honored.
Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]