After the Civil War, brothers Frank and Jesse James joined forces with the Youngers and established one of the most notorious gangs in American history, committing over twenty noted robberies and killing at least eleven citizens in a ten-year span. They continued their fast-paced life of crime even after the gang dissolved in 1876. ALS signed “Ben,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 12, October 11, 1883. Letter to his wife Annie James, from “St. James Castle.” In full: “Your dear precious letter was received Tuesday and must say it was the most remarkable letter for you to write. Why you are becoming right affectionate in you 'old age' I am so glad you are. And it seems a long time since you have seen your 'Hubby'. Does it. I too miss my precious ones and wish I was with you. I am in good spirits and hope I may be before a great while.” He then continues with his discussions about strategy with his defense attorney (Judge John F. Philips and General C. T. Garner) Continued: “Mr. Garner was up to see me yesterday and he and me agree on this question of bail. He says I ought to be out and he is going to do all he can to get me. But as Philips is the Sr counsel they all will have to go according to his instructions. I am of the opinion he will consent to make an application for bail. My case is on the docket for Friday week which is a lucky day with us you know. The yarn came OK and Mrs. C. sends many thanks. I did not give your love to any of them I could not spare any I want it all myself and I think I need and deserve every bit of it. Don’t you? I hope you are having a nice visit in town, I want you to tell all my lady friend who have been so kind as to send me kisses that I will pay them all back with interest when I get home. That is if you do not object, you won’t will you? Miss Cora and Mary Lee called to see me yesterday evening and you just bet ‘your boots’ I enjoyed ‘it’ hugely. I said lots and thought lots I did not say. Don’t put the wrong construction on [any] thing for I don’t mean any. Well Mrs. C did smile just a little bit when met my gaze.
I did not discover it until I had read your letter the second time, I guess my little Man thinks its about time for his boots. I wish I could see him bless his dear little life, I hope you have taught him to spell real nice by this time as you promised you would do. Mamma just remember I think of you all the time and wish every day I was with you. Write me often and remember me to all my friends. Love to all and all. How did Harry come out? If I am not to get out right soon you will have to come up and see me. I cannot stand to be separated from you. I will wait and see what will be when my case is call if I do not get out then my precious Darling must come and stay with me, what say you? Ask Rob if he is going to stay with Grandma or in jail. Good by.” James also adds a short postscript to the top of the front of the letter: “Yours of yesterday recd. Many many thanks. Ohio has gone…good.” Very nicely double cloth matted and framed, so both sides may be viewed, to an overall size of 13 x 17. The frame is in turn attached by hinges to a cloth matted and framed display with a portrait of James, a descriptive plaque, and a plaque bearing a transcript of the letter, to an overall size of 19.5 x 30.25. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and a uniform shade of toning. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed to “Mrs. Annie James” and postmarked Gallatin, MO, where James was held at the Daviess County Rotary Jail.
When his brother Jesse was traitorously murdered in response to Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden’s offer of a reward to anyone who could take down the notorious James Gang, Frank James knew that he would be next. To avoid assassination, he surrendered himself to authorities in October of 1882. He was charged with the murder of a passenger during a train robbery, spent a year in jail awaiting trial, and was quickly acquitted despite solid evidence of his guilt. This extraordinary letter, written to his wife from his jail cell and signed ‘Ben’ (the couple went by the names Ben and Fannie Woodson to avoid unwanted attention), touches on his legal proceedings, hoping to be released on bail soon, and reveals the seldom-noted fatherly side of the outlaw. With affectionate sentiments to Annie and in reference to his only son, five-year-old Robert, he writes, “I wish I could see him bless his dear little life, I hope you have taught him to spell real nice by this time as you promised you would do.” Upon his release, James returned to his family farm and left his life of crime behind. This is a remarkable letter from the infamous Western outlaw at a critical time in his life, the turning point that took him from criminal to family-man.
