Outlaw and older brother of Jesse James (1843-1915). ALS signed “Ben,” one page, 5 x 8, July 7, 1883. Handwritten note at the conclusion of a five-and-a-half page letter from his friend, Mrs. Sam Gilkey, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Frank James. James writes from jail in Gallatin, Missouri, while awaiting trial for murder during a train robbery; he signs using an alias to prevent the letter from falling into the wrong hands. James writes, in full: "This letter was handed me at the same time yours was. It was mailed at Independence the 24th of June, rec'd here the 3rd of July. Only 9 days on the road. I think from the tone of this that Mrs. G. feels heartily ashamed in neglecting to answer yours at once. You will forgive her, won't you?" In Gilkey's letter, she comments on his fate ("Sorry to hear that your trial is postponed to January…Keep a brave strong heart and you will come out all safe and sound") and apologizes for her delay in replying to a letter. In fine condition, with a few small stains. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed by Frank James to "Mrs. Frank James, Independence, Mo."
In September of 1882—five months after his brother Jesse was gunned down by fellow gang member Robert Ford—James turned himself in to Missouri governor Thomas Crittenden in Jefferson City, tired of running and hoping to avoid the same gruesome fate. He was held and put on trial in Gallatin, Missouri, for participating in two murders during a train robbery. However, having reached folk-hero status within the general population, he was acquitted by the jury.
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