Old West outlaw (1844-1916) associated with Jesse James as a leader of the James-Younger Gang, who eventually turned from a life of crime to Wild West shows and public speaking. ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.25, March 31, 1901. Handwritten letter while imprisoned in Stillwater, Minnesota, to "Hon. M. J. Daly, Senate Chambers, St. Paul, Minn.," in full: "My Noble friend, Your kind favor was received yesterday Eve. Many thanks for the kind words and let me assure you and all the Noble Members of the Senate and House and old friends that we appreciate your good work in behalf of humanity with all our heart. And time will prove whether we were worthy of that. I hope Mrs. Daly and the sweet children are well and happy and believe me all ways your true and grateful but informant friend." In fine condition, with a few light creases. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Younger's own hand.
After two years of legislative wrangling, a parole bill was passed in Minnesota's legislature and Cole Younger was freed from his lifetime sentence on July 10, 1901—three months after writing the present letter. State Senator Daly championed the Younger cause, and Younger soon paid a thank you visit his home. After his release, Younger wrote a popular memoir, lectured and toured with Frank James as part of a Wild West show, and eventually declared that he had become a Christian and repented for his criminal past.
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