The James gang left a trail of broken safes and bodies in their wake, but a letter for sale with a British collectibles company suggests they may have a more complex legacy.
Jesse James, famously shot in the back by his former comrade Robert Ford, is the more famous of the James Brothers, but his brother Frank was alongside him for most of one the most notorious criminal careers in American history.
Paul Fraser, chairman of Paul Fraser Collectibles, who are selling the letter says: “Jesse James was violent and reckless, but his brother Frank was different.
“He was a man of words with a romantic nature, and in 1875 he married young schoolteacher Annie Ralston who shared his love of literature.”
Frank quit the gang in 1876, six years before his younger brother Jesse was shot and killed aged just 34.
Frank tried to go straight, but Jesse couldn’t, and his gang’s legend grew as they continued to rob and kill.
After Jesse was killed in 1882, Frank went to the Governor of Missouri and handed himself in to take his chances with the law.
His trial could have ended in the death penalty.
And facing that prospect he picked up a pen in a Missouri jail cell and wrote to his wife, Annie.
The letter is well-preserved, long, and thoughtful. The James Brothers were among the first historical figures to be memorialised via popular press that “printed the legend”, and Frank showed a sensitive side when he wrote to his wife. Image courtesy of Paul Fraser Collectibles.
James wrote: “Long years ago I hoped and prayed that god would give me a true woman for my wife and I feel as if he has done so… You are everything to me and the only living human being that has ever possessed my whole love.”
Frank had been a man of violence, serving as a “bushwhacker” guerilla in the Civil War before he took up arms for personal game in the chaotic post-war period.
He found hope in the forgiveness granted to another accused murderer. And his hope was vinidicated with an aquital.
One of the most notorious outlaws in US history – played on screen by Henry Fonda, Stacy Keach, Johnny and Bill Paxton among many others – went to live with his family for a peaceful, and perhaps happy, forty-odd years.
Mr Fraser adds: “The story of Frank James’ life has been retold for generations, from sensational 19th century newspaper reports to modern Hollywood movies.
“But these are the words of James himself. The man behind the myth.
“It is undoubtedly the finest Old West artefact I’ve ever offered. A genuine piece of American history, preserved in stunning condition for more than 140 years.”
The 1883 Frank James letter is for sale now at the Paul Fraser Collectibles website.
