Spring Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2014
FRANK JAMES. Western outlaw along with his brother, Jesse. Both were former raiders with the Confederate guerilla Quantrill during the Civil War, and both teamed up with the Younger brothers to form a gang of bandits that terrorized the west, robbing and killing. The Younger brothers died during a bank robbery in 1876 and Frank and Jesse were captured Jesse was murdered in 1882. Autograph Letter Signed “Your affect, hubby, Ben," 2 pages 4to written horizontally in dark ink over a penciled letter of a his brother-in-law, Sam Ralston, dated September 19, 1883 from Sonora, Mexico. Frank writes "My darling. Today is my day to write you and I will add what little there is to say on this letter of Samies. I miss you very much and love you more than all the world. I had a letter from John Edards today he has been to Jeff City. Says thins look good and that Philips will go with me to the end of the world
if necessary. I will write Jim a long letter next Monday. I have had but few visitors since you left. Paddy will move soon. I am looking for a letter from you today or tomorrow. Hope you and Rob are having a good time tell my little man he must not forget his papa.
I hope you have met all our friends. Now my little woman don't forget your poor old hubby will you. Love to all EX. hoping to hear from you soon. I beg to remain your affect. hubby, Ben." Fine, with the envelope addressed in his hand to "Mrs. A. F. James/independence/Mo." thus incorporating his signature. Housed in a handsome slipcase of marbled board with a leather spine imprinted in gold "Frank James SHOOTOUT Sept. 19, 1883," with two pistols embossed in it as well. Sam's letter talks of an acquittal, presumably Frank's acquittal on some charge, and hopes Annie will come to Sonora for the winter, and mentions some trouble he had with the town sheriff and a man named Burns who involved him in a gunfight. Sam writes “…. Burns pulled out a pistol said he was armed and not afraid of anyone I said so am I and stepped back and fired my pistol over their heads ... they looked at me and walkd off...” The slipcase has a photograph of James mounted in the inside front cover, and the envelope mounted in the inside back cover
OUTLAW FRANK JAMES, RARE HANDWRITTEN LETTER
Click above for larger image.