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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01693 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1880s |
| Title | Frank James to Anna Ralston James |
| Date | 3 September 1882 |
| Author | James, Frank (1844-1915) |
| Recipient | Ralston, Anna |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to his wife, Anna, about the reward offered for his capture. Mentions Dick Liddil, a member of the same gang, and the way Liddil was treated by the authorities. Comments on turning himself in and states that " ... when ever I surrendered up my belt, it would be with the understanding that I was subject to no one for anything." Attempts to comfort her and boost her morale. Mentions that his friends thought him foolish to accept any offers from Thomas Crittenden, the Governor of Missouri. Expresses his view on his situation, "And as for taking tragic revenge on any one, I hold that a man who has any dignity of sentiment should conquer with honor and not use any base means, even to save his life." Advises her not to worry excessively or to go out into public. The second page of the letter has been cross-written with a block-letter note to his son Robert. Signed by James with an "F." |
| Subjects | Criminals and Outlaws Surrender Government and Civics Morality and Ethics Death Women's History Law American West |
| People | James, Frank (1844-1915) Ralston, Anna (1853-1944) Liddil, Dick (1852-1901) Crittenden, Thomas (1825-1905) James, Robert F. (1878-1959) |
| Place written | s.l. |
| Theme | Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Frank James was a brother of Jesse James and a member of the notorious James-Younger gang of outlaws active in late 19th century Missouri. The "Dick Little" referred to was actually Dick Liddil, implicated as a participant in the Winston railroad robbery who went on to serve as a witness against Frank James. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Wife |