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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01692 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1880s |
| Title | Frank James to Anna Ralston and Robert James |
| Date | 15 August 1882 |
| Author | James, Frank (1844-1915) |
| Recipient | Ralston, Anna |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Writes to his wife Anna and son Robert (referred to as "My Precious Ones") while being pursued by state and federal authorities. References the Shakespearean character, Timon of Athens, who also spent time exiled in the forest. Reflects on his love for Anna by stating: "Did I not appreciate you I should feel as I was a disgrace to humanity and should be universally and deservedly detested as the most ungrateful being that ever lived." Refers to Charles and Bob Ford as "loathsome wretches" because they killed Jesse James, his brother, in April 1882. Expresses expectations that Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden intends to aid his cause. At the top of page one is a facetious note by Jesse Edward Woodson ("J.E.W."), "Rob! I had Crow for dinner today, but don't 'hanker' after it." "Jesse Edward Woodson" appears to be a combination of Frank's alias "B.J. Woodson," and his brother Jesse's name. |
| Subjects | Death Criminals and Outlaws Children and Family Literature and Language Arts Love Letters Government and Civics Codes and Signals Law American West |
| People | James, Frank (1844-1915) Ralston, Anna (1853-1944) James, Robert (b. 1878) Ford, Charles (1857-1884) Ford, Bob (1862-1892) Crittenden, Thomas (1825-1905) James, Jesse (1847-1882) |
| Place written | s.l. |
| Theme | Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Frank James was a member of the James-Younger band of outlaws, active in late-19th century Missouri. Governor Crittenden pardoned the Fords two weeks after they killed Jesse James. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Wife |