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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC01649 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to the 1880s |
| Title | Frank James to John N. Edwards discussing his reputation and evading authorities |
| Date | 7 August 1882 |
| Author | James, Frank (1844-1915) |
| Recipient | Edwards, John Newman |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Expresses concern that Edwards has not written to him. Worries about his reputation while evading authorities, stating: " ... it is harder still to rest content beneath the harrowing reflection that ones character, his mind, his heart, his entire nature is misunderstood- misconstrued ... " Refuses to accept Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden's offer of turning "State's Evidence" against comrades. Feels that stooping "so low as to place a comrades life....in jeopardy" was "beneath the dignity of a man or the principles of a Christian." Postscript mentions concern for the welfare of his wife and child. |
| Subjects | Religion Criminals and Outlaws Law Morality and Ethics Government and Civics Christianity Children and Family |
| People | James, Frank (1844-1915) Edwards, John Newman (1839-1889) Crittenden, Thomas (1825-1905) |
| Place written | s.l. |
| Theme | Law |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1860-1945 |
| Additional Information | Alexander Franklin "Frank" James was Jesse James' older brother as well as a member of the James-Younger outlaw gang, active in late-19th century Missouri. Major John N. Edwards, editor of the Kansas City Times was formerly a major in the Civil War who chronicled the actions of Civil War guerrilla groups. Many of the James-Younger gang included members of Civil War guerrilla factions who maintained some contact with Edwards. In 1881, Governor Thomas Crittenden offered a $5000 reward for the capture of Frank James. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |