Outlaw and older brother of Jesse James (1843–1915) who at times went by the alias ‘Ben J. Woodson.’ Rare ALS signed “Your affect Hubby, Ben,” written horizontally in dark ink over a penciled letter of his brother-in-law, Sam Ralston, dated September 19, 1883, from Sonora, Mexico, one page both sides, 9.75 x 8. Letter to his wife, written while awaiting trial for murder. In full: “Today is my day to write you and I will add what little there is to say in this letter of Sammie’s. I miss you very much and love you more than all the world. I had a letter from John Edwards yesterday. He has been to Jeff City says things look good and that Philips will go with me to the end of the world if necessary. I will write you 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 & hoping to hear from you soon.” Includes the original mailing envelope, addressed in James’s hand, “Mrs. A. F. James, Independence, Mo.,” with a collector’s notation along the top which reads, “Frank James letter written over Sam Ralston letter Sept. 1883.” Letter, envelope, and a portrait of James housed in a handsome slipcase of marbled board with a leather spine. In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds, a bit of expected light contrast to text, and some scattered light toning.
In September of 1882—five months after his brother Jesse was gunned down by fellow gang member Robert Ford—James turned himself in to Missouri governor Thomas Crittenden in Jefferson City, tired of running and hoping to avoid the same gruesome fate. On trial in Gallatin, Missouri, for participating in two murders during a train robbery, Frank was defended by a devoted former cavalry colonel John F. Philips, who successfully had the case acquitted in September of 1883. James was then charged and acquitted again in Alabama, and finally told that he would not be extradited to any other state if he kept a low profile. He willingly complied, spending his remaining 30 years in various jobs including a shoe salesman, theater ticket taker, and farmer, a far cry from his time as one of the West’s most notorious outlaws. This scarce letter, written the same month as his first acquittal, is an excellent glimpse into the reformed gangster’s positive thinking as he worked to put his scandalous life behind him. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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