![Lot 8041 [Jesse James] Archive of Western Union Telegram Correspondence Between Police Commissioner H. H. Craig, Sheriff James Timberlake, and Missouri Governor Thomas T. Crittenden](https://cdn.rrauction.com/auction/720/3501228_1.jpg)
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Archive of nine manuscript telegrams between Police Commissioner H. H. Craig, U.S. Marshal James Timberlake, and Missouri Governor Thomas T. Crittenden, all secretarially signed, all about 5.25 x 8 on Western Union Telegraph Company forms, circa 1882–1883. A summary of the correspondence:
Craig to Timberlake: "Answer whether I shall employ Warner or not am going up tomorrow."
Craig to Timberlake: "The old gentleman goes east this evening."
Crittenden to Timberlake: "Can't come compeled to go to St. Louis this afternoon write endorse it personal."
Craig to Timberlake: "Send him on freight train important."
Craig to Timberlake: "Nothing to be done this evening will advise you tomorrow."
Crittenden to Timberlake: "Passes will be left for you at Main Depot ticket office St. Louis."
Timberlake to Craig: "Forward that amount to Bob. I will see you."
Timberlake to "Lewie," c/o Craig: "Come to Liberty tonight will meet you at depot."
Craig to "Louis Kuntz": "Tell Timberlake that W. H. Wallace wants him at Gallatin."
In overall very good to fine condition. Craig, Timberlake, and Crittenden played key roles in the downfall of the outlaw Jesse James. Crittenden, determined to rid Missouri of the James-Younger Gang, placed a bounty on Jesse James’s head, effectively sanctioning his capture or death. Timberlake, working closely with law enforcement, oversaw efforts to track down the outlaw, while Craig helped coordinate efforts in Kansas City. Their actions culminated in James’s betrayal by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang, who shot him on April 3, 1882, in exchange for the governor’s promised reward and pardon.
