|
| CATEGORIES |
were the most feared outlaws of their day JAMES, Frank (James, Alexander Franklin) (1843-1915). American outlaw, older brother of Jesse James. Near the beginning of the Civil War, Frank James and Cole Younger joined the Confederate guerrilla band led by Quantrill. They fought in the bloody raid on Lawrence, Kansas. At the end of the war Federal Troops searched for frank James as guerrillas were considered outlaws and were hunted down and shot. A general amnesty was issued in 1865 for guerrillas. On Feb. 13, 1866, the bank at Liberty, Missouri was held up by a band of ten men. Two men entered the bank, one said to the cashier: “If you make any noise you will be shot”. The bandit was frank James and the one with him was Cole Younger. Eight others were in strategic positions along the street. This Liberty, Mo. Daylight raid was The First Bank Robbery In America performed by an organized gang. Typed letter signed on his name imprinted stationery. St. Louis Mo. Mar. 6, 1900. To Dear Sir, Frank adds in his hand “Mr. James Ghire & Friend”. The letter reads in part: “My friends are not so many but they are good ones and among them is Mr. J.J. Butler who has generously tendered to me the use of the standard Theatre on the night of March 30, for a benefit performance. I don’t know just how to avail myself of it, as it seems to me that one of the hardest things in life to do is to ask favors. I think you know me well enough to believe that I mean exactly what I say when I tell you that the return to me of all or any of the tickets which I enclose will not be considered as unfriendly. The best friend is he who makes his expressions of friendship coincide with his convenience, and does not assume them as a burden...” Signed in full, in ink, “Frank James”. He has also written ”1486 to 1490 inclusive” referring to the tickets. On this letter across the face of it in pencil, Mr. Ghire has written back to Fran James stating he has just returned from Mexico and regrets not being able to attend the benefit and encloses $5.00 and hopes to see Frank at the old stand this summer. The letter is affixed to a larger page. In very good condition..........................$4,250.00  |