- More
Frank James Autograph Letter Signed...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Frank James Autograph Letter Signed "Frank James." Two pages, 8.5" x 14", "Huntsville Ala Jail," March 2, 1884. The outlaw Frank James, former Confederate guerrilla and elder brother of Jesse James, had been sitting in the Huntsville jail for over two weeks, charged with the robbery of a federal paymaster in Alabama in 1881, when he wrote this letter to his wife and son, Robert.His letters to his wife during this period reveal a surprisingly affectionate, family man: "Nothing on earth has occured [sic] since my last...I am simply writing that you may [know] I am thinking of you." He goes on to write that he found a clipping from a newspaper that Annie, his wife, sent him, but he thought misplaced: "I never saw that complimetary [sic] clipping you sent me in regard to yourself untill [sic] this morning. I suppose when I opened your letter it must of droped [sic] out on the floor...I began to get uneasy and this is what prompted me to write." Suddenly, Frank's dark side emerges, revealing a jealous, cold-blooded killer: "I am [afraid] that Editor will fall in love with you and I dont [sic] see how you can help doing the same with him. There might be a dead Eaditor [sic] found in Kearny [Missouri] one of these days. What right I should like to know has any man to speak of the charms of an other mans wife?"
Frank James remained in the Huntsville jail for another six weeks before his trial began. The trial lasted ten days and he was found not guilty. With original transmittal envelope addressed to "Mrs. Frank James." Folds are weakened with slight separation at the intersections and the edges, but not affecting the text. Scattered spots of dark foxing. Chipping along the upper edge.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping
Sales Tax information | Terms and Conditions
Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments
Glossary of Terms
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)World & Ancient Coins
Ends on 04/24/2018
Illustration Art
Ends on 04/24/2018
Fine Art
Ends on 04/24/2018
Silver
Ends on 04/25/2018
US Coins
Ends on 04/25/2018
Currency
Ends on 04/25/2018
Currency
Ends on 04/26/2018
Jewelry & Timepieces
Ends on 05/01/2018
Fine Art
Ends on 05/04/2018
Nature & Science
Ends on 05/05/2018
Comics & Comic Art
Ends on 05/10/2018
Space
Ends on 05/11/2018
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 05/12/2018
Musical Instruments
Ends on 05/12/2018
Decorative Art
Ends on 05/16/2018
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 05/17/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/03/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/25/2018
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 05/14/2018
Historical
Opens about 05/14/2018
Photography
Opens about 05/15/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 06/07/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/18/2018
Old West
Opens about 05/21/2018
Decorative Art
Opens about 05/18/2018
Luxury Accessories
Opens about 05/21/2018
Arms & Armor
Opens about 05/22/2018
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 05/11/2018
US Coins
Opens about 05/25/2018
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 05/29/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/28/2018
Fine Art
Opens about 05/29/2018
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
We had a wonderful time in New York during the October 2013 Historical Manuscripts auction that featured my mother’s papers collected during her tenure as Martin Luther King, Jr.’s secretary. In fact, the entire experience from beginning to end has been a pleasure.View More Testimonials
HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. (Source: Similarweb.com)
Recent auctions
