James, Frank (1844-1915) to John N. Edwards
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01649 Author/Creator: James, Frank (1844-1915) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 August 1882 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.5 x 14 cm. Order a Copy
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.
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.
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