The life, times, and treacherous death of Jesse James

Front matter

V

The Newberry Library

The Everett D. Graff Coflection of Western Americana

CHAPTER I. — Outbreak of the War. - - 21

Kearney—Dr. Reuben Samuel—Home of the James Brothers—Its Location—Their Childhood—Character—Their Father—His Min¬ istry—Education—Culture—His Death in California—Theii- Mother—Her Marriage to Dr. Samuel—Civil War—The Home Guard—His Mode of Warfare—Who Was His Enemy—His Style of Argument—Recreation—Industry—His Treatment of Women and Children—Hanging of Dr. Samuel—His Wife’s Devotion- Torture of Jesse James—Frank Forced from Home—Parting Threats.

CHAPTER II.— The Sack of Lawrence. - - 29

Quantrell—Todd—The Youngers—Gathering of Guerrillas—The Midnight Council—The Vote—Quantrell’s Decision—General Deliberation—Onward March—They Enter Kansas—Their Guides—Lawrence in Sight—The Guerrilla Charge—War to the Knife—Flight of Jim Lane—Sack of the City—Given to the Flames—Gathering of the Militia—The Retreat—Its Horrors —Surrounded—Battle at the Barn—Stand at Lone Jack—Cut off —^The Charge—Its Success—The Last Stand—Final Charge— Disbandment—Safety.

CHAPTER III.— Promoted.. 33

The Rest—Guerrillas Re-assemble—Divided into Squads—Qiiantrell’s Judgment of Jesse James—He is Given a Command—His Maiden Effort as a Commander—His Plans—The Foe Surprised —An Utter Rout—Terrific Slaughter—The Foe Annihilated—His Further Career.

CHAPTER IV. —The Battle at Centralia. 37

Anderson Visits Centralia—The West-Bound Train—The Futile Struggle—Twenty-four Soldiers Slain—Train Fired—Depot vl

Contents

Burned—Construction Train Destroyed—Guerrillas Retire— Singleton's Barn—Arrival of Major Johnson—Vain, Gloi’lous Boasts—Seeks the Enemy—The Advance Guard-Ominous Signs —The Skirmish—Todd and Anderson—Johnson’s Halt—“Come On, if You Mean Fight!’’—Rush of the Guerrillas—Johnson’s Death and Defeat—Panic-Stricken Flight—Deadly Pursuit—No Quarter—Five Chase Sixty—Number Killed-Anderson’s Loss— Part of Jesse James in this Battle—A Practical Retort to Geu. Fiske’s General Order: “No Quarter to Guerrillas.”

CHAPTER V.—The War Closes. - - - - 43

Further Adventures—Ambuscades—Surprises—Long Marches— Various Adventures—Fall of 1864—An Ambush—A Fight— Wounded—Crushed by his Horse — Rescued by Todd—Again in the Field—Jesse and Frank Separate—Jesse Goes to Texas— Returns to Missouri—Reach Lexington—Meet Major Rodgers— Fired Upon While Carrying Flag of Truce—Charge into a Regi¬ ment—Desperately Wounded—Recovers—Goes to Nebraska— Quantrell's Death—End of Jesse’s War Record.

CHAPTER YI. —After the War. - - - - 47

The Guerrilla Accepts Defeat — Jesse Longs for Peace—Returns with his Mother from Nebraska to Clay County—Harassed by Enemies—Cowardly Bullies — The Reign of the Mob—Fate of Andy McGuire—.Tim Jackson—Rivge of his Enemies Culminates —The Night Attack—The Result-^Two Dea<i — Two Wounded— Jesse Leaves Home—His Illness—A Noble Physician—Jesse’s Convalescence—Leaves for New York—By Sea to San Francisco -Regains his Health—The Call of Duty—Returns Home.

CHAPTER YII. —Bank Robbery at Liberty, Missouri.. 62

Liberty—An Unwelcome Visit—A Novel Criminal Industry— Bank Bobbery by Daylight—Ho wit was Done—Numbers Engaged —The Jameses and Youngers Accused—Wlio was Really Tlierc— Amount of Money Obtained—Pursuit of the Robbers—Their Escape—^Finai Belief in Innocence of Jameses.

CHAPTER Yin. —Twin Robberies. - - - 56

Robbery of the Banking House at Lexington, Mo.—How and When it Occurred—Number Engaged—Its Success—Amount Stolen— The Alarm—Pursuit—Its Futility and Abandonment—Disap¬ pearance of the Bandits—Attempted Robbery of McLain’s Bank at Savannah—A Brave Old Judge—His Ready Comprehension— Poor Firing—Is Seriously Wounded—The Safe Door Closed—

CONTENTS.

vii

The Robbery Balked—The Citizens Aroused—Flight of the Robbers—A Hot Pursuit—Nothing Accomplished—Who Were Present—Their Names—Capture of Two Later—A Strong Alibi.

CHAPTER, IX. —Bank Robbery at Richmond, Missouri.. 68

A Daring and Desperate Attack—A Mad Dash—A Determined Maj or—His Death—Attack on the Jail—A Brave Jailer—Ills Death—His Son Also Killed—Mistaken Identities—Proof— AV^'lrrants Issued—Peyton Johnes Surrounded—Breaks Through the Line—Man Killed—Little Girl Mortally Wounded—The Battle—Escape of Johnes—Murder of Andy McGuire—Also of Dick Burns—Hulse and Hines Flee the Country—Tom Little Hung by a Mob—Youngers and Jameses Not Guilty.

CHAPTER X. —Russellville, Ky., Bank Robbery..61

A Wealthy Kentuckj' Towu—Its Usual Repose Disturbed—Raided by Robbers -The Usual Accompaniments—Oaths—^Yells—Pistol Shots—Panic Stricken Citizens—Deserted Streets—The Rush to the Bank—Demand for Money—Sensational Incidents—Who did the Deed—Yankee Biigh’s Story—Where were the Jameses ? —Desperate Flight of the Robbers—The Long Pursuit—George Shepherd—His Capture—Trial—Serves Three Years in Peni¬ tentiary—01. Shepherd—His Whereabouts Discovered—A Mob of Vigilantes Undertake his Arrest—No Surrender—“Well, then, let it be Death.”

CHAPTER XI. —The Gallatin Bank Robbery. 67

An Established Industry—Another Diiylight Raid—Vengeance Mixed With Avarice—The Murder of the Cashier—“You’ll Make No More Boasts”—.Tim Anderson’s Purchase—“I Know She’s a Good One”—^The Mare Escapes—Circumstantial Evidence—An Offer to Surrender—No Guarantee Against Mob Law—The Alibi that Could Have Been Proved—Were the James Boys Present?—The Question Honestly Answered.

CHAPTER XH. —Proposal of Surrender. - 72

Jesse James’ Letter—Proposes to Surrender—The Facts—Governor McClurg’s Opinion — Captain Thomason — His Character—His Services—Attempts to Arrest the Jameses—Unconditional Sur¬ render Demanded—Failure to Arrest Them—A Dead Horse—A Defeated Posse—St, Louis and Chicago Detectives in the Field- No Results, viii

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XHI.— Starts for California. - 76

Jesse Sails for California—Conduct on the Voyage—Crosses the Isthmus—Lands at San Francisco—Impressions of that City— Quiet Life at the Springs—Meets Frank—Sporting—Visits to Neighboring Ranches—Health Regained—Start for Missouri— The Mountain Camp—Try Prospecting—A Miner’s Life—The Dance House—Break a Monte Bank—“I Want My Revenge”—A Game of Draw Poker—Its Result—The Fight—A Dozen Against Two—The Consequences—The Vigilantes—Visit the James’ Cabin—A Charge Upon the Enemy—Fight with Mescalero Apaches—The Issue—Visit the Hacienda of Don Miguel Armijo —The Apaches Beforehand—Arming the Vacqueros—The Pur¬ suit—Ambush—Annihilation of the Indians—Recovery of Sig-^ norita Juana Armijo—The Old Don’s Gratitude—^The Present—' Return to Missouri.

CHAPTER XIY. —^Bank Robbery at Cory- DON, Iowa. .87

The Philosophy of Honesty — A Cynical View — Speculations — Jameses Still Hunted—Forced to the Bad—A Stroke Planned— No Bloodshed Stipulated For—A Quiet Ride—The Town Reached —The Streets Cleared—Tlie Bank Entered—Its Vaults Rifled— The Amount Realized—The Flight-Pursuit—Discontinued at Cameron—Incidents of the Robbery—Number Engaged—Who Were the Men ? A Hard Question—^Estrangement of Friends.

CHAPTER XY. —Bank Robbery at Colum¬ bia, Kentucky..93

Situation of Columbia, Ky.—A Sudden Apparition—The Demand on the Bank—A Brave Cashier—His Refusal to Deliver the Keys —His Death—A Combination Lock—The Robbery Does Not Pay —Mr. Garnett Fired On—The Useless Murder—Flight of the Robbers—The Citizens Gather—Their Pursuit—It Ends in the Mountains of Tennessee—Death of One of the Bobbers—^Who They Were—^No Further Results—Not the Work of Missouri Outlaws.

CHAPTER XYI. —Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Bank Robbery..96

Location of Ste. Genevieve—Its Community —A May Morning— What It Brought Forth—Opening of The Bank—The Obliging Stranger—The Money Demand—Comolaisance of The Cashier— Escape of Rozier—His Alarm—The Parting Shot—The Robbery —Deliberate Flight of the Robbers—The Booty Dropped—A Re¬ turn—Escape of a Horse—Forced Service of a German—Tlie Horse Returned—Fight with a Posse—Flight of The Robbers— Their Escape—Various Rumors.

CONTENTS.

ix

CHAPTER XVII.—Robbery of the Hot Springs Stage..100

A Slight Variation—An Old-Time Conveyance—The Enforced Halt —“Come, Tumble Out Here”—The Line Formed—The Victims— The Amount Obtained—Ex-Governor Burbank of Dacotah a Victim—His Losses—A Chat with the Passengers—Lively Badinage—A New York Man Makes a Modest Request—Sternly Refused—A Horse Trade—One Man’s Watch and Money Re¬ turned—Release of the Stage—The Bandits Separate—Their Flight—Escape.

CHAPTER XVIH.—Fair Grounds Robbery AT Kansas City, Missouri..103

A Gala Scene—Immense Crowds—A Kansas City Carnival—In¬ tense Interest—Fine Jiacing—Mysterious Visitors — A Raid— The Cash Box Seized—The Single Shot—Bandits Retreat—Ex¬ citing Pursuit.

CHAPTER XIX.—The C., R. I. and P. Train Robbery..106

A Train Ditched — The Engineer Killed — The Bandits’ Rush — Firing—Still Another Surprise—The Cars Invaded—Expectations Not Realized — The Robbei-s’Calculations—Western Treasure Looked For—Frightened Passengers—Money and Jewelry Taken —Mounting of the Gang—Their Flight—The Sheriff’s Pursuit— Its Results—The Band Reach Missouri—Separate—Disappear.

CHAPTER XX.— The Train Robbery at Gads’ Hill, Missouri, .Ill

Bhakspearian Reminiscences-Old .Tack Falstaff—A Lengthy Visit —The Entire Population Jailed', — The Generalship Displayed—A Misplaced Switch—A Danger Signal—“Down Brakes”—A Win¬ ter Evening—^The Train Stops—The First Victim—The Rob¬ bers’ Tactics—The Express Car—A Broken Safe—Its Contents Sacked—A Search for Pinkerton—The Flight of The Robbers — A Thorough Pursuit—Its Utter Failure—Incidents of The Robbery—Who 'iVeie The Robbers?

CHAPTER XXI.—Whicher’s Death. - - 115

The Detective’s Doom—His Fatal Error—How He Met His Fate— Cause of His Employment—Flight from Gadshill Continued— Various Incidents—Bentonville, Arkansas—The Robbery There— No Efficient Pursuit—The Trail of the Gadshill Bandits—Their Routes—Allan Pinkerton’s Men—^Their Location—^Their Inferi-

CONTENTS.

ority to the Rqbbert. — Death of Captain Lull—Of Daniels— Wright’s Flight—John Younger’s Death—Kills His Man while Falling Dead—Capture of Wliicher—His Midnight Ride to Death —His Body Found.

CHAPTER XXII.—^Jesse James’ Marriage. 127

Whichei-s’s Pleading—The Outlaw’s Bride—A Happy Honeymoon —Courtship Under Dilliculties—A True Woman's Love—Devotion to Death—A Woman’s Heart—The Marriage Ceremony—Who Was J.esse’s Wife—Their Relationship — Mrs. James’ Sister — Date of Jesse’s Marriage.

CHAPTER XXHI.—Samuel’s Siege. - - - 133

Pinkerton’s Rage—Defeat on All Sides—His Vindictive Resolution —Ilis Murderous Plot-—His Unscrupulous Murder of Little Archie Samuel—The Midnight Assault—Its Horrors—The House Fired in Seven Places—Mrs. Samuel’s Right Arm Blown Off—A Night of Terror—Jack Ladd’s Assistance—A Revolver Dropped —.4 Sham Battle—Flight of “Pinkerton’s Government Guard’’— Death and Anguish in the House—Have the Detectives the Riglit to Murder?—Their Powers—Jack Ladd Vanishes.

CHAPTER XXIV.—Col. Jeff. Jones’ Bill. - 139

Proposed Amnesty—The Bill Introduced—The James Brothers Quietly Await Its Result—Failure to Pass—Provisions of the Bill.

CHAPTER XXV.—Fate of Daniel Askew. 145

Events Following Failure of Amnesty Bill—A Moonlight Niglit—Part of Daniel Askew in the Samnel’s Siege—His Connection with Jack Ladd—Who Led the Detectives—The Fatal Drink—Three Shots—A Dead Man — The Assassins FI 3 ’—Henry H. Sears— What He Saw—The Coroner—What He Finds.

CHAPTER XXAH.—A Texas Ranche. - - 148

Herding Cattle—An Indian Raid—How It Is Done—Tlie Cowboy’s Fate—A Cruel Death—Jesse Strikes The Trail—Overtakes The Indians—A Running Fight—The Herd Recovered—The Dead Girl—An Attempt at Revenge—The Return Home—The Burial.

CHAPTER XXVH—Stage Robbery Near San Antonio, Texas..155

Holding Up A Stage-Coach—How It Was Done—The Passengers —Who They Were—How Treated—Jim Reed Shot—His Alleged Confession—“Give A Dog A Bad Name,” etc.—Who The Robbers Were—Various Incidents.

CONTENDS.

CHAPTER XXVIII.—The Muncie, Kansas, Train Robbery..158

Planning the Attack—Selecting the Ground—The Approaching Train—The Precautions Taken—The Train Stops—Boarded by Bandits—The Express Car Detached—Sacking the Safe—Con¬ flicting Accounts—The Amount Realized—A Woman in the ('ase —An Enraged Lover—A Reckless Ride—It Ends in Arrest— Search at the Station—Its Results—Gold and Jewelry—McDan¬ iels Taken to Kansas—^The Lawrence Jail—Escape t.om the Guard—A Week’s Respite—Resists Arrest—Death—Who Planned the Raid—Who Carried it Out.

CHAPTER XXIX.—Huntington, West Vir¬ ginia, Bank Robbery..163

The Ohio River—Chesapeake & Ohio Railway—Location of Hunt¬ ington—Its Inhabitants—Its Bank—The Robbery—The Flight— Pursuit—“Yankee” Bligh, the Louisville Detective—In the Mountains—Death of Thomp. McDaniel—Game to the Last— Capture of Jack Keen—His Statements—Newspaper Accounts— Escape of Two of the Gang into Missouri.

CHAPTER XXX.-Otterville Train Robbery. 170

otter Creek—The Bridge—Heavy Woods—Watchman Arrested— The Danger Signal—^The Train Halts—The Express Car Robbed —Passengers Spared—The Telegraph at Work—Indiscretion of Hobbs Kerry—Arrest at Granby—His Confession—Heavy Re¬ wards—Detectives in the Fieid—The Pursuit—Usual Results— Discontinued.

CHAPTER XXXI.—The Northfield Bank Robbery..177

Denials—A New Field of Operations—Minnesota—On the Way to Northlield—After a Rest—The Plans—On to the North—A Long Ride—The Final Rendezvous—Varying Councils—Bill Chadweil —Who He Was—A Panic Expected-Jesse James’ Letter—The Bank Selected—Mankato, St. Peter and Northfleld Canvassed— Location of Northlield—The Date Fixed—The Bandits Concen¬ trate—Thoir Rush on the Town—The Bank Entered—A Brave Cashier—His Death—Bunker Flies—Wounded—The Cash Drawer Rifled—Street Scenes—Citizens Open Fire—Chadwell’s Death- Desperate Men—A Horse Killed—A Bandit Wounded—A Loose Horse—Pitts Killed—Flight of the Roblters—Tire Pursuit—The Chances for Escape—The Country Up—Five Hundred Men Give Chase—Rewards Offered—The Rapid Flight—Hemmed In— Fords and Ferries Guarded—The Night’s Rest—Horses Ahauxii

CONTENTS# doned—Without Food or Rest—Dunning’s Oath—The Separation —^The Watonwan Swamps—Madelia—The Last Stand of the Youngers—Death of Clell Miller—The Youngers Wounded— Tliey Surrender—Their Treatment—Their Trial—Plead Guilty— The Sentence.

CHAPTER XXXII. —The Flight From Northfield: Continued..198

The J.ameses break through the Line—Fired On—Wounded—^Their Course—Difflculties^Strike the Wilderness—A New Idea — A Change of Route—A Sudden Possession—The Posse Satisfied— A Night’s Rest—A Square Meal—The Deserted House—Costly Clothes—Lord B}'ron’s Poems—A Blessed Bible—The Pursuers Pass—A Friend in Neotl—Primitive Surgeiy—Ride to 11—.— Board The Cars—Fort Dodge, Iowa—Change Cars—Illinois Cen¬ tral Railroad-Chicago to Cairo—The Ohio Steamer—Louisville —A Good Rest—Baltimore-Well Once More—Return Home— Conflicting Accounts.

CHAPTER XXXIII.— Union Pacific Train Robbery..212

The Great American Desert—School Days—Ogalalla—The Sioux Hunting Grounds-The Camp—Texas Cattle—The Cow-Boy— His Character—Jim Berry—What He Bought at Ogalalla—Big Springs Station—The Ambush There—The Through Train—The Attack—Wells, Fargo & Co’s Express—The Robbery—The In¬ evitable Sack—Train Released—Flight Over The Plains—Berry’s Proposal—The Clue—Buffalo Station—The Guard of Soldiers— Berry Visits Missouri—Gold for Greenbacks—A Tale of The Black Hills—The Suit of Clothes—The Order—His Friend Seiz¬ ed—Sheriff Glasscock’s Posse—What They Dili—Berry Trap¬ ped—His Wound—His Wife—The Spoil—Berry Dies-Sam Bass —Billy Hefferidge—Jim Collins—Jack Davis—The Unknown- Who Was He ?

CHAPTER XXXTU. —The Glendale Train Robbery..226

About The Minnesota Raid—New Men Needed—The Recruits— The Dead—Character of Pitts—Chadwell—Miller—Kerry—The Ford Family-The Older Members—Oharlie—“Cap”—Bob—Mrs. Boulton—Her Character—Not Like Cajsar’s Wife—Her Lovers —Dick Little—Woot Hite—A Dandy Bandit—Rivalry—Murder —The Robbers’ Ranche—The Good Book—Glcndali;—Surprise —The Red Light—The Down Train—The Halt—A Smashed Door—Ford’s Brutality—Flight of Bandits.

CONTENTS. Xiii

CHAPTER XXXV. —Gteokge Shepheed’s Feat OF Arms..237

Marshal Lijrgett—His Determination—Arrangements—The Printed Slip—A Meeting—Rogues’ Island—Short Creek—The Bank There—Camp of the Bandits—A Dramatic Scene—The Chase After Shepherd—The Wound—How Jesse James Was (not) Kided—Jim Cummings in Chase—Shepherd’s Flight—Was it All a SchemeV—The Two Accounts—Wht) Believed Sheplierd—How He Acted—Mrs. Samuel’s Visit to Kansas City—Meets Liggett and Shepherd—A Prior Meeting.

CHAPTER XXXVI.—Winston, Mo., Train Robbery... . 253

Location of Winston—Features of the Country—How the Robbery Was Planned—The Waiting Horses—The Deaii Conductor—Ac¬ cidental (i') Killing of McCulloch — Messenger Murray — Ford Again to the Front—Safe Rifled—Amount of Money Secured— Wild Surmises—Absurd Stories—Who Killed Westfall—Was It For Revenge?—Dividing the Plunder—Escape of the Outlaws— The Usual Talk of the Indian Territory—^Where the Thieves Did Harbor—Who They Were.

CHAPTER XXXVH.— Blue Cut Robbery. 2G2

The New Leaders—Their Enmity Against the Jameses—Charlie Ford—Dick Little (or Liddil)—Jim Cummings—The Conference —Revolt—A Bungling Job—Blue Cut—Location—Number of the Bandits—17th September, 1881—“Danger Ahead”—The Con¬ ductors’ Warning—Its Good Results—Freight Train Flagged— Barton’s Peril—The Bandits’ Speech—Bold Threats—Brutality— Attempted Murder—Small Booty—Pursuit—Why It Failed—Who Did the Deed—Absence of the Jameses—This Fact Proved— Course of the Robbers.

CHAPTER XXXVHI.—Bandit Bickerings. 272

The New Gang—Discordant Elements—Their Conduct at Glendale —AVoot Hite—Dick Little—Thieves by Necessity—Thieves by Choice—Advantages of the Latter—Fear of the Law' and Fear of Jesse James—The Cow ard’s Course—Charlie Ford's Behavior— Little’s Proposal to Surrender—The Thieves’ Emissary—The Goviumor—“The Veiled I.ady’*—Plot Filled—End of Act First- Curtain Falls.

CHAPTER XXXIX. —^Deatii of Jesse James. 277

Crittenden’s Plot—Bob Ford—A Noble (?) Pair—.A.n Assassinatioa Planned-Four of a Kind-The Kansas City Conference-Plans xiv

CONTENTS.

and Promises^—Crittenden’s Character—Actions During the War —A Drum-Head Court Martial—His Braggadocio—Murder, Not Arrest, Contemplated—Malice Domestic”—The Viper Warmed —A Quiet Home—The Assassin’s Shot—Grief of tlie Wife—Tele¬ grams—Crittenden’s Exultation.

CHAPTER XL.—After The Assassination. 300

The Fords’ Panic—Return to the House—Their Victim Dead—Tel¬ egraph Craig and Crittenden—Surrender to the Marshal of St. Joseph—Sent to Jail—The Coroner’s Inquest—Examination of Cliarles Ford—Robert Ford—Henry Craig—Sheriff Tiinberlake— Dick Little—Charles Alderman—Deputy-Marshal Finley—Mrs. Zerelda Samuel, Mother of Jesse James —Finding of the Jury.

CHAPTER XLI.—Indicted for Murder. - 312

The Grand Jury—Remanded to Jail—Tlie Fords Express Their Opinions—Tlieir Idea of Crittenden’s Power—What They Anti¬ cipated—Grand Jury Finds A True Bill—Murder in The First Degree—Brought into Court—Tlie Trial—They Plead Guilty— The Death Sentence—The Governor Telegraphed—A Hasty Pardon—The Special Messenger.

CHAPTER XLH.—Crittenden’s Course. - 316

Is Crittenden Guilty of Murder?—His Conspiracy with the Fords, Craig and Others—What Crime Was Committed—Powers of the Legal Authorities Defined—What Constitutes Justifiable Homi¬ cide—Authorities on the Subject—Blackstoue—Missouri Reports —Ford Guilty of Murder in the First Degree—Crittenden an Ac¬ complice—His Boasting—Character of the Man—His Admissions —Newspaper Interviews—Ford’s Threats Against Crittenden— Indecent Conduct of the Latter—Comments.

CHAPTER XLIIL—Press and Other Opinions. 335

Crittenden’s Course Condemned—What the Papers and People Say —New York Evening Post—Sedalia Democrat—Cincinnati Com¬ mercial — St. Louis Post-Dispatch — Globe-Democrat—Denver Tribune—New York Sun—Cincinnati Times—Star—Kansas City Times—New York World—Telegram—Tribune—Grai)hic—Cin¬ cinnati Enquirer — Louisville Courier-Jourual—Chicago Inter- Oceau—News-Etc.—Lawyers, Legislators, and Others

CHAPTER XLIV.—The Drum Head Court- Martial. .343

Crittenden a Natural Tyrant—His Blood-Thirsty Nature—Dr. Zinun*rmau—Hamilton—Their Murder—Gov. Chas. P. Johnson

CONTENDS.

XV

—Hon. W. S. Holland—Dr. Jacob S. Merrill—Major Emorj' S. Foster—A Severe Rebuke—Capt. A. It, Conklin—Letter of Wm. G. Howard—Crittenden’s Ignoraxce of Civii and Criminai Law — His Ignorance of Military Regulations—Ignorance of Usages of War—His Tyrannical Conduct—His Brutal Declarations—Legis¬ lative Censure-Authority for this Chapter.

CHAPTER XLV. —^Funeral Obsequies. - 356

The Funeral Train—Lying in State at Kearney—Appearance of the Corpse—The Crowds at Kearney—His Old Comrades Present— The Mysterious Pall-Bearer—The Church—The Procession— The Prayer—The Sermon—Scenes at the Grave—His Burial Place—Reflections on His Character—Names of Pall-Bearers— Relatives Present—His Wounded Brother.

CHAPTER XLVI.— Miscellany. - - - - 367

The Post Mortem—Total Amount of Robberies—Ford’s Anecdote— Massengale’s S( c?y — Jesse James' Horses—Hunting a Union Man.

CHAPTER XL YH. —Miscellany—Continued? 374

Jesse’s Boldness—George T. Hite’s Anecdotes—Daring Escapes— The Centralia Massacre—Oath of Allegiance—Dick Little’s Anec¬ dote—Cowardly Attack on a Steamer—Jesse’s Musical Talent— The Escort—What Major Edwanls Says—The Spoils Found^Thc Auction—JohnT. Samuel—An Error—Names for His Pets—Wild Bill Bluffed—Providential Intcrterence—Jesse’s Present to Ford — What Mrs. James Says — .A Brother-in-Law—Cole Younger Talks—Was Frank James There ?—The James Brothers Contrasted.

CHAPTER XLYIH. —Vengeance.—Does Re¬ venge Pay? - - -

COMPILER'S EPILOOlE.

xvi

AUTHOEITY TO PLJLISH.

[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4.]

Kansas City, April 15, 1882.—J. II. Chambers & Co., St. Louis, Mo.: I have seen Mr. Frank Triplett, and have explained to him that the statement (in the Kansas City Journal of late date) that I would furnish no facts in regard to the life of my husband, Jesse James, was meant to indicate tliat I would not furnish them to the press for publication.

Jt ra;s not meant to apply to my book, dictated to Mr. Triplett, rjia to be published by you.

In it I give all facts! Any further statements to the contrary, whether oral or written, should be regarded as the falsehoods of interested parties, w’ho, by such a course, desire to make capital foi the sale of their own so-called “Lives of Jesse James.” I nevei authorized a single item for any other work than for the one to be published by you, nor do I intend to.

Kespectfully,

Kansas Cixy, April 21, 1882.^. H. Chambers & Co.: I re¬ ceived your letter to-day, and contents noted. I do certainly want a written contract for royalty, and it must be done before the books are put on sale. * • * All articles that may appear in news¬

papers, so-called interviews with me, are false, for I have not had an inteiwicw with any newspaper reporter, and furthermore I do not intend to have any. Hoping to hear from you soon, I am yours truly,

The receipt for royalty advanced reatls thus:

Kearney, Mo., April 15.—Received of J. H. Chambers & Co. $60 (fifty dollars), being an advance on our royalty on “The Life and Times of Jesse James,” which they are preparing for publica¬ tion at our dictation.

^ W cf CL.

Introduction

D URINGr the long and vindictive war between the States, there developed, on the side of the South, small bands of light cavalry, or, as they were almost universally called, guerillas, or bushwhack¬ ers, such as the vicissitudes of warfare had never before produced. Fiercer than the Bedouin Arabs, confident as the Mamelukes, they united the infinite physical endurance of the Western Indian and the indomitable soul and mental qualities of Jhe Anglo- Norman. Mounted on the finest steeds that money, or enterprise, coiild obtain, they swooped down upon their enemies with the eager velocity of the eagle, reckless of numbers, despising danger and death. Encumbered with no useless sabres or rifles, but belted round with revolvers, they struck the foe full in the front, and “fought it out” at close quarters. Riding like demons, a revolver in each hand, the bridle reins between their teeth, their on¬ set was like the broadside of a seventy-four: the two first revolvers emptied were thrust back into the belt, and two more were drawn, and so on until the foe had fled, or the charges were all exhausted. Once I asked Bill Anderson this question: “ But suppose you strike an enemy who will stand even until all of your revolvers are emptied, what then ? ” Said he, in his rather feminine voice: “ It would he about time to think of running ourselves ; but, by Gr—! they don’t stand; ” and he rode off humming “When This Cruel War Is Over.”

That such cavalry as this is the most effective ever knoivn, we have but to recall the battle at Centralia, Missouri, miscalled a massacre. Here An¬ derson, aided by the Jameses, Youngers, Todds, and other noted guerillas, overthrew a greatly superior force, commanded by an undoubtedly brave man, killing a larger number of men than they had in their own ranks; their numbers being two hundred and sixty-two, the enemy’s dead two hundred and eighty-two. In this fight, each party marching under the sombre emblem of “ no quarter,” the guerrillas had three men killed, one mortally and two slightly wounded. Five of these men, whom war and cir¬ cumstance had turned to human tigers, thirsting for blood, pursued sixty of their defeated enemies for six miles, leaving along their pathway fifty-two of this number, that, stricken by the angel of death, would never rise again until the sounding of the final trump. Amongst these five pursuers were Jesse and Frank James.

This is but an instance of the guerrilla mode of fighting: first they sighted the enemy, and then, regardless of numbers or position, rushed upon him, terrible as the storm—resistless as the angel of death. From this school of rough riders graduated these men, who, denied a share in the general am-

JESSE AND FRANK JAMES.

nesty, hunted like wolves, a price upon their heads, and forced from the laws’ protection, turned upon the society that had made them outlaws, and bitterly avenged themselves. The pupils of this school had not learned the meek lesson of returning good for evil, but were masters of the art of retalia¬ tion. Their ethics were not to turn the cheek for the second blow, but, in their wrath, to rend the smiter.

Growing to manhood, in martial camps, where he was best man who was best lighter; where the chief pre-eminence was the brain to plot revenge, and the quick eye and steady hand to carry it out, can we blame them that they would not deliver themselves into the hands of cruel and relentless enemies for a trial they knew would be but a mockery of justice ? The men who had robbed their families, burned their homes, and hung their relatives, they well knew would mix but little equity with stern justice (or, rather, cruelty !) in dealing with them. Some of them tried it; notably Jim Jackson. His fate was murder, after surrender, by a band of Home Guards.

With these examples before their eyes, the Jameses did not meekly deliver themselves “ like lambs to the slaughter; ” but since the law could not, or would not, protect them, why, they would defy it. Who can blame them? Would not you, reader, with the God-given instinct of self-preservation strong upon you, despise the truckling justice (or want of it, rather!) that oppressed the weak, and pandered

LIFE AND 'IIMES OF to the strong ? They had not found, as noble old Richelieu puts it—

“ For justice

“All place a temple, and all season summer.”

For them there was no safety under the broad aegis of their country’s laws; for them, though peace had once again, like a gentle dove, brooded over the land, there was no peace; for them there waited only the hangman’s halter and the felon’s grave; or if, by any miracle, cleared from the perjured witness and the prejudiced judge, they might hourly expect the assassin’s bullet from any hidden covert.

Under such circumstances, who of us all, with the manhood to defend himself, would hesitate a mo¬ ment which course to pursue; resistance or sub¬ mission ? And what did resistance mean but a de¬ fiance of the authorities who constitute law, but alas ! not always justice.

JESSE AND FRANK JAMES.