This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2024
[OUTLAWS]. [JAMES, Frank (1843-1915) and JAMES, Jesse (1847-1882]. [NORTHFIELD BANK RAID OF 1876]. Group of Two Autograph Letters Signed Related to the Northfield Bank Raid Perpetrated by the Younger-James Gang on September 7, 1876, including: [HARDIN, Charles H. (1820-1892), Governor of Missouri]. Manuscript Draft Letter Unsigned in Hardin’s Hand at the bottom of a letter written to the Governor from the Ewing and Smith law firm (City of Jefferson, MO, September 23, 1876), with an unrelated request for an appointment for a Notary Public. Two 4to pages on one plain white leaf. Approximately 246 x 196 mm. Some soiling (including one larger spot on the Ewing and Smith portion), two horizontal creases, some minor rubbing. Beneath the Ewing and Smith portion is the following draft in Hardin’s hand in pencil: “Your telegram came duly to hand and as Captain James McDonagh Chief of Police of St. Louis advised me that he with others would go to Northfield for the purpose of identifying the parties referred to in your dispatch, I will not act as you have requested. As there is no doubt [“conclusive” marked-out] ample evidence against the parties of the crimes committed in your state, I have to trust that they will be convicted and subjected to the severest punishment, which they so richly deserve”. And GIBNEY, J. Williams. Autograph Letter Signed. Perry, MN, Nov. 20th, 1876. One 8vo page on ruled paper. Approximately 203 x 124 mm. Addressed “Hon. Chas. H. Hardin Gov of Missouri / Dear Sir:” Some toning, one faint vertical and two faint vertical creases, left margin mildly chipped. “Will you be so Kind as to inform me in regard to the Reward offered for the capture of the James Boys, Frank + Jesse. How much is the Reward now offered for their capture. I am very Respectfully Your most Obt - Servt. J. Williams Gibney”. It appears that Gibney was involved in the hunt, possibly as a bounty hunter. These letters reflect the anger directed to the outlaw Younger-James Gang; the raid on the First National Bank of Northfield was a bloody affair, in which eight members of the gang participated - only the James brothers escaped (the other members of the gang were either killed or captured). Offered with a reproduction photo of contemporary engraved depictions of the raid.