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Lot 104

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Charley Pitts & Susan James photos & love letter

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These photos and accompanying letter were found in a trunk which belonged to the notorious outlaw Jesse James. The items listed in this auction as well as five antique firearms were found in an around the trunk which was hidden in a barn on Jesse's Uncle's farm near Stamping Grounds, Kentucky.

The trunk remained hidden in a dark corner under a deteriorating pile of hay for over 110 years before its discovery in 1998. These items are now up for sale in separate lots. Please contact us for further information.

During the Civil War, Charley Pitts, Frank James, and Cole Younger werre members of Quantrill's Guerillas. After the War, Frank and Jesse James became outlaws and established the James Younger Gang that included Charley Pitts. This tin type photo of Charley Pitts was found behind the false lid of the trunk, with a glass photo of Jesse's sister, Susan James-Palmer.

Susan was married to Allen Palmer, one of Jesse's other gang members. In the frame, behind Susan's photo, was found a love letter to her from Charley Pitts. It reads: "Aug. 10, 1876 My darling Suz I have pondered long for the love of your embrace. I am taken with the thoughts of our union. I told Ma Pitts of our plans and she is beside herself worry not for I will come for you soon Charley".

Charley Pitts was shot five times and killed at Madelia on Septeber21, 1876 There are only two known photographs of Charley Pitts. One taken after his death, and this one, kept by the James family to remember a beloved friend and secret love affair that never came to pass.

Condition: The glass photo of Susan has significant flaking. The photo is still quite clear when laid on a dark backing or in the frame. The frame has significant wear due to age, but is the original frame with a back and lid. The tin type of Charley Pitts is in very good condition considering its age, with only slight scuffing. It is unframed. The letter is aged, but is still quite intact and legible, with distinct fold marks from being stored behind the photo.

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