This was in June, 1866. Frank wrote for me to come to him at once, and although my own wound was still very bad, I started immediately and stayed with him at the house of Mr. Alexander Severe, in Nelson county, until he recovered, which was in September.

About Jesse James

Jesse James was an infamous American outlaw who, along with his brother Frank, robbed banks, stagecoaches, and trains across the Midwest during the late 1800s. Despite being accused of committing brutal crimes, Jesse James gained national fame and often had popular sympathy, with some viewing him as a Robin Hood-like figure. His life and exploits have been widely dramatized and memorialized in popular culture.

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From Nelson county we went to Logan county to see some relatives we had there, and after staying until the middle of October, I returned alone to my home in Missouri.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

Just able barely to mount a horse and ride about a little in the spring of 1866, my life was threatened daily, and I was forced to go heavily armed. The whole country was then full of militia, robbing, plundering and killing.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

Surrender had played out for good with me.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

This was in June, 1866. Frank wrote for me to come to him at once, and although my own wound was still very bad, I started immediately and stayed with him at the house of Mr. Alexander Severe, in Nelson county, until he recovered, which was in September.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

I had hope, however; I had been wounded seven times during the war, and once before in this same lung; and I did not believe I was going to die.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

I knew, however, that the next morning after the fight I would have to get away, and I did just in time, for a full company came early to look for me and were furious because I had escaped them.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

My pistols, however, I always kept by me.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber

No, I think it taught me to be independent and never expect a handout and never wait for anybody to hand you anything in any aspect of my life.

Jesse James

American outlaw, confederate guerrilla, and train robber