Jesse James, Civil War Guerrilla

The guerrilla raiders Jesse James joined were commanded by Bloody Bill Anderson (fictionalized as Bub Howell in The Jesse James Scrapbook).

What follows are excerpts from a letter written by Bloody Bill, as reprinted in the August 4, 1864 edition of The New York Times. The errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar are, presumably, his.

July 7, 1864 To the editors of the two papers in lexington to the Citizens and the community at large General Brown and Col McFairran and his petty hirelings sutch as Captain Burris the friend of Anderson Mr editors in readding Both your papers I see you urge the policy of the citizens taking up arms to defend their persons and property, you are only asking them to sign their death warrants do you not know Sirs that you have some of Mosouries proudest Best and noblest sons to cope with Sirs ask the people of Mo. who is acquainted with me if Anderson ever robed them or misstreated them in manner all those that speaks the truth will say never... But listen to me, fellow citizens. Do not obey this last order. Do not take up arms if you value your lives and propperty It is not in my power to save your lives, if you proclaim to be in arms against guerrillers. I will kill you I will hunt you down like wolves and murder you. You cannot escape. It will not be Federals after you. Your arms will be no protection to you. 25 of my men can whip all that can get together it will not be mulishia sutch as McFairrons But regulars that has Been in the field for three years that is armed with from 2 to four pistols and sharps rifles. I commenced at the first of this war to fight for my country not to steal from it I have chosen guerriller warfare for to revenge my self for rongs that I could not honerably avenge other wise... the Yanks sought my life but failed to get me revenged theirselves by murdering my father destroying all my property, and have since that time murdered one of my sisters and kept the other two in jail 12 months But I have fully glutted my vengeance I have killed many I am a guerriller... I have tried to teach the people of Mo. that I am their friend... take up arms against me and you are federals, your doctrine is an absurdity and I will kill you for being fools. Beware men Before you make this fearful leap... Let the federals know that Mo sons will not be trampled on I have no time to say anything more to you be careful how you act for my eyes are uppon you... yours respectfully W. ANDERSON Commanding Kansas First gurillers.

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