Meaning: The quote "I have been hunted for twenty-one years. I have literally lived in the saddle. I have never known a day of perfect peace." is attributed to Frank James, the older brother of the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Frank James was a key figure in the American Old West, known for his involvement in the notorious James-Younger Gang and his active participation in numerous bank and train robberies. This quote reflects the tumultuous and perilous life that Frank James led as an outlaw and fugitive.

Frank James was born in 1843 and grew up in Missouri during a time of great social and political upheaval. The state was deeply divided during the Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Frank and his younger brother, Jesse James, became embroiled in the conflict and ultimately joined the Confederate guerrilla band led by William Quantrill. This experience exposed the James brothers to violence and lawlessness at a young age, setting the stage for their later criminal activities.

After the Civil War, Frank and Jesse James formed the James-Younger Gang, which became notorious for its daring robberies and violent exploits. The gang targeted banks, trains, and stagecoaches, striking fear into the hearts of law-abiding citizens and law enforcement officials across the region. The quote in question likely refers to the relentless pursuit and persecution that Frank James experienced as a wanted outlaw.

Following the infamous failed bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota in 1876, the James-Younger Gang disbanded, and Frank and Jesse went into hiding. They became two of the most wanted men in America, pursued by Pinkerton detectives and law enforcement agencies determined to bring them to justice. This period marked the beginning of Frank James's life on the run, as he evaded capture and constantly changed his identity to avoid detection.

The quote's reference to living "in the saddle" speaks to Frank James's itinerant and fugitive existence. He and his brother relied on their horsemanship and knowledge of the rugged terrain to stay one step ahead of the law. Their ability to navigate the backcountry and seek refuge in remote hideouts allowed them to evade capture for years, despite the intense manhunt that followed them wherever they went.

The statement "I have never known a day of perfect peace" underscores the psychological toll of a life lived in constant fear and uncertainty. As a wanted man, Frank James could never truly relax or feel secure, knowing that at any moment, lawmen could close in on him. This perpetual state of vigilance and anxiety likely took a heavy emotional toll on him, making it difficult to experience any semblance of normalcy or peace of mind.

In 1882, Frank James surrendered to authorities and stood trial for his crimes. His subsequent acquittal by a sympathetic jury marked the end of his outlaw days, allowing him to live out the remainder of his life in relative obscurity. Despite his past, Frank James ultimately found a measure of peace and redemption in his later years, working as a farmer and living a quiet life away from the spotlight of his notorious past.

The quote attributed to Frank James offers a poignant glimpse into the tumultuous and harrowing life of an outlaw in the American West. It encapsulates the relentless pursuit, the constant danger, and the absence of tranquility that characterized his existence for over two decades. Frank James's enduring legacy as a legendary figure of the Wild West continues to fascinate and capture the imagination of people around the world, providing a window into a bygone era of lawlessness and adventure.