American Historical Ephemera and Photography

HIBBS, Benjamin Franklin (1841-1862). Autograph letter signed ("B. Frank Hibbs") to his uncle Mr. John Brelsford. "Penn. S.N. [?]," 4 June 1860. 4pp, 5 x 8 in. (creasing at folds, light soil). On illustrated lettersheet featuring an image of "D.P. Page" of the "Page Literary Society," Normal School, Millersville, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by matching illustrated envelope addressed to Mr. John Brelsford of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Hibbs, apparently a student at the Normal School in Millersville, writes to his uncle regarding his studies, cricket, and political news: "We have two Cricket clubs here one of which was just organized and of which I am a member. An unknown lady proposed to present a set of cricketing apparatus which cost about $15 to 25 members of our school who would strictly observe the laws of the cricket field....we got up a club of 25 immediately and we are just beginning to get expert in the use of bat and ball. The other club which is much older than ours challenged the Franklin & Marshall College fellows to a game which was accepted....You say that some are dissatisfied with the nomination of Lincoln by the Chicago Convention I never say anything so welcome to our old dutch inhabitants of Lan. Co. as that glorious nomination was received....On the evening of Friday when he was nominated I was in our literary society listening to a warm debate on the Douglas question and Popular Sovereignty when the news came that Lincoln had been nominated...."

B. Frank Hibbs enlisted as a 22-year old sergeant and mustered into Co. I, 71st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (the California regiment) on 6 June 1861 at Fort Schuyler, New York. He was later promoted to lieutenant. Hibbs saw extensive action during his service including at Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was wounded in the right leg on December 13, 1862, during the Battle of Fredericksburg, where his regiment took part in the assaults on Confederate positions at Marye's Heights. He was sent to Harwood Hospital, in Washington, D.C. His leg was amputated on December 22, 1862. He died of his wounds on December 30, 1862.

A fascinating letter on a rare illustrated lettersheet.