Presented here is a fantastic, seldom seen military recruiting broadside in very good original condition from the State of Pennsylvania. This modern framed, oversized poster calls on men from Philadelphia and Venango counties to join the ranks of Company “D”, 121^st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. It organized and mustered into service at Philadelphia for three years in September, 1862. In addition to the broadside is an accompanying framed letter by the civilian organizer of the new regiment who wrote to an influential Philadelphia lawyer requesting help in raising his new regiment. Chapman Biddle of Philadelphia was the organizer and the first commanding officer of the 121^st PA Volunteers.

The oversize broadside advertises a wealth of information and it catches the eye with 2” to 4” high, bold, black and red ink lettering printed across the width of the cream-colored sheet of thin paper. The exterior measurements of this framed recruiting broadside measure 25½” wide by 30” high. The poster image is about 22¼” wide by 27” high. Piece is protected in its professionally made frame with clear glass and its back seal. Information is divided into four distinct areas on the broadside. The poster’s upper portion reads “$160 BOUNTY” / and one month’s pay in advance. / BOUNTY to CEASE and DRAFTING to COMMENCE on the / 15^th of AUGUST.” Middle portion of the broadside states, “RECRUITS WANTED / for / Company D, / COL. CHAPMAN BIDDLE’S / 121^ST Reg., P. V.” Third printed area lists, “$2 Premium paid to each Recruit on being Mustered into Service.” / “T. E. ZELL, Recruiting Officer.” At the very bottom, poster reads “Apply immediately at 431 Chestnut St., or at cor. Frankford Road and York St., 19^th Ward.”

This rare paper broadside is in remarkably fine condition overall and offers an appealing specimen of a Civil War print form so common then. Poster paper is very clean and bright, as are the large printed letters in vibrant red and blue ink. Almost no surface grime or foxing visible. Poster does suffer from a 14½” tear at the upper right hand corner that has been professionally refitted and repaired. Some of the paper’s horizontal creases caused by folding from storage are visible, but light. These blemishes do not detract from the broadside’s overall fine appearance, and in fact makes an appealing presentation of this artifact.

The 121^st regiment left the state in October 1862 and became part of General George Meade’s division near Antietam. A hard fought division, this unit saw action at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, was involved in the ‘Mud March’, fought at Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness Spotsylvania, Jericho Mills, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Fort Hell (Petersburg), Weldon Railroad, Peeble’s Farm, Hatcher’s Run, Five Forks, and was at Appomattox.

The second part of the grouping is a modern, ornately framed, pre-printed one-piece letter and cover written by Chapman Biddle to a Samuel C. Perkins of Philadelphia. Letter reads “Philadelphia July 28, 1862. Dear Sir: Your influence is particularly requested to effect the early organization of a Regiment of Infantry which the undersigned is raising for service in the field. Your aid may avail much in procuring men or materials in a cause the success of which is of vital importance to the whole country. An effort now is an imperative duty, and you are respectfully appealed to in the hope that by your personal assistance much good may be accomplished. CHAPMAN BIDDLE.” Opposite side is addressed to Perkins and is postmarked and stamped. For its time ‘on the line’, the 121^st P.V. was a hard fought and much bloodied regiment that gained glory and went home to well deserved thanks and praise by the people of Pennsylvania.

This fine, original recruiting broadside and accompanying framed letter would greatly enhance any Civil War display or collection of artifacts with a focus on Pennsylvania.

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