Benjamin Franklin "Armless & Legless Soldier"

Carte De Visite. Affecting image of this Civil War veteran who lost his limbs and the tip of his nose after freezing outside in the Dakota territories while on a mission for the Union army. Here he stands with heavy wooden, short crutches, his legs ending below the knee with black leather caps. This "Pity Card" strikes a dignified pose compared to many later cards sold by the handicapped. Unlike those in the sideshow who travelled with shows, the handicapped performer displayed himself in public relying on sales of sundry items and photos like this.