May pickups

[Joe_G.]

I have had these items for several weeks (Hunt's Boston Auction of Kid Nichols items), but finally getting around to posting some of them. I had interest in all the items relating to Charlie Bennett, a dear friend of the Kid Nichols family. The first item is a letter from Kid Nichol's wife, Jennie Nichols, to Mrs. Bennett upon hearing about his career ending accident. Kid Nichols and family were in San Francisco as he played winter ball. The letter reads as follows:

San Francisco, Cal
Jan 11 1894
My Dear Mrs. Bennett

I saw the account in the San Francisco paper that Mr. Bennett got two legs cut off and it made me sick when I heard it. I do hope he will get all right. Please tell us all about it, how he is getting along, and telegraph us if he is dangerous so we will come home just as soon as we can. Mrs. McCarty (Tommy McCarthy’s wife) read it in the paper and saw it, brought it up to me. Charlie (Kid Nichols), Alice (Kid Nichols’s daughter) and I (Jennie, Kid Nichols’s wife) feel awful bad and I know how you feel. Charlie (Kid Nichols) is going to try and get someone to pitch in his place so we can go home or wherever you are write or telegraph us as soon as you can. I just heard about poor Mr. Bennett this morning and I am trying to write to you but I feel so bad I don’t know what to say, well all I can tell you is to try and keep up and we will try and do all we can for you both. Well I will close for this time hoping Mrs. B is getting along all right. From your loving friend Jennie (Kid Nichols’s wife). Charlie (Kid Nichols) sends regards to you both and Alice (Kid Nichols’s daughter) sends kisses to her dear uncle B and auntie B.

Address Hotel Mirabeau

There were also a couple cabinets of Charlie and perhaps of most interest is a program from the tribute game played in Bennett's honor. The contents are very interesting. The benefit game players would include most of the Boston team, Heavy Weight boxing champion James Corbett and a talented team of college players, a couple of which would later play in the majors. I also have an ticket to this game that I purchased ~5yrs ago from the Jack & Eddie Boyle estate (posted ticket scan as well).