Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Quarters 121^st Reg P.V.

Camp near White Oak Church

Virg. January 19.1863

Dear Wife

I write to you by Chapman who after persisting for more than a month in endeavoring to do the full everything he could has at last been persuaded to follow the frequently repeated suggestions of the field and staff and has to day through C B Barclay made application for and received leave of absence for 20 days. I trust he will recover in the time allotted to him. I wrote to day the enclosed letter to Uncle but closed it after the mail was gone, it will however probably be at home as soon as the mailed letters – Chapman has something of a threatening of dropsy with an erysipelatous tendency also besides a little feverishness I have been very solicitous about him for some time and am really glad that he has at last taken this step although it deprives me of his company which alone induced me to take position in the Regiment Col Davis is now absent but I do not doubt but that we shall get along very well together as hitherto we have always done.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.19 January 1863. Rush IV:30:27

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV

Camp near White Oak Church

Sunday January 18^th 1863

Dear Julia

I write a short and hurried letter as the men are setting the dinner table having just received your letter of 15^th and desire to send a few lines as there seems to be a very strong probability of marching before 24 hours pass by – I hear that Hooker marches to day and though without orders we are ready our sick have been partially sent away – although we always have so many men with us more or less disabled that the ambulances always start full – they are a real farce as an assistance to men who break down – So many applications of men who really encumber movements are refused that there always plenty present unable to march – to day we were allowed to send six sick men to Acquia . We have about 15 unable to move.

I think Chapman may have to go home. Sorry will I be to lose him but I trust that Providence rules all for the best – I was very sorry and have in spite of your sangfroid great anxiety about that foot of yours – remember how much you have on you and what a double call is now upon your hands I trust God will permit me some day to add my mite of assistance to your household cares but till he so pleases it behooves you to be very careful of what is so very very dear to me your own self…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.18 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (except):

Camp near White Oak Station

Head Qrs 121^st Reg. P.V.

Friday January 16, 1863

Dear Wife

I have your letter of the 13^th inst it was and is a delightful treat to me – Your box [by?] Adams express is not yet heard of I don’t think it worth while to try that chance of reaching me. Last night we had a most violent rain which poured down in torrents for a considerable time – I expected to find the ground exceedingly muddy this morning but a rather cold wind had hardened and dried the roads more than I had anticipated I went over to Court Martial after breakfast and tried one Case. found all the officers talking of a move. We have for several days past had fatigue parties at work on the roads mending them in the direction of the Rappahannock I hear to day that [sejet?] will cross above and that some regiments have crossed below and that we shall move tomorrow. What is intended we cannot of course comprehend but we hope there is some real military science to be exhibited on this occasion at least if we move. Whatever comes I trust God will preserve and strengthen me through all trials that may come trusting I may through his mercy be blessed finally with a happy return to you Ask Uncle if he has read O J Stille’s pamphlet “How a free people Conduct a great war” It seems to me an able comparison of the temper and feeling of the English people during the Peninsular War with our own I think he would like it – it pleases me much to hear the little incidental notices you refer to about the Major – You know I do not and shall not care for military distinction or prominence save the simple one of having it conceded that I perform the duty allotted to me…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.16 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121^st Regiment PV

Camp near White Oak Station

January 14, 15 1863

Wednesday

Dear Julia

I have returned from Court Martial where I have been disposing of one Case this morning. Lambdin is sketching the Colonel as I write the day is fine and there is some talk of a movement and crossing the river. I fear that movements now at any considerable distance from the river will be rather ill timed but it may have the effect of holding the rebel force here whilst operations are going on in the west. Your box per Adams Express has not yet made its appearance – I would not trust much to that association unless you are told so by me – packages that come by them are often broken open and plundered so our men find them – As they are prepaid it seems they trust to luck for their owner getting them after reaching any Gov’mt. landing. The day has passed very monotonously, as all our days now do – Our Lieut Col has gone to Washington to be back next Saturday. We are in the regiment of pretty good health and the Colonel seems very much himself again I sometimes think in writing to you about sending things that you must think me very greedy but everything connected with home is the cheers and refreshes us amazingly I have no idea that we shall have any relief from duty this winter but suppose it will be a steady dragging on of the same stupid life we now lead….

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.14 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript(excerpt):

Monday January 12. 1863

Dear Wife

I am writing in the open air in anxious expectation of a few lines from you by the mail soon to come in. Rosengarten went off this morning whilst I was at Court Martial and the lines I wrote expecting him to take will go by post. He has leave of absence from the Secretary of War (Stanton) to go home for seven days – the object being his poor brothers funeral – (gallant fellow that he was) I believe he sacrificed himself to the save the reputation of his corps, rarely have I known a young man who exhibited such manly soldierly qualities united with so much gentleness and modesty of bearing – another young gentleman J Alfred Key – 1^st Lieut of C G goes home sick I have been fearful of him for some days past – his and Rosengarten’s Companies and two others are now under the Command of Sergeants. short work for four months I have great reason to thank God that my own health has so far been so good and that his mercy may be extended to me throughout – Our Lieut Col goes to morrow to Washington to see about the Regimental bounty but I fear it will be useless for you to attempt to send anything to me by him After receiving this – The Col and I with 10 officers will be all the Regiment have to command them but I think we shall get along pretty well…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.12 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121^st Reg. P.V.

Camp Near White Oak Church

Virg. Sunday January 11. 1863

Dear Wife

Late at night this evening I have just learnt that Lieut Rosengarten has obtained leave of absence for seven days – to attend the funeral of his brother – We now practically have four companies without an officer to command them It is a mercy that the field officers have not suffered in the same way. Last night and yesterday it rained hard to day the ground is very muddy – the camp being little better than a mud hole – I feel very much disgusted with the service from Secretary Stanton down – whilst our enemies are united and act in concert – We see miserable political maneuvering and low favoritism at every turn.

I was delighted to get your letter with dear Harry’s and Wilmer’s photographs Harry is sweet and so is Winny – poor Bob too with his familiar [phiz?] was very welcome – but dear darling Harry fairly made his Papa’s heart jump with pleasure and yet with a pang of mournful regret So far away as regards power of returning and so inprofitably employed as I feel I am – I feel as if all my time is thrown away at best little more than a bolster to prop others without any pursuit or course of action which is at all agreeable to me or which to my mind is useful to the service in any way – I shall be very glad when any change takes place which liberates me from this weather bound mud hole…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.11 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121^st Reg P.V.

Camp Near White Oak Church Va

January 10^th 1862 [i.e., 1863]

Dear Wife

I yesterday got your letter of 3^rd inst. the box sent per Adams’ Express has not yet reached me but I hear that there is a boat load of such article at Acquia which may be sent round to Bells plains where we will be able to get them with more facility – the difficulty don’t seem to be to get things to Acquia or Falmouth but after they are there to find out the fact and where to get them – teams of our’s and other Regiments have been sent several times to hand Express goods with no result. If Adams Express get a boat to Belle plains the chances seem to be that we shall hear of it after the boat has come and gone – this is the sort of care Uncle Sam takes of us. As I write the rain comes pattering down on our canvas roof Please return to me the sketch of Head Qrs sent to you in a late letter – there is a demand for copies of it which our artist can better make in his tent than out in the cold. I can send it back again As I write I learn than Adams Express packages will probably be delivered at Belle plains tomorrow – We shall send over tomorrow and then send a wagon for everything. I shall be pleased to see the photograph of the children with Old Bob – strange to say that I had almost forgotten him. We have had a number of visitors lately old Companions of C A now in the Army of whom there are a great many and occasionally a visitor of some kind parent to a son in the regiment – One of whom is now here – a Mr. Cummings – A B Cummings a brother of the former editor of the Bulletin – he has a son a Sergeant in the Regiment. I mention this because it is one of many small incidents which show the strange Composition of our Army…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.10 January 1863.

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Quarters 121^st Reg P.V.

Camp near W O Ch’ch Jany 5, 1863

Dear Wife

I wrote you a few hurried lines this morning just as I returned to camp from Court Martial and found we had orders to march at short notice three days rations in haversack and a further supply in wagons – whether this means another crossing of the river or a march towards Washington I of course can’t tell. Your bag by Hollond was very acceptable. I am quite set up by my new hat which is exactly the thing I wanted. About half an hour after I received the bag Chapman who had also received a tin bucket with two turkeys said to me “Major have you got a sugar plum” whereupon out came Emily’s box and saving your nice box of dried fruits which have figured conspicuously on several occasions we had a little Christmas sugar plum feast. I also gave to Hall who is suffering a little some of your Horehound Candy and at dinner we had nuts raisins black cake and cream made out of condensed milk . At least for one day we had a grand feast. I am full of goodies as ever was a spoilt child at Christmas. We are all very anxious about the news from Rosecrans trust it may be a success whilst sorrowing for the loss of Rosengarten our orderly Sergeant of Company A – last year – one endeared by many soldierlike qualities to all who knew him – whose success as a soldier is spared I have often prophesied and his rapid use from the rank has shown that I was not mistaken. I fear that our success there is only partial but hope all will come out right if it is a success it has been gained with a fearful loss of life.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.5 January 1863. Rush:IV:30:27

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV

Camp near White Oak Church

January 4. 1863

Dear Wife

I employed what little spare time I had yesterday in writing to you and the chicks I have also written a partial business letter to Tom – You once wrote that you would send me a copy of the settlement made by Dr Evans Hemphill of the Wilson claim I never received it and if you will when convenient send me a sketch of what they say I think I should like to see it. You never say anything to me about money. I suppose you have no difficulty as Tom was written to by me to supply you. Our Lieut Colonel goes to Washington in a day or two and if there are any parcels left at Raisins for me I have written to Tom to get them pack them into a cheap trunk and send them per Adams Express – To Lieut Col Davis for Major Biddle 121^st Regmt. Penna Volls…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 4 January 1863 Rush:IV:30:27

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript:

Dear Children

Papa sends happy New Year to Aleck Harry Julia and Winny – Papa wished very much to go home on New Year’s day to have a New Year’s dinner with Mama Uncle and his dear children with Uncle Clem but Papa had to stay with his Regiment and take care of the soldiers who do not take good care of themselves – Papa has to see that they dress betimes and are cleanly in all that they do so that they will always be well and ready to march at a moment’s warning.

Papa would be very glad to get home and trusts he may be permitted (DV) to see his darlings again and hear Mama say that they are all good industrious children who can read write and cipher. Papa’s men have built a log cabin for the Colonel Lieut Colonel and himself to sit and live in [drawing] there it is it is all logs except two pieces of canvas which go over a log at the top and make a roof we got some bricks and made a fireplace and filled up the spaces between the logs with chunks of wood and mud Papa hopes to send a better drawing of it home some day for Mama. it has a little window in the side with a door at the back. Mama sent Papa some corn starch and on Christmas and New Year’s days Papa mixed three table spoon fulls with milk sugar lemon peel and some cherries Mama had sent him and made a pudding – Every one said it was excellent – mama will make such a one for her darlings if they are good.

Papa hopes Miss Smith and Miss Kneedler will both say they are if he comes home and trusts our Heavenly Father will bless his dear children Mama Uncle and bring all in peace and happiness together again

Papa

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to his children. 3 January 1863. Rush:IV:30:27