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):

In the field below Fredericksburg

121^st Regt P.V.

Friday Dec. 12 1862

Dear Julia

Yesterday Thursday the 11^th we broke up our camp near White Oak Church and moved towards Fredericksburg heard firing two or three mile off We at last stopped in a little piece of wood the sound of heavy firing being very near. After we had remained some time and found we were close to Fredericksburg I rode towards the town to see what was going on. A pontoon bridge had been thrown over the river during the night and when about 30 yds remained to be completed the bridge builders were fired on by the enemy’s sharp shooters – whereupon the batteries shelled the town firing shot chiefly wherever rebels were visible. I rode with Louis to one of the heavy batteries which I saw firing in the morning and later when the fog had cleared partially away I saw the town on fire in four or five places – the firing was heavy at times with but little reply except occasionally musketry – towards evening the bridge was completed and some 75 prisoners taken. We got orders to march at six next morning and bivouacked in the wood we had marched into sleeping on the ground under the trees – the smoke of the burning wood (oak) was very trying to the eyes. This morning however we were up early and marched at the appointed time. We moved lower down the Rappahannock and then came out on open ground about 150 feet above the valley of the Rappahannock here about ½ a mile wide from the foot of the hill to the River – on this plain I saw the grandest military spectacle my eyes have ever beheld – the whole plain as far as I could see through the fog was covered with columns and lines of Infantry, artillery and ambulances – wagons I counted 8 lines of stacks of arms – besides many battalions of infantry – in column our division was on top of the hill towards midday. We moved down to the bank of the river and crossed the pontoon bridge – during the morning I saw three troops of Rush’s Cavalry – After crossing the bridge we halted a short time and then went up the hill by the house of a Mr Burnet on a beautiful nearly level level tract of land with a fine looking house on this farm We several times formed lines of battle and in the distance towards the right saw some shells (bursting in air) and the puffs of smoke from some guns. I write at dash in the field – the men formed in line of battle but no enemy before us as far as I know the men have just made fires to cook the rations. Louis is grazing along side…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 12 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26

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 Regt P. V.

Camp near Brooks Station

Saturday Dec. 6^th 1862

Dear Julia

I wrote a letter to Clem to day and closed it just as I received your very welcome letter of 2^nd inst with the 7 postage stamps – they were very welcome I have been entirely out of them since I arrived at Fayetteville Camp and have not had any chance of seeing any but one person from Philad. since Raisin I suppose will come down before long but I hear that he was refused a pass at his last application – he is rather a fair weather sutler – Zell will probably come through – if he is well I am very glad he has had the exemption which he has received though I regret his illness. I told Clem to show you my letter to him. First as I closed it our dinner was spread out now finished army bean soup – potato & boiled meat hash with roasted apples to follow. Not a bad dinner for anyone – and highly appreciated by us. We are all very well Louis is about 20 yds off looking very sleek for a campaigner – my new servant Reuben does quite as well as the old one and in some respects may do better. The sun is not shining brightly occasionally shadowed by a passing cloud – We have the New York Herald of 5^th inst just received which I hear the Dr. Major Ramsay reading to the Col about 3 yds off. The Col had a little trouble with his leg which he asked me not to write home about, which I mentioned to you before – he nurses it a little. You will therefore say nothing about it to any one connected with him – he makes nothing of it and desires to be reported of as usual – if mentioned at all…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 6 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26

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):

Camp near Brooks Station

Head Quarters 121^st Regt P.V.

Thursday December 4^th 1862

Dear Julia

I have heard nothing from you now for several days. I know that our Sutler has gone back not being able to get a pass and suppose my package and letters are thereby delayed. Though very sorry for it yet it cannot be helped and I must try to bear the discomfort of not hearing from you which alone alleviates the pain of being away. Our Bounty pay agent arrived on 1^st to pay the bounty of $25 and [premium?] of $2 promised in September last. 3 Companies had not the necessary papers and there was telegraphing to Washington which being replied to may correct it. On the 2^nd we went out to picket – made Head Qrs at the same place a man named Scooler who I believe to be thorough Rebel – he has two daughters – one quite bright with a good deal of natural cunning and two young women from Delaware removed to Virginia named Warren. We found them visited by several of the young captains and Lieuts of the neighborhood and had an oppy of seeing how easily a cunning secesh young woman can cajole a yankee We were evidently not so acceptable to them as at first but I think they appreciated our system better than they did that of others. I think you would have been amused at one of the young women asking for a pass and the Colonel’s non committal replies mixed with numerous inquiries about them to which in hopes of gaining their object they gave replies from which we might give a tolerable acc. of birth parentage education &c – then an appeal to the major – as flinty as any stone could be – finally an invitation to the Sergeant Major to take a walk who had been previously admonished he was to turn back at any picket station. I almost think were I a rebel that I could go through our lines from end to end – even our riders from Hd Qrs when we apply are not so stringent as we would make them ourselves. We were relieved late in the day and rode home to camp through the ravines to get orders to march at daylight this morning. We have not done so however as clothing and shoes had to be distributed which have but just arrived…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 4 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26

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 has heard from Mama and is glad to hear his boys are good – they must be so to each other and to Julia also. Aleck will take care of Winny and so will Harry and Julia – they will love each other and not quarrel or be unkind to one another – Papa is sitting on his bed with his gum blanket on his knees to write on. He sleeps in a tent like those which Harry and Aleck saw at Edgewood – but he has two others in it with him, he dines in the open air on a table made out of boards, and is well pleased if he gets potatoes at any meal The men are far from looking as well as they did at Edgewood, some are ill in the hospital. The camp was in a pine wood a few days ago but now almost all the trees have been cut down and made into huts or burnt up. Just in front of our camp is a cavalry camp, the Harris Light Cavalry or Second New York. We see them every day going through the sword exercise, cutting and thrusting and sometimes using the pistol. We hear all their trumpet calls every day – Boot and Saddle – To go for water – To put out lights – In our camp we beat the drum, in other camps they have bugle calls. and in some others there are bands – Mama will tell you what a band of music is. Louis is quite well but not so fat as he was. It is a great pleasure to Papa to have his childrens pictures with him he is very happy to look at them and loves much to do so. He often thinks of them and hopes to be with them but don’t know when it will be possible. All that Papa has except his valise bed and some books he carries on Louis’ back – his blank-ets – his haversack and a nose bag with oats in it to feed Louis. Perhaps Matthew can show you a nosebag. Louis looks funny when he is eating out of it Papa hopes his dear children will learn their lessons and read and write – go to Sunday school and be good at all times – then Papa knows their Heavenly Father will love them and take care of them which Papa prays to him to do and to protect dear Mama and bless all at home. Give love to Uncle. –

Papa. –

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to his children. 1 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26

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:

Saturday Nov 29^th

Dear Julia

After writing the enclosed whilst on picket we were relieved by another regiment. We marched in to quarters To day the 29^th We had Battalion drill for an hour and then inspection by Lieut Col Crane which occupied us until late in the afternoon. He dined with us whilst at dinner a Mr Holman the father of one of our Sergeants arrived and takes this back to you. Today I got Louis shod and think he will do well. I am writing by the fire of some wood taken from a church which has alternately been used by Rebels and Unionists as a hospital and which is now destroyed for the tents and fires of the men – a part of was taken by our men and has been confiscated for Head Qrs. There is threatening of a snow storm to day I think however we shall not suffer much from that. I don’t look to any advance as yet I think the Rebs have fortified too strongly at Fredericksburg but maybe somewhere near may be the point – Send me some 3¢ postage stamps in your next. I don’t know anything I want in the material line but I have a strong desire to be away from here. Would I could be with you and this war ended. Love to Uncle and the dear children. Train them up in the way they should go. I know you will strive all that any mother can and I trust God will bless and protect you in your efforts.

I write these lines to go back by Mr. Holman who is to be in Philad. in Monday I got a letter of 26^th Nov from the Office

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.29 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25

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):

Schooler’s house on Picket

Thursday Friday Nov. 28. 1862

Dear Julia

Yesterday Thursday at 3 O’clock we were again sent on Picket duty. The line is slightly different from what it was the last time and our head quarters are at the houses of a man named Schooler a well to do farmer with his daughters – the most comfortable looking house I have ever seen – a big room on left as you enter a big room on right used as a kitchen – a stairway to 2^nd floor but up there I have not been.

[…]

The life is so monotonous that I hardly know what to write. Louis has been a little lame lately but I hope it is nothing. I was very much pleased to get Harry & Aleck’s letters the other day, the dear little boys correspondence is very sweet to me. I shall try to answer them as soon as I have a little more time to do so. I have not heard from you now since your letter of 20^th although I know letters are on the way. Mr. McMahon has not yet reached camp – and I doubt if he will come as orders are stringent to present passes – perhaps Zell may come down but I hear he is ill. I must ask you to send me the big watch if you can get Dixon to put it into good order for me…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.28 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25

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:

Tuesday Nov. 25. 1862.

Dear Julia,

I yesterday received your letter of Nov 20th after I had written to you

Today Mooney has left me to go home. He has been rather poorly and complains that he is shattered but I fancy he finds life in a marching regiment different from what it is at Head Quarters. I have done every thing that duty requires me to as regards his being an old servant and if I only get one as good will not think it a loss. I have a man from the Regiment who scalded his foot the other day now attending to the horse. The servants of the other officers are chiefly contrabands and I rather think Mooney thought himself too good for them and indeed bad as you may think him I believe he was. Yesterday two of the servants were sent to the Guard house for being too noisy and I think that too may have had its influence. Mooney has been paid in full at parting. Tell Tom if D Hottenstern calls on him to receive anything but lend or trust nothing. We are gradually acquiring experiences through slowly it seems Mr. McMahon tried to get down to Warrenton but could not I don’t know if he will succeed any better here but shall be most glad to hear direct from you any how.

Tell the dear little ones that Papa constantly thinks of them and longs to be with them. It would be such a joy to be with you. Things go on in our camp so so but we sadly want experiences in getalong activeness if I may make a new word. A good [caterer?] would be desirable but we have not yet lighted on one Time is very dull to me – very inactive – I have little time to read little to do and will be glad of something active…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.25 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25

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):

Gen McMahon 1404 North 15^th Street

Monday Nov. 24^th 1862

Camp near Brooks Station on

Fredericksburg & Potomac RR

Head Quarters 121^st Reg. P.V.

Dear Julia,

On Saturday 22^nd we marched from our Camp on Accekeck Creek – the road being exceedingly muddy – fatigues had been repaving the road for the last two days but the mud was so thick that the wagons stuck in many places and horses fell As we kept in the woods and fields we had not much trouble – Louis lost a shoe but that was all. We passed Stafford CH and moved to this point. We are encamped along a ridge over looking the plains in which the RR runs. Our camp being on the left of the Brigade is very pleasant as we are just on the crest of the hill on the edge of a wood. In front and on our left we have the open ground the wood is thick small pine and in it most of our tents are pitched it makes an excellent shelter furnishes plenty of fuel and breaks the wind – about two hours after we arrived we went out on picket duty about a mile E of camp. We placed the pickets as well as we could in darkness but scarce saw those of the 2^nd Brigade until morning when we found we had overlapped them by a third of a mile. We made picket & found quarters at a small house we came on in the darkness two story – one room on each floor the house was inhabited by a man named Weston Rogers his wife and nine children, one or two grown up and away and one boy pressed into rebel service the others were all little from 13 years down to one who could just walk…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.24 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25

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:

Camp near Stafford CD

Friday November 21^st 1862

Head Quarters 121^st Reg. PV

Dear Harry and Dear Aleck

Papa got both your letters the 5 cent note and the chestnuts and also the nice grapes which Papa enjoyed very much. Papa is writing to you on his haversack – the day is rainy it rained yesterday, the day before and is now raining Many of the men slept on the wet ground last night and this morning when Papa went round the camp at Reveille He was over his shoes in mud in many places. Mama will tell you what Reveille is. The drums beat and the fifes play for the men to get up they all have to jump dress and answer to their names as soon as the sergeant calls them. The poor horses stood out in the wet. Papa fed Louis and Transportation himself and they both seemed glad to get their breakfasts after which Papa had some tea beef and crackers for his own. Papa is happy to get the pretty song “marching along” and sends love to his Aleck, Harry, Winny and his sweet little Jule He is happy to hear they are good children

Papa

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.21 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25

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):

Wednesday Nov. 19^th – I resume my letter where I left off last nights for supper. We pitched our tents for the field & staff in the rain on the banks of a creek we suppose to be the Accukeck Creek about 3 miles W of Stafford CH. A clean stream about the size of [Cushiem?] Creek near the Hill of fine clear water – the best I have seen since we marched into Virginia our Brigade is now reduced to the Rifles (Bucktails) the 1^st, 2^nd & 6^th Reserves and the 121^st. Genl. Seymour has left us and Col Sinclair of the 6^th in command of Brigade. We now form part of the Left Guard Division of the Army. Composed of the 1^st and 6^th Army Corps Commanded by Genl. Franklin I think our Army Corps is comprised of Meade’s division Gibbon (formerly Ricketts) and King’s – Each Division is composed of these or four Brigades and each Brigade of four to six regiments of military units Artillery and Cavalry unattached to Brigade. This is as near a sketch of the Army Amalgam as I can give you.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.18-19 November 1862. Rush:IV:30:25