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):

Tuesday Nov 18^th 1862

Camp in the fields on the Road to Stafford CH

Dear Julia

On Sunday evening I returned with the regiment which had been out on picket duty since the day before under my command – the Sutler arrived on that evening and I got the drawers gloves flash ginger &c just as we got orders to march next morning the apples and grapes were very acceptable not only to me but to several sick and weary officers. I wish you could have seen the expression of gratitude that the receipt of a big apple produced. We marched in the morning passed Bealeton and are I believe going to Stafford Court House. We pitched tents after dusk last night on the edge of a wood with a large part of the army near us. We had your pickled salmon this morning and have turned off the road to encamp. I write on a [Swootings? suit?] inclined downwards to get the light of the fire on the paper…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.18 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) [Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel]

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp near Fayetteville

Friday Nov. 14. 1862

Dear Julia

We have now been in camp at this point since the evening of the 11^th. We are in a wood in a rather level neighborhood water poor and everything rather unattractive – the weather has been fine and today is quite warm. It is about 9 ½ O’clock – We have finished Guard Mounting – breakfast and are in hopes of getting orders to do something or march somewhere The Col don’t like to order out the battalion for drill as we might thereby overwork the men if an order to march should come just when it was over or half done. We hear that a cavalry camp close by has orders to march in a few hours I don’t know what the designs at Hd Qrs are but think we have done nothing by this march. I think the army ought to go on to Gordonville and fight there if it if strong enough and if not strong enough it was but another act of folly to have come at all. Events will soon show Reynolds the Corps Commander is a good General and Meade is also. I wish that greater privilege was given to our Regiment to perfect itself on drill. As a Regiment we have not once gone through the different  firings and although we may do justly well it seems strange to me that no chance should be allowed to a new regiment for so important an object. I should be very glad to get home with you again not that I am discontented with my position or the service –

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.14 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) [Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel]

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp beyond Fayetteville

Nov. 12^th 1862 Wednesday

Dear Julia

We marched to this point yesterday from the Camp near Warrenton about 11 miles on the 10^th inst the troops were drawn out and McClellan visited them beginning at 7 Oclock in the morning. He did not reach our Division until after noon about 3 O’clock. The men cheered him vociferously as he passed. Some regiments I hear threw down their arms and ran round him crying out he must not leave them. Ours cheered and threw up their hats & caps. Our brigade was in the advance with the 2^nd and 3^rd brigades of our division about 750 yds in rear and on our left in some low land. So that when the General & his staff reached our left they turned short to left and rode close by me both McClellan and Burnside. McClellan seemed much affected. We have that Adgt. Genl Buckingham an envoy of Stanton’s brought out the order and that he passed McClellan whom he met on his way and went out to Burnside – when Burnside rec’d the order to take Command of the army he said he wouldn’t obey it but on its being represented that he would be displaced in that event and that McClellan would be ousted in any event he finally agreed to take charge of it. In the evening we got an order to stack our arms on our parade and be ready to march at short notice. We got ready filled up the cartridge boxes to the requisite number but the order did not come until yesterday. We marched about 12 O’clock. We marched to the South and are now at this point. In a wood where our tents are pitched and where we have had a very comfortable night’s rest…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.12 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) [Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel]

Transcript (excerpt):

Dear Julia

Our regiment was ordered out on picket duty yesterday and in obedience to orders we marched at 4 O’clock P.M. about 4 miles to the point we relieved the 8^th Regiment Reserves formerly Col Hayes / this Regiment was near poor Harry at the time he was wounded. I rode with the officer in command and relieved the pickets of the left wing the Buck tails who were beyond us being relieved by the 142^nd Penn. Our pickets (i.e. of our Regiment) extend about a mile South of this house on our right we connect with the pickets of an Indiana Reg. on our left with the 142^nd Penn. There is another line of videttes mounted beyond us extending about 3 miles further  to the Warrenton Springs. We posted the pickets gave instructions returned to this house – had supper of corn cakes milk bacon and tea – laid down on the floor and on long wooden chairs and slept till 12 Oclock then the Col and I rode round the line of pickets were challenged by stupid sentries in every conceivable way but were pleased with the result when compared with other regiments and returned at ½ past one.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.9 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. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript:

Camp near Warrenton Virginia

Nov 7^th 1862 Friday

Dear Wife

We arrived here last night having marched from Georgetown yesterday – Thursday – the day before Wednesday we marched from our camp between Philemont and Union – through the town of White Plains to Georgetown getting there after dark – the sound from the camp passed through Middleburg which we marched through with colors flying drums beating and we heard of one or two Secession manifestations – saw several hospitals with the rebel hospital flag on them – the town of White Plains seemed all but deserted as I rode through at night I saw no sign of life in the place but houses deserted At Washington last evening a beautiful town – we saw five rebel hospitals – and little manifestation of feeling some respectable looking women I saw at one house – with their handkerchiefs to their eyes as if in tears – and I can not think hardly of them for that for the sight of so many thousand men, marching never to return is certainly a sight to grieve on. The Army is not at the same camping ground it was at 12 mos ago about having marched around it for nearly 120 miles. I write in the hopes of this reaching you through our [sutler?] who goes to Washington to day Love to Uncle and out dear children and may God bless and preserve you and them and restore peace and love to this beautiful and desolated country now so ravaged by our wicked foes

I hardly thought to have a chance of writing to you and trust this may reach you well. Heaven bless you

Your loving husband

Alexander

We bivouacked near Georgetown in the rain in a wood. The same last evening without rain near Warrenton. We have heard firing at intervals during the last few days have seen several rebel prisoners and face drawn up in line of battle as we approached Warrenton expecting opposition but found none. This is a beautiful country and there are many pretty houses on the hill tops around. I am well and every thing is doing tolerably well

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.7 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. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript (excerpt):

Bernard Road to Ashby’s Gap

Tuesday 4^th Nov, 6 Oclock AM

Dear Julia

On Saturday night we bivouacked in a field near Hamilton neat the residence of Janney the Quaker who wrote the defence of Penn, the neighborhood is called the Quaker Settlement. We bivouacked in the open fields remained in the open air that night next day Sunday the 2^nd the wagons arrived and our tents were put up. We passed Sunday on the ground had the usual inspection Service and a proper meeting at night in the night there was a light wind and our tent blew down. We slept under it as it was. Yesterday we marched to this point in sight of Ashby’s Gap and last night passed the ground where there had been a skirmish the day before yesterday

The rebel camp fires some five miles off were in view at night. We again bivouacked and received orders to march at six O’clock this morning. We are between Philemont and Union on the side of the mountain. Burnsides and Pleasanton are both in front of us.

I write this on my book as the Assembly beats in hopes of sending it somehow I have cooked a cup of beef tea in my cup. Saddled and am waiting to see the Regiment form….

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.4 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. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript (excerpt):

Friday

Oct. 31^st 1862

Road to Leesburg

Camp in the field

Near Lovettsville

Dear Julia

Yesterday Thursday the 30^th Oct we broke up our camp at Berlin to march at ½ past 6 Oclock in the morning. We commencing packing at ½ past 4 A.M. breakfasted and marched after the sixth reserves – We got in front of the 5^th Reserves Col Fisher who ought to have been before us – We crossed the Pontoon bridge at Berlin and marched towards Leesburg in the valley which separates the Catocton Ridge from the South M. Ridge the country is very beautiful – hill & dale and is as pretty as any country could be, we moved at the same time as Genl. Burnside’s Corps which is on our sight but is not in sight. We marched through by roads and across fields and now find ourselves about 10 miles from Leesburg – with the Catocton creek just in the foot of the valley – but out of sight although but ¼ of a mile distant the road through. Waterford to Leesburg is in sight near us. We are encamped in a large field near the crest of a hill on the South, we are out of sight on the northern slope of the hill – the pickets being thrown out on the other side. Last night we rose to a farm house on the other side of the Catoctons to supper – on out way the Guard stopped us at the store of a man named Suckett who is stated to be a good Union man but others say his daughters are all Secesh. he has seven they say. His was robbed by some of the Reserves when we first arrived and they say he lost $200 – and some goods – We got permission by sending to the General to go on and rode down to the Catocton which we crossed and went to a farm house to supper – they gave us a pretty good supper and were very kind to us – they were plain farmers and the master of the house said his name was Philip Snoots – corn cakes & honey were very acceptable.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 31 October 1862. Rush:IV:30:24

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript:

Oct. 29^th 1862

Dear Julia

We are at Berlin with orders to march at short notice. We expected to march last night, this morning and think we shall certainly go over the river tomorrow at the farthest. Your box dearest came by Mr. Rasin with the tea &c. You need not send me crackers – the condensed beef I have not tried I think it may be good on the march but I like to have it by me. Alick’s chestnuts were very acceptable to the Field Staff and his papa. I do not think any boxes can reach me for some time to come but the best method to send me anything is by Mr. Rasin. A pine apple cheese may also do very well – any dried preserved fruits are pleasant “bonnés bouches” to soldiers.

Your chocolate is delightful. A piece of it was my supper in last Sunday night’s rain. A piece of good dried beef is a very good thing too. And the tea you sent just supplied our chest.

Your kindness love has been a great help to me.

You do indeed follow me with your influence wherever I go and always to promote my happiness saving that I cannot be with you.

Tell mother I saw Kennedy Long yesterday and got her note I have written to Tom to sell Mollie’s house for $18000 if he can get it. I think it ought to bring that price, Ask Write to me about Tom how he is doing and about his family and tell me all about Mollie’s children. Kennedy Long had a letter of Mollie’s for me. He is in another Regmt and if I could do anything to help him I would and so told him but a major of a different Reg has not much chance.

Oh dear with how I should like to be with you – not that I am not content here – I do with to make some changes but cannot on points which don’t suit me – but as I say am content.

We closed our Survey and sent in one report to day to General Reynolds – my first price of special duty. I am wondering if it will be disapproved or nothing more be heard of it.

I close my letter with Love to Alick and Hai and Miss Julia and loving Also to dear Uncle. I hear he was coming to pay me a visit with Mr. Atwood. He would have found as there in a tent but if we ever have a chance I shall try to make him comfortable

Good by beloved

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 29 October 1862. Rush:IV:30:24

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp at Berlins Md

Monday Night 27^th Oct 1862

Dear Julia,

Here I am seated on my buffalo robe under a fly just rigged for the accommodation of Atwood Ferriday Do Ramsay & myself. Morning just after inspection we received orders to parade the regiment to make a permanent move I had been out all the day previous examining damages to farmers with the Board and had hurt Louis a little by a jump over part of a fence the rain had been falling all the morning and there was a good deal of drilling and we got ready – slower than the rest of the Brigade as new regiments always are and marched – the ground soon became a muddy clayey puddle through which the Antietam turned off to the Southward passed a farm of a man named Samuel Pry when we had been examining the day before and passed long the side of the hills towards the river – we came upon the road we had before marched over on our way from Frederick stopped for about 20 on a farm of a man named Tobey when we had encamped for a night on our previous march We then marched on and undid the slope of the south mountain just at dark here and formed the division halted in the woody forest…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 27 October 1862. Rush:IV:30:24

Alexander Biddle was a member of the prominent Philadelphia Biddle family and was married to Julia Williams Rush,  the granddaughter of Dr. Benjamin Rush. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Transcript (excerpt):

Oct 25. 1862 Saturday

Camp near Sharpsburg

Dear Julia

Returning to camp this evening I find your letter of 20^th inst. I have been made one of a Board of [Query ?] to whom claims for damages sustained by people in the vicinity are referred for examination and report. This is the third day of our session – which is chiefly in the saddle. It takes us over the battle field and obliges us to inspect Corn fields fences and hear claims of farmers for steers pigs poultry butter &c &c houses stolen – hay taken &c – we make them produce a statement swear to it and then try to verify the facts if we can do so. The riding is pleasant enough and the going around the country – but it separates me from the camp and the regiment I saw a great deal of the battle field – saw wounded and saw a broken Parrot 20 pounder spiked lying on the ground. We passed a train of ambulances carrying rebel wounded being removed from the vicinity. One fine looking fellow had a foot off – another stalwart fellow sitting on the ambulance step told us he was from North Carolina I did not see much difference between them and our men excepting that ours are better clad…

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