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September 15, 1862: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

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:

Dear Julia

We are still at Camp Chase and now Brigaded with Thor L Kane for our Brigadier. We are the only Regmt assigned to his New Command and you may suppose not very willingly. We have a kind of feeling that he may have picked us out of the New Regiments but we don’t want to be make a bolsted of or to have a traveling correspondent with us for the press and think hee yet may have a chance to go somewhere else. We are getting along slowly not exactly according to my mind but advancing step by step with every prospect of good regiment the men are pleased and contented except some few to whom the bounty could not be paid. I looked anxiously through the mail bag last night for a letter from you hope I shall get one today. I sent part of my baggage and books back to Philadelphia and my watch to Tom by a Mr. Conarroe I wish you would get me an Officer’s knap sack made of leather a man named Brown H S Brown I think, in Chestnut St near 7^th or 8^th makes them. A round one of leather rather large size with a flap covering all the outside. The strap goes on over the shoulder it has several pockets – in short it is a light roomy sack I could carry on horseback – the larger ones I rather prefer, send me with it three or four leather straps about 30 inches long ½ inch wide with a buckle and bored fully of holes. I shall be very glad to get on some real duty. Everything seems slow but we must learn slowly and I feel the necessity of having some one who knows on the spot excepting as regards drill I think all that we can do ourselves Glenn Bradley was with us yesterday – Love to Uncle and the Dear Dear little ones. Tell Alick & Harry & Julia that Papa thinks constantly about them and hopes to find them good children when he next sees them. Kiss little Winny– the dear little boys photograph I have in my notebook which has been of the greatest use to me – and is always with me

Breakfast is just ready and out Quartermaster is going to town with the letters. Remember me to Clem and Tom and to Miss Cassy & Maria who I hope are still enjoying good health. Tell Clem to send Patrick to clean out the wine and let him look after 1626 Walnut St daily Moonley has just summoned me to breakfast

Your Affec husband

Alex

Tuesday Sept 15^th

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 15 September 1862. Rush:IV:30:23

September 14, 1862: Alexander Biddle letter to Julia Biddle

[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]

Sunday Morning, September 14^th1862, Camp Chase

Dear Julia,

I have rec’d your letter with Winny’s photograph –We are still at Camp Chase –I went into Washington by order yesterday crossing at Georgetown at the old aqueduct bridge and down Pennsylvania Avenue to the War Dept where business of the Regiment took me– after doing as much as I could I sent Mooney, who was with me into a market to buy provisions–he did not return to me for two good hours–I thought he had possibly taken that opportunity to get some liquor and was over come. So I took the halter of his horse

fastened it to my saddle low and lead to the old Bridge—found the bridge temporarily impassible and men at work defilading the draw expecting to finish it I am guessing. I therefore rode up to Pennsylvania Avenue and met Adjutant Hale and our ambulance with some of the officers [illegible] close at G. Willards and gave Hale the horse to ride. We rode back to camp over the Aqueduct Bridge in Georgetown and Fort Corcoran — I lost the way and met a Brigadier General in the woods– I believe General Briggs –we made out the road by Arlington and I got back to Camp–In getting my pass into Washington I first went to the Old Arlington house now Heintzelman’s Headquarters — They referred me to our immediate Chief General Whipple at Fort Corcoran, just above Georgetown, and there I got my pass. To me Washington is the most unattractive spot I ever was in. I speak only of the town for I have never been inside of any of its buildings but it has to me the effect of finery set in soiled material. Diamonds on rags

Everything seems out of place — the dirt and the splendor – a thing that is beautiful can usually be admired regardless of its surroundings but here it seems to be different. I cant for a moment contemplate one without being struck by the other – we now have 600 muskets and expect to march tomorrow at least so says the Colonel — I have sent my watch up by Mr. [illegible] to be left with [illegible] for it wont go–Ask him to have it mended. I got a letter from Tom and Mr Peale. Ask them to let me know how the [bounty?] matter Turns out. I have had good health so far Mooney came back perfectly sober about an hour after me having crossed in a wagon. I don’t think he will keep me waiting another time. He was perfectly sober.

Love to Uncle and kiss all the little ones Aleck, Harry, Julia, and Winny and tell Aleck and Harry Papa wants to hear about their reading and hopes Aleck will soon send him a nice long letter all about Chestnut Hill and Harry, Julia, Winny and the grapes and apples and the Sunday school and Miss Kneedle and the [Donkey?] and [Bob?].

Your Aff[illeg.] Husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 14 September 1862. Rush:IV:30:23

September 12, 1862: John Henry Brown’s Journal

John Henry Brown was a painter of portrait miniatures, living and working in Philadelphia. He had met Lincoln in August of 1860 when he was commissioned to paint Lincoln’s portrait for a supporter, but although Brown liked Lincoln personally, he did not agree with Republican policies.

Transcript:

Too dark for painting. This dark & gloomy day is a fit type of the state of the country. The citizens are called upon to form companies in each precinct, and to march at once to the defense of the State.

Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1

September 11, 1862: George Eyster to John Riddle Warner

John Riddle Warner was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. George Eyster was his brother-in-law and lived in Chambersburg. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Chambersburg September 11^th 1862

Post Office—12 o’clock, at night

Dear John,

We think ourselves now in actual danger. Our town is to-night under strict military surveillance. Judge Kinwell being the Provost Marshall. At least 500 men are under arms and posted on the various roads. An hour ago a dispatch was received from the government saying we had reliable intelligence that it was the intention of the rebels to enter Pennsylvania. Capt Ward telegraphs just now from Greencastle that he has the roads strongly picketed, but apprehends no attack before morning. The rebels are certainly at Hagerstown in very strong force. We have not yet decided what course to proceed with 10 families, but will have concert of action. We feel afraid to try the experiment of hasty [illeg.] to the humanity of traitors. 580 Cavalry will be up in a few hours. Most of the merchandise has been shipped to points away from town. Clegget Fitzhugh from Mount Alto was seen in Hagerstown today. We fear he may pilot their cavalry into our neighborhood by a circuitous route. Dob Sinan & Brimm led the advance into Hagerstown. They have torn up about two miles of the rail-road on the side of Hagerstown. I have been on Horseback all night.

If Mr. Weaver gets this please communicate contents to M. McPherson/if Mr. McPherson, to Mr. Weaver.

Yours

Geo Eyster

Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Chambersburg, Pa.; 11 September 1862. Moore VI:05:10

September 10, 1862: George Eyster to John Riddle Warner

Transcript:

Chambersburg

Sept 10, 1862

Dear John,

The rebel General Jackson, with Twenty thousand men, is approaching Hagerstown. His advance were within sight of the town an hour or two ago—say from five to six o’clock. The government telegraph operator destroyed its apparatus and left. The only force between us and them is a couple of hundred cavalry at Greencastle. The news I have given you is reliable. How I have obtained it, I’ll not stop to tell. There is considerable excitement in town to-night, although not so much as some say now. The County Records are being packed for removal in case of necessity. We will have [cadettes?] out to-night.

Yours

Geo Eyster

Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Chambersburg, Pa.; 10 September 1862. Moore VI:05:10

September 9, 1862: George Eyster to John Riddle Warner

John Riddle Warner, a Presbyterian minister, was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. George Eyster was his brother-in-law and lived in Chambersburg. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Chambersburg, Sept. 9^th 1862

Dear John,

Mary received Jennie’s letter to-day. We had had some idea that you would be nervous in consequence of the nearness of the rebel combatants, but did not dream that you would be so terrified as to think of packing up. In the name of conscience how must your community at large feel when one of its Ministers allows his wife to prepare to flit. John my good fellow, be of better cheer. In any event dont run. We have had some great excitement here, but all are beginning to feel better. Some have been threatening to flee to the mountains; others have been seeking a place to bring their treasure; a few have packed up their movable property and sent it out of the County, to Lancaster, in a single instance, but the sojourners in Federal Hill will do no such thing, come who may or what may. There is no danger of the rebels visiting either you or us for the present. By this time George B. is engaging their best attention. In the event of their repelling his friendly salutation, we may possibly behold their faces. I cannot believe that God has again placed that young commander at the head of the Union Army for any other purpose than to lead it to victory. So cheer you up my lively lads. Wait a little longer. Let the wild world wag as it will, we’ll be gay and happy still, or at least we’ll try to be. Don’t think that I regard and disown the aspect of affairs in any spirit of levity. But it is true, we are many of us too much inclined to take trouble on interest. I’ll send you a copy of the Transcript where you can read the local news of the week pretty fully. Mary had a letter from Mrs. Dick yesterday, in which she stated that the news of her husbands death had been confirmed. I clip and send you a paragraph from a letter of one of the editors of the Valley Spirit to that paper, dated Alexandria, Sept. 5, in which honorable mention is made of the Captain. I offer a brief tribute to his memory this week in the Transcript. Captain Kerns, (Rev. Mrs. Fisher’s son) who was shot through the leg some months ago at Mechanicsville, was severely wounded and taken prisoner about the same time Captain Dick fell. A special messenger has just returned from Washn, without learning anything further with regard to him. We are expecting mother to come upon us suddenly all in a fright. I trust, however, that you will not allow Jennie to write to Hugh and advise him to go away with his family. From a remark in her letter to Mary, I am fearful she might do this. If we have anything newer or more exciting than the rebel advance I’ll write again.

Yours truly

Geo Eyster

If you get too weary come over, a come over anyhow.

Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Chambersburg, Pa.; 9 September 1862. Moore VI:05:10

September 8, 1862: John Henry Brown’s Journal

Transcript:

At Mr Biddles picture.

A fearful crisis at hand. News very bad this morning. The rebels have crossed the Potomac into Maryland, at three points in large force. Great consternation in this City. The Citizens requested by the mayor to form companies in every precinct.

Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1

September 7, 1862: Thomas Jordan to P. G. T. Beauregard

Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard was a Louisiana-born general of the Confederate States Army. He had graduated second in his class from West Point in 1838 and was an admirer of Napoleon. He achieved fame early in the Civil War for commanding the Fort Sumter bombardment and as the victor of the first battle of Manassas. He later served in the Western Theater (including Shiloh and Corinth), Charleston, and the defense of Richmond, but his career was hampered by friction with Jefferson Davis and other generals.

Transcript:

Chattanooga

Sept 7^th 1862

My Dear General

Of course I shall wish to go with you, wheresoever you may be ordered—Charleston, or elsewhere; and shall anxiously await the time when I may be with you again—Call me by telegraph.

Let me keep the papers about Vicksburg all together until a week when I will present a brief statement which you can sign officially and transmit to the War Department—it can then be called for by Congress and in that way best come before the public in an official shape that will place definitively the credit for the fortification of Vicksburg where it rightfully belongs.

The fact is—the Mississippi party including the President wish to claim credit for fortifying and making the stand at Vicksburg, but the truth is that you, of your volition & without suggestion determined to fortify it—and anticipated in your first instructions—the Yankee attempt to cut a canal—the record is complete—and I am strongly in favor of the official report rather than any other publications.

I have been suffering a good deal lately from Rheumatism but shall be able to do what work you will have at first at Charleston.

The [illeg.] to Charleston is transparent to purpose but it should always be remembered: “Man proposes but God disposes”—and you can go to your assignment post satisfied that in the end all will work out rightly—This inst. Genl Joe Johnston has been ordered to “a new field”—Whither? We shall see. I am impatient to hear the details of the last Manassa battle—I hope we have not exaggerated the results.

Buell appears to have blundered in Tennessee—surely he and& Rozencranz might have effected a sudden junction somewhere in the quarter of Columbia and with these united & largely superior force [illeg.] to overwhelm Genl. Braggs forces—It was certainly in the power of Rozencrantz to have thrown his forces quietly across the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing & to have made the March & junction without our knowledge until too late—but they have not tried it– & I feel now Buell is in retreat to Kentucky.

Kirby [illeg.] successes are important as they must weaken the enemy so as to make it possible to strike him in detail.

I write in haste

Yours sincerely

Thomas Jordan

Citation: Thomas Jordan (1819-1895), autograph letter signed to G. T. Beauregard. Chattanooga, 7 September 1862. AMs 359/16

September 6, 1862: John Henry Brown’s Journal

Transcript:

At Mr Biddles picture.

This is the darkest hour of our Country’s history. On all sides, the political horizon grows blacker & blacker. I cannot see the slightest prospect for peace. Both sides are blind with rage & fury.

Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1

September 5, 1862: George Eyster to John Riddle Warner

Transcript:

Chambersburg Sept. 5, 1862

Dear John,

You and Jennie will regret to hear of the death of Captain John Dick, of the 107^th Pa. Regiment. He met his death heroically in one of the battles last week near Washington. His body has been recovered, I learned this evening, and is being brought to Shippensburg, but whether for interment there or in this county, I am unable to state.

Rumor says this evening that Captain Mack Kerns, of this place, was also killed.

We are all well. Mary goes down in the morning to see Mr. Dick.

Yours Truly

Geo Eyster

Chambersburg

Sept. 5, 1862

Dear John

I write a second letter in order to inform you of a true tale of facts with regard to the Bank. All the specie of the institution ($105,000) was removed to Harrisburg yesterday in charge of Mr. Menemsmith. The specie and valuable papers of the Hagerstown Banks were brought to town to-day and will be taken to Harrisburg to-morrow morning. We have news in town that the rebels 40,000 strong crossed the Potomac into Maryland and at a near Edwards’ Ferry. A person from beyond Hagerstown just in this evening reports that heavy and rapid cannonage was heard down the Potomac all afternoon. A battle is surely in progress at or near it. [illeg] Two companies are organizing here this evening, one infantry, the other cavalry, for home defense. The Hagerstown Banks were no so much alarmed in consequence of the documentations between them, as at the prospect of cavalry raids from the direction of Hancock &c.

The government is indeed paralyzed. Have we some Achan in the camp or are we foiled in every direction, because we fail to let the oppressed go free?

If the capitol is to be taken and the government to pan through the throes of dissolution, in God’s name, let us set up honest military chieftain as Dictator, who shall lead us to victory and enable us set to hack the back of the giant evil. Rather than succumb to the despotism of an oligarchy let us welcome poverty and death—let our fields become a waste and homes a dream.

We’ll attend to the gas arrangement you speak of.

Yours truly

Geo Eyster

Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Chambersburg, Pa.; 5 September 1862. Moore VI:05:10