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:
At Gen: Bohlens picture. It is now reported that the Confederates have left the state.
Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1
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 in 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 of the 121st Regt P.V.
On Broad Run Virginia
June 19th 1863
Dear Julia
I sent on a letter last night dated at the place which I then supposed to be Goose Creek on the Road to Leesburg. It now seems that our last march was a botch as usual, that instead of reaching Goose Creek we wandered off to the eastward, finally reaching Herndon Station (not Farmwell which was intended to be our destination). our next day’s march was to Broad Run not Goose Creek, our original destination – you will perceive from this that we marched parts of two days to reach this point and are still here whilst our destination could have been reached if guides were worth anything, in one. this is of a piece with all our movements – to reach this point from opposite Fredericksburg I suppose we have marched nearly twenty unnecessary miles on exceedingly hot days. with this exposition is it any wonder that the rebels move faster than we do – We are encamped on a flat, the tents all on the open ground, ours on the edge of the wood whilst we have the shade of the woods in the day – a bird had its nest just back of my tent, with four young ones nearly fledged – on the march the day before yesterday we Came on a partridge’s nest with 14 eggs in it, which was not disturbed – I sent by mail a little package with a Ferrotype which enclosed one for Mrs J Allan Ramsay, our Doctor’s wife, which I told him I would ask you to send to 1602 Filbert Street where his wife resides – we were all Ferrotyped at the same time and are sending home our respective purchases – We heard of an action at Aldie about ten miles west of us – we heard cannon and on the picket line they reported sharp musketry firing – but we know nothing definitively – We also hear of there being a great fright in Pennsylvania – I trust not much damage will be done and if it only stirs up the people to the reality of a determined foe being close at hand it will do some good So much for army and matters connected therewith. I think mine is a real case of unnecessary rigidity on the part of Govt – I do not feel as if I was doing any good – indeed it is almost an absurdity with a regiment that scarcely furnishes 200 muskets at the close of a day’s march to retain two field officers in the service – but so it is – I shall seize the first chance that falls in my way to again present my resignation which I hope will be under more favorable circumstances for its acceptance. I am inclined to think that I may do better when present excitement is blown over – I have not had a line from you since the 3rd inst. I hear that 16 mail bags were at Union Mills for us but that they were all sent back to Washington – Of course I know nothing of dear Uncle about whom I feel exceedingly solicitous and trust God will mercifully restore him to health and strength – my dear little ones too I constantly think about. Aleck’s bright face and smile is before me now as when I handed him the egg shell turned upside down – Dear Harry and Winny winsome too – Julia is a bright little ray of light may she give as much happiness to all around her as he good mother, whom I trust will be safe from all trouble and harm through our heavenly father’s goodness. Louis is yet to show himself but I well know he Can make himself heard – Everything is very stupid in camp – we have some difficulty in getting food and indeed one of the most wretched portions of the Army system is the entire absence of all provision for officers. the men rob or forage for mutton beef chickens turkeys milk &c – which we can hardly buy. We are ordered often to take eight or ten days rations and then have no means of getting it – were it not for my extra horse I dont know what I should do – but I hope I may soon be permitted to return to you and leave to younger men the duties I have assumed so unwisely.
Good bye dear wife.
God bless and preserve you.
Your loving husband
Alexander
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 19 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32
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:
At Gen. Bohlens picture.
The States of New York and New Jersey have sent soldiers for the defence of the State.
A large number of persons in this City have offered their services for the defence of the State, but refuse to go into the United States service.
Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1
Henry and Mary Warner lived in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, now part of Pittsburgh. They are the great-grandparents of poet Marianne Moore. By the 1860s they had three surviving children: John, Henry, and Anne. Their letters to John, a Presbyterian minister living in Gettysburg, are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.
Transcript [excerpt]:
Allegheny City, Wednesday, June 17th 1863 2 P.M.
Our Dear Children
Your Welcome letter of Monday 15th Inst. reached us this morning—In answer to which (should this reach you) we are happy to inform you we are all in excellent health, and from the enthusiasm and the preparations that are making here, should our ‘Southern friends’ just hold off, until Saturday night, we think we will be ready for any number of them that may approach. Artillery of every description are being placed on every eminence, manned by experienced & Willing hands—Col Clark & 123 9 mo boys, & in fact cavalry & infantry are massing in numbers—hoping you, Jennie, & Mary, may weather this hurricane in safety, and that we may once more have the pleasure of seeing you all soon and in good health I will conclude—Mother was glad to see your letter this morning, for in consequence of the very many, many, rumours going round yesterday and to day, we did not know what would turn up—On Monday every Rolling Mill, Foundry, Store, Drinking Saloons, &c &c, were all shut and every man at work planting batteries, digging Rifle pits, &c &c, great excitement prevailed
Your Affectionate Father & Mother
Henry & Mary Warner
Citation: Henry and Mary Warner, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Allegheny City [Pittsburgh],17 June 1863. Moore VI:05:20
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:
At Gen. Bohlens picture.
The State again invaded, this time in large force, the confederates under the command of their favorite leader Gen: Lee. great alarm among all classes.
Citation: John Henry Brown, autograph journal/account book. Philadelphia, 1844-1890. AMs 573/14.1
Transcript:
Walnut Hills, Miss
June 15th 1863
Dear Father,
I have received several letters from Mary and yourself but as I have to do with nineteen twentieths of them received have neglected to answer them.
All I can say is that I am well. Have the enemy closely hemmed in all round. My position is naturally strong and fortified against an attack from outside. I have been so strongly reinforced that Johnston will have to come with a mighty host to drive me away. I do not look upon the fall of Vicksburg as in the least doubtful. If however I could have carried the place on the 22nd of last month I could by this time have made a campaign that would have made the state of Mississippi almost safe for a solitary horseman to ride over. As it is the enemy have a large army in it and the season has so far advanced that water will be difficult to find for an army marching besides the dust and heat that must be encountered. The fall of Vicksburg now will only result in the opening of the Miss. River and demoralization of the enemy. I intended more from it. I did my best however and looking back can see no blunder committed.
Ulysses.
Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Jesse Root Grant. Walnut Hills, Miss., 15 June 1863. AMs 357/15
Transcript (excerpt):
Our siege is settling down into a chronic state, but I feel certain that Time is working favorably to us. We have as you know received reinforcements and they are composed of good troops. I feel no concern about Johnson though assured public feeling, as the South will force him to make a desperate attack, [but he has genius?]. We must commit no mistake. I think their men have fought so much behind parapets that we can whip them in the open field and therefore we must manage not to be too much divided and to catch Johnson the moment he offers Battle. The Garrison of Vicksburg will soon feel the effects of pestilence. I see acres of hospital tents and the yellow flag denotes nearly all the hospitals. I can see dead animals lying unburied, but I am free to admit their men stand to their places like heroes. My “sap” is up to their Main Ditch and I have two side parallels quite close up…
I have read the Black Hawk Chronicles and will always read it with pleasure emanating from such a quarter. In return I send you the Vicksburg Daily Citizen of reduced dimensions. I know you will read it and though you will pity the poor victims? of your bombs, you will not feel hurt as they charged with purposely firing at yellow flags. They stream from nearly every house top.
I hope you will keep up the Shelling in the maximum capacity day & night whilst we dig our trenches. The web is closing in fast and we will secure our victim unless some superhuman effort from without relax our grasp…
Citation: William T. Sherman (1820-1891), autograph letter signed to David D. Porter. Camp, Walnut Hills, Miss., 14 June 1863. AMs 532/6
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 in Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)
Transcript:
In Camp of 121 Regt P.V.
Saturday June 13th 1863
Somewhere near Deep Run
Dear Julia
We moved to this point yesterday, marching early yesterday morning and Continuing it with occasional stoppages up the Warrenton Turnpike to this point, supposed to be about 22 miles – the day was exceedingly hot and I at first did not Know how I should stand it but by keeping at the head of the Column so as to avoid the dust I got along very well and do not today feel either the worse for heat or dust. The most striking incident of the day was about three miles from here when General Meade and staff (our former Division General) came riding down the road – someone in the leading Company as he came up Cried three cheers for General Meade and our weary way-worn soldiers gave such a shout as I never heard them give before – it seemed to be a spontaneous burst from every throat upon the recognition of their old General. Meade stopped, turned back and the Colonel and I rode out and shook hands with him – It must have been a very gratifying thing to the General. Tom Biddle rode into our Camp the day before yesterday evening with Col Langhorne Wister and took tea with us, he gave us some slight information and that evening was tired, yesterday he rode with us and Wister alternately and finally went off with his brother James whom we met about four miles away from here near Meade’s Head Qrs- Chapman & I rode over with James and John Williams and lunched with Jim- it was very refreshing for we were very hungry and after it I felt much revived James Biddle has got to be enormous without being fat but is the most powerful looking officer I have seen for some time. We are now writing letters home during a few spare minutes – we have been up since 20′ of three o’clock and are ready waiting order to sling knapsacks and march. Until Chapman rejoined the Regiment on the march yesterday I had been in Command for a Couple of days and had to sentence three men for gambling – they were detected in the act and their money $40. – forfeited for the benefit of their Companies besides a loss of $5. each of their monthly pay by my order. You would I suppose think this a pretty severe punishment when they only get $13 [illeg.] month from the US, but one of them had $75 in addition which he secreted in his stocking – I give this as a little incident of Camp life. I have not beloved had a letter from you now for four days and am fearful of Uncle’s health and your own endurance – how heartily I wish to be with you and share with you the trials you so nobly bear it is not in my power to express – but I do so, and still am looking forward to an early chance of getting my resignation accepted. I think perhaps when the army gets to be in a more quiescent state I shall have a chance. It has changed from an offensive Army into a defensive one – our present move being merely an effort to Keep within striking distance of the enemy when the[y] march northward – if they do so. The Cavalry attack the other day is said to have been brilliant although I fear it has cost us Major Morris, Geo [M?] Wharton’s son in law. It is supposed to have checked Stuarts intended raid on the Pennsylvania RR for the time. God bless and preserve you dear wife and grant dear Uncle an early restoration to health and strength – May our dear little ones be preserved to us in health, strength and goodness. In the hope through Gods mercy of an early reunion,
Your loving
Alexander
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 13 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32
Jennie Craig Warner was the grandmother of the poet Marianne Moore. During the Civil War she lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mary Craig Eyster was her sister and lived in Chambersburg. These family letters are preserved as part of the Marianne Moore family papers.
Transcript [excerpt]:
June 11th 1863
Dear Jennie
I scarcely have time to write, but I felt that I must do it. We had quite an excitement here on Wednesday, expecting that the rebels were about to make a raid. Mother became very much alarmed, and determined to go to Shippensburg the next morning. I set to and cut out the body, sleeves, and cape, of her new dress, and made them that afternoon, with Caroline’s assistance. C [illeg.] home in the evening trains. We were very glad to get the good news of the rebels being whipped (if they were only whipped.) Mother intended going home to-day, but when the rumor got out about the rebels coming, she had me to write that she would not go. This morning I have just written for them to meet her on Monday. I have been that busy since you were here, that I have scarcely time to turn around…
Citation: Mary Craig Eyster, autograph letter signed to Jennie Craig Warner. [Chambersburg, Pa.?]; 11 June 1863. Moore VI:05:21
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 in 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 of 121st Regt P.V.
June 10, 1863
Dear Julia
No letter from you to day – I now enclose to you my resignation and my fate – You will see by the endorsements that after being approved by Chapman, Rowley & Doubleday that when it reached Reynolds it was disapproved and so it now stands- There are some reasons however which may influence him at this moment which may not always operate.It is said that the 5th Corps (Meade’s) has moved [illeg.] the Rappahannock and that he (Meade) has besides his own Corps some 4000 picked men engaged in building bridges and in other works, with a view to some movement towards Culpeper Courthouse and perhaps Gordonsville. part of the 6th Corps is now across the Rappahannock in front of us and while these movements are going on and all the army is under marching orders there are good reasons why no officer should be allowed to leave his post- It is perhaps flattery of myself to think that such a view may have governed Reynolds in disapproving my resignation. It will induce me nevertheless to try again the first chance I get- I feel no longer like a volunteer but like a prisoner with every assurance of honorable treatment from the State and Government broken and outraged. Nothing is left however but to do my duty honestly whilst I remain and to trust that God in his mercy will regard you and Uncle with my darling children with favor and protect you from all evil and danger and from any approach of it- I trust this will find you and Uncle restored to health and strength and again in the Country with all the little flock. Chapman has gone out today on picket with the 151st Regt and I am in Command in Camp- Today I had a battalion drill for a Couple of hours and found the men very very rusty. It was not much exertion to me except in giving orders which was a little difficult for want of my usual voice We number now less than 260 men present for duty and many of these are excused from drill – not a command of a Major- I think I therefore might be spared. Imbecility which often amounts to cruelty marks the Course of Govt towards this Army, if it is not our Generals doing – that we have so much tape to tie us. To get my resignation considered it had to pass through 3 clerks and 3 Generals inspections if indeed the latter ever saw it at all. You now dear wife know my fate for the present – bereft as I am of all hope of happiness which I alone look for here below in your society – I must trust that in a little while I shall have some other opportunity – which I shall most eagerly embrace. I have had no letters from home but yours and dont expect any – strange but so it is- May God bless and keep you in health and strength and happiness soon to be reunited with your ever loving husband,
Alexander
A kiss for Aleck, Harry, Julia, Winny and Louis – when I heard that De Hunter had been with you I was pleased at the dear little boy’s name.
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32