July 17, 1863: Alexander Biddle letter 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.  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)

Rush IV-30-33 Alexander Biddle to JWR 7-17-1863 p1 Rush IV-30-33 Alexander Biddle to JWR 7-17-1863 p2

This letter is the second dated June 16. Based on the description of “Friday evening,” this may have been written on Friday, July 17.

Transcript:

Friday evening

July 16th 1863

To day I dined with Laurie’s and Lambdin’s mess and had a pleasant afternoon comparatively. We had Boston bread & white bread butter beef apples and corn starch what we consider a very fine dinner – We occasionally have visitors from other regiments but do not do much of it ourselves – You know I am not much given to it –  Our Lieut Col is away expected tomorrow and Chapman though better is not very well able to attend to such things as my court martial duties leave him alone in the Camp – I am so glad you did what you could for Pippet. I am sure he will feel grateful for the remembrance of him through you – he is a fine fellow – the real officer of his company although is first Lieut Hulse I am very sorry for such attacks as he has had are always attended with great risks and I fear he may suffer a good deal before we see him again – I shall be most glad to have your barberous orders if I can only fulfil the circumstance of your giving them – that of getting home to you – In the open air, exposed to malaria, on dusty roads and in sudden changes of temperature, the moustache and beard I believe to be a great protection. I have never worn a cravat since I left Washington and cannot say I am any the worse for so doing­ –  I have in my military Career much to be thankful for and hope I will always carry with me a grateful heart for the goodness and mercy which has overshadowed me. You will of course remember me to aunt Hannah and her husband and sweet daughters – Also to Genl Hunter if you see him – there is something decided about his course which I like and I think I see in it more of the General who works for an end which he keeps in view than one who merely works from time to time with the means at hand – Remember me to Helen and tell her to do so for me to her husband. I am glad her father has got the post of Senator.

Love to the darlings, dear Aleck Julia and our sweet little photographs and above all to yourself beloved through all time.

Your husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 16 [i.e. 17] July 1863 Rush:IV:30:33

July 16, 1863: 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.

1863-07-16

 

Transcript:

Made a slight alteration to Major Rosengartens picture. Some rioting in Boston, in Buffalo & Troy N.Y.

 

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

July 15, 1863: 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.

1863-07-15

 

Transcript:

Too warm to paint.

The riot in New York has assumed fearful proportions, many lives have been lost and a great amount of property destroyed.

 

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

July 14, 1863: John Henry Browns’ 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.

1863-07-14

 

Transcript:

No painting.

The riot in New York still continuing.

 

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

July 13, 1863: 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.

1863-07-13

 

Transcript:

At Major Rosengartens picture.

A fearful riot has broken out in the City of New York, caused by opposition to the conscription act, which government officials were enforcing.

 

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

July 12, 1863: 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.  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)

Rush IV-30-32 p1 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 12 Rush IV-30-32 p2 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 12

Transcript:

Sunday 12 July 1863
In the field E of Hagerstown
near Beaver Creek — behind
the barricades facing East

Dear Julia
On the 10th inst we remained all the day long in the field and slept at night in the woods on fence rails laid side by side and covered with wheaten straw–a very comfortable bed – Yesterday we found that three regiments of Vermont troops in our Division had been ordered to report to General Robinson’s second Division and that General Kenly with 1600 Maryland troops had been added to us – he (General K) by virtue of seniority is Division Commander which makes me Major again – our little regiment now varies from 94 men to 116 as the sick and weakly with the musicians are present or absent –we have been moved about 1/2 a mile East of our former position and are about 1 mile west of the rise of the mt, with the 1st and 2nd Brigades drawn up in line of battle behind a barricade with two pieces of artillery on our right. The position to Chapman and myself seems simply ridiculous. On our left a smooth round topped hill overlooks and enfilades the whole line – if we are to regard this as an emanation from General Kenly’s tactical system – he must be a great humbug – but a cavalry force 250 strong in front of us, who have scouts out have not seen a rebel for 24 hours and I dont believe that they are near this part of our defences – for the last two days everything has been perfectly quiet save a little distant firing – we think the Rebels hold the line of Antietam Creek from Hagerstown to the Potomac although we hear that two Army Corps are across – last night we slept on the ground in the edge of a wood. Chapman is beginning to fear for his leg again. Dont mention it for it is very slight – we are now thinking about breakfast – send me a package of tea (1/2 a lb) by mail, let Patrick pay postage on it as a parcel – address it – wrap it up strongly and it will come safe but dont put any letter in it – or with it – let those go separately – I have this morning got two papers from home but no letter – I suppose I shall have one in a day or two–I have nothing more to tell you to day – A poor soldier is very much out of the way of news and indeed much out of the way of everything – I trust Providence will bless our cause with success and put an end to this useless war –  I cannot help thinking that the rebel loss might be greater even than they admit but a few days will show. I like Meade’s being so quiet – he will be quick enough in time of action–Good bye dear wife – God bless and preserve you and the children with dear Uncle and avert all evil from your doors and may I again be restored to you in happiness Your loving husband
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 12 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

July 11, 1863: Henry and Mary Warner to John Warner

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.

Moore VI-5-21 p1 Henry and Mary Warner to Children 7-11-63 Moore VI-5-21 p2 Henry and Mary Warner to Children 7-11-63

Transcript:

Allegheny City Saturday July 11th 1863, P.M.

Our Dear Children—Ever since this day week, the terror, suspense, fear, & excitement, your mother has endured I cannot begin to describe. As for my part, for the last three days, I did not feel so bad, for if any of you were either killed, wounded or missing, we would have had it through the public prints—we certainly think from last tuesday until to day, you might have favoured us with a line at least merely to say you were all alive & well should that fortunately be the case—Henry is very well, we received a letter from him this morning—Anne is sick confined to bed & very low with (we think) consumption—Dr. Trevor attending—every one asking Have you heard from John yet?

Your affectionate father & mother Henry & Mary Warner

You ought to see Mothers face on Thursday, friday, & to day morn when I came home, & said no letter from John

Citation: Henry and Mary Warner, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Allegheny City [Pittsburgh], 11July 1863. Moore VI:05:21

July 10, 1863: 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.  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)

Rush IV-30-32 p3 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 9

Rush IV-30-32 p2 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 10

Transcript:

Friday July 10th.We marched to day from South Mt – through Boonsboro to this point Hagerstown about 3 miles distant NNW.We are facing nearly NE and I believe are protecting our right flank. the enemy are believed to be in force their line extending from Hagerstown along the Antietam hills and Covering Wmsport – I hear that some of Foster’s troops are here – the cannon are now firing to my left – we are in a hollow, in a measure screened from fire – Having said this dear wife I have nothing more to add saving thank God for his merciful protection of me so far and to trust in his mercy to restore us to each other trusting that he will give me strength to say “thy will be done” whatever befals me and that his loving Kindness will watch over you and ours and dear Uncle to avert all peril and danger to us or to our souls – God bless you beloved.A few days will now ascertain if we are to be successful or again unfortunate – whatever be the result let us always thank our heavenly father for his mercy.
Your loving
Alexander

You dont know how your words comfort and sustain me – If anything should happen to me dont stir a step from home until you are sent for you could do no good

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

July 9, 1863: 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.  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)

Rush IV-30-32 p1 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 9 Rush IV-30-32 p2 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 9 Rush IV-30-32 p3 A. Biddle ALS to Julia William Rush, July 9

Transcript (excerpt):

Thursday July 9th 1863
Camp on west side of Gap
South Mt — near Boonsboro

Dear Julia

…

I have been tolerably well so far and hope to get through well – though rather short of provisions and with poor food. I have lived so long in the open air without shelter that I find out many of my old necessities to be only luxuries. We now hear cannon nearly north of us towards Cave town and expect orders to move  –  Afternoon We have been lying here all day and will probably remain tonight – other Corps have gone forward towards Boonsboro and constant Cannon firing has been heard – One of our men has just brought in a Cavalry soldier of Stuarts – he says he is of the 5th Company of Col Randall’s North Carolina Cavalry was born in NYk is 22 yrs of age and been working and living at the Gold Mines for 6 yrs. he said he had a brother in the Union service and wanted to get North – he wore a very good grey cloth jacket – butternut pants with a large button on the jacket with an I on it. He said the men of his command were much dissatisfied. they got $12 a month in Confederate scrip. They could not desert for they always had guards generally of Texas or Mississippi troops and when they went into action their best troops were in the second line and always fired on those who ran from the first – the troops from Cotton states were spoken of as their most certain – the Georgia and North Carolina less so – because of disaffection to the cause. It would seem from his account that they used very strict discipline to keep down all appearance of disaffection – As the Cavalry man remarked, “When a man gets into action and is shot at – he might as well shoot too.”– Rosengarten gave me your letter – told me Uncle was improving and that you were well – you dont know how grateful it is to me to think that we have relieved you in Philadelphia of your anxieties, at least so far. I send you a slip, Meades despatch– Our regiment was in the reserve of the left centre and under the fire Meade describes. One of our men had a finger torn off by a piece of shell – A man in another regiment close by lost a hand – and many of the men were struck by spent fragments of shells but we sustained no more injury – three caissons were blown up – in the batteries and on the road within 15 or 20 minutes of each other – our force now after retaking Gettysburg and getting back some prisoners is 94 men – leaving our loss in the first days fight 162 – out of 256.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

July 8, 1863: 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, where he served as Provost Marshal for the 16th district of Pennsylvania from April 1863 to June 1865. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Moore VI-5-21 p1 George Eyster to John Riddle Warner 7-8-63 Moore VI-5-21 p2 George Eyster to John Riddle Warner 7-8-63 Moore VI-5-21 p3 George Eyster to John Riddle Warner 7-8-63 Moore VI-5-21 p4 George Eyster to John Riddle Warner 7-8-63

Transcript:

United States Hotel

Harrisburg, July 8, 1863

Dear John,

I take the opportunity of Judge [Longen?] going to Gettysburg to-morrow to send you this.

In consequence of the invasion I was compelled three weeks ago to remove my office to this place and have been here since with the exception of a few days. My office is in the Hotel.

During the two days the enemy occupied Chambersburg first, Mary and the children were at home. On Friday of the same week I had her brought down to her uncle Hugh’s, where she still is. I was up last night to see her. They got along very well whilst the rebel army passed along and lay about Shippensburg and were treated reasonably well by such rebels as chose to call on them. Mrs. Craig having no girl both Mary and she almost wore themselves out cooking for their rebellious visitors. Mother Craig is also at Shippensburg and during the excitement stayed at David Griswell’s, Jove Nervis’ and Mr. Craig’s by turns, and was not very well contented any where. She seems to be the worse for what she has passed through.

Hugh B. Craig lost his sheep, cattle, and hams, but saved his horses.

Watson, strange to say, was not visited at all by the enemy, although, he had taken his horses away as a precautionary measure.

Uncle Hugh lost one horse, a wagon and some feed. He had the horror besides of furnishing a camping ground for almost all of Ewells rebel corps. His loss is probably $1000. My brothers lost about $3000 in goods. The merchants of Chambersburg were all robbed, many of everything.

We deeply sympathize with you and the rest of the citizens of Gettysburg in the trying circumstances by which you have been surrounded, and feel a great anxiety to hear of your entire safety. Let me ask you to take the first opportunity to send me a letter to this hotel (United States) telling me all about yourselves.

I may not get home for some time—certainly not until it would be entirely safe to remove back my office effects.

By the time this reaches you, mail communication most probably, will have been opened. Don’t fail to let me hear.

Yours

See over Geo Eyster

I send also by Judge L. a letter to John S. [McShany?]. It was printed he was captured. If this be true, I wish you would tell me all you know about it.

Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Harrisburg, Pa.; 8 July 1863. Moore VI:05:21