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)

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December 19, 1863

Camp near Paoli Mills, Saturday December 19^th, 1863

Dear Wife

Today I received by mail the waistcoat which is exactly what I wanted and I am very much obliged for it Nothing has been doing today I have had a little stack of wood cut for Sunday’s consumption and in case a wet day should follow everything goes on with the usual army routine of drill and dress parade – the cold weather has begun to dry the ground and we can get about from place to place with rather more ease than within the last two days I feel very disconsolate in my position however much I may esteem those around me there is no one here with whom I have the slightest association beyond army connection excepting Dorr – In this respect I think the lot of a Regimental Commander is in some respects harder than that of Company Commander for I have never formed any special personal attachment to any particular set or company of men, because I am not except as a supervisor of Company Commanders necessarily brought into contact with them – my hardship would be nothing however were it not that all my thoughts hopes and interests take me towards home the privilege of visiting which seems now so distant to me for unless I can leave the army forever there is little use in a 10 day leave which means scarcely a look at home. – I will send Trans back on the first opportunity, he is perfectly well but conveyance for horses is only granted of officers permanently going away from it not to an officer leaving it temporarily – you see that I cannot therefore send him home nor could anyone get him home by coming for him I asked Hall to take one of my horses home and we then found he couldn’t take him – I shall bear it in mind for the first clearance that I get I come again to the last little glimpse of pleasure on another day – the writing to you – It is a happiness even in this way to turn towards those I love although I cannot help feeling that the greatest trials I have endured in service comes from what seems to me petty tyranny – but there is a power above who rules all things well and I trust and hope I shall be released from my imprisonment for such the army has become to me – I will not ask Uncle to speak to Tom I have as you will perceive in the copy of my letter sent to you asked to leave all my private papers sent to him in a box I can write again – the books must be balanced at the end of the year and I expect I shall hear before that from him. – Good night dear wife. We have great reasons to thank our heavenly father for all his mercies to us and I trust he will bless my hopes by returning me soon to you all Love to Uncle and our darlings Your loving husband Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 19 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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December 18, 1863

Camp near Paoli Mills, Culpeper County, Virg, Friday, December 18, 1863

Dear Wife

I hear tonight that a bridge over Bull Run was cut or burnt down last night by Moseby’s men and that one train ran off or in the cut and the passengers towards Washington captured – we fear that our asst surgeon who went home in the train as we believe was captured but we hope. Today has been exceedingly muddy but it has been gradually clearing up and the afternoon ended with a beautiful sunset a cloud with silver and golden lining just above the horizon’s edge and the whole earth. Russet with its rays shining across the surface of the earth. – We had an inspection today of men arms and quarters and I think a pretty good one – We hear again that the Rebel Cavalry have captured some 250 men at Nokesville and about 75 at Catletts – Genl Ayres who relieved our brigade told our brigade QM – that we must be a slow set to be trouble by guerillas – Our little brigade lost but one man and sent up some 13 to Washington – In these facts you perceive who erred in judgment – I fear that my last letter to you has gone to Richmond, I have not yet been able to send in my papers to Head Qrs but only want to make another issue of arms to be ready to do so I feel very lonely and doubtful of success in getting through my papers – in short may [illeg.] the prospect of seeing you but I trust Providence has that blessing in store for me at an early day You do not, cannot know how the sweet faces of our wee ones often come before me – dear little Harry’s dark eyes I can see in my mind’s eye shining right upon with Aleck’s trusting bright face and Julia’s roguish intelligence It seems a blessing kept from me unnecessarily to be with them but I trust under Providence that it is for some wise purpose and all for the best – Tom has not replied to me as yet as far as I know for no letter has been received I did think I might come home on a leave of absence but even that seems to be far distant I can hardly think of that until I know the fate of trying to finish my resignation through – Good night dear wife May God in his mercy watch over and preserve us and lead us in peace and happiness to each other again – Give love to the little ones dear Uncle and all at home Your loving husband A.Biddle

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 18 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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December 17, 1863

Camp Near Paoli Mills, Thursday Dec. 17, 1963

Dear Wife

By the mail which went this morning I sent a letter to Frank Blair addressing him at Washington, DC and asking him to aid me in procuring an honorable discharge from the service – I do not know if he is in Washington but should my letter reach him I think he will assist me if he can, in the meanwhile I shall take steps here in according to the usual tedious formalities which oftentimes are thwarted by the indolence or favoritism of some Head Qrs clerk. I hope for success and am very willing to get any aid I can to get out. Since the Colonel left us we have clear evidence that we are under another Regime last night I found I had a drunken Corporal on duty – two drunken men and an officer’s servant – the Corporals have been reduced to the ranks fined a month’s pay as have the men the servant has been tossed in a blanket and bucked for the afternoon – Since he has been sent from camp – I find among his drunken misdeeds that he stole a pistol of one of the Doctors – I think the punishment will have a good influence and the regiment will be a cold water regiment for the rest of the year. It has rained pretty steadily since early morning – the ground is soft and covered with mud A movement is spoken of supposed to be a backward one which I shall be very glad of if it gives me any chance of working on the Departments to get home. I do not know that I ever in my life felt myself to be in such a thankless uncared for position as that I now am in. I had an idea that something of a tone of high principle, of self sacrifice for the country’s cause pervaded the Army – there may be an undercurrent somewhere but the surface nowhere exhibits it – all seems selfish petty I would almost say contemptible. I trust it may please God to send me home again out of these troubles and soon but I do not see my chance yet I shall endeavor not to run against anybody and be as docile as possible with all my superiors – Evening has come upon us – the table is just being set for our evening meal – the Dr & I are both writing to our homes – Give me any news you can of Blair if you have any for if he goes to Washington I will write him another letter if he is not now there – Does it not seem strange that out of ten Captains and three field officers I should be the last one who has been through the perils of the Company’s unhurt and yet in the Army – I have to thank God for his merciful preservations of me and I trust he will continue that mercy to me and restore us to each other in our sweet home with our children again. Your loving husband Alexander. Love to Uncle.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 17 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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Transcript:

Camp at Paoli Mills

Dec 16^th 1863

Dear Wife

We hear today that corduroy roads have been built on both sides of the RRs and the Quarter Master’s department has been ordered to cease putting up stables. This indicates a move we believe in retreat to a position nearer to Washington. Since we left the railroad line the Corps in charge of it has been building Roads and we also hear they have had three more killed and some twenty captured by Guerillas. One Colonel wounded in the arm. I think our little force did some what better and we had much fewer men. Time wears on and I see no change of prospects at present. We have today rumors of the 1st and 6^th Corps being sent to Georgia but I hear of no change in orders as to furloughs or leaves of absence.

I still live in hopes that the darkest hour of our separation is past and that I may soon hope for a day of dawn but it has not yet come. We have just built stables for horses got ready for inspections on the 18^th and are moderately comfortable.

God Bless you all and lead us soon together again

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 16 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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Dear Uncle

Your letter of 11^th (inst) came today. I was very glad to see such evidence of your good health as its firm handwriting but very sorry that I can not as yet surmise myself any clear hope of getting out of service. I shall however try hard and try again. I am now waiting to make a final issue of ordinance stores for this year and if the Ordnancy Office send me the Certificate I hope to get I shall immediately send in a resignation. I fear that Kenly & Newton will both disapprove but I hope if Meade remains that I shall receive aid from him. This is however, but a hope. Failing success in this way I think (if I do not do so before) of writing to Frank Blair. I have an idea too that Edw.d M Biddle of Carlisle through Gov. Carsten and Adj. Genl Thomas might aid me. It seemed to me a great outrage to help an officer in a nominal command of a regiment which is really less than two companies in a position in which two companies might destroy it. We can gain no honor in such a command. We may be subjected under the name of a regiment to a reverse which could occur with no force deserving such a name.

I am very sorry to hear about Tom. I have written twice to him asking an answer to my communications about withdrawing from the firm but he has not yet replied at least I have no answer- I do hope that I may get home permanently before long but I have no good reason yet to think that I shall do so. In all my army career it has been the greatest source of comfort to me to think that Julia had you to look to. Had it not been for that I don’t know what I might have done. I don’t know anyone else but you for her to apply to in any difficulty and if anything were to happen to you I don’t know what she could do. I did not think this was so when I left home. Things don’t seem to me now as then and I should only be too glad when I can perform my proper duty in taking care of the little ones who need so much a constant watcher. May God grant me soon a safe return to meet you all in happiness again.

Your  affectionate nephew

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to his uncle. 11 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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Camp of the 121 Reg. V

December 14^th 1863 Monday

Dear Wife

Your letter of 12^th came today. You of course know that Chapman is at home once again free. I don’t think writing to Thayer would do me much good at present but a time may come when he might help. I shall keep him in mind and write to Uncle when I think his actions may have an effect. It is very kind in Uncle to be so thoughtful of helping me. I rode round the picket today with McCalmont and stopped at Kenly’s a strange man he is. He speaks of being sorry for Chapman’s going but the general impression is that he didn’t want a good successor so near at hand. There is talk of peace armistice commissioners and so on but government will not of course be deluded thereby but how I do wish it would please God to permit it to come to pass. I am sorry that Clem still finds himself in such a fix. He gets his accounts every 30^th June 31^st December from the office and can of course see in either if anything from mothers of or Biddle’s Estate has been credited to him. I do wish I could be at home at Christmas but I fear I cannot short of some marvelous blessing. I shall now patiently strive to get away from this in every way in my power trusting that God in his mercy will guide me to what is best for me and us all. Should it please him to lead me once home again. I shall hang up the sword forever and never leave you more. Oh how I miss you and how every thought of happiness to come turns me towards you. What the dear little ones must have become in my absence. I trust it has pleased God to permit them to increase in goodness through your cares as I know you make the effort and generally succeed when you try. Tom has not replied to my letters as yet. He must have received it but he doesn’t answer. I continue of the same mind and will soon write him again. I have already written to know if he has decided about any plan of action. I don’t see that he can do anything else. I feel that I have much to be grateful for and would be very glad to be away from the army to turn again with you to the observance of some of the religious duties which no day of rest in the army seriously interferes with but again may our heavenly father soon in mercy lead us together.

Your loving husband

Alexander

Love to Uncle and our little darlings.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 14 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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Camp at Paoli Mills Culpeper

County Virg Sunday Dec 13. 1863

Dear Wife

Last night we had an exceedingly violent rain which was several times repeated. I expected to be overflowed or find some inconvenience but found none. The morning came with a beautiful rainbow to one always a sign of promise of better days to come. It was so at Gettysburg. I rode to visit the sick with the Dr at the Division Hospital and passed through the three large tents with beds on each side. These tents are warmed by underground flues covered with railroad iron. The fire outside at one end the chimney outside at the other. The heated iron warming the tents from end to end in hospital is to me always a dismal sight but it should teach us how great our thankfulness should be to the giver of all good for the blessings we enjoy even when we are desolate as I feel now. I am gradually getting my papers together and open soon to send in all my documents to the ordinance office. Don’t forget to send me three or four five cent internal revenue stamps for affidavits in your letters. I fear to speak of future prospects, to dwell on hopes as yet entirely uncertain but yet I have a trust under the blessing of Providence and hope I shall be able to return to you before a movement is projected. You will probably see Chapman soon. I could send you no message by him. How could I say anything under the circumstances I have felt too depressed. I certainly did envy his good fortune but yet am very glad that he is free. Give love to our little darlings and dear wife may every blessing surround you and dear uncle and lead us soon again together never to part. I took a short ride today to get acquainted with the ground about the Camp. The Dr and I are tent mates now. There is nothing that I know of to say which can be of much interest all my thoughts are how to get back to you again.

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 13 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38

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)

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Dear wife

Today has been a very heavy day to me

A day in which I could not help feeling that I had something to be sad about but I have striven to bear in mind that God willeth all things well and that light follows soon after darkness. Last night Chapman’s resignation came down with his honorable discharge – The feeling that I had been denied and that he was to go through was hard bitterly hard not that I did not wish him to succeed for that I did with all my heart – but when I thought of all my cares, anxieties, and responsibilities and that I too could not go, it seemed as of a lump of lead had fallen on my head and every pulsation was oppressed

At this moment Chapman is gone forever from this regiment I now have set to work and am as diligently as I can preparing to put in my resignation too but I fear much the delays of the Resignations office and also fear lest Meade may be removed but I must still trust that the merciful father who has summoned us with blessings will only withhold I seek for a short time and that I may return to you never to part before long.

It seems to be considered that Longstreet has joined the Rebs but yet our leaders seem to be confident. It is said that Warren and French were both behind hand in the late operations or there would have been a great battle with different results. On the other hand I hear of men being 36 hours without food. Our Quartermasters department seems to think we can hardly get along in wet weather if we remain here. But here we are and from present appearances seem likely to remain. I know you will feel grieved and hurt that it is not I who have come home but dearest love let us pray to the giver of all good to rule us according to his will and lead us to happiness together at an early day. I am indeed mournful when I reflect upon my solitude. here alone without a single human being whom I knew before I entered the regiment.

Hulse is the only one of Co A and he is in detached service. Dorr was a regimental acquaintance. All our destinies are we must always remember in the hands of all wise and merciful father who when we know it least is leading us to the haven where we would be through difficulties we know not of. It may be so even now. but to think on you and my little ones and to feel that I am unreasonably deprived of the right to be with you. Oh it is a poor return for an honest desire to contribute my little mite for the cause of right and Union.

Let us hope God’s mercy will cause it to end well. Drums are all around us beating the tattoo the Dr and I are alone writing away to our homes soon expecting the mail carrier to come in for the letters. Dear wife please send my commission as Major which you have somewhere to the office. They will want it to put along with some papers I have sent them to enable them to get a small sum of money due to me from the State. I don’t know that I want anything in a physical point of view it is only in mind that I am troubled. Tom don’t write to me about our separation on the 1st next year but does about lambs he has sold which I am glad of. I hope he may sell [Airdrie?].

I trust the termination of this cruel war may be rapidly approaching and that peace will extend its blessings over the land. I did not like Stanton’s alluding to next year as a possible end of war. I see no reason why it should not be sooner. I hear Pleasanton spoken of as our next commander if we are to have a new one. God bless you dear wife and our children and dear Uncle and may he in his mercy soon bring us together again. Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,12 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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 near Paoli Mills

December 11^th 1863

Dear Wife

We have had another day of usual character rather gloomy with a little rain and nothing to vary the monotony of life in quarters-We are to intents and purposes prepared for winter quarters but I can hardly think that we shall really stay here unless the Southern Confederacy is tottering more than I imagine. We hear that leaves of absences are likely to be granted and some of our officers have already got them. This life is most stupid and profitless productive of no good and exposed to much of evil. If one had a goodly number of men so that one could have an interest and pride in the regiment it would be something but we have too few a number of men to make a great deal of them. I have been reading today the messages and reports and am quite surprised at the cool manner in which all the military operations of the War Department & Cabinet are indirectly shoved on to the General’s of the Army of the Potomac. Lieut Jungerich of our Reg. goes to Phila. Tomorrow on leave and will call to see you. I have asked him so to do. I believe his father lives in the Brown Stone house next to Vanderkemp’s old house. I have heard nothing from Tom yet. Good night dear wife, may God bless keep and preserve you all and dear uncle.

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 11 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38