October 22, 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 (excerpt):

Camp near Sharpsburg

Oct 22^nd 1862

Wednesday

Dear Julia

I am lying in my tent having taken out my writing materials to write to Clem but I cannot do so without first writing to you. You must tell him that I got his letter along with yours on the 13^th in the box. I have today rec’d. yours of the 18^th. We have never been at Alexandria. Rush’s lancers were about two miles from us when we were at Fredrick I saw Capt Stars of the Lancers and sent remembrance to him and Charley Cadwilde when there. His Regiment is not well spoken of – it seems to be considered a failure I was told today that their little [frennens ?] are called “hospital flags derisively I say this entre nous. – For I am sorry to hear it. Averill’s cavalry seems to be the most esteemed cavalry of the Army – I rode today to see the 12^th Infantry (Regulars) on Battalion drill was too late but saw guard mounting and  and some Squad drilling. I saw also William Sergeant and Frank Wister Captain’s in that Regiment passed today John Parter’s Head Quarters and a {?] of camps. General Reynolds took tea with us a few evenings since he came over to see our dress parade and remained until ten Oclock. I have now returned most visits which we have rec’d and am glad so many are over.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Wiliams Rush Biddle. 22 October 1862. Rush:IV:30:24