October 29, 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:

Oct. 29^th 1862

Dear Julia

We are at Berlin with orders to march at short notice. We expected to march last night, this morning and think we shall certainly go over the river tomorrow at the farthest. Your box dearest came by Mr. Rasin with the tea &c. You need not send me crackers – the condensed beef I have not tried I think it may be good on the march but I like to have it by me. Alick’s chestnuts were very acceptable to the Field Staff and his papa. I do not think any boxes can reach me for some time to come but the best method to send me anything is by Mr. Rasin. A pine apple cheese may also do very well – any dried preserved fruits are pleasant “bonnés bouches” to soldiers.

Your chocolate is delightful. A piece of it was my supper in last Sunday night’s rain. A piece of good dried beef is a very good thing too. And the tea you sent just supplied our chest.

Your kindness love has been a great help to me.

You do indeed follow me with your influence wherever I go and always to promote my happiness saving that I cannot be with you.

Tell mother I saw Kennedy Long yesterday and got her note I have written to Tom to sell Mollie’s house for $18000 if he can get it. I think it ought to bring that price, Ask Write to me about Tom how he is doing and about his family and tell me all about Mollie’s children. Kennedy Long had a letter of Mollie’s for me. He is in another Regmt and if I could do anything to help him I would and so told him but a major of a different Reg has not much chance.

Oh dear with how I should like to be with you – not that I am not content here – I do with to make some changes but cannot on points which don’t suit me – but as I say am content.

We closed our Survey and sent in one report to day to General Reynolds – my first price of special duty. I am wondering if it will be disapproved or nothing more be heard of it.

I close my letter with Love to Alick and Hai and Miss Julia and loving Also to dear Uncle. I hear he was coming to pay me a visit with Mr. Atwood. He would have found as there in a tent but if we ever have a chance I shall try to make him comfortable

Good by beloved

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 29 October 1862. Rush:IV:30:24