December 21, 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.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Transcript (excerpt):

Philad. Dec 21^st 1862

Camp near White Oak Ch

Head Quarters 121^st Reg P.V.

Dear Julia

Here we are on the edge of a ploughed field in a little grove of pine trees in which we pitched our tents for additional protection. The last few nights have been very cold and one when we were on picket duty was exceedingly trying. I have to day asked one of our captains to ask his father the Rev. Mr Clapp to call on you in case he passes through the city with the intention of visiting our camp any small packages you may send by him – it is extremely difficult now to find any means of receiving parcels from you. Raisin or Mr. Mahon may come down – and the box Barclay brought may reach us but there seems to be great difficulty in so doing. I do not think much of the charge of the regiments – or of any department of the Army. We have little or no communications with home We are not well supplied with provisions or clothing – hay for horses seems to be considered a useless luxury. In short an army fuller of hope enthusiasm and life was never seen – and now we are not discouraged but disgusted with everything which has been done.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 21 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26