January 6, 1864: 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). He was honorably discharged January 9, 1864.

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp SW of Culpeper

Jany 6. 1863 [i.e. 1864]

Dear Wife

Although late at night I cannot go to bed without writing

Concluded our trial and returned to camp this morning but nothing of import has occurred today except my getting your letter of January 4^th I am very much surprised to hear what you say as to Tom and his charges to Clem I could hardly have thought that such an order of things could have arisen so soon I trust I may in God’s mercy be permitted to return to you and take care of my own affairs. I did not think you had so much reason for your opinions as you now show you must have had. I have always found you the best blessing and guide to me and I rejoice in having such a wife. May God bless you the little ones dear Uncle [Mollie?] and her little ones Emily & hers and brother Clem to whom remember me your loving husband Alexander…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.6 January 1863[i.e. 1864]. Rush:IV:30:27