April 14, 1863: 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 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 (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp near Belleplains

April 14^th Tuesday

Dear Wife

We will probably start tonight for no one knows where. but we are ready and packed waiting orders We are not to make may fires and the idea seems to be to make a quiet move Some where I trust this expedition May meet with better success – As we have been unsuccessful twice perhaps the third time all will go well – I do not know when I shall next be able to write to you and can only hope that God in his mercy will watch over and grant us a safe and happy return to each other I have been thinking about names and if you have named the dear little one let it stand – I will however give a name if you will not choose and it will be Thomas it has always been a good name in our family and I see no reason why there should not be two of that name in out own family Circle – there always have been –…

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