August 22, 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:

Saturday Aug 22^d 63

Dear Wife

I have nothing to say today but that it has been very monotonous and stupid – hot by day sultry in the evening – I sleep pretty well but as I don’t like to leave camp far get but little exercise. I write only to say to you how I look upon my return home as the great source of happiness come God grant that it may be so and preserve me for that joyful future Give love to Uncle whom I hope is reinvigorated by his sea trip and hope also that you and the little ones have not suffered. I am a little afraid Aleck will be too much for you at a crowded sea side but our heavenly father even in these small things shows his mercy and kindness I am looking for news from Charleston May it please our heavenly father to give our Arms success there If so I shall hope for an early cessation of warfare I have nothing to hope for here of agreeable promise that I can perceive and would at this moment send in another resignation if there were any chance of its being accepted God bless you my beloved Wife and all our darlings Your loving

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 22 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34