August 25, 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):

Camp at Rappahannock Station

Tuesday August 25, 1863

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Dear Julia

To day I am again in Command – This morning Rowley who had charges professed against him by Genl Cutler after the battle of the 1^st July was arrested and Chapman was ordered to take Command – We rode over to Genl King’s to see about it, the Colonel had a long talk with him and we rode back stopping for a while to see a drill of Five batteries of Artillery, 24 pieces in all. two of six  & three of four with Caissons &c which took place about a mile from Camp – It was a very pretty sight but almost too much in the high wind for even the bugle calls to be clearly interpreted. It was the ordinary drill only extended to batteries instead of sections I think it would have pleased Clem very much – We returned to Camp and in the Afternoon again took a short ride toward the river but were driven back by a rain storm which has continued [until?] and during the present moment to about 11 Oclock at night. We hear a likelihood of a return to Washington and don’t know what we are to do hear thinking always that the Charleston News if successful will go far to settle everything – I have mentioned Genl R being under arrest (charged by Genl Cutler as being drunk) – this I speak of entirely entre nous – I know the General thinks he can settle his little affairs in a few days but I also think it may be pushed in a way he may not be able to meet it – time will show…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 25 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34