September 27, 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 on Byran’s plantation

near Raccoon ford [illeg.]

River – Sunday Sept 27.1863

Dear Wife

Nothing from you today which was hardly to be expected as our mails are rather irregular – This morning we marched about three miles from our last camp to this place which is within long cannon shot of the rebel lines on the other side of the Rapidan but out of sight as we are screened by woods We have encamped and made ready for the night, our tent is up, beds made out of shingles set crosswise on poles. tea is over – the Doctor and I are writing before the fire in front of the tent the bugle is sounding tattoo and the field music (fifes & drums) are playing it – the Colonel has gone to Corps Hd Qrs to attend a meeting of Officers and I am expecting to hear something definite when he returns – I think We may make some demonstration of crossing the river but cannot of course tell anything about it and I believe it would be attended with much risk – We must trust our heavenly father’s mercy of guidance in all things – The weather is getting Colder – to night We have our first fire in the open air which is very comfortable…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 27 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35