September 28, 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 near Byran’s plantation

Monday Sept 28. 1863

Head Qrs Div

Dear Wife

I have been today employed in making out statements for Ord Office &c attending to drill of the men by battalion and in the manual of Arms – We are now sending out pickets down to the edge of the Rapidan or near it – Raccoon ford about 2 miles distant is held on the other side of the Rapidan by the Rebels and our officers report that at least ten pieces of artillery can be seen in position and they also have earthworks besides whilst We should have to approach well on open plain. I don’t think it will be attempted The Colonel has determined upon having General Guard mounting by Division and the day after tomorrow we are to try it. We shall have about 275 men & officers on the ground with a full band of wind instruments and about 40 drums and a dozen or more fifers and we expect it to be something of a display. At any rate it will be an effort in a military way which will deserve success…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 28 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35