September 6, 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 Sta

Sept 6^th 1863

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Dear Wife

Today we have had a most beautiful Sunday – As beautiful weather as you could imagine – In front of our bower our three flags have been flying all the day – We have had a dress parade in the evening without music – the band was used up at Gettysburg – I send you herewith a copy of my first correspondence with Corps Hd Qrs the real ground of difficulty – In which I think you will agree that I get the better on the matter – the point raised of my having any idea of disobeying is a perfect myth – I sent the men before I sent my letter and took care that there should be no pretext of any actual disobedience but so the General would have found if he had inquired but I think he preferred to make the inference from the papers when he found I had put them in such a form that they would be surprised at the Hd Qrs of the Army of the Potomac – Ignorance is sometimes convenient when the knowledge is early obtainable I am very glad however to be done with quarreling with a superior and Commanding Officer. there are other matters in which some collision may arise but I think I shall go through all of them without difficulty The danger of immediate attack seems to be over from the orders we have lately received – I suppose they are waiting to hear from Rosecrans & Grant – I believe Lee may be stronger than we are at this moment but dare not advance or try any extended operations which carry him far away from his commissariat…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 6 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35