December 18, 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:

December 18, 1863

Camp near Paoli Mills, Culpeper County, Virg, Friday, December 18, 1863

Dear Wife

I hear tonight that a bridge over Bull Run was cut or burnt down last night by Moseby’s men and that one train ran off or in the cut and the passengers towards Washington captured – we fear that our asst surgeon who went home in the train as we believe was captured but we hope. Today has been exceedingly muddy but it has been gradually clearing up and the afternoon ended with a beautiful sunset a cloud with silver and golden lining just above the horizon’s edge and the whole earth. Russet with its rays shining across the surface of the earth. – We had an inspection today of men arms and quarters and I think a pretty good one – We hear again that the Rebel Cavalry have captured some 250 men at Nokesville and about 75 at Catletts – Genl Ayres who relieved our brigade told our brigade QM – that we must be a slow set to be trouble by guerillas – Our little brigade lost but one man and sent up some 13 to Washington – In these facts you perceive who erred in judgment – I fear that my last letter to you has gone to Richmond, I have not yet been able to send in my papers to Head Qrs but only want to make another issue of arms to be ready to do so I feel very lonely and doubtful of success in getting through my papers – in short may [illeg.] the prospect of seeing you but I trust Providence has that blessing in store for me at an early day You do not, cannot know how the sweet faces of our wee ones often come before me – dear little Harry’s dark eyes I can see in my mind’s eye shining right upon with Aleck’s trusting bright face and Julia’s roguish intelligence It seems a blessing kept from me unnecessarily to be with them but I trust under Providence that it is for some wise purpose and all for the best – Tom has not replied to me as yet as far as I know for no letter has been received I did think I might come home on a leave of absence but even that seems to be far distant I can hardly think of that until I know the fate of trying to finish my resignation through – Good night dear wife May God in his mercy watch over and preserve us and lead us in peace and happiness to each other again – Give love to the little ones dear Uncle and all at home Your loving husband A.Biddle

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 18 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38