January 3, 1864: Alexander Biddle letter to Julia 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 at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Camp Near Culpeper Virg

January 3^rd 1863

Dear Wife

I have your letters of 31st ulto & 1^st Jany and have done as you directed – Dear Wife don’t worry about thinking aloud to me. I always put letters in the fire for I have constantly before me the chances of War and a correspondence laid open to what inspections which I would not have appear in public papers. So what I don’t think of absolute necessity to preserve I destroy – thank you for the advertisement – the slip is cut a little crooked – Is the new firm – Thos: Biddle & Co or Thos Alex Biddle & Co I don’t think Tom has any right to the first style – It should now be extinguished. As no one of that name exists in it and the old firm is dissolved. Tell me how this is if you can without applying to Tom. I perfectly agree with you after what has transpired that my Course was the right one and also that you and Uncle have advised me well. How strange it it that Tom should have such a feeling as jealousy of a man whose life has been in such peril as mine has and yet is – with poor Harry gone too – I think Mr H is mistaken in that view – it can hardly be – I know Tom is of a jealous nature and I would not be surprised if the being a Lieutenant Colonel at the distance he looks at it may seem to him an exaltation for myself I don’t look at it in that light – I have enjoyed enjoyed – how strange the term writes the honors and the perils and prefer much the domestic fireside…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 3 January 1863 [i.e. 1864] Rush:IV:31:01