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):

Head Qrs Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock St

Tuesday 18^th August 1863

Dear Wife

We have to day moved our Camp about 5 yds out of the wood across the railroad and are now above and West of it on a little hill which slopes in all directions out front is nearly parallel to the RRd towards the SW – Although there are but six or seven trees on this knoll which is nearly Covered with our tents we are well situated on higher ground than formerly with a better arrangement of the Camp – tomorrow night will be the conjunction of the Moon with Venus Jupiter and Saturn – an unusual thing as they are the three brightest planets all now nearer to the moon than they are likely to be for many days to come. We are ordered to day to draw knapsacks which as men don’t care to carry much clothing in such weather we suppose to mean that we shall have to carry an extra supply of rations – We are very much in a muddle as to where we are going and don’t understand why we don’t hear from Charleston (or rather why the papers are so quiet about It We think it will fall but now quite so soon as has been predicted perhaps not for three or four months yet…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 18 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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 Station Virg

Head Qrs 121^st Reg P.V.

August 17. 1863

Dear Wife

I again write my daily letter to you trusting it will meet you in health and happiness with your children – the day has passed as usual – hot during most of the day but a cool breeze towards evening I had a violent toothache to day which pained me a good deal I walked a mile or two from Camp to keep myself and quiet finally with the Doctor’s assistance with some chloroform I am now Comfortable The 1^st Corps is still here – tomorrow it is my notion that we may get orders to move somewhere but none have Come as yet I was very much pleased with dear Aleck’s letter, I think it is excellent practice to accustom children early in life to describe in simple colloquial good English what they have seen which is worthy of notice and in the dear boy’s letter I perceive evidence of memory and not a bad selection of words…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 17 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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:

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV

Camp at Rappahannock Sta Virg

Dear Wife August 16, 1863

Today I sent you in an envelope which will be left to private hand at Uncle Harry’s office $300. – and wrote you a short note. I to day rec’d from the Paymaster as due me for the months of March April May June July $720.90 I have written to Tom to charge my account with this amount and to credit Profit & Loss on the books of TB & Co with the same – After paying my just debts and keeping about $100 by me – the $300 which I send to you was all that remained which you are to use just as you please God bless you would that anything I can do would make you happy with all your cares and troubles – I shall be your lover I know to the end of my days – more So as rolling years confirm your worth and excellence – Troops have been moving by us – pontoons have been taken up and we are informed that we should keep a bright lookout for ourselves – the position is a strong one as far as regards our front although part of our force is on the other side of the river – the river is narrow deep and rapid between steep but not very high mud banks. I put an American flag inside for the little ones which I hope will please them.

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV.

Camp at Rappahannock Sta

August 16. 1863

Dear Wife

I enclose $300 of my pay rec’d today for your use Do what you please with it –

To day was pay day I am paid up to 1^st August One of the men was here a few moments since with a letter contg $130 misdirected to Bishop G Brown of Roman Catholic Cathedral – there is no such Bishop there and the man was saved by the mere accident of bringing his letter to Head Qrs from losing it all – – He sends it all to his bishop to be deposited in the Church saving fund and asks him to say a mass for him and deduct the cost – I thought I would mention it to you as it shows how the care of money on one hand and Auricular Confession on the other give a great hold over the uneducated –

I expect to write again to night if we do not march – Many troops have gone back as usual we either advance first or remain last Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 16 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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:

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

August 15, 1863 Saturday

Dear Wife

Today we received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at short notice – We have been speculating as to where we would be likely to go to. – The lower pontoon bridge below our Camp was taken up and passed by our Camp going up the RRd Several Squadrons of Cavalry with horse Artillery also passed by us going in the same direction We hear that some of our troops have already gone to Alexandria believed to be on the way to Charleston and the Regulars who we understand under the opinion of the Attorney General that they can not have their rank filled from the Conscription but only by enlistment – have also gone – the pickets are out as usual and every thing is quiet – To day We had several little partridges in our camp – looking like a miniature young chicken and very tame – We also saw a bug look or caterpillar looking very like a dried leaf – I enclose a Confederate postage stamp from one of their Camps there is a sort of notion with some that we may move towards Falmouth and some of our orders looks a little like it but I hope it is not so. – We must however be content with what is ordained and trust our heavenly father’s mercy to carry us in safety through it all…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 15 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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):

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV

August 14, 1863 Friday

Dear Julia

Just as the sun goes down after a storm of lightning & thunder has been threatening us with its usual succession of rain I begin my daily pleasure of writing you a few lines the greatest happiness I have is in dwelling in thought on you and ours – Do you know what this is above – It is a very comfortable arm chair made out of a flour barrel after it has been emptied – the hoops are first nailed to give it firmness and there it Is But as above and a seat made out of the top of a cracker box it makes in this way a seat writing table and box for stores (usually bottles) I sketched it for the children – One of the men to day caught a partridge, he hit it with a stone and so captured it – the day has passed as usual quietly – I have sent out 35 men for picket duty on the other side of the river the usual detail from out regiment for the next 48 hours – this sums up a bulletin of today’s affairs except that we get a ration of fresh bread to day – which I don’t think I have seen for a week…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 13 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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):

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock Station

August 13^th 1863 Thursday

Dear Julia

I have your letter of 10^th inst. It is a great delight to me – because in it you speak so much more naturally of Uncle which encourages me in the hope that he is entirely himself again Today our Colored boys Caught a Scorpion as they called it looking something similar to this – it had feet a triangular head – bit pretty fiercely and was striped down the back with long bands of beautiful dark blue with interweaving stripes of yellow – You may find it in Goodrich, let the children hunt it up, they all deemed it poisonous – it was the first one that I had seen – How kind it is in Uncle to think of such a Coat for me You must thank him for me he is always so very very good for me and mine. I was very glad to hear of your doing anything for poor Wilcox – I am most heartily sorry to hear of his illness but trust he may improve – he was always so amiable and gentle in all his relations that I have got to like him much – remember me to his family and his brother if you have a chance…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 13 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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:

Head Qrs 121^st Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

August 10. 1863 Monday

Dear Wife

I again seize a few moments to write to you my beloved, We have had another very hot day – Without much air but get along pretty well not withstanding – the worst of our situation and indeed of everything in Virginia is the want of really good water. The Colonel has been out pretty much all day as Corps Field Officer and has had a very hot time of it – In the evening I rode a few miles down the road with the Doctor – The different Army Corps hold pretty much the whole Country down to Fredericks by I hear that some of the Cavalry have been with Falmouth again and that our troops hold all the fords but this is mere rumor – the Conscripts are beginning to arrive and soon will become pretty good soldiers if they can stand this weather – We have not had any as yet but I suppose may soon expect some – I hope my next will be from you at the Sea Side and I also hope and trust We may hear of Success at Charleston – should we be so bless I should then think an early peace might soon follow – How joyous that would be to me Could I come home to you…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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;

August 9^th 1863

Beloved Wife Today I got your letter of 6^th inst. Don’t tell me that you feel as if your letters must be plagues to read – they are what I live on and long for the brightest dearest intercourse I have on earth. – You don’t know what pleasure dear Harry’s and little Jules Comments give me – I partially sent those papers because I thought you might like to see them not that I thought anything of the endorsement of the General beyond its being a gracious refusal to support my paper. I think you may have trouble in the Railroad and Cars with the little ones you will have to keep a good look out for them and at the sea side, I shall be very glad if you Can induce Br Clem to go with you although he will perhaps add to your cares Give my love to Mollie when you see her I thought to day when I read of your seaside trip of Gettysburgh – It was what I came into the Army for that You and our dear ones might live in serenity and peace at home and to find that you had resumed your usual current of thoughts of sea side health giving breezes was a pleasure after the thoughts which you must have experienced last July – I heard of a Quaker House Scattergood’s at Atlantic City described as a very good one – something like the Sair’s house of olden times –

I think I shall soon send you a copy of the Division Report of our Gettysburgh fight – I am of opinion that the first day was perhaps the fiercest struggle in open field of the war and think time will show it – Today Major Knox of the 10^thPenna Came over to our Camp – Speaking of the battle he referred to the Action of his Corps which in reserve came into action carried everything before it on the 2^d or 3^d day as so different from the previous experience of battles when he had been in the front line which got used up in fighting without supports – thank you for the stamps beloved remember me to Emily I am glad to see her nephew had done so well at the Point – I was told today that people at Atlantic City had to wear overcoats on account of the Cold Here we almost melt without doing anything – God bless and preserve you my beloved – You need not trouble yourself about provisions for me among your many cares Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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:

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappa- Station

Saturday August 8. 1863

Dear Wife

I have today been anxiously expecting a letter from you but have not been rejoiced to get one as I had hoped I trust you may not be unwell which would grieve me greatly and fill me with alarm but I trust God in his mercy who has so favorable regarded us may still continue his blessings and keep you and my dear little ones in health and safety – I enclose a little sketch made this afternoon whilst looking out of my tent Of one of our soldiers lying on his bed which had been raised from the ground since the heavy rain – At night he lowers the front part of the tent which then shelters him on both sides, I think it is clear enough to amuse the children his coffee pot and cup on top was placed on some boards under the bed with his haversack and accoutrements – his fire you will perceive is burning close bye – his gun against the tree and his towel hanging out to dry – his Coat and blanket are underneath him – I believe we will remain here for some time to come perhaps two or three weeks or until cooler weather it is indeed very hot. – I am very anxious to have an end of my military connection and indeed can hardly think a warmer advocate of peace Could be found saving always no compromise with rebellion – Tell me anything that you may hear about any of our poor fellows – they well deserve all care that can be taken of them in their wounded condition (sick men sometimes sham) the others of course cannot do so Tell me any news you have and tell me particularly about dear Uncle I don’t know what to do with Myself – Could I do So I would leave the Army at once – Let us always trust our heavenly father in his purposes of goodness and mercy and accept whatever we receive at his hands in Submission. hoping that we may soon meet again in happiness not to separate

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 8 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34

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):

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

August 7, 1863 Friday

Dear Julia

We are still in Camp at the same place I am writing to you in the evening after having endured a very hot day ending in the evening with a heavy rain storm with thunder and lightning which nearly flooded the Camp but it soon cleared off the rain soaked into the ground and the air became pleasant and cool – We do not know how things are to be but there seems something of a prospect of our remaining here for some time – Will you send me some sheets of Emery paper in the bag I asked you to prepare say ½ a dozen – You can get them at Henry’s 9^th & Market Sts – How glad I should be if I could go and get them with you I am very anxious for good news from Charleston – I think success there would pretty nearly break up opposition to the Union Cause – Tell me all about our chickens – I was lying on my bed today looking over your photographs and wondering if my darlings were much changed – the eventful scenes of our late campaign seem to have given to the elapsed time a longer effect than reality should produce. I trust our separation will soon be over and I may be permitted to retire into private life – I long to see you all again…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 7 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34