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 Reg P.V.

Thursday 6^th August 1863

Camp at Rappahannock Station

Virginia

Dear Julia

I again send you my daily word of this the day of Thanksgiving to our heavenly father for the aid he has in mercy extended to our cause and suffering Country. May we receive it it with humility and strive in all things to do his righteous will according to the word he has given to guide us upward to a better day. There was divine service in the 2^d Brigade some 4 miles off – having no chaplain we were left to ourselves – We had in the evening all the vocalists among our officers to sing at Brigade Head Qrs – they sang – The Sword of Bunker Hill – Korner’s battle prayer – Annie Laurie, Star Spangled banner – Home Sweet home Red White blue Old hundred – All with great effect – I think you would have been pleased at the sight – Our tent looped up all round two lights burning on the grass about ten yards in front – the Officers gathered on camp stools around with the little knots and clumps of men lying at the roots of the tall trees which surround our quarters made a very picturesque scene – the singing was exceedingly good – One of the singers had been a member of a professional glee club and his good voice aided the singers very much…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 6 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 Sta.

August 5^th 1863

Dear Julia

I write to you again to day after a hot spell as usual but without any occurrence of note to mention

I have had to day a rather spicy correspondence with some of my Commanders which I feel unusual at but thinking I am right am indifferent about the results – this hot weather seems to stir up the bile in every body and complaints and remonstrances are rife.

This afternoon one of our Captains who expects to be discharged soon on account of illness had been at work removing the charge from a shell he thought of taking home with him – he had gotten as he thought all the charge out of it and put it into the fire to cleanse it fully – he succeeded in doing so for the charge went off and nearly exploded the shell with a louder report than a musket fortunately it did not explode Another of those extraordinary instances of folly which sensible men are sometimes guilty of – for the Capt is a very clever man – I have written these few lines beloved to advise you of my daily actions May God bless and preserve you and all of us to a happy reunion at an early day – Love to dear Uncle and to dear Aleck Harry Julia and Sweet Louis May our heavenly father keep and preserve you and lead us all in his righteous paths for many years of mutual happiness

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 5 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)

Tuesday August 4^th We have remained in the same place to day the weather very hot – as hot as possible – We have heard some distant firing of Artillery every day – this afternoon it was nearer and shells Could be seen exploding about 3 miles off – towards night it became quiet – We had a light shower and some lightning and thunder – We don’t comprehend what movements are on foot – indeed if any are – and are not anxious for any unusual exertion in such weather – I have had great reason to be thankful for the mercies of health and protection extended to me by our heavenly father and I trust in his good providence that they will soon result in an honorable return to my beloved wife and children never more to leave them and our good Uncle I cannot conceive why the Rebel leaders should so pertinaciously cling to their broken hopes – it must be evident to them that they are placing themselves daily in a far worse position as their forces are broken – than they would be if they were to be conciliatory now may our heavenly father incline all our hearts to justice towards our foes if he should please to give success to our cause – God bless you my beloved Wife Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 4 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)

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

Monday August 3^rd 1863

Dear Wife

I have had nothing to tell you to day. We heard this morning that the Rebels were advancing that they had a battery in position – then that the Cavalry had gone out and they had withdrawn Some distant firing was occasionally heard towards the West – the Railroad Bridge was Completed and the two pontoon bridges I am told taken higher up the stream and relaid – I presume we will soon know what all this means – the day has been very very hot but We have not been uncomfortable –

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 3 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 P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

August 2^d 1863

Dear Julia

This morning We marched from our camp in the RRd gathered up our posts and passing Bealton’s Came here we crossed the river remained for a short hour in a very hot close wood then marched back over the river halted under the shade of the trees on the river bank gave the men an opp to bathe and at night fall came into Camp in a wood whence I write on march to day was by far the hottest and most trying I have ever felt – the sun perfectly broiling all the time – I hardly know how we got through – the 142^d had 3 cases of sunstroke but we escaped without any – and why we marched at all I think may well be asked I don’t believe any body can gave any sort of reason – In short – I don’t admire Gen’l Rowley’s Conduct – I see no indication of thought unless for the condition of his command…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 2 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 in the fields, line of Orange

& Alex RR, Saturday August 1. 63

Dear Julia

We are still at the same place – This morning We received orders to guard the whole line from Warrenton Junction to Rappahannock Station about 10 miles We have three blockhouses each manned by 30 men and 10 men on the road for every mile there is a fourth block house also garrisoned late to night

In posting our guards to day we had to ride some 10 miles in as hot a day as I ever experienced and I was indeed very glad when it was over. We got everything done which was required We are anxiously awaiting news from Charleston which we trust will be good for our Cause and so far it seems promising – I write these few lines late at night the moon shining brightly – and beautifully having within the last hour heard My Maryland, Dixie – When this Cruel War’s Ended played by one of the Brigade Staff close bye with much gratification – I say gratification if anything Can be gratifying to such unfortunates who would be so glad to come home again – but such necessity forbids – If it should please Providence to grant us success in the next issue of battle – I would think the war nearly over I see little hope for the South in that event – May his will be done and may we be kept in the righteous path always relying on his goodness and mercy, give love to dear Uncle and Kisses to all the Children – thank you dear Wife for the daguerreotypes – I only wanted them to give away to inquiring friends – God bless and preserve you and grant us a speedy restoration to peace and happiness at home Your loving husband Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 1 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 121st Regt P.V.
On the line of the Orange & Alexandria
RR between Warrenton Junctn & Bealeton
Friday July 31st 1863

Dear Julia

Yesterday we marched to this point after breaking Camp at the Junction and Came to relieve our second Brigade – we are now guarding the RRd between the two points above named – having squads of the men and a Corporal about every 150 Yds along the road with some increased force at the bridges and Culverts – In our whole brigade there are not more than 185 muskets and we therefore have to leave them all on guard at the same time – With this little force we relieved the guards of three regiments each one of which had more men for duty than our whole brigade – After taking up the positions as we marched along we stopped about 1/3 of the distance between the stations and I went on with the numbers of men that were Assigned to relieve the posts below – through some mistake there was a whole regiment below where my last post reached which had to be relieved and I had to go back –report the fact and go out and post the men after night fall.  this I did on foot and marched down the railroad over some awkward bridges and culverts on wet logs (it had been raining) after night but we got through at last and connected with the Division below us.  the night was moonlight and although cloudy not unpleasant as we walked back, getting into quarters about 11 Oclock at night or a little after – we were (Hall & myself) well pleased to get a change of clothing and water after our sharp walk of some 8 or 10 miles–To day the 31st passed without anything material to note –it has been very hot and between fitting up our tents, washing garments –providing a place for our meals &c&c we have been tolerably busy–Late in the afternoon towards sundown we rode along our line and saw that all was right.  We hear various rumors some of our troops going to Charleston –some of possible operations against the enemy supposed now to be divided but a soldier knows little until he begins to move…

You cannot conceive of the state of devastation which this district presents – it seems almost as if it had been the dwelling place of bygone ages – a few untenanted houses, several chimnies which mark the site of former dwellings – but no inhabitants – Some few are found in the neighborhood who sell some chickens eggs &c to soldiers and who are robbed by others –but I have not seen any of them…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 31 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

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 121st Regt P.V.
Camp near Warrenton Junctn Virga
Wednesday July 29th 1863

…

Thursday 30th –We had a rainy night last night but to day is bright & clear – If you think of it send me a very small spool of black silk when you send the box (I should say bag) – If the bag is not full (which I think it will be) put Gray’s Botany in it – I sometimes find a plant I would like to identify – From the papers of Philada it seems to us that the Blue Reserves  Grey Reserves  – 20th Regt & Citizens of Philada – have resolved themselves into a mutual admiration Society.  We were very glad to find so much spirit and alacrity shown by them, for they really had a moral effect on the rebels – and deserve great credit for their efforts – but We have not heard of any injury sustained by them except in Landis’ battery beyond a few wounded – We wonder if they ever think at home of the regiments which have born such fearful losses for the protection of our firesides – the public sympathy never appears to dwell on them.  I do think that Chapman Biddle – Ellmaker – Langhorne Wister – Lyle – Prevost  c&c&c deserve consideration for their gallantry quite as much as those whom our Citizens seem to cover with flattery – The mail carrier is waiting to take the letters  Good bye beloved.  God bless and preserve you and all at home and grant us a speedy return to each other.
Your loving
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 29 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

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 121st Regt P.V.
Camp at Warrenton Junctn
Tuesday 28th July 1863

Dear Wife
…

We have been here in quiet all to day expecting orders which have not however come to us –  A circular from Army corps Head Qrs directing all resignations and applications for leaves of absence to be refused has just gone round.   Most of the Army is near us and something I think is contemplated– If Meade has been strongly reinforced he might do something and French’s 8th Corps has I believe been absorbed by others.   Please send me a whisk for brushing clothes.  I must bother you much by all these small requests because I put them down so haphazard but I set them down as they occur to me–I am very anxious to hear from Charleston and hope our success may be certain there – if so – I think we may have a reasonable hope under the will of Providence of an early termination of the war – Clem and poor Johnny Biddle must have suffered much – the trial of the march to new troops who always overload themselves is very great – if I were to organize a new regiment I would say to them Carry nothing but your blanket your shelter tent and a pair of stockings for thirty days they could do very well with this and I should try to make the Quarter Master more frequent with clothing supplies – Our old soldiers laugh very much about the new troops – their want of crackers – their marches &c&c but they complained in the same way at first – there is a class of grumblers who appear to have a sort of irony about them.  One poor fellow of our Co A – named Cornwell, shot at Gettysburg I hope not fatally, was noted for it  – when the men used to be grumbling about being over marched – driven to death &c&c he used to say–he wouldn’t stop if they wanted to – he had got so used to it he didnt want to – if any body wanted rations they might have his for he wouldnt eat till he got back – with the energetic language of an old soldier he used to make them rather laugh at the grumblers than show them any pity – at the same time out grumbling them all – yet marching at the head of his company–I asked Dorr to get me some things – if you see him tell him my insignia are those of a Lieutenant Colonel now – the silver leaf. – We are in Camp just SW of the Warrenton Junctn and NW of the Orange & Alexandria just close to the Junction.  the Cars are constantly running with troops and materials – part of the pontoon train is here, why we do not know – we hear rumors but dont know what is true and untrue.  I try to keep cheerful but am very homesick indeed when my sense of duty, my pleasure, my interest all say to me you should be at home – it is very hard to be restrained – moreover it is by no means pleasant in a day of battle to say to oneself “you have no right to be here now” – whatever your views were a year ago – so it is – so it has been with me – but it has so far pleased God to be merciful to me and Keep me in hopes that through my trust in him and his saving mercy that I may be restored to you and my beloved ones at home…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 28 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33

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 121st Regt P.V.
July 27, 1863
Camp at Warrenton Jntn

Dear Julia

I have written you a long account of the Gettysburg battles as regards our participation in them – Keep it with the letters I have sent to you – I have been doing nothing all today – the regiment has Come in from picket and we expect to march probably towards Bealeton tomorrow– I dont exactly comprehend present operations– I think Meade had better be prudent and take up positions where he will invite attacks – if he Can get the rebels to do so he will beat them always  the history of the war waged near the Potomac has been pretty much that the attacking party failed when there had been deliberate preparation on both sides– How I wish it was over and we Could hope for peace and an early settlement.  You see what a mistake I have made at the foot of the sheet from the dim light I now write it – I trust we may be Kept and guided by our heavenly father in all our trials and lead again to peaceful days and pursuits in his fear and favor – Give love to dear Aleck – I think the natatorium  a very good place for him if some trustworthy person is always with him.  he is an impulsive adventurous little body and I fear will gain his experience with some rash adventures – which I have hoped to be enough with him to enable him to avoid and hope God may grant me permission through his bountiful mercy to be the means of helping you in training up our little ones.  Good bye dearest and best of wives.  I trust Uncle is again perfectly restored to health and strength.  Give love to him and say how often I think of you.
Your loving husband
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 27 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33