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

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