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:

Camp near Paoli Mills

Wednesday Dec 9^th 1863

Dear Wife

Today has passed quietly, in Camp we have been busy building chimnies putting up fire places environing our H. Qrs with evergreen pine fences making little walks of pine twigs and arranging as well as soldiers know how to make ourselves comfortable. Last night was again very cold with a heavy frost this morning but our wrappings kept us comfortable we have not heard any news to day from the front but sent out our share of men to picket. I believe that our cavalry outposts extend as far as the Rapidans. A Corduroy Road is in process of construction for about six miles but we think we may at any moment leave here as the Railroad is hardly able to convey returns enough for the army. I should not be surprised if one or two Corps should be sent some where else and the rest move Northward nearer to Kentsville. We are awaiting the result of the Colonel’s resignation paper it has gone up to Meade Approved but whether it will be accepted returned disappointed or forwarded to Washington puzzles us. I wish him success though. I fear it will add to my own difficulty in pushing my application through hereafter. Can you tell me if Frank Blair is in Washington and he is send me his address. I have been revolving in my mind writing to him. He might perhaps help me but I don’t much like to ask him. Yet I revolve at times all the different means I may find available and will pull the string which will open the door if anyone will the kindness to show it to me. I put herein an order for a waistcoat. Send it by Patrick to C. Stokes & Co under the Continental and have him pay for it get a bill & receipt and have it sent to 712 Walnut St. & then send it by mail to me well wrapped up. I find the mail very certain although it is perhaps expensive. This is Country of a great deal of natural beauty and there are some large residences which are surrounded by large estates. Some of the mansions destroyed and all the fencing I should think Virginia in spite of her well timbered land would find it very difficult to replace the fences destroyed by the Armies the land is now a region of stumps and wastes. I trust I may have some chance of getting nearer to you before long May. God in his mercy still watch over us and keep us to return to each other at an early day. Kiss my darlings Aleck Harry Julia Wilmer and Louis the beauty. Which last I hope I may soon be permitted to see in his new charms. Love to Uncle

Your loving husband

Alexander

Let Patrick pay Stokes & Co when he take the order and look out for the vest when ready

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp near Paoli Mills

Tuesday Dec. 8^th 1863

Dear Wife

Nothing from home to day. To day I rode round the picket line of the Corp with the Colonel connecting with the 2^nd Corps on the right and extending round to Kelly’s ford and the Rappahanock. We had a good deal of rough riding across Country and through pine woods in search of different Head Qrs but at last got the lines connected and rode from end to end of them. At the point where we struck the Rappahanock we came upon the Commencement of a battery on the top of a high hill in a position to enfilade the batteries we expected to Command the flats beyond Kelly’s ford when we last lay there. The work had apparently been just commenced and soon afterwards discontinued possibly because we had marched in the night. It took us from 10 0’clock in the morning until 4 O’clock in the afternoon to get round our tour of duty so you may suppose it was a pretty long ride. Today we have ascertained that Chapman’s resignation has been approved by Kenly and Newton. It now requires approval by Meade or the Department to go through. He will I think get it and then I shall be forlorn for although I shall beg I can hardly promise myself success after my repeated failures nevertheless I shall try and try again and try again and trust that Providence will grant me success. I hear to day that the regulars (the 14^th) who relieved us at Catletts had one of their pickets killed by guerillas the night after we were there, We feared they would experience some mischief from what we saw of them but I am sorry to hear of it. Last night it was very cold and I have just enough clothing to keep me fairly warm but have managed to do. I have been making preparations to send in my resignation papers and trust to hear of Chapman’s success and forward mine in a few days (I must wish him success whether I fail or not.) Sometimes think of writing to Frank Blair to see if he cannot help me but don’t much like so to do. If I didn’t succeed I intend immediately afterwards to ask for a leave of absence and trust one or the other will go through. I feel as if I have in many respects been very badly treated and shall be most heartily glad to quit the political army the moment I can. In the meantime I hope for the best and trust the Sovereign ruler of all good will so dispose events as to pass our wishes and still extend to us that mercy which has blessed our paths in life in so many countless ways. Send to the dear little ones my loved wife and to Uncle and all at home I almost think the children will be grown out of recollection should I soon see them.

Your loving husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 8 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp near Paoli Mills

Culpeper County Virg

Monday December 7^th 1863

Dear Wife

I wrote to you about our arrival here yesterday. We had an exceedingly cold night last night. The coldest I think that I have endured since I have been in the army. But to day the sun was warm and during the hours of midday it was comfortable. Every thing seems in a state of uncertainty. It would seem from articles in the northern press that there was a determination to force this army into a general conflict in opposition to the opinions and counsels of its leaders.

It is my belief that if Lee were to attack this wing at Centerville or indeed in any position which it would take up and deliberately intrench that he would be whipped. Lee has never met us in an ordinary field where we arrived without some previous preparations on either side without getting rather the worst of it

Now to what seems to be expected of us is to attack the best General of the South in a carefully selected position with every natural advantage strengthened by the skill and experience of the ablest and most practical officers of the Country the rebel position on the south bank and beyond the Rapidan is on the side of a range of hills approached over flat land at their base. A creek (Mine Run) winds along this base by means of dams made about five feet deep and much of its shores for a long distance converted into muddy marsh

On the slope of the hills beyond lines of felled trees with the points downward going side by side and across each other form the abattis which in itself might puzzle an active man axe in hand at his leisure to get through. Beyond are rebel breastworks with plenty of men well covered taking aim at any adversary on the plain beyond for a third of a mile, in the creek and beyond the abattis. In short the chances against our carrying such a position are about 20 to one against us without regarding the advantage they have in a well appointed artillery in well selected ground. If Halleck would try it just long enough to have his ears humming with the reception that awaits us I think we should hear no more of hesitancy on the part of our Generals or inactivity of the army or if he will undertake to take care of Washington and let this army go the road its Generals would like to take. The public would soon find as they have found when the orders from Washington were unequal to the emergency that it could save the country and move and fight as no army has ever fought before. This is my view and I think the feeling of the army. An Army to which nothing but the mercy of Providence and its inherent energy under its leaders has saved from the effects the repeated effects of Washingtons folly.

Please send me dear wife two five cent internal revenue stamps in your next letter. We are now waiting future events they are making a Corduroy road east and west along the front of the army and some think we may make another advance I think not under any reasonable leader. Some think that after remaining here a few days to give the rebels a chance to meet us. Which I think unwise that we will then move to the other side of the Rappahannock & I think it would be well to go a good deal further and recruit drill & reform fragmentary battalion for next year. I trust that Providence in his all wise decrees will yet have mercy in store of us and soon grant us a return of peace harmony and union and also may you and I and all the little ones so dearly loved be spared for many years of happiness with the dear Uncle. Good night dear wife may God bless you

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,7 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp near Paoli Mills

Dear Wife,

Here we are again south of the Rappahannock in a camp or collection of huts made of pine logs the winter quarters of North Carolina troops who were here two weeks ago. We are nearly due south of Rappahannock Station where the O&A RR crosses the river. Yesterday part of the fifth Corps which had been passing us on that and the previous day notified us that we were relieved by the them. General Ayers commanding Division and a General Guerard of Brigade taking our places and preparing to place brigades here. We had Regiments, the regulars troops the 14^th, to relieve us and we were not at all impressed with the excellence of their discipline. At our station where a shot day as night had been a signal of general attention. We heard the Regulars soon after their arrival firing their guns all hours and had during the night as many as five men prisoners in our guard enclosure belonging to the fifth Corps who were out of bounds after dark. Yesterday afternoon after being relieved we got under arms and marched to near Bealeton encamping near a grove in the open fields for the night. We pitched tents and got a comfortable rest considering the night was cold and came on at 7 o’clock this morning crossed the river on a pontoon bridge and have got to this point and are now in quarters but to [us not?] very comfortable ones. We hear bad stories told of the ordeals our men endure on the last march such as men being taken up by the ambulances who had been 36 hours with out food, of one man who gave 25¢ a piece for ten crackers and another who of offered $10 for some. This is strange is it not? When you see in the newspaper that the Army is provisioned for 13 days ahead, but so it is, both facts are true, but although the food has been issued the men have it not. They have for nearly two months been carrying from five to eight days rations on their persons. Those have gradually wasted to six, four, & so on and then filled up again so that they effect of carrying so large a quantity has been to waste and use up a small portion daily which waste now expresses itself in the absence of a certain number of days rations not in existence. We understand now that Meade’s head is to go off too and feel we must trust providence who has done so much for this Army to save us again to the peril which the administration thrusts upon with not the smallest chance of success expect through interposition of almighty power. The artillery in the recent march was often up to the hubs in mud and after a heavy rain or snow storm and thaws the results would make the Country almost impassable. The Rebels may attack us, will do so I think if Longstreet jams them but I trust the sovereign mercy which has hitherto extended its protecting power over us will still be mighty to guard and shield our paths. I look every moment for orders to march back and trust we may have them soon. Meade I hear has not heard from the Secretary at War for three days. Truly the cabinet has much to answer for in its shameful neglect of its forces. I almost believe Halleck to be our bane, a paper general who has never seen the works he would attack. I have that [J Blenmuc?] who has married a miss [Nadine Kolarchinnkoff?] or some such name whose father is worth 12 millions of dollars gives satisfaction thereby to his family. I hear too that the bride was destined for some Prince but she informed her Pa that Mr [C] had no need of money, then fell sick and Pa relented. Such is the tale. I don’t think he is as well off as I am however with the 12 million I only envy every one the happiness of being at home with her I love best. I had your letter describing Harry’s efforts at ratiocination. Dear little fellow would I could be with you all. I trust we may before long without any more military tomfoolery get into some quarters where we can prepare for the future and repair the damages of the past. May God in his mercy watch over us for guidance, fill our hearts and minds with feelings of devotion. Give love to dear Uncle and all my beloved ones.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 6 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp at Cedar Run Bridge

Dear Wife,

Yesterday passed quietly enough. One cavalry patrol captured two prisoners, one a private in the 4^th Virginia Cavalry [illeg.] in the [home?] of Clinton Columbus [Colvin?] He said he had been about on a 10 d furlough and got home the night before he was captured. His captain was a Randolph and his Colonel Wm Wickham. He was armed and was a good deal surprised. Told us the 1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Virginia were Lee’s brigade and that Stewart had about 8000 Cavalry but was pretty badly off for horse shoes. The other man had been wounded in the first Bull Run and was not entirely recovered yet. Yesterday we got orders to be ready to move and today are ordered to Paoli Mills on the other side of the Rappahannock but I think it very likely we should keep our positions on the Rappahannock. There seems to have been no result from all the late marching &c &c and not much fighting. The 5^th Corps which relieves us is passing by this morning and the officers tell us the rebel position was too strong to attempt it. There seems to be an idea that Longstreet has joined Lee and that we may in our future expect an advance of the Rebels, but I think the war force is pretty much over for the present, although there may be some affairs of out posts. Today is beautifully bright and clear and the ground firm and hard again. I am very anxious to get an opportunity to see you again and at the first halt I shall set to work to take measures to send in my new resignation. We suspect to march sometime today but it may not be for an hour or two yet. I do think the Gen has managed this army very badly. Constantly calling upon it to do impossibilities and fearing to permit its officers to adopt any plans of their own because Washington might be perilled. I hear that there is some disagreement between Meade & Newton. I have no confidence in Kenly and I think this is the feeling of the Division. How can an army do anything when its component parts are discordant? May God bless you dear wife and preserve you and all our dear ones, to long life health and happiness in this world and the next. Give love to uncle.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 5 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp at Cedar Run Bridge

Dear Wife,

We are still at this place although under orders to march to Rappahannock Station. The 11^th Infantry Regulars is encamped in a wood near by and General Ayres has his Head Qts in a wood on the other side of the road. Nothing unusual has occurred today [excepting] that the 5^th Corps has passed us to the different stations which it is ordered to guard. We are not yet notified of being relieved but expect to be so tomorrow. We are told by the officers of the Penna Reserves whom we saw today that the battle beyond the Rapidan did not amount to much except wading through mud we have seen nothing of the prisoners alleged to have taken and shot. We know now that nothing was effected. We understand it to be a program of Halleck’s carried out by Meade contrary to his wishes. We hear that they believe Longstreet has joined the Rebels and we also hear of an advance of the Rebs but we dont think much of that. I was in hopes again that the military power of the Rebs would have been entirely crushed in the late engagements. From our intercourse with the people hereabouts I began to think that they have a very different opinion of our Yankee Army from what they before have had. They all speak very strongly of their desire for peace and would I think be open Unionists if they thought they could maintain their position when our Army leaves the district. Yesterday we sent up to Alexandria an old Negro man and his family. On the same train his master went up as a captured guerilla, singular alternations from captivity to freedom and the reverse. Almost every day some poor Colored people come in and ask for passes on the Railroad which they almost always get. I today wrote to Washington taking a preliminary step about sending in a resignation which I intend today as soon as he got settled. I have a lot of hope that this Congress will settle the matter and that we will have a return to peace. May God grant that it may be so and that I may soon be permitted to return to you from the trammels of the Army. I do think it an outrage to keep an officer against his will without any command he is entitled to have, but what cant be cured must be endured. I am inclined to think that unless the Rebels make an advance upon us that the campaign is closed and I trust with it that the war will soon terminate. I hence a sort of hope that there will be a separate treating of Southern States on their own behalf. I think North Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, & Tennessee may clearly so act and then I should not be surprised at Virginia following. Good bye beloved. May God keep us all in his holy paths and fill are hearts and minds with the constant desire to do his holy will and hope that it be fully performed in us. Love to my dear little ones to him I trust I may be permitted to care for and aid you in bringing up into good paths. Give love to Uncle. Surely Philadelphia will be a strange city when I see it again after the slight glimpse I had of it in time [last?].

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 4 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp at Cedar Run Bridge

Dear Wife,

I today read your letter of 30^th Nov. and was glad to hear that you got the notes safe, in as much as we have lately heard of some pilfering of the mails. I do indeed recollect the “revering” occasion and the very roguish expression of a dear face which has always filled me with delight and joy would I could be with you again. We hear today that Meade’s Head Qs are at Brandy Station and the whole army is this side of the Rapidan, in other words we believe that Meade has pursued Lee to his lair who is afraid to meet him outside of his selected entrenchments. I am very anxious to have a detailed account of all that has been done. I think much of the plan of this army was arranged to get up political effect about the opening of Congress against Meade’s opinion as to practical results possible to be attained by his force. I hear today entre nous of a rumor of disagreement between Meade and Newton. The latter, though able enough has a vice, drink, which sooner or later will destroy him. He has never been confirmed as Major General by the Senate and there is a possibility of their not doing so, as he is not over popular. Now I surmise if the failing is not the cause, that a willingness to fight (the administration wishing it) might be considered a good card to show to induce its support and get the confirmation of his rank, but we will soon hear about it. In our Division General, Kenly, we have no confidence. I believe in case of difficulty he would never support us with a single man. Is not this a fine state to be in as regards one’s opinion of his commanders? I have seen so much low political juggling since I have been in the army, so much leaning on this great man or that one that I feel no desire to be under their influence or to use any except to get out of the service which I trust I may soon be permitted to leave. We today had the gambler tossed again in a blanket and half his head shaved; he has come down to be quiet and reasonable now. It is said he won 6000 by gambling which he had a few days before, so much out of the mouths of wives and children at home. We have everyday rumors of guerillas and at this moment as I write a fire is seen some distance beyond us towards the Rappahannock which we fear may be a part of the RR. We will hear before morning. You don’t know how pleased I was to hear about the children and the cake. I have entirely forgotten who Cook Margaret is although I dare say I should recollect her. The patrol tonight brought in three prisoners whom we believe to be poor innocent country people. We heard also of three mounted men having been seen and a party of twenty men or more. Dorr returned today with your letter. You can hardly conceive that satisfaction a few lines from you give to me, there is a poetry about them which seizes upon me and makes my mind turn homewards to all its joys and about all to me beloved wife. Oh may the time soon come when we shall get back to each other not to part again. I can almost fancy that I see Julia and Harry at the ginger bread. I see the alliance continues. Aleck will have to side with the younger ones to restore the equilibrium. I fear Miss Jule will be the family pirate roving at will and depredating on us all. Good night beloved, God bless and preserve you, the darling’s, dear Uncle, and all at home and grant us a happy meeting soon never to part.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 2 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38

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:

Camp at Cedar Run Bridge

Dear Wife,

I wrote to you yesterday evening. Last night we were informed shortly after midnight that a post at Kettle Run Bridge some five miles towards the Rappahannock had been surprised and captured. It proved to be so from later advices. The 20 men were guarding the bridge when they were approached about midnight by a band of rebels who moved quietly towards them. The sentry on the bridge tried to fire at them but his gun the first time did not explode the cap, the second time only exploded the cap so that he could give no warning. He then called for help. The rebels delivered a volley which awoke the men and caused them to get out the way in a hurry, some wading the creek, others gathering off in the darkness. Seven went to their camp When a new force arrived at the post it was found still in charge of the sergeant who had returned with seven other men who had got together and came back as soon as the rebels disappeared. After they got together the tents were well riddled with bullets. One man had a hole through his coat. The over coats lying on the ground were all carried off but the muskets were not. It is supposed that some more of the men will yet come in and that not more than three or four were carried off as prisoners. Today a man was arrested for gambling, he had a die in his pocket with a six on one side and fives on all the others. You would hardly suppose such transparent cheating could succeed but they say he has won a large sum of money and sent it away. He was punished by being tossed in fly (a tent covering) which is rather larger than any blanket. He was a big stout fellow about six feet high and the men seemed to enjoy it much. Some fourteen of them took it at a time and gave him a sling. Sometimes he would turn entirely over and the men who are like a set of children seemed quite tickled by it. I find that something ludicrous always has a good effect as a measure of punishment. Yesterday the cavalry patrol arrested some 6 or 7 persons living within two miles of the recent murder and they have all been on the point of going to Washington under guard but wives have been here today with their intercessions and they have prevailed. One a Mrs. Gibson Cutlet was a picture, the case of everyone was a real hardship. There was no virulence, but an expression of sympathy for the South; they had to choose between two sides, though all would like the old Unions. All had children, some very large families and aged parents and all expressed themselves openly against guerillas and murder. I think the diplomacy, the earnestness, that apprehension not to say the misery of feeling withal with much manifestation of womanly feeling and gentleness was a sight which was painfully interesting. She gained her cause and her husband and consequently not to let the little fish be kept when big ones were allowed to go all were allowed to go. They spoke of petitioning General Lee to do away with this system which only distressed them. I believe secession viragoism has about talked itself out and they now no longer assume that tone for it is only to their injury. One of our prisoners said he would hereafter come in and give notice when rebel scouts were about and Mrs. C spoke of Mosely and his men being worse than the worst marauders of either army. I got no letters from you today. The mail is rather irregular. We have nothing new from Meade. We read in the newspaper that part of the RR on the other side of the Rappahannock is taken up and that is about all we know. The day has passed clear and cold. We are all expectancy as regards the future thinking a move very probable, but know nothing. Good night dear wife. God bless and preserve you and lead us all to a happy reunion at an early day. Give love to Uncle and my beloved darlings.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Towards evening a Mr. and Mrs. Green from New York came into our lines. It seems they live at Falmouth and were now making an effort to get back. They left it last year and have had no chance as yet. A photographer too came who expects to bring his apparatus with him.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 1 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38