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)
Transcript:
Friday 19th Dec ‘62
Camp Near White Oak Church
Dear Julia
I send you these few lines just to say that I am well I sent yesterday by Clam Barclay my walet and wrote to Tom
Yesterday Thursday 18th we moved from the Camp to which we marched on Tuesday 16th and where we remained on 17th last night was exceedingly cold and to day we have moved about 300 yds into the woods. We are all pretty well but hope some sensible counsels will prevail at Washington – this battle we think a [Stauntons?] and Halleck Sacrifice and totally unnecessary
We hope the next will be more successful
Love to Uncle Children and brothers
I shall write as soon as I get a little more settled but am now boiling water for tea and eating your sausage and toasted crackers for dinner.
When you send me any packages put a few raw onions in along with other things
We feel disheartened because we hate to think of winter quarters – but for no other cause A more spirited army never was so foolishly exposed – and they will be ready again when required
Good by beloved wife Remember me always in your prayers to him who alone gives me safety in this world and in the next
Your loving husband
Alexander
Send me any interesting newspaper which attracts your attention – An occasional Harpers Weekly or Monthly
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 19 December 1862. Rush:IV:30:26