January 5, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

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 (excerpt):

Head Quarters 121^st Reg P.V.

Camp near W O Ch’ch Jany 5, 1863

Dear Wife

I wrote you a few hurried lines this morning just as I returned to camp from Court Martial and found we had orders to march at short notice three days rations in haversack and a further supply in wagons – whether this means another crossing of the river or a march towards Washington I of course can’t tell. Your bag by Hollond was very acceptable. I am quite set up by my new hat which is exactly the thing I wanted. About half an hour after I received the bag Chapman who had also received a tin bucket with two turkeys said to me “Major have you got a sugar plum” whereupon out came Emily’s box and saving your nice box of dried fruits which have figured conspicuously on several occasions we had a little Christmas sugar plum feast. I also gave to Hall who is suffering a little some of your Horehound Candy and at dinner we had nuts raisins black cake and cream made out of condensed milk . At least for one day we had a grand feast. I am full of goodies as ever was a spoilt child at Christmas. We are all very anxious about the news from Rosecrans trust it may be a success whilst sorrowing for the loss of Rosengarten our orderly Sergeant of Company A – last year – one endeared by many soldierlike qualities to all who knew him – whose success as a soldier is spared I have often prophesied and his rapid use from the rank has shown that I was not mistaken. I fear that our success there is only partial but hope all will come out right if it is a success it has been gained with a fearful loss of life.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.5 January 1863. Rush:IV:30:27