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 Qrs 121st Regiment PV
Camp near White Oak Station
January 14, 15 1863
Wednesday
Dear Julia
I have returned from Court Martial where I have been disposing of one Case this morning. Lambdin is sketching the Colonel as I write the day is fine and there is some talk of a movement and crossing the river. I fear that movements now at any considerable distance from the river will be rather ill timed but it may have the effect of holding the rebel force here whilst operations are going on in the west. Your box per Adams Express has not yet made its appearance – I would not trust much to that association unless you are told so by me – packages that come by them are often broken open and plundered so our men find them – As they are prepaid it seems they trust to luck for their owner getting them after reaching any Gov’mt. landing. The day has passed very monotonously, as all our days now do – Our Lieut Col has gone to Washington to be back next Saturday. We are in the regiment of pretty good health and the Colonel seems very much himself again I sometimes think in writing to you about sending things that you must think me very greedy but everything connected with home is the cheers and refreshes us amazingly I have no idea that we shall have any relief from duty this winter but suppose it will be a steady dragging on of the same stupid life we now lead….
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle.14 January 1863.