February 3, 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 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 Quarters 121^st Regt P.V.

Camp near W O Church Virg

February 3^rd 1863

Dear Julia

I yesterday evening got your letter of 28^th Jany. It seems that you had not then received the long narrative of our muddy march I hope you have got them since

I have no greater pleasure than that of writing to you but I feel as if a general tone of monotony not to say stupidity must pervade my correspondence everything has so much of that character here – The day is very sharp and Cold freezing all the time although the sun shines brightly – the wind is blowing fiercely but we are comfortable before a good fire in our Cabin – I have to day written a few lines to Chapman to tell him not to think of coming back he should get entirely and perfectly well first – There is much talk of the Reserves going to Washington but I hardly thing we shall go with them – It will however change our Brigadier if we stay we have already had six since we have been in service The operations of the Army are of necessity postponed for some months – whilst this weather lasts unless indeed Hookers adventurous sprint should devise some scheme of action which however I doubt I sometimes think that the Rebels think of giving up Richmond and a little success at Charleston or on the Mississippi would soon cause them to relinquish it. If any move is made I hope we will choose ground of our own to fight on – that seems to me the great advantage the Rebels have they always fight battles in selected positions – we attack the positions they select hence they always have a great advantage – I wrote to you a letter yesterday and with nothing much to say write for the mere pleasure of thinking by so doing I draw a little bit nearer to you Today I have been contributing to a sword for Genl Reynolds a compliment from the Reserves and they come to us to help it through – to which we willingly assent – Give love to the dear little ones for me – If you have a little spare room in your bucket send me two (2) stout white woolen undershirts 36 inches round the chest – the thickest you can find – I want nothing else in my supply is just a little short

Dear Wife I trust it may soon be permitted that I may return home to you and hope when it does come it will never be to part again – Our dinner is on the table, the Lt Col says let us sit down while it is hot – I concur and therefore close these hasty lines – Your Loving

Alexander

Love to Uncle and all at home

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 3 February 1863. Rush IV:30:28