March 12, 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:

Thursday March 12^th 1863

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp near Belle plains

Virg

Dear Julia

With a slight feeling that I shall not be disturbed for the rest of the night I begin to write to you I have been so occupied and intercepted that when I desired of late to write to you I have not found that the little time I had permitted it. I am now alone with as regards the associates I had with me when I left home – the only one of Field & Staff remaining – the mercy which has followed me all the days of my life has preserved me thus far – may it still continue and restore me in peace to remain at home beloved with you – We have had lately a great deal of detailing ordering inspecting – notices to get ready &c &c &c hints at a march – supposed to be an expedition down to the lower end of this Peninsula – hints at moving towards some Southern Port &c – which come and go – the last I indeed do not want and hardly think it can be possible I have lately seen some of the new Colonels – Col Wister – Col Dana from Luzerne County near or at Wilkes barre – who is President of our Court and whom I have taken something of a fancy to Col Porter our Brigadier – a smooth tongued gentleman whom I have to day written one or two spicy letters to and find that he only transmitted to me Copies of orders he as Brigadier had received from Division Head Qrs I don’t know as yet that showing a little sensitiveness has done any harm I lately sent you a letter of Julias written in Toms behalf – it was to me a very curious epistle – it seemed to me to indicate that I could not place much reliance upon his aid in Case of Misfortune to myself – I now want to ask you if you have a large book with a statement of my various interests in property in it – also if I gave you my bundle of stacks or if I left them as I think most probable at the office…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letters signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 12 March1863. Rush IV:30:29