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 (excerpt):
Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.
Camp near Belle plains Virg
April 2nd 1863
Dear Julia
I have just returned from a review of our Corps by Hooker – about 9 Oclock this morning the day very windy and notwithstanding the late rains dusty We got an order to be on brigade drill ground preparatory to a review by Reynolds at 10. – hardly had the proper order been issued when an order Came to form on the brigade ground at 9 O’clock it was then 20’ past the time. Chapman who had a little cold and who still has to be careful left me in Command – the battalion was put under arms and we marched immediately I was on the ground about 20 minutes before any other regiment – we after a good deal of fussing (Our Brigadier General being absent of special duty to day) took up our line of march for the Review ground about a mile distant – got there in good time and bye and bye General Doubleday Reynolds the 2nd Brigade and all others took their places – it required some little fussing and some very funny orders from Aids who did not comprehend the meaning of their messages to get us all as the General desired it was finally effected – but at last it was all right – General Hooker and his staff at last appeared – General H on a white horse and rode at a pretty smart gallop along the lines of the Artillery on out tight and then along and in rear of our brigade And then around the 2nd brigade – took his place at the flag fixed and we marched past in review – I think our little regiment looked very well I was very much pleased with it after it was all over.
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letters signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 2 April 1863. Rush IV:30:30