April 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 (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp near Belleplains Virg

April 3^rd 1863 Sunday

Dear Wife

To day I rec’d your letter of 2^nd and have been reading it over and over – I did not find the little fold of paper with darling baby’s hair until after I read it I then searched through my papers found the envelope of the old letter and the little bit of paper with the little sandy tress in it and kissed it again and again and again and put it in my purse next to my heart You wont choose a name what do you think of Adolph Ernest Eugene Julian – the third or any of these would please me – the two first are not quite so liquid & soft as the last two, they to my ear have a little more toughness but none the worse for that – the first I like – so the second So the third – Eugene signifies well born and I don’t think the little fellow could have a much better mama at least if there is such a one I have yet to know it – Adolph was the name of the Major of the Anderson troop who so nobly sustained its fame at Murfresboro when others quailed and shrank from duty – a little flattery dear wife and it is a real gratification to find that you hear pleasant things said of me, I am very glad to that it came from Fanny Cadwalader whom I have always liked exceedingly tho; as you know I have thought myself out of the good graces – George I hear is to take command of the second Army Corps before long and I also hear that Hooker was once on his staff in Mexico and I presume he will have a good deal of influence with him Charley C I believe is now on Hooker’s staff – For my part I am anxious that our regiment should be in fine order and a model if possible but we have had no chance – We left Philadelphia without arms without drill except that of a few Companies at Edgewood and have had no chance since except when actually in the field struggling against the elements and a short commissariat for comfort and substance – I have no desire for any more credit that the desire that in my sphere it should be clear that I have done my full duty and no influence can give me any other Consideration that I care for…

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