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):
Camp near Belleplains
Virg
Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.
April 22d 1863. Wednesday
Dear Julia
A few moments since I rec’d your letter of 16th inst. My lovely and lovable wife you have been again in your patient gentle way putting up with annoyance for my sake which I would not have had you endure even for a single moment. You have been partially victimized by Annie Campbell’s humbuggery. I have been so accustomed to hear and disregard her good reasons for being made uncomfortable that it never occurred to me in what a different light she would appear to you in my absence. – I don’t want you to try again. Accept Uncle’s irritation by all means and you need have no reason for it except that you intend to do that next winter What a blessing it is to always have such a kind friend as Uncle in time of need – I sent you a letter to Uncle’s house 712 Walnut St by Mr Stone containing $800 which is all for yourself to do anything with you please it always does give me great pleasure to think that I can in any way do anything which can promote your comfort or contribute to any feeling you wish to indulge it – I suppose after you get it you will for a little while feel independent of any one except Uncle. Tell Uncle I so heartily wish I was with him and you – little Eugene Adolph or Tom you must make a choice is a beautiful little picture – he evidently intends that he shall be heard in this world to begin with he creates the impression on my mind of a fine thriving well to do little body who will soon want his Papa to keep him in order – the Papa is very anxious to begin early – and renew his acquaintance with Miss Jule Aleck Harry and Winny who love the dear [illeg.] house as he does…
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 22 April 1863. Rush IV:30:30
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