August 2, 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^st Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

August 2^d 1863

Dear Julia

This morning We marched from our camp in the RRd gathered up our posts and passing Bealton’s Came here we crossed the river remained for a short hour in a very hot close wood then marched back over the river halted under the shade of the trees on the river bank gave the men an opp to bathe and at night fall came into Camp in a wood whence I write on march to day was by far the hottest and most trying I have ever felt – the sun perfectly broiling all the time – I hardly know how we got through – the 142^d had 3 cases of sunstroke but we escaped without any – and why we marched at all I think may well be asked I don’t believe any body can gave any sort of reason – In short – I don’t admire Gen’l Rowley’s Conduct – I see no indication of thought unless for the condition of his command…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 2 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34