August 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)

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV.

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

Monday August 3^rd 1863

Dear Wife

I have had nothing to tell you to day. We heard this morning that the Rebels were advancing that they had a battery in position – then that the Cavalry had gone out and they had withdrawn Some distant firing was occasionally heard towards the West – the Railroad Bridge was Completed and the two pontoon bridges I am told taken higher up the stream and relaid – I presume we will soon know what all this means – the day has been very very hot but We have not been uncomfortable –

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 3 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34