August 6, 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:

Head Qrs Reg P.V.

Thursday 6^th August 1863

Camp at Rappahannock Station

Virginia

Dear Julia

I again send you my daily word of this the day of Thanksgiving to our heavenly father for the aid he has in mercy extended to our cause and suffering Country. May we receive it it with humility and strive in all things to do his righteous will according to the word he has given to guide us upward to a better day. There was divine service in the 2^d Brigade some 4 miles off – having no chaplain we were left to ourselves – We had in the evening all the vocalists among our officers to sing at Brigade Head Qrs – they sang – The Sword of Bunker Hill – Korner’s battle prayer – Annie Laurie, Star Spangled banner – Home Sweet home Red White blue Old hundred – All with great effect – I think you would have been pleased at the sight – Our tent looped up all round two lights burning on the grass about ten yards in front – the Officers gathered on camp stools around with the little knots and clumps of men lying at the roots of the tall trees which surround our quarters made a very picturesque scene – the singing was exceedingly good – One of the singers had been a member of a professional glee club and his good voice aided the singers very much…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 6 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34