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 121 Reg P.V.
Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg
August 15, 1863 Saturday
Dear Wife
Today we received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at short notice – We have been speculating as to where we would be likely to go to. – The lower pontoon bridge below our Camp was taken up and passed by our Camp going up the RRd Several Squadrons of Cavalry with horse Artillery also passed by us going in the same direction We hear that some of our troops have already gone to Alexandria believed to be on the way to Charleston and the Regulars who we understand under the opinion of the Attorney General that they can not have their rank filled from the Conscription but only by enlistment – have also gone – the pickets are out as usual and every thing is quiet – To day We had several little partridges in our camp – looking like a miniature young chicken and very tame – We also saw a bug look or caterpillar looking very like a dried leaf – I enclose a Confederate postage stamp from one of their Camps there is a sort of notion with some that we may move towards Falmouth and some of our orders looks a little like it but I hope it is not so. – We must however be content with what is ordained and trust our heavenly father’s mercy to carry us in safety through it all…
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 15 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34
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