August 17, 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):

Camp at Rappahannock Station Virg

Head Qrs 121^st Reg P.V.

August 17. 1863

Dear Wife

I again write my daily letter to you trusting it will meet you in health and happiness with your children – the day has passed as usual – hot during most of the day but a cool breeze towards evening I had a violent toothache to day which pained me a good deal I walked a mile or two from Camp to keep myself and quiet finally with the Doctor’s assistance with some chloroform I am now Comfortable The 1^st Corps is still here – tomorrow it is my notion that we may get orders to move somewhere but none have Come as yet I was very much pleased with dear Aleck’s letter, I think it is excellent practice to accustom children early in life to describe in simple colloquial good English what they have seen which is worthy of notice and in the dear boy’s letter I perceive evidence of memory and not a bad selection of words…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 17 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34