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 121st Reg P.V.
Camp at Rappahannock Sta Virg
August 19th 1863 Wednesday
Dear Wife
To day we have been employed in getting our new Camp in order – making the streets symmetrical placing the tents at proper intervals, mowing the weeds and grass – digging holes for spring & sinking barrels to preserve them – also making cracker box tables and barrel arm chairs – tomorrow I think of building a bower to sit under The Dr and I walked about a mile from Camp towards Sundown and whilst lying down on the grass near Newton’s head Qrs which are at the house of a Man named Wm Bower but now occupied by one of the Smith family We noticed the ambulances and baggage wagons which had been parked in five lines all starting off rapidly – As we rode back to Camp we met an aid of Kenly’s who told us we were ordered under Arms and got back just in time to mount as the troops marched off – it seems that the enemy were reported to be advancing – but it was not so – We remained for half an hour in order for battle and then returned to Camp whence I now write and got supper &c as usual…
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 19 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34