August 21, 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

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

August 21, 1863 Friday

Dear Wife

Still in the same place – hot days nothing doing clear nights with dew and foggy mornings – We have had nothing to complain of so far. Our general health is of course rather negative – too hot for air or exercise if we don’t suffer at all we do well. I have lately been plagued with toothache – a very troublesome ailment in Camp I enclose a ferrotype of Louis with Reuben not very well done but it may please the children – I really don’t know what to say to you for our life is so monotonous – and the small number of men we have renders it impossible to drill or do anything of a military character We expect Gen Rowley back to-morrow to take command of his scant two Company Brigade I have been Cogitating over the possibility of sending in another effort at resignation but it is hard just now to bring it about…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 21 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34