August 27, 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 St

August 26. 1863 [i.e. 27]

Dear Wife

I received your letter of 23^d inst from Atlantic City and although I had supposed that you were there was glad to get it as I have been for nearly a week without hearing from you and Could not help being exceedingly anxious about you all – I am now going to tell you something which must not alarm you I am under arrest. – but not for any great offence – the charges have not yet been handed to me but I know what they are founded on – It must be disrespectful conduct to my Commanding Officer –

On the 17^th I wrote to the Adjutant General Office at Washington (Col Townsend) asking for information as to how the clothing accounts of the men were to be made out when 8 companies had no commissioned Officers present &c – the letter was sent through Corps Head Qrs and was returned with orders for a certain endorsement to be put on it – I complied with the order and said something more – It is not the first time I have done so and as a Consequence this time I am put under arrest. – I do not complain or object to it at all – I don’t think anything can be done with the case if anything is done I shall deem it a ground for sending in another resignation whether I prove to be right or wrong as regards my views of army regulations.

I shall send you copies of my two letters and if Uncle thinks there is anything in them wrong I shall be glad if he will say so It is my duty to lookout for my men and I intend to do so whether my superiors feels offended or not.-

I was surprised at General Newton’s action in the matter but am perfectly willing to abide the future. –

I thought it best to write to you all about it…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 27 August 1863. Rush IV:30:34