September 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:

Thursday 17^th September 1863

In Camp 1 ¼ miles from Culpeper Virg

Dear Wife

Yesterday we crossed the Rappahannock and came down to this point passing Brandy station on the route – firing was heard during the day we encamped in line of battle – saw signaling on top of a hut in front of us (Our own Signal Corps) We slept on the ground under our fly and this morning are remaining in same position waiting orders – I am writing on my knee in the field to send you these few lines which must go in about 20’- It seems as if we should stay here for the day – May God bless and preserve you all dear wife and enable us always to govern ourselves by the simple desire to do everything according to his will trusting to his merciful protection for life health & happiness Your loving husband

Alexander

I have some other business papers to write which I hope to close in time for the mail

Give love and kisses to all out darlings and love to dear Uncle – My feeling of dependence on his kindness has given me much of such fortitude which I posess – May we in God’s mercy long enjoy it together –

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 17 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35