October 9, 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:

Friday 9th Oct 1863 Camp near Pary WV

Dear Wife,

I today got a package of envelopes which came by mail. I suppose from you, but no letter. I know that mails are often late and irregular but fear you may not be well. May God avert all evil from you and ours and still extend his loving mercy to us. Today we had Division drill – Nine regiments under arms but the field was not large enough and it was not as good as our old brigade drills. It passed off however very well and we got things to nicely enough. Tonight we have orders to hold ourselves in readiness to move at short notice with five days rations. We think something may be going on in the Gulley West of the Blue Ridge and some movement in that direction may be advanced. We have sometimes rumor of peace of a willingness not to push the war to a crushing point and receive such ideas as straws which may indicate the [Set?] of the Current. I hope peace may soon be brought about and that our harmonious union may never again be disturbed. I keep in my own mind constantly turning to you. I fear you may be unwell- May our merciful father protect and guard you and keep you safe from harm. I am all packed up—nothing left to do but to roll up my blankets and saddle. Even a loaf of bread and provisions in my haversack. This morning I took a walk about a mile from our Camp and came to a deserted house—from the second story I could see Clark’s Mt. on the other side of the river and a long line of earth works across the slope of the Mt.–distant about three miles. The country is thickly wooded and the land is pretty poor. Most of the houses which I have seen are deserted. Many torn to pieces. Virginia indeed is desolate- from here to the Potomac it is a barren waste, whatever it may have been when the labor of man was permitted to work it in peace—I had supposed we should wait here until the elections were over but now suppose we are either making a move to have some action thereon or to frustrate something which Lee is doing with the same end in view. I hope there is patriotism enough in the North to overcome all opposition of every kind. We heard a few days ago of a Movement of troops at the Valley West of the Blue Ridge—Good night dear Wife, May Heaven ever bless and surround you with the greatest blessings—Give love to Uncle, Sister Mollie and her little ones, Emily & hers,Julia and all at home. Kiss dear Aleck, Harry, Julia, Winny and Louis, my beloved Wife,

Your loving husband,
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 October 1863. Rush IV:30:36