October 10, 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:

Camp or rather Bivouac near Morton’s ford

Saturday Oct 10, 1863

Dear Wife,

Last night at ½ past one our Division was under arms to March to this point with the intention of supporting the Cavalry by forcing our way across the Rapidan at Morton’s ford. The Cavalry under Buford were to cross some ten or fifteen miles lower down at Germania Ford and attack the flank of the Rebs—On the march the Division got lost, so did the 2nd Division which with the first were to precede us in crossing the river- We have been here and supplied very comfortably. Good bye dear wife. May God bless and preserve you all and continue his mercy in guiding you and our little ones and granting me an early and safe return in peace to you all.

Your loving husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 October 1863. Rush IV:30:36