November 1, 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 at Bristow Station

Sunday November 1st 1863

Dear Wife,

We have had another beautiful Sunday, All Saint’s Day. I read your letter with old [Barbara’s?] lines. I had read and admired them a good while ago and you don’t know how sweet it is to find that without a reference to them they have struck your fancy and touched the sympathizing feeling of both our natures. Today being the first of the month we had a very thorough inspection of arms as it was Sunday. I should say the Muster of yesterday was the Muster for the last day—found everything in very proper order but the men not quite so well clad as I should like to see them. We have heard of some slight changes in our position as regards the different bodies of troops and we have an idea that Meade’s decapitation will next take place and that Warren will be the new light, he now commands the 2d corps and fought at Bristow Station and is a friend of Meade’s. In how far this surmise comes true I have before expressed the opinion that nothing of importance could now be done but would not be surprised at some dashing [report?] eight or ten day movement. This idea of 8 day movements with men carrying their rations I do not believe has ever been tried and though a great deal has been said about it the weather has been beautiful to day and I have been in hopes of rest but sometimes think the uneasy spirit at Washington may do something else with us—perhaps suddenly send a huge force to the James River to operate on the South side under a new chieftain. I have great reason to thank God for pretty good health and trust his mercy will be continued to me. I wish I could be in Frank Conover’s position, safe at home with my loved family, and fervently hope it may soon be permitted. Good bye dear wife, may God in his mercy watch over and protect you and our little ones and grant you all health and strength and bring us safe again to each other. Give love to Uncle, to Emily, Mollie and her children, and all at home. Remember me to Clem and Tom when you see them. Do you see a piece going the round of the papers about the capture of the 7th Maryland at Thorofare Gap–all a canard- this was the circumstance I referred to when we lay one night East of the Gap. The cavalry pickets were driven in and a battery commenced firing on the advancing Rebs—We got under arms and it soon became so dark we could not tell friend from foe—My Regiment was moved from its position and drawn up along the main road and whilst there we heard an officer in front heard some men saying “What Regiment is that?” This was repeated twice or thrice with no answer and then a scattering fire too place which whistled in the dark seemingly close by us. The men stood very well and abused some of the Maryland pickets who came in—but this was all the Rebs captured- Some prisoners and if any of them were hurt we could not tell it- It reflected no credit in my humble opinion on the staff officer who examined our positions and the Rebs were right inside of our lines. We heard in this neighborhood from some people near where the Rebel army encamped that it was White’s and Imboden’s force of mounted infantry who came on us. It was a farcical affair at best—but I think the 121st was all it ever has been.

Your loving husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 1 November 1863. Rush IV:30:37