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 High Bridge Near Catlett’s Station
November 5, 1863, Thursday
Dear Wife,
After riding the picket line about 11 miles round the County we found on returning to camp that our two regiments of the 1st Brigade were ordered to guard the bridges over Kettle Run and Cedar Run. As this Cedar run was the most distant, the Colonel sent his own regiment here when we have arrived about 11 O’clock at night. I write as usual to acknowledge my existence in safety to you and to tell you where I am. I got a lovely little letter from you to day just as we were getting ready to start. Our night march along side of the railroad with locomotives passing with their red lights- looking like eyes was very interesting. We have gotten through in safety and thank God for the Continuance of his Mercy during another day. May his Mercy ever surround and keep us and our darlings with dear Uncle and lead us safe together at an early day.
Your loving husband,
Alexander
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,5 November 1863. Rush IV:30:37