November 11, 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 Cedar Run Ridge

Hd Qts 121st SPV

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1863

Dear Julia,

Today I got your letter of 7th, which I received with great joy as I always do. I was too glad to hear of Myra and her family. I think Blair is right in opposing the Radical abolition party which I see now gets the name of Charcoal. I see by the paper that it was Stuart’s Cavalry which attacked our pickets near Thoroghfare Gap and that it was his men which were directly in our front. You have my letter which mentions the report of part of the 7th Maryland being captured on that night. The whisky-blackberry cordial and the little flask are all safe, as yet unused in my bags. I do not think that I have touched spirituous liquor since I came back to camp, excepting perhaps two glasses of ale which we one day had. I have been very anxious to see the various reports of the Generals of the Gettysburgh battle and hope they may soon come out. We still have stories of guerillas or prowling parties of the enemy’s marauding cavalry. […] I should be very glad to see some definitive decisions result and pray that God may soon grant it to us. You know next year will be the canvas for the next president and the election will in November. I always dread any political combinations with army movements which they are sure to embarrass and and hope none will arise. Good bye dear wife God bless, preserve and keep you and my beloved ones to a safe return to each other. Give love to Uncle and kiss all my darlings for me. Good night again dear wife. Your loving husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,11 November 1863. Rush IV:30:37