June 5, 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:

I had Hall’s pencil in
my pocket book

121st Regt P.V.
June 5th 1863

Dear Wife,

We are still in the same old Camp but with orders to be ready to move at daybreak tomorrow — it looks very like rain — and we have had warm weather for several days— To day we have heard pretty heavy firing by the west and part of the Sixth Corps have been seen moving in that direction.
My resignation has gone up and whatever may be its fate I am glad that I did not postpone it. I wished only for General Reynolds return from Washington and as soon as he returned sent it up. I did not send it before because I preferred that it should go before my proper Commanders especially Reynolds. I am doing pretty well trying to be careful and to avoid exposure— I have not been on any picket duty since my return and hope to continue improving— We hear all sorts of rumors about our going to Washington, that the enemy have given up Fredericksburg and that our troops again possess it. we receive them all as rumors and are prepared to obey orders such as they may be — Now that I have taken the step of resigning I feel well pleased that I have done so and hope it will be favorably received.my Commission as Lieut Colonel has not yet been received and although the Colonel advised me to wait awhile under the idea it would be received, I said no and sent in my papers — the only thing now is to see if it will be accepted. Etting from a visit to Head Qrs has just Come in and says the 5th Corps (Meade’s) are at Banks ford and the sixth across the river in front of us, that is a part of it— there seems to be an idea that Lee’s forces are withdrawn somewhere— I suggest to Vicksburg.— we shall see how it will turn out— I feel more than ever dear wife our separation and am very anxious to return to you God bless and keep you our little ones and dear Uncle from all harm and grant you all increase of health. strength & happiness. Give Love to dear darling Harry who is so good and Can always be so good when he chooses — to my much loved Aleck and my precious little Jewel Jule— I dont forget my winsome Winny or dear Louis but I hope he wont have a Cold and wont cry so very much of nights.
God bless and preserve us to meet once again dear wife,

Your affectionate loving husband
Alexander
I put that as affectionate having to stop suddenly.I must say your always loving through all time,
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 5 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32