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 of 121st Regt P.V.
June 8th 1863 —
near WO Church Virga
Dear Julia
It is early morning a little after 5 O’clock – I am waiting for the mail Sergeant to come to get the letters. I last night got your very welcome letter of 3rd inst and was very much pained to read what you wrote about Uncle being cupped &c. My resignation was written and Sent several days ago before the late move of troops, the object of which was I think to find out the force of the enemy in our front on the other side of the river – A portion of the 6th Corps crossed and took some prisoners but they are now coming back – large numbers of the Rebels having been seen and Counted, they say 35000 counted, we therefore believe that Lee is still before us and I believe we have now returned to our former quiescent State – I hope now soon to get some reply to my resignation – delay in answering I look upon as rather favorable to my desire but if the delay is occasioned merely by detention at some intermediate office it would amount to nothing at all – Yesterday the day was quite Cool towards evening I walked towards Doubleday’s and Reynolds Head Qrs and got some idea of relative positions and that of our new picket line near the river – the troops are scattered all around us Camps in every direction but more in sight than they have usually been.
Chapman yesterday got a box from home filled with dried rusk and jars of sweets – but unfortunately something had gone wrong a pickle jar was broken and two china pots seemed to have fermented and such a mess you have not often seen – he was however pretty lucky with the debris of his good things – I dont want anything for I trust (D V) I may be permitted to return to you before I could receive anything – Oh how I wish it – This poor little remnant of a regiment I do not think entitled to two field officers. To give you an idea of how we have suffered, when two days ago we got orders to march we sent away Capt Arrison, Lieuts Raymond Gray Warner Powel all too sick to march (some of them very sick) nearly one third of the line officers present. You see from this what great reason I have to be thankful that our heavenly father permitted me to be so lightly visited. I have no news of any appointment as Lieut Colonel, nothing has yet come to the regiment – before it does I trust my resignation may be returned accepted and that I may be going towards my loved home – I was so glad to [heard?] that the children were well – I almost think I am an old granny about them for I have been positively scared about them since I left you and really wonder how you Can get along with them but God tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb and I trust will take you and my little flock always under his merciful protection. Good bye beloved.I trust that all things will work together for our good and for that of the Country. I long and hope to be with you never to part and feel more than ever disposed to put an end to family pecuniary wranglings.
Your loving Alexander
Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,8 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32