July 10, 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:

Friday July 10th.We marched to day from South Mt – through Boonsboro to this point Hagerstown about 3 miles distant NNW.We are facing nearly NE and I believe are protecting our right flank. the enemy are believed to be in force their line extending from Hagerstown along the Antietam hills and Covering Wmsport – I hear that some of Foster’s troops are here – the cannon are now firing to my left – we are in a hollow, in a measure screened from fire – Having said this dear wife I have nothing more to add saving thank God for his merciful protection of me so far and to trust in his mercy to restore us to each other trusting that he will give me strength to say “thy will be done” whatever befals me and that his loving Kindness will watch over you and ours and dear Uncle to avert all peril and danger to us or to our souls – God bless you beloved.A few days will now ascertain if we are to be successful or again unfortunate – whatever be the result let us always thank our heavenly father for his mercy.
Your loving
Alexander

You dont know how your words comfort and sustain me – If anything should happen to me dont stir a step from home until you are sent for you could do no good

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33