July 12, 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:

Sunday 12 July 1863
In the field E of Hagerstown
near Beaver Creek — behind
the barricades facing East

Dear Julia
On the 10th inst we remained all the day long in the field and slept at night in the woods on fence rails laid side by side and covered with wheaten straw–a very comfortable bed – Yesterday we found that three regiments of Vermont troops in our Division had been ordered to report to General Robinson’s second Division and that General Kenly with 1600 Maryland troops had been added to us – he (General K) by virtue of seniority is Division Commander which makes me Major again – our little regiment now varies from 94 men to 116 as the sick and weakly with the musicians are present or absent –we have been moved about 1/2 a mile East of our former position and are about 1 mile west of the rise of the mt, with the 1st and 2nd Brigades drawn up in line of battle behind a barricade with two pieces of artillery on our right. The position to Chapman and myself seems simply ridiculous. On our left a smooth round topped hill overlooks and enfilades the whole line – if we are to regard this as an emanation from General Kenly’s tactical system – he must be a great humbug – but a cavalry force 250 strong in front of us, who have scouts out have not seen a rebel for 24 hours and I dont believe that they are near this part of our defences – for the last two days everything has been perfectly quiet save a little distant firing – we think the Rebels hold the line of Antietam Creek from Hagerstown to the Potomac although we hear that two Army Corps are across – last night we slept on the ground in the edge of a wood. Chapman is beginning to fear for his leg again. Dont mention it for it is very slight – we are now thinking about breakfast – send me a package of tea (1/2 a lb) by mail, let Patrick pay postage on it as a parcel – address it – wrap it up strongly and it will come safe but dont put any letter in it – or with it – let those go separately – I have this morning got two papers from home but no letter – I suppose I shall have one in a day or two–I have nothing more to tell you to day – A poor soldier is very much out of the way of news and indeed much out of the way of everything – I trust Providence will bless our cause with success and put an end to this useless war –  I cannot help thinking that the rebel loss might be greater even than they admit but a few days will show. I like Meade’s being so quiet – he will be quick enough in time of action–Good bye dear wife – God bless and preserve you and the children with dear Uncle and avert all evil from your doors and may I again be restored to you in happiness Your loving husband
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 12 July 1863. Rush IV:30:33