December 2, 1863: Alexander Biddle letter 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 Bridge

Dear Wife,

I today read your letter of 30^th Nov. and was glad to hear that you got the notes safe, in as much as we have lately heard of some pilfering of the mails. I do indeed recollect the “revering” occasion and the very roguish expression of a dear face which has always filled me with delight and joy would I could be with you again. We hear today that Meade’s Head Qs are at Brandy Station and the whole army is this side of the Rapidan, in other words we believe that Meade has pursued Lee to his lair who is afraid to meet him outside of his selected entrenchments. I am very anxious to have a detailed account of all that has been done. I think much of the plan of this army was arranged to get up political effect about the opening of Congress against Meade’s opinion as to practical results possible to be attained by his force. I hear today entre nous of a rumor of disagreement between Meade and Newton. The latter, though able enough has a vice, drink, which sooner or later will destroy him. He has never been confirmed as Major General by the Senate and there is a possibility of their not doing so, as he is not over popular. Now I surmise if the failing is not the cause, that a willingness to fight (the administration wishing it) might be considered a good card to show to induce its support and get the confirmation of his rank, but we will soon hear about it. In our Division General, Kenly, we have no confidence. I believe in case of difficulty he would never support us with a single man. Is not this a fine state to be in as regards one’s opinion of his commanders? I have seen so much low political juggling since I have been in the army, so much leaning on this great man or that one that I feel no desire to be under their influence or to use any except to get out of the service which I trust I may soon be permitted to leave. We today had the gambler tossed again in a blanket and half his head shaved; he has come down to be quiet and reasonable now. It is said he won 6000 by gambling which he had a few days before, so much out of the mouths of wives and children at home. We have everyday rumors of guerillas and at this moment as I write a fire is seen some distance beyond us towards the Rappahannock which we fear may be a part of the RR. We will hear before morning. You don’t know how pleased I was to hear about the children and the cake. I have entirely forgotten who Cook Margaret is although I dare say I should recollect her. The patrol tonight brought in three prisoners whom we believe to be poor innocent country people. We heard also of three mounted men having been seen and a party of twenty men or more. Dorr returned today with your letter. You can hardly conceive that satisfaction a few lines from you give to me, there is a poetry about them which seizes upon me and makes my mind turn homewards to all its joys and about all to me beloved wife. Oh may the time soon come when we shall get back to each other not to part again. I can almost fancy that I see Julia and Harry at the ginger bread. I see the alliance continues. Aleck will have to side with the younger ones to restore the equilibrium. I fear Miss Jule will be the family pirate roving at will and depredating on us all. Good night beloved, God bless and preserve you, the darling’s, dear Uncle, and all at home and grant us a happy meeting soon never to part.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 2 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38