December 9, 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:

Camp near Paoli Mills

Wednesday Dec 9^th 1863

Dear Wife

Today has passed quietly, in Camp we have been busy building chimnies putting up fire places environing our H. Qrs with evergreen pine fences making little walks of pine twigs and arranging as well as soldiers know how to make ourselves comfortable. Last night was again very cold with a heavy frost this morning but our wrappings kept us comfortable we have not heard any news to day from the front but sent out our share of men to picket. I believe that our cavalry outposts extend as far as the Rapidans. A Corduroy Road is in process of construction for about six miles but we think we may at any moment leave here as the Railroad is hardly able to convey returns enough for the army. I should not be surprised if one or two Corps should be sent some where else and the rest move Northward nearer to Kentsville. We are awaiting the result of the Colonel’s resignation paper it has gone up to Meade Approved but whether it will be accepted returned disappointed or forwarded to Washington puzzles us. I wish him success though. I fear it will add to my own difficulty in pushing my application through hereafter. Can you tell me if Frank Blair is in Washington and he is send me his address. I have been revolving in my mind writing to him. He might perhaps help me but I don’t much like to ask him. Yet I revolve at times all the different means I may find available and will pull the string which will open the door if anyone will the kindness to show it to me. I put herein an order for a waistcoat. Send it by Patrick to C. Stokes & Co under the Continental and have him pay for it get a bill & receipt and have it sent to 712 Walnut St. & then send it by mail to me well wrapped up. I find the mail very certain although it is perhaps expensive. This is Country of a great deal of natural beauty and there are some large residences which are surrounded by large estates. Some of the mansions destroyed and all the fencing I should think Virginia in spite of her well timbered land would find it very difficult to replace the fences destroyed by the Armies the land is now a region of stumps and wastes. I trust I may have some chance of getting nearer to you before long May. God in his mercy still watch over us and keep us to return to each other at an early day. Kiss my darlings Aleck Harry Julia Wilmer and Louis the beauty. Which last I hope I may soon be permitted to see in his new charms. Love to Uncle

Your loving husband

Alexander

Let Patrick pay Stokes & Co when he take the order and look out for the vest when ready

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38