December 6, 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

Dear Wife,

Here we are again south of the Rappahannock in a camp or collection of huts made of pine logs the winter quarters of North Carolina troops who were here two weeks ago. We are nearly due south of Rappahannock Station where the O&A RR crosses the river. Yesterday part of the fifth Corps which had been passing us on that and the previous day notified us that we were relieved by the them. General Ayers commanding Division and a General Guerard of Brigade taking our places and preparing to place brigades here. We had Regiments, the regulars troops the 14^th, to relieve us and we were not at all impressed with the excellence of their discipline. At our station where a shot day as night had been a signal of general attention. We heard the Regulars soon after their arrival firing their guns all hours and had during the night as many as five men prisoners in our guard enclosure belonging to the fifth Corps who were out of bounds after dark. Yesterday afternoon after being relieved we got under arms and marched to near Bealeton encamping near a grove in the open fields for the night. We pitched tents and got a comfortable rest considering the night was cold and came on at 7 o’clock this morning crossed the river on a pontoon bridge and have got to this point and are now in quarters but to [us not?] very comfortable ones. We hear bad stories told of the ordeals our men endure on the last march such as men being taken up by the ambulances who had been 36 hours with out food, of one man who gave 25¢ a piece for ten crackers and another who of offered $10 for some. This is strange is it not? When you see in the newspaper that the Army is provisioned for 13 days ahead, but so it is, both facts are true, but although the food has been issued the men have it not. They have for nearly two months been carrying from five to eight days rations on their persons. Those have gradually wasted to six, four, & so on and then filled up again so that they effect of carrying so large a quantity has been to waste and use up a small portion daily which waste now expresses itself in the absence of a certain number of days rations not in existence. We understand now that Meade’s head is to go off too and feel we must trust providence who has done so much for this Army to save us again to the peril which the administration thrusts upon with not the smallest chance of success expect through interposition of almighty power. The artillery in the recent march was often up to the hubs in mud and after a heavy rain or snow storm and thaws the results would make the Country almost impassable. The Rebels may attack us, will do so I think if Longstreet jams them but I trust the sovereign mercy which has hitherto extended its protecting power over us will still be mighty to guard and shield our paths. I look every moment for orders to march back and trust we may have them soon. Meade I hear has not heard from the Secretary at War for three days. Truly the cabinet has much to answer for in its shameful neglect of its forces. I almost believe Halleck to be our bane, a paper general who has never seen the works he would attack. I have that [J Blenmuc?] who has married a miss [Nadine Kolarchinnkoff?] or some such name whose father is worth 12 millions of dollars gives satisfaction thereby to his family. I hear too that the bride was destined for some Prince but she informed her Pa that Mr [C] had no need of money, then fell sick and Pa relented. Such is the tale. I don’t think he is as well off as I am however with the 12 million I only envy every one the happiness of being at home with her I love best. I had your letter describing Harry’s efforts at ratiocination. Dear little fellow would I could be with you all. I trust we may before long without any more military tomfoolery get into some quarters where we can prepare for the future and repair the damages of the past. May God in his mercy watch over us for guidance, fill our hearts and minds with feelings of devotion. Give love to dear Uncle and all my beloved ones.

Your loving husband, Alexander

Citation: Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 6 December 1863. Rush IV:30:38