December 21, 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:

Dear Wife, Monday December 21 1863

Again after a night and day of cold weather I write to you. We have had our usual parade but there was nothing else of any moment that took place during the day. To night I have some papers from Tom, a power of att. which I have filled up to Clem and sent back. I do not as yet see any prospect of my retirement but I hope for an early decision. I told you I had written to Blair to ask him to aid me this was a mere device of my own but I have thought he would if he could. I see by today’s paper that his brother has been sick and is now considered out of danger. I have had no reply but I have determined to try all strings I can find to make my arrow go straight and hope to be successful. I have your letter with the stamps all in good time for my purpose-but I had hoped to be ready sooner than they would reach me. I trust the delay which is occasioned may under God’s mercy be for our benefit and that I may in good time reach home alive and well and before long. I see no indications of a backward movement in our part of the army and I do not see much of preparation for any action-true we are on pretty good ground but not such as I should like to choose. I shall miss the happy Christmas days this year and the joyful little hearts but let us hope that all is for the best and soon our separation may be ended- I expect to get a long letter from Tom which he tells me he is writing to me about the business &c &c-but it has not yet come. I think dear wife that the best tool box would be a better gift to Uncle than the old one which our little raconteur so seriously announces as given to [a papa?] indeed if anything I have could be good enough for him. How sorry I shall be should we lose Lewis Waln. I know no one of the mercantile class like him now. He seems too useful a man to leave us so soon. Good bye beloved may God bless you all and soon bring us in peace together again. Love to Uncle and our darling children. Your loving husband.

Alexander

If any officer comes back who calls on you send me 50 paid envelopes.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 21 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38