December 22, 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

Tuesday December 22d 1863

Dear Wife

Another tedious day has passed away with no nearer prospect as far as I can see of getting home to you whilst the uselessness of my position is daily more irksome to me but it is so willed and I trust that the father of mercy yet has in store for me the happiness of an early return to you. I saw in the newspaper to day the death of Mr. Lewis Waln. I did not think I should have thought so much of his loss but it keeps coming back to me again and again.

We of course have regular wintry weather all the time now. It is pretty cold now and we keep a fire burning pretty much all night. I think you would be quite surprised if you could see our snug arrangements in our little tent some 8 feet square with a mud fireplace blocking off half the entrance. Outside we have a fence surrounding our quarters with pine boughs laid against it to make a thick hedge to keep the wind off. I paused and soon noticed in the papers today the death of Walter Newhall. One of the Newhalls was Richard Rush’s adjutant when he raised his regiment. I wonder if this is the one. They are all fine enterprising young men. Oh it does seem very hard to have to vegetate here when I have so much to do at home and could so well be spared but I find everything in the Army in some way or other has some political relation and in that regard I have nothing to aid me.

I hear of the Colonel enjoying the festivities of our city with many of our officers. That festive enjoyment I envy no one but I shall be delighted when the day comes which lets me free and leaves me safe at home again. I expected to receive a letter from Tom to day but none came. I have therefore no reply but I have sent him a short letter in relation to a power of attorney which I have executed to Clem and wound up by again reminding him of the wishes for Separation.

Goodbye dear wife. May God watch over us with his saving mercy and grant us soon to meet again in freedom never more to part. Love to Uncle and the darlings.

Your loving husband

Alexander

Send me some paid envelopes or postage stamps

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 22 December 1863 Rush:IV:30:38