November 18, 2013: Alexander Biddle letter signed 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,

Nothing from you today. We hear of indications of a forward movement but it seems likely that this division may be left to guard the Railroad At least that has been indicated by some little trifles. We hear that some of the supply posts will be moved tomorrow. Today I sent in a man who it seems is employed in the Quartermaster’s Department for being dressed in a Rebel suit and also had three young women stopped that were passing through our lines on horseback. I think you would have enjoyed the cross examination and appeal at Head Quarters and all the Secesh virulence that fell from the lips of one of them. Who declared she was secession from the crown of her head to the sole of her foot and seemed rather surprised that this rather retarded her progress than advanced it. She did not by all her wits and plans succeed in passing and turned away with every indication of dissatisfaction. I am a little inclined to think she may have got to her destination by another route but outside of our camp. In other respects the day passed without anything of special notice. We had an inspection of the Regiment in the morning and everything worked well. We still have very fine weather and very dull times. I think the very dullest times I have experienced since I have been in the service. We hear today that the Paymaster is to come to us tomorrow. Oh I do wish so this thing were over. I hear that [Meade?] hardly knows what the administration wants. I also hear that many persons in the North expect that the Rebels are trying to get up a protest for butchering our unfortunate prisoners in Richmond. Good night dear wife. May God bless and preserve you and lead us together again in peace and tranquility Love to Uncle and our little ones.

Your loving husband

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,18 November 1863. Rush IV:30:37