September 14, 1862: Alexander Biddle letter to Julia 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. A businessman and member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary before the war, Biddle entered Civil War service with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on  September 1, 1862. Starting out as a a major, he would fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

[Note: this statement has been updated to reflect that Biddle was not mustered as a colonel. It also originally mistakenly stated Biddle was also at Chancellorsville, but he was on leave]

Sunday Morning, September 14^th 1862, Camp Chase

Dear Julia,

I have rec’d your letter with Winny’s photograph –We are still at Camp Chase –I went into Washington by order yesterday crossing at Georgetown at the old aqueduct bridge and down Pennsylvania Avenue to the War Dept where business of the Regiment took me– after doing as much as I could I sent Mooney, who was with me into a market to buy provisions–he did not return to me for two good hours–I thought he had possibly taken that opportunity to get some liquor and was over come. So I took the halter of his horse

fastened it to my saddle low and lead to the old Bridge—found the bridge temporarily impassible and men at work defilading the draw expecting to finish it I am guessing. I therefore rode up to Pennsylvania Avenue and met Adjutant Hale and our ambulance with some of the officers [illegible] close at G. Willards and gave Hale the horse to ride. We rode back to camp over the Aqueduct Bridge in Georgetown and Fort Corcoran — I lost the way and met a Brigadier General in the woods– I believe General Briggs –we made out the road by Arlington and I got back to Camp–In getting my pass into Washington I first went to the Old Arlington house now Heintzelman’s Headquarters — They referred me to our immediate Chief General Whipple at Fort Corcoran, just above Georgetown, and there I got my pass. To me Washington is the most unattractive spot I ever was in. I speak only of the town for I have never been inside of any of its buildings but it has to me the effect of finery set in soiled material. Diamonds on rags

Everything seems out of place — the dirt and the splendor – a thing that is beautiful can usually be admired regardless of its surroundings but here it seems to be different. I cant for a moment contemplate one without being struck by the other – we now have 600 muskets and expect to march tomorrow at least so says the Colonel — I have sent my watch up by Mr. [illegible] to be left with [illegible] for it wont go–Ask him to have it mended. I got a letter from Tom and Mr Peale. Ask them to let me know how the [bounty?] matter Turns out. I have had good health so far Mooney came back perfectly sober about an hour after me having crossed in a wagon. I don’t think he will keep me waiting another time. He was perfectly sober.

Love to Uncle and kiss all the little ones Aleck, Harry, Julia, and Winny and tell Aleck and Harry Papa wants to hear about their reading and hopes Aleck will soon send him a nice long letter all about Chestnut Hill and Harry, Julia, Winny and the grapes and apples and the Sunday school and Miss Kneedle and the [Donkey?] and [Bob?].

Your Aff[illeg.] Husband,

Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 14 September 1862. Rush:IV:30:23