January 4, 1863: 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.  Biddle served with the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, beginning in September 1862. Starting out as a major, he would participate at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, among other engagements, and would leave the service as a lieutenant colonel. (He was commissioned, but never mustered, as colonel)

Head Qrs 121^st Reg PV

Camp near White Oak Church

January 4. 1863

Dear Wife

I employed what little spare time I had yesterday in writing to you and the chicks I have also written a partial business letter to Tom – You once wrote that you would send me a copy of the settlement made by Dr Evans Hemphill of the Wilson claim I never received it and if you will when convenient send me a sketch of what they say I think I should like to see it. You never say anything to me about money. I suppose you have no difficulty as Tom was written to by me to supply you. Our Lieut Colonel goes to Washington in a day or two and if there are any parcels left at Raisins for me I have written to Tom to get them pack them into a cheap trunk and send them per Adams Express – To Lieut Col Davis for Major Biddle 121^st Regmt. Penna Volls…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle. 4 January 1863 Rush:IV:30:27