Today in the Civil War

September 15, 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 (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121 Reg. PV.

Camp at Rappahannock Station

Sept 15^th 1863 Tuesday

Dear Julia

I have been pretty busy all day long getting accounts ready and distributing accoutrements &c to the different companies this evening we have been sitting under our bower talking and the band from one of the Maryland Regiments has been playing in front of our Head Qrs – A Cavalry Captain with nine wagons of horse Artillery ammunition is just passing over the bridge of the run by our Camp towards the pontoon bridge which he is to pass on his way to Culpeper whither he is bound – he had lost his way in the Camps – a little too much spirit in him but not enough to do harm We all think we are about to move but we don’t know exactly whether – therefore we surmise and speculate – We are to have another inspection tomorrow to see if everything is ready for a march and we try to keep ourselves ready to move at short notice – that is at about 20’ warning – We have just had tattoo beaten in all the Camps nearby I suppose we shall have stirring times before long. I had hoped it was nearly over but that is asking almost too much of good fortune – Does Aleck hear any thing more of his friend Ned has he any reading exercises now I think I should be much better employed were I at home teaching him than I am here. I have no doubt but that neither Dorr nor Etting will return to us during this year and as to Conscripts I don’t expect to see them in this Regiment – If either D, or E should Call on you tell them I wish them a happy Christmas at home and think they will get it I suppose you are in the midst of grapes and pears – I have very little of the feeling I had last year for good things at home – indeed we have to be pretty careful about diet and every few days a quinine pill as a preventative is applied for oftentimes with good effect…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 15 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 14, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp at Rappahannock Sta

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Sept 14. 1863 Monday

Dear Wife

Today we were to have a review and parade of the Division at ½ past 9.- At that hour We met on the review ground about ¾ of a mile distant and formed in line of battle received the Division General with the usual Salutes & music presented Arms and marched by him in Review going through all the forms of regulations – We were then inspected – muskets cartridges knapsacks carefully examined after which we were dismissed being the first brigade we were dismissed first and returned to Camp – very well satisfied – to day We had notice from head Qrs that the Cavalry had taken some 3 pieces of Artillery and were beyond Culpeper – which the Infantry have passed through–The Cars – that is a train of 12 took up the wounded to day – this is the most distressing sight I have seen – a rather sinister sight – the train of Cars for wounded men – the ambulance train filled – the stretcher bearers coming on to a battle fields give me an impression which is more poignant more sharply painful that every other sight I know of – unless it is the scenes near a hospital on a day of battle – To day we heard indirectly that Genl Meade intended to give Genl Reynolds and his Command a special notice in his Report – let us see if it turns out so I do think it was Reynolds gallantry and judgement which was the turning point of the whole affair – We hear that Col Morrow of the 25^th Michigan who was taken prisoner reports that a brother of Gen Hill’s said to him he never saw such “heroism” and such fighting as the first day – the numbers on our side were comparatively small but there was no such thing as hesitation or want of alacrity – this was all from Reynolds – We had unbounded confidence in him and his industry – We hear of no battle today but believe our troops are all beyond Culpeper…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 14 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 13, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp at Rappahannock Sta

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Sept 13. 1863

Dear Wife

I to day rec’d your letter of inst with statement of papers in valise, I don’t like to bother you but did you look in the pocket book part of the valise I think there are a number there – Please see what are there and give a sketch of them if at all different from those you mention Could To day we have been under orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments notice – the 2^d Corps with the Cavalry has crossed the river and firing has been heard at a distance during the day – We hear the 2^d Corps is in Culpeper and the Cavalry beyond – to night it is raining and last night it rained pretty hard – We think that all the better for us if it does not Continue too long I had hoped that the other armies would have met with such success that there would be little hope left for the Southern side and I am inclined to think it will still have a great effect upon us. – I am very sorry to hear of dear little Winny being so peaky – he was such a sweet hardy looking child and had such an expression of dear Mother in him that I turn to his dear little face often times. Oh if I could only get back to you – I do not think the Colonel getting his resignation through will so me any harm it will rather I think help me for the same influence I guess I can have to operate for me – I knew he had a means of action which I had not outside of the Army and were he out and I in anxious to get out I think I should have the benefit of it in a quiet way…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 13 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 12, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

Transcript (excerpt):

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Camp at Rappahannock St

September 12^th 1863

Dear Wife

I have been a little under the weather for a day or two past but am quite well again now – nothing more than one of those occasional fits which occur to us all – I fear owing to a little imprudence in diet – To day we had a very much needed rain which has settled the dust and cooled the air we have seen the 2^nd Corps (I believe) passing down with Cavalry Artillery Infantry all the day they are now in a thick wood about ¼ of a mile distant – whether this portends a movement onward I of course do not know but it may precede a movement to prevent the rebels from withdrawing forces to act against Rosecrans & Burnside – I hope all may be done under the sanction of divine will and guided by the all powerful hand to good results and with little bloodshed – We are all somewhat exercised over Ordinance returns A late regulation requires all officers to close their Ordinance transactions before they can resign from the army and the Colonel and myself are busy in trying to put all transactions in such form as will settle with them – The regulations in Washington are most unjust and inapplicable to the exigencies of service in the field – and I fear that many meritorious officers will suffer much from the fact that the Departments in Washington have never taken care to apprize them of the requirements of their agents. From the news from Charleston and Chattanooga I have hoped that the time for peace would soon come that the fire of the southern heart had sunk to ashes – and have been picturing to myself the hope of turning soon but we know nothing of the future – all is in his hands who rules the destinies of men – We must strive for the best and trust to him…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 12 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 11, 1863: Address to the Union State Central Committee

This is an address to the Republican Party of Pennsylvania concerning the election of the Governor of the Commonwealth and the Judge of its Supreme Judicial tribunal. The Republican candidates for 1863 were Andrew G. Curtin and Daniel H. Agnew against the Democratic candidates George W. Woodward and Walter H. Lowrie. The address places the election not simply in its local context, but in the larger national conflict of the civil war.

“It is not vague commonplace but solemn truth to say, that there never was a political context in America whose issues were so important and so vital to the life of the republic as are those involved in the pending canvas. In other days we prudently occupied our minds with questions of State policy, local alike in their interest and their influence; but to-day the citizens of Pennsylvania ascend to the higher and broader ground whereon the nation struggles for its life, and the ballots of free-men were never more weighty with great consequences than those now resting in their hands, containing, as they probably do, not only the question of civil war at our own homes, not only the fate of our Constitution and Union, but the destiny of free government throughout the world.”

The address goes on to explain how the Democratic candidates have publically and privately supported the South’s rebellion.

“The faction in Pennsylvania, wearing the livery of the good old Democratic party to aid rebellion waged in the interest of an aristocracy of slaveholders, thus openly avows its opinions, and in manifold ways, by speech and press, by the secret oaths of a treasonable conspiracy, by appeals to the prejudices of ignorant men, by calumnies against our brave soldiers and sailors, by denial of their rights of suffrage, and by constant misrepresentations of the aims and results of the war, endeavors to attain its purpose of assisting the armed traitors who are striking deadly blows at the heart of the republic.”

The speech concludes by calling on the citizens of Pennsylvania to remain loyal to the federal government, President Lincoln, and the republic.

“Freemen of Pennsylvania: The issue is thus distinctly presented involving the single question of loyalty to the government under which you live, and the triumph of whose arms alone can give you peace, and again open to you the avenues to that almost miraculous prosperity which attracted the wondering gaze of nations.

It only remains for all good men to perfect the local organizations of the friends of the Union, to secure full discussion of the questions in dispute, to bring every loyal vote to the polls, and to use all proper efforts in their power to secure our success. If this is done, Pennsylvania is saved to the Union, and the Union is saved to us and to our posterity.”

Citation: [Republican Party (Pa.). State Central Committee; McVeagh, Wayne], Address of the Union State Central Committee of Pennsylvania. [1863] A 863add

September 10, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp at Rappahannock Sta

September 10^th 1863 Thursday

Dear Wife – Today I got a letter from Tom in which he seems well satisfied with the arrangement as it stands We are pretty busy now in various ways trying to settle up accounts with the different Gov offices which bear very heavily upon us – we constantly [hear?] that the Washington arrangements do not seem to have ever contemplated a state of war – and the changes and difficulties arising from then are almost insurmount-able – Today I rode the picket line with the Colonel – saw the Cavalry outposts of both sides on the right and on the extreme left saw a steer walking round a larger field about 300 Yds distant and some half dozen of the other side apparently trying to lead it off before it came too near to our lines – fortunately for their tomorrows or next days dinner – the field was well fenced so that the steer by walking round the edge went back into their lines and the half dozen rebs disappeared – we also saw them gathering hay within their lines – We returned to Camp and found a copy of a telegram that the whole of Morris island was in Gilmore’s possession – which was very gratifying news to me as it looks I hope nearer to some settlement of domestic troubles You can’t conceive how stupidly life passes here – I believe I am through with all my affairs with the Corps Commander but hear nothing of my last paper I guess however that it is all right I fear another of our officers will go home sick – he was hurt some time since and is now unwell three officers however are Coming back to the regiment which will give us more in numbers than we have had since Don & Etting left us.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 9, 1863: Henry and Mary Warner to Children

Henry and Mary Warner lived in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, now part of Pittsburgh. They are the great-grandparents of poet Marianne Moore. By the 1860s they had three surviving children: John, Henry, and Anne. Their letters to John, a Presbyterian minister living in Gettysburg, are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Allegheny City Wednesday September 9^th 1863—4 P.M.

Our Dear Children About three hours ago your mother, and father, saw Aunt Betty, Robert, Anne, and their two children off, on the Rail Road, from this city for Ravenna, they will arrive there by 5 ½ P.M. if no accident happens—Robert will be back tomorrow evening—and will live with us until the family returns—what stay they will make we cannot tell—they had a very pressing invitation to go; Henry told us he was going to see you, and also to purchase a Sword, Sword belt, & sash for him, and forward them to you—the sword we suppose you will have by this time, as Mr. McFadden was to send it by Adams Express, the other things we are waiting for a letter from Henry before we send them, as he stated in his letter it might be next week before he would arrive in Gettysburgh—we hope Jennie & Babe had arrived safe and that they are well—we long to hear how they are

We Remain your affectionate father & mother

Henry & Mary Warner

Citation: Henry and Mary Warner, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Allegheny City [Pittsburgh], 9 September 1863. Moore VI:05:23

September 7, 1863: G.H. Byrd to John Riddle Warner

Rev. John Riddle Warner was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War, he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript;

Batto Sept 7 1863

Dear Sir, I thank you very much for your letter of August 20^th, which would have been sooner replied to, but for my absence at the North.

I am greatly obliged for your kindness in looking for the burial-place of Major Leigh, & regret to trouble you farther. The enclosed letter, from the Revd JY Cowhic, gives a minute description of the locality, where he fell. If you could find the spot, you would be doing an act of the greatest kindness to his stricken wife, mother, brothers & sisters. Being in the spot, you may be able to give me some suggestion, that will lead to the desired information. For instance it might be discovered, who buried the dead at that particular point.

I will be pleased to hear from you, and to return the favor when I can.

Yours truly

Care Hyman, Byrd &C GH Byrd

PS I have to-day written to Mr Cowhic, & it is possible he may go to Gettysbg. If so I will meet him there, & have the pleasure of seeing you. Please preserve Mr C’s letter

Citation: G.H. Byrd, autograph letter to John Riddle Warner. 7 September 1863. Moore VI:5:23

September 6, 1863: Alexander Biddle to Julia Williams Rush Biddle

Transcript (excerpt):

Camp at Rappahannock Sta

Sept 6^th 1863

Head Qrs 121 Reg P.V.

Dear Wife

Today we have had a most beautiful Sunday – As beautiful weather as you could imagine – In front of our bower our three flags have been flying all the day – We have had a dress parade in the evening without music – the band was used up at Gettysburg – I send you herewith a copy of my first correspondence with Corps Hd Qrs the real ground of difficulty – In which I think you will agree that I get the better on the matter – the point raised of my having any idea of disobeying is a perfect myth – I sent the men before I sent my letter and took care that there should be no pretext of any actual disobedience but so the General would have found if he had inquired but I think he preferred to make the inference from the papers when he found I had put them in such a form that they would be surprised at the Hd Qrs of the Army of the Potomac – Ignorance is sometimes convenient when the knowledge is early obtainable I am very glad however to be done with quarreling with a superior and Commanding Officer. there are other matters in which some collision may arise but I think I shall go through all of them without difficulty The danger of immediate attack seems to be over from the orders we have lately received – I suppose they are waiting to hear from Rosecrans & Grant – I believe Lee may be stronger than we are at this moment but dare not advance or try any extended operations which carry him far away from his commissariat…

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 6 September 1863. Rush IV:30:35

September 3, 1863: Henry Warner to John Riddle Warner

Henry Warner Jr. was the younger brother of John Riddle Warner, the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore. Henry served in Independent Battery G from August 1862 until June 1865.These family letters are preserved as part of the Marianne Moore family papers.

Transcript:

Fort Delaware

Sept. 3/63

Dear Brother

On the first of this month I received my appointment as 3d Lieut. Jr in our Battry—I sent in an application immediately after my appointment for leave of absence to go to Gettysbg.—but the Genl told me that as Capt Young was away he could not let me go until he returned he would then grant me leave to go to Harrisburgh to see after my Commission—I will then if possible move down to see you—Yesterday in anticipation that my leave would be granted—Ordered father to send my Valise sword &c—by express to you and I would get them there—So you can keep them until I see you—If every thing goes right I will be round last of next week or first of next after—If any thing should transpire to prevent my coming I will write

Yours—

Henry

Citation: Citation: Henry Warner Jr., autograph letter to John Riddle Warner. Fort Delaware, 3 September 1863. Moore VI:05:23