Today in the Civil War

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 of 121st Regt P.V.
June 10, 1863

Dear Julia

No letter from you to day – I now enclose to you my resignation and my fate – You will see by the endorsements that after being approved by Chapman, Rowley & Doubleday that when it reached Reynolds it was disapproved and so it now stands- There are some reasons however which may influence him at this moment which may not always operate.It is said that the 5th Corps (Meade’s) has moved [illeg.] the Rappahannock and that he (Meade) has besides his own Corps some 4000 picked men engaged in building bridges and in other works, with a view to some movement towards Culpeper Courthouse and perhaps Gordonsville. part of the 6th Corps is now across the Rappahannock in front of us and while these movements are going on and all the army is under marching orders there are good reasons why no officer should be allowed to leave his post- It is perhaps flattery of myself to think that such a view may have governed Reynolds in disapproving my resignation. It will induce me nevertheless to try again the first chance I get- I feel no longer like a volunteer but like a prisoner with every assurance of honorable treatment from the State and Government broken and outraged. Nothing is left however but to do my duty honestly whilst I remain and to trust that God in his mercy will regard you and Uncle with my darling children with favor and protect you from all evil and danger and from any approach of it- I trust this will find you and Uncle restored to health and strength and again in the Country with all the little flock. Chapman has gone out today on picket with the 151st Regt and I am in Command in Camp- Today I had a battalion drill for a Couple of hours and found the men very very rusty. It was not much exertion to me except in giving orders which was a little difficult for want of my usual voice We number now less than 260 men present for duty and many of these are excused from drill – not a command of a Major- I think I therefore might be spared. Imbecility which often amounts to cruelty marks the Course of Govt towards this Army, if it is not our Generals doing – that we have so much tape to tie us. To get my resignation considered it had to pass through 3 clerks and 3 Generals inspections if indeed the latter ever saw it at all. You now dear wife know my fate for the present – bereft as I am of all hope of happiness which I alone look for here below in your society – I must trust that in a little while I shall have some other opportunity – which I shall most eagerly embrace. I have had no letters from home but yours and dont expect any – strange but so it is- May God bless and keep you in health and strength and happiness soon to be reunited with your ever loving husband,
Alexander
A kiss for Aleck, Harry, Julia, Winny and Louis – when I heard that De Hunter had been with you I was pleased at the dear little boy’s name.

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 10 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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 of the 121st Regt P.V.
June 9th 1863

Dear Julia
I wrote you a few hurried lines this morning to tell you the fate of my resignation so far.   Doubleday returned it after keeping if for four days for a medical Certificate of disability.  I went over to him and told him it was unqualified and got him to send it up.   I think it may be Considered that he has not the power to do anything in the matter and thus I shall have to take some other steps which I shall do.  I was exceedingly grieved at what you say in your letter of 5th inst about Uncle’s going to town and your attending him.  You always do exactly what you ought my dear wife and it was a painful pleasure to think of your taking charge of dear Uncle in town with so much on your hands in the country.  How I wish I were with you, I feel so much as if I had put my head into a noose when every sense of duty calls me to you.  I have put into my letter a photograph of J. M. Clapp of the 121st Regt which you can put along with the others  — please send me five of mine to supply requests.  I send you herein the paper enclosure of an article sold in Camp — Called as you will perceive wheat Nutrient — what would you suppose it to be?  A new preparation of flour or some edible substance for the delicate?  nothing of the kind.  It is nothing but whisky put up in bottles, which are so squared that the package may easily be mistaken for corn or flour of some kind.  Whether to deceive the Provost Marshalls or not I cannot say but you wife will perceive that there is not the slightest allusion to spirit in any part of the advertisement, although a man taking a drink in one of the vignettes seems to be a Covert allusion to it.  I think Clem would be amused at it.
We are still in the same place.  I have done no duty as yet.  I walk towards evening but keep as much as I can out of the sun in the tent in daytime.  Three brigades of the Sixth Corps are said to across the river in position but I think our movements have no object in view but to keep the enemy on the alert and to make them show themselves in force.  my health has not been any the worse but I do not feel as if I was much invigorated and intend to be careful to avoid exposure to the sun.  To day or to morrow I think will bring my paper back from Reynolds and then I shall know my position.  I trust it may be favorably Considered and that I may again rejoin you.  I almost feel wife I had done a positive wrong in thus entangling myself but who Could tell that the Govt would so act.  To day has been pretty hot, clear and bright weather but the whole face of the Country is a waste with remnants of Camps in every direction — our little regiment does not alter much in numbers and every day its weakness from some Cause or other is more and more manifest.
Good bye dear wife.  May God in his infinite mercy bless and preserve you, Uncle and our Darlings in health and happiness and restore us to each other.
Your loving
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 9 June 1863. Rush IV:30:31

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 of 121st Regt P.V.
June 8th 1863 —
near WO Church Virga

Dear Julia

It is early morning a little after 5 O’clock – I am waiting for the mail Sergeant to come to get the letters. I last night got your very welcome letter of 3rd inst and was very much pained to read what you wrote about Uncle being cupped &c. My resignation was written and Sent several days ago before the late move of troops, the object of which was I think to find out the force of the enemy in our front on the other side of the river – A portion of the 6th Corps crossed and took some prisoners but they are now coming back – large numbers of the Rebels having been seen and Counted, they say 35000 counted,  we therefore believe that Lee is still before us and I believe we have now returned to our former quiescent State – I hope now soon to get some reply to my resignation – delay in answering I look upon as rather favorable to my desire but if the delay is occasioned merely by detention at some intermediate office it would amount to nothing at all – Yesterday the day was quite Cool towards evening I walked towards Doubleday’s and Reynolds Head Qrs and got some idea of relative positions and that of our new picket line near the river – the troops are scattered all around us Camps in every direction but more in sight than they have usually been.
Chapman yesterday got a box from home filled with dried rusk and jars of sweets – but unfortunately something had gone wrong a pickle jar was broken and two china pots seemed to have fermented and such a mess you have not often seen – he was however pretty lucky with the debris of his good things – I dont want anything for I trust (D V) I may be permitted to return to you before I could receive anything – Oh how I wish it – This poor little remnant of a regiment I do not think entitled to two field officers. To give you an idea of how we have suffered, when two days ago we got orders to march we sent away Capt Arrison, Lieuts Raymond Gray Warner Powel all too sick to march (some of them very sick) nearly one third of the line officers present. You see from this what great reason I have to be thankful that our heavenly father permitted me to be so lightly visited. I have no news of any appointment as Lieut Colonel, nothing has yet come to the regiment – before it does I trust my resignation may be returned accepted and that I may be going towards my loved home – I was so glad to [heard?] that the children were well – I almost think I am an old granny about them for I have been positively scared about them since I left you and really wonder how you Can get along with them but God tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb and I trust will take you and my little flock always under his merciful protection. Good bye beloved.I trust that all things will work together for our good and for that of the Country. I long and hope to be with you never to part and feel more than ever disposed to put an end to family pecuniary wranglings.
Your loving Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,8 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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:

121st Regt P.V.
June 6th 1863

Dear Julia

We were up at three O’clock this morning prepared to march. We saw during the day several Brigades of the 6th Corps (Sedgwick’s) which is on our right march towards Falmouth – heard firing in that direction and towards Banks ford far off on our right Rumor says that our troops have crossed the river and again hold the town of Fredricksburg and that skirmishers have been pushed forward to the foot of the heights back of the town, also that we have to move to night – We had a sharp thunder storm in the afternoon which Caused us to pitch tents in a hurry. Mr Hall and his son Came to Camp this evening to see Tom Hall and are now at his quarters in Camp. I have no news of my resignation as yet it may be very possible that it will not be noticed until after the present movement is finished. Whatever this movement is we dont think much of it. Some think it is merely a feint to bring back the rebels from near Culpeper where they are supposed to have gone- The Balloon was up three times today and it is said the pickets are moving back towards Fredericksburg- I dont think much Can Come of it in any event.
Dear wife I trust we shall soon meet again in peace and happiness and I pray God to bless and preserve you and our darlings in health and happiness with dear Uncle in hopes of a speedy reunion.Good bye beloved.
Your loving
Alexander
Love to Aleck Harry Julia Winny and Louis-

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 6 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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:

I had Hall’s pencil in
my pocket book

121st Regt P.V.
June 5th 1863

Dear Wife,

We are still in the same old Camp but with orders to be ready to move at daybreak tomorrow — it looks very like rain — and we have had warm weather for several days— To day we have heard pretty heavy firing by the west and part of the Sixth Corps have been seen moving in that direction.
My resignation has gone up and whatever may be its fate I am glad that I did not postpone it. I wished only for General Reynolds return from Washington and as soon as he returned sent it up. I did not send it before because I preferred that it should go before my proper Commanders especially Reynolds. I am doing pretty well trying to be careful and to avoid exposure— I have not been on any picket duty since my return and hope to continue improving— We hear all sorts of rumors about our going to Washington, that the enemy have given up Fredericksburg and that our troops again possess it. we receive them all as rumors and are prepared to obey orders such as they may be — Now that I have taken the step of resigning I feel well pleased that I have done so and hope it will be favorably received.my Commission as Lieut Colonel has not yet been received and although the Colonel advised me to wait awhile under the idea it would be received, I said no and sent in my papers — the only thing now is to see if it will be accepted. Etting from a visit to Head Qrs has just Come in and says the 5th Corps (Meade’s) are at Banks ford and the sixth across the river in front of us, that is a part of it— there seems to be an idea that Lee’s forces are withdrawn somewhere— I suggest to Vicksburg.— we shall see how it will turn out— I feel more than ever dear wife our separation and am very anxious to return to you God bless and keep you our little ones and dear Uncle from all harm and grant you all increase of health. strength & happiness. Give Love to dear darling Harry who is so good and Can always be so good when he chooses — to my much loved Aleck and my precious little Jewel Jule— I dont forget my winsome Winny or dear Louis but I hope he wont have a Cold and wont cry so very much of nights.
God bless and preserve us to meet once again dear wife,

Your affectionate loving husband
Alexander
I put that as affectionate having to stop suddenly.I must say your always loving through all time,
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 5 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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:

121st Regt P.V.
June 4th 1863

Dear Julia

I have as I told you I would do sent in my resignation – I am now awaiting results to see whether it will be accepted or not. Chapman who has behaved in the handsomest manner about it says he thinks it will be accepted.I say I do not although I think my reasons are perfectly sound ones for the purpose and should cause it so to be.
I have not yet heard from Harrisburg as to whether they have appointed me Lieut Colonel or not but I do not care what they do in that respect, unless my present resignation is refused – Last night at half past one we received orders to be ready at 1/2 an hour after daylight with everything packed and arms stacked on the parade – We slept quietly up to sending for the Quartermaster to get rations which we wanted but within an hour after got visits from orderlies and Aids to see if we understood the order. At day break we all arose – a regiment near us beat the long roll (without Authority) which Caused a turning out of some neighboring regiments unnecessarily – Again we received visits from Aids about Arms to be stacked on parade ground – finally we stacked arms and the men began to get tents down. About 3/4 of an hour after it was done Came a reiteration of the old orders about stacking arms which I had the satisfaction of saying had long ago been complied with – soon not a tent but those of the sick was standing – then Came the ambulances to take the Sick – we had five officers to send away, excellent fellows who were put into ambulances and rolled and jolted in the hot sun – We remained in this position until about 11 O’clock when an orderly Came to say we Could again pitch our tents and sleep as much as we pleased – there we were with tents down, no breakfast, (that is with an irregular one all round) with disappointed expectations after waiting so long in a hot sun for something to occur to find out it was merely Doubleday in a feeze – He had received just the same order as the 6th Corps close by us who never took down a tent or disturbed any of the usual routine whilst our men were really wearied – so it is always – we think him very much of an humbug – I tell you only the facts. I am getting on very well – have done no duty as yet – I hear our Brigade is to be Consolidated with the 2nd Brigade – we now have in our Brigade less than 1000 men (a full regiment) and nearly half of these will soon leave us – I hope I shall soon do so too, for I see no reason why I should not – God bless you dear wife and may he in his mercy grant me a speedy return to you, dear Uncle and the Children never more to part.
Your loving
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle, 4 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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:

Head Qrs 121 st Regt P.V.
Camp Near W O Church
June 3rd 1863

Dear Wife

I have but little to tell you except that I have been doing quite as well as I expected. General Reynolds has gone to Washington for a few days, General Doubleday is Corps Commander, General Rowley is not very well and Chapman is acting as Brigadier. I therefore am in command of the regiment but I have not done anything beyond issue the necessary orders. I have not had the regiment under arms at all nor have I been out on parade, contenting myself with exercising a general supervision – Today I had an unusual duty to perform – Reading the burial service out of your little prayer book over an unfortunate man named Washington Farr who died yesterday – it was a new step in my duty and I hope I performed it well- I am sure from my own feeling of regret for the loss of the poor fellow and from my desire to do him all the reverence I could do him that I ought to have succeeded and I don’t think I failed- I have not forgotten my intention of resigning but as General Reynolds does not return until tomorrow or next day to whom it must go I have waited until it could reach him without delay- I have it sketched in pencil in my pocket The Regiment is sadly reduced We had not more than 100 men on evening parade but a good many are absent on picket duty to day.We are on a slightly elevated spot of ground on a large rolling plain lately covered with trees upon which the dust from the roads made in every direction by Army wagon trains and horsemen sometimes indeed frequently is blown with much violence powdering everything with a fine dust.
I think there is a strong feeling in the Army against Hooker.Officers say “why didn’t we win at Chancellorsville”- We only had three Corps in action and then the question is asked Why were not the others engaged and the impression seems to be that Hooker was not collected enough to manage them. I have heard it said that Hooker gave express orders to Stoneman not to go into Richmond in any event they say he thought he would go there himself and that he did send after and stop Averell and that the only reason why he did not stop Stoneman was because he had got beyond his reach. Much is said about a new general and I think that the Army is looking to Meade or Reynolds as it’s next leader- Collis of the Zouaves is now undergoing a trial by Court Martial for some alleged misconduct in the last battle.- I do not say much of myself I got some quinine pills in Washington and have taken one every morning fever seems to be affecting our men a good deal but I think I am nearly free from any such symptoms. We are awaiting news from Vicksburg but rather fearful of want of success. I can now only beloved wife hope and trust that I may soon return to you and that God will bless and keep you, dear Uncle and the children in peace health strength and happiness- Clem was kindness itself to me on the way down.

.
Your loving
Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,3 June 1863. Rush IV:30:32

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:

Head Qrs 121st Regt P.V.
Camp near White Oak Church                                                                                                                                                                                                May 31st 1863

Dear Julia
I arrived here this afternoon.  I came down in the boat with Edwd Gratz formerly of our Regt  but who has been made a paymaster in the Army and Lieut Col C Ross Smith of Rush’s Lancers .  I found the Regiment a good deal the worse for wear, many of the officers were sick — three of our heartiest men and one had gone home — the Colonel  was looking very well take him all in all.  I think he looked as well as any one in the Regiment — the Regiment was as weak in numbers as I have ever seen it — as I approached camp there was a little cheer from a knot of men of C .  I and the Colonel, Hall and the Dr  came out to see me.  I got through feeling pretty well, found bed and everything prepared for me, horses looking well and all as well as I could expect.  I had a long and free talk with the Colonel about my situation and views as to my resignation in which he did not controvert my impressions at all but rather agreed with them.  The Camp is on a slightly elevated piece of ground but it is very dusty, far from water, with no shade near it.  At dinner the water was nearly white, with mud I suppose.  Some of the best men in Camp I found down with illness and many others Complaining.  I do no know if it is necessary for our men to get acclimated but if Lee’s Army is no better man for man than our own it can’t do much in the way of rapid marching — And I do not believe that it is as good — the general idea seemed to be that the next battle would be fought somewhere about the Old Bull Run ground within 40 miles of Washington.   I can’t help thinking that we shall move from here before long to some more fertile locality — or at least not so much cut up by troops.  I have great reason dear wife to be thankful for the manner in which I have been taken care of by my dear wife and hope in my next to report further progress in my intentions.  God bless you and all the dear ones at Lanoraye.
Your loving Alexander

Citation: Alexander Biddle (1819-1899), autograph letter signed to Julia Williams Rush Biddle,31 May 1863. Rush IV:30:31