2022-11 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2022
Each of the SIXTY letters are written by James Cornell Biddle, to his wife Gertrude, February 9th, 1863 thru December 11th, 1863. The letters are datelined from various points in the East. Nearly each letter has its original cover. All letters have transcriptions. James Cornell Biddle was a Civil war Union Army Officer. He was mustered in as a Private in Company A, 17th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on April 25, 1861, and served until he was mustered out on August 2, 1861. On November 1, 1861 he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in Company C, 27th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Promoted to Captain and commander of Company H on November 1, 1862. He was soon tabbed to serve on the staff of Major General George Gordon Meade, performing that duty from May 1863 through the July 1863 Gettysburg Campaign, and through the end of the war. On November 5, 1863 he was discharged from the 27th Pennsylvania, and was promoted to Major and Aide-De-Camp, US Volunteers. He was brevetted Lieutenant Colonel, US Volunteers on August 1, 1864, for "faithful and meritorious services in the field" and Colonel, US Volunteers on April 9, 1865 for "gallant and meritorious services during the recent operations resulting the fall of Richmond and the surrender of the insurgent army under General R.E. Lee". He was once taken prisoner by the Confederates. The Biddle family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is an Old Philadelphian family descended from English immigrants William Biddle (1630-1712) and Sarah Kempe (1634-1709), who arrived in the Province of New Jersey in 1681. Quakers, they had emigrated from England in part to escape religious persecution. The letters translated, cleanly written and usually four pages. We will show brief excerpts from this voluminous collection; (1/28) There was some commotion here last night. The signal officers at Garnett's mountain reported the enemy moving, and later their cavalry appeared on this side of the river"; (2/11) Imagine my surprise when looking over the list of officers to be sent before the board to show cause why they should not be dismissed, to find my own name. ... I at once went to Genl Ricketts ... proving it was owing to the negligence of the Officers of the Provost."; (2/12) I went see Mr. Stanton last evening. He told me he was sorry to hear my name had been published."; (2/14) I expect to move to Wormley's today. Mr. Wormley is a colored man. His house ..next door to Gen. Hallick's."; (4/3) All accounts from the South show the people to be in great fear of starvation ... The Rebels are evacuating Richmond & moving their Army West,"; (4/15) "I am very much afraid Foster has been taken. He had a very small force with him ... They are much more active than we are. They keep their eyes open for all opportunities."; (4/26) "I rode over to Genl. Hooker's Head Quarters with General Meade. ... The indications are very strong, and I think by Tuesday there will be a battle."; (5/24) There was quite a significant piece copied in our papers from the Richmond Examiner ... If Grant takes Vicksburg, it will be a heavy blow."; (5/25) "I trust the victory we have gained at Vicksburg may help to end this war."; (6/25) "Capt. Friedley went out last night scouting after Mosby. He sent in three prisoners."; (7/25) "We have accomplished more this month than we could have hoped for. ... I would not be surprised if this month would chronicle the fall of Charleston . The capture of Morgan & his 2500 men is a very good thing."; (8/5) "I had quite a discussion yesterday with Charlie Cadwalader about Negro soldiers. He said it made him indignant that the government should prolong the war in that way and it was putting us backwards."; (8/22) There will have to be a land fight and a severe one. ... If we take Charleston, the rebellion is done."; (8/30) "Genl Meade's sword is very handsome. ... ; (10/16) "There was a little Cavalry fighting yesterday, but all is quiet this morning. I do not understand the movements of the enemy. I wish they only would attack us. ... I agree with you about Genl. McClellan, but he is a topic which I think not worth while disputing about. He has certainly now ruined himself."; (11/3) The railroad is in very bad condition and the trains East have to give way to those going West. We passed eight long freight trains and it took us from 1 o'clock until 10 getting here."; (11/13) "A petty Governor Woodward would make for the prosecution of the war. I am glad they have given Butler a command."; (11/22) "Europe has enough to do looking after their own private affairs. I do not think there is the slightest hope for the Southern Confederacy from abroad."
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.