10 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fb580172f5a9cb45760ea792aebac46c.jpg af78dbba347f3421c37464e4e87c6c17 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/314674044a8d54ee72b9e1bbec9aa8ac.jpg e818acae6b3304b99177ab091b154045 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cba5861bcb2d36680e360d1ba7edaf21.jpg f0f9ca6aa00b61338f1beeef9cd58a6b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6e32642a77f53421dafb6ad2d67aa994.jpg 6080f3b1c5accde99b152ac125b78760 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Blains Cross Roads, Tenn. Tues Eve Dec 29th Dec 1863 My dearest wife, You will hear of my safe arrival here last Sat[urday] eve, as I wrote you Sunday morning and I promised you another in a day or two. And now ‘tis after lights out (or ‘Taps’) but a chance to mail tomorrow via Knoxville so I send you another hasty scrawl. Now you must know that we changed camp Sunday P.M. and ever since we’ve been cleaning up around building tents and busy as bees and shall not write you as I would like to. But it seemed so glad to see your letters that I will mention the date of them and will read them over more attentively before I can say all I want to. Yours received were dated: Nov 1st (with Frank’s), 22nd (29th by Frank), Dec 7, Oct 22d. Others from Abbie with a word from you. ‘Will’ Haynes and Mother, Lucy, Alonzo and Ellen at different dates and one from Mr. Walker of Worcester which happened to escape the fate of those with poor Stevens. My return to the Regt. brings so much to mind that I must wait more quiet moments to do it justice and you must be patient if I don’t mention items as you would wish. Have been hard at work and the fires trouble my eyes exceedingly as at Falmouth last winter and I write now with the greatest difficulty. ‘Tis fearful terrible what our boys have been thru with since the great retreat from Loudon and Lenore, the fight at Campbell’s Station and the final struggle at Knoxville, the suffering of hunger, cold followed up and harassed by the desperate foe. But they came out victorious. All were heroes and the 36th are on the roll of Massachusetts’ bravest souls, all honor to them. I venerate them and altho spared the terrible trial trust it will make me all the braver to bear. We are now on very short fare, tho plenty of meat, but little bread or flour of poor quality but this is nothing. The sky looks bright. We are in a delightful camp, in good health. I am better if possible since leaving Tazewell. Things were unsettled in the Commissary Department and I yearned for the Regt. as my proper place and made haste to reach it. And such busy times felling trees, clearing away and burning brush right on a hill with lofty mountains still higher on every [???] (the Clinch Mountains), a few rods from the other camp where they were huddled together in line of battle behind breastworks but now in regular camp. I am tented with a good fellow named Colburn from Westminster, not quiet well and evidently homesick somewhat but I see he cheers up a little. I try to attract his attention and do most of the housework. So you have a little idea of how we are. There is much in your letters I would like to speak of but cannot much now. One where you reviewed our life since our marriage was dear to me. I shall send it home soon for you to keep. Don’t feel sensitive now because I have not done this before for I don’t know why I have not. I hope to do better in future for Lulu’s sake, little darling. Your account of her sayings and doings tell me of them all you can. I hope she will be good and learn to love what I have so much. I love to think of you and her looking over and handling our little treasures in pictures or verses and my heart leaps forward to the time when we can all together take comfort and something tells me we should. And then to know the patriotism of the home is rising will cheer up and strengthen the boys in the field more than we can tell. Oh if the folks at home could see what heroism there is here and what a victory makes of men, ‘twould be a lasting lesson to them. Some are missing and many hearts will bleed (only think of Mrs. Stevens). But the great day is surely in store for us which shall in a measure assuage this great and present grief. Just think of my letters among the rebels. Jos. H. tells me there were some from all my different friends, two from Murray, Abbie and many from yourself of course. They will not be [???] will they by the perusal. But with them perished such a good man. They had got beautiful winter quarters at Leonore, and Henry Mayo, Nelson Smith, with Stevens and myself were to quarter together, and were waiting upon my return. I can hardly realize or be resigned to it. Heaven help and sustain her stricken heart. Corporal Houghton was not killed but seriously wounded. Priv. E. was hit on the check leaving a little mark. Have just been chatting with him and it seems to be mutually cheering to meet again as it is. Of course, I haven’t had time to hear or tell all. He always bears you in mind. You must not be jealous about letters I only [write] you twice yet more as often (as I should) as anybody else. Bro[ther] F’s [Foster’s] is headquarters of many friends. ‘Tis late, eyes ache and I must close. Hope soon to receive another mail and as my house is done, a cozy one raised up two or three logs from the ground and quite roomy. If we don’t march soon, shall talk to all of the friends soon. Love to Abbie, Mary, Hattie, all, Frank. Found a letter from Henry P. too. Will write sometime. Of the future, all is uncertain. Camp talk says going North to Western Virginia, to Missouri, etc. etc. etc. Longstreet is still nearby, but doubtful about giving battle, etc. Feel much interested for Alonzo. No doubt he has done for the best. Honor him for continuing in the service in some capacity. For myself will see my term of 3 years closed and then see about the future. Clothes that I left at Columbia were here. A kiss and love always from Your Jerome Jos. H. appears well. Clings to me like a brother. Done finely in the late battles. Carried a rebel flag to the Genl. And game to the “back bone” so I hear. Paid off a few days before I got here. Hope to be again soon. Please send me some thread, white and black linen. I have a little money enough for the present and am comfortably clothed. The boys sadly in need. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Jerome returned to his regiment on December 26th, 1863, after being gone over a month in Tazewell in the Commissary Department. During that separation from his Regiment, he did not receive his mail. NOTE 2: Edwin Stevens of Orange was killed Nov. 16, 1863 at Campbell’s Station, Tennessee. He apparently had 27 letters of Jerome’s in his knapsack, which was captured by the rebels. NOTE 3: Private Augustus F. Colburn, age 21, of Gardner was in Company H and was wounded at the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, where Jerome was killed. Colburn was transferred to the V.R.C. on February 6, 1865. (Unit History, p. 370.) NOTE 4: Jerome’s potential roommates at Blain’s Crossing were Corporal Henry Mayo of Orange, who was killed at the Wilderness, (Unit History p. 369.) and William N. [Nelson?] Smith of Orange. He was promoted to Corporal and discharged for disability in Dec. 1864. (Unit History p. 372.) NOTE 5: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 6: Blain’s Cross Roads was often referred to as the Valley Forge of the Rebellion due to the difficult times during the winter of 1863. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, December. 29, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Blaines Cross Roads, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-29 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Blains Cross Roads (18 miles from Knoxville) Sunday morn 27 Dec 63 My ever dearest wife! Safely again with the gallant battle scented 36th. Sitting beside Bro[ther] Ben. He scribbling a letter in great haste like myself! An opportunity this morning to mail a letter back. A w[ee]ks bundle of letters from home which I haven’t had time to read, only yours of the 30 Nov. and 6th Dec. as I arrived late last night and must mail this soon. Have struggled on the mud and over mountains and rocks across Clinch River since last Thursday, the day I left Tazewell. Wrote you the day before to direct letters to Lieut. Cross or etc. Resume your old direction to the Regt. Your letters and my arrival with the Regiment brings up so much, but I can only say now that I am safe and well. Have seen no fighting or rebel prisons as my letter will assure you. My heart is full this morning and I can hardly think what to write. Shall cherish so much your letters and love. Don’t dear wife question my love for you. Shall have such a delightful time reading and talking over adventures. Joe met me at once and helped me to a supper. He and Ben are great friends. I feel very very much attracted to him. Am glad to know you were at Boston. Hope you will learn of my health and safety and may it add to your enjoyment for Christmas and New Years. The whole prospect is indeed encouraging and indications point to a close before long of the heavy fighting. No one knows where the enemy are. We are in an impregnable position among the Clinch Mountains in a beautiful country. Lulu’s Birth Day yesterday. Came ten or twelve miles with the teams and Col. Bowman Curtin of the 45th [Pennsylvania], and feel once more at home, all that I can away from you. I shall forget many things. Poor Stevens you have doubtless heard is dead. Killed with a bullet thru head at Campbell’s Station. Dreadful! He had 27 letters of mine, but he could not be saved any way as the troops were in full retreat and hard pressed. His knapsack and everything was lost of course. But I must close. Will write again in a day or two. The road is clear to this place and I hope to hear again soon. Have just looked over in haste Alonzo’s letter. Will answer soon. Love as ever to all and ever your own, Jerome Gave Ben your love and he said “bless her heart!” Inspection at 10 o’cl[oc]k, breakfast waiting. Sad for Col. Joslyn! Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Colonel Henry Bowman rejoined the 36th Regiment on December 26th, 1863 with Jerome. Col. Bowman was on special duty as Chief of Staff to Gen. Willcox, commanding at Cumberland Gap and in East Tennessee, from November 21, 1863 to December 25, 1863. He rejoined the regiment at Blaine’s Cross Roads, Tennessee on December 26th, but was unable to muster as a Colonel, since the regiment was below the minimum strength. He was appointed Asst. Quartermaster on Feb. 29, 1864, and served in the 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps in the Virginia campaign until the end of the war. Regimental History, p. 317. NOTE 2: The letter refers to three close friends of Jerome: Ben, Joe and Alonzo. NOTE 3: Edwin Stevens, age 39 of Orange, was killed Nov. 16, 1863 at Campbell’s Station, TN. In the retreat from Lenoir’s, at Campbell’s Station, the 36th Regiment lost one officer and three enlisted men, including Stevens, in Confederate General Longstreet’s attack. NOTE 4: On the last page, there is a side note saying “Sad for Col Joslyn.” There is no Joslyn in the Massachusetts 36th Regiment, but there was a Lieutenant Colonel Ed. Joslyn in the 36th Infantry Illinois Volunteers, who fought in East Tennessee in late 1863. According to Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois (http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org/cw36-agr.html), the Thirty-sixth Infantry Illinois Volunteers Regiment took an active part in the battle of Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863, its colors being among the first planted on the Ridge. On Nov. 28, they started under Sheridan for Knoxville, Tenn., to relieve Burnside. They reached that point December 6. Moving out on the 12th, they marched to different points east of Knoxville until they bivouacked in midwinter at Blain's Cross Roads on the 17th, where Jerome may have heard about the Colonel when he arrived there on Dec. 26th. It could not be determined what happened to him, since he may have been killed or wounded between the 17th and 26th. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, December 27, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Blaines Cross Roads, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tazewell Tenn. Dec. 23rd 1863 My very dear Allie, Last Sunday morning I wrote you just as we were moving as we all supposed for Knoxville. But again “strategy” prevails and after going to the old bathing place this side of Clinch River, yesterday we returned again and here we are once more in the old building surrounded by boxes and barrels again and I am still forty miles from the Regt. and more uncertain than ever when I shall see them. But I can no longer wait for letters and I write a few lines to have you mail them to me at this place. Direct thus: Name, “Care of Lieut. R. M. Cross, A.C.S. Tazewell Tenn.” Leave off Regt. and company, but “Headquarters of Genl. Wilcox” instead. And I may receive them here and they will be forwarded to me wherever I may be. I can’t tell you how lonesome and homesick it seems not receiving letters from home. The Corps are constantly moving and it is almost impossible to get a letter to or from them here as the mail is not opened here but goes either to Crab Orchard or the ‘Gap’ (going North), but coming this way stops here. Everything is done in a strange manner here. Movements are going forward but there has been so much going to and fro, skirmishing etc. etc. that I cannot pretend to guess what will happen. Great things are talked of, but we must await events. Two of a [???] of three from Charlestown, one young Bailey who I knew in the [???] called this morning. They are after the remains of Lieut. Holmes, killed at Campbell’s Station and which I mentioned. It seemed pleasant to see a face from home. They will remain here till a movement takes place. We are just in receipt of the President’s Message, Proclamation etc., but must await results such as the siege of Knoxville etc. to convince the leading rebels. I have no faith in anything, but bullets and steel and overwhelming defeats towards them and those till they are annihilated and the sooner the Northern people come to that conclusion and act accordingly, the sooner the end will be. The climate here is delightful, some chilly weather but only now and then a flake or two of snow. We have a comfortable building with a stove, cook, etc. inside and get along comfortably enough, but letters. Letters, I call daily. Write immediately on receipt of this and direct as above and I think I shall hear from you soon. Hope to know soon whether I join the Regt, no doubt as soon as the way is clear we shall move on and join the 9th “A.C.” [Army Corp] I often wish I was there but “all’s for the best” is ever my motto and whichever way events point there I go. Don’t intend being captured if possible to avoid it. Such caution is the “better part of valor” I believe. But how fare you all? I hope and trust all is well. We have some sutlers goods stores here and a glove paper with a gold picture dropped out which I send for Lulu. ‘Tis all I can find for her. A desolate war-stained land, not a flower and scarcely a green thing to be seen. The last few days have been terribly confused and dusty (sweeping the room now) and ill adapted to letter writing, but you ever have my love and thoughts with a goodly share to all the Bro[ther]s and Sisters all. Hope soon to hear from you and ever remain your loving husband, Jerome Remember me to the Orange friends. Will write them soon. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE In his annual message to Congress, President Lincoln on December 8, 1863, announced The Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconciliation. Sometimes referred to the “ten percent plan,” the plan allowed the reestablishment of new republican governments in seceded states where at least ten percent of the 1860 voters affirmed their loyalty to the Union. It allowed for a full pardon and restoration of property (but not slaves) to all engaged in rebellion except for the highest Confederate officials and military leaders. It encouraged Southern states so admitted to enact plans to deal with freed slaves as long as their freedom was not compromised. https://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.2849300/?sp=1&st=text&r=-0.237,0.515,0.665,0.691,0 When announced the plan had at least temporary approval of a wide group of Unionists from war Democrats to Radical Republicans. The Proclamation was an attempt by President Lincoln to take the initiative on reconstruction away from Congress. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, December 23, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Tazewell, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-23 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (trasncriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.50 X 3.07" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.08" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.08" - 3rd Scan "4.96 X 8.08" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #185 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tazewell, TN Allie Jerome Peirce Tazewell TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd109147e43abb50a29c02d74622ed9b.jpg 987a262e44d885c86ed9020c5e2dbffa https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3b4a57357c2def9abdb66b329d5277a4.jpg 0ae3bcbc6be7fbf1f3bf6616e3d34043 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ce8d0fea57a77ade0c77c0415515c4b0.jpg 0d382c173b9b942d53427f3bd1e3328a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a628b6b37205cad21da92336907bce55.jpg c75b0ecc942171a3b76f00c27dcaf52f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tazewell Tenn. Dec. 20 1863 My ever dear wife, A beautiful clear cold Sunday morning. Busy most of last week fixing up new quarters (near the officer’s tents) and last eve. sat down by a nice comfortable fire and thinking what a good time I would have reading and writing to you and others. When lo in the night an order came to move! So here we are just finished breakfast and I have only time to send my love and remembrance in a few lines. No letters from you or friends since the one of the 16 Nov. at the Gap. But now we are heading for Knoxville and we hope once more to reach it. Expect there will be a collision somewhere as it is supposed the enemy have been reinforced by Ewell’s Corps from Virginia. We shall not be in the front probably as the Commissary is kept at a safe distance. Have been kept in uncertainty as to my future. Am still with Lieut. Cross and a little show for a detail but not certain. No favorable opportunity has offered that I could safely join the Regt. A squad the other day started when the train some 20 wagons and most of the men were captured the same night near or at Clinch Mountain a few miles from here. I came near being with them. You no doubt know more of the situation here than us. Lieut. Hodgkins went to the Regt. the other day when at Rutledge. They lost 30 killed and wounded in getting from Loudon to Knoxville. Among the killed was Lieut. Holmes of Co. B (of C[harlestown]) and Corp. Houghton, the one who took the colors from me when I went home. I am in excellent health and spirits, but I want my letters from you. I feel strange and lost without the good words from home. But still I write away once a week to you knowing you will hear from me if I can’t from you. I am acting upon the advice of the officers here in all I do. Hope by and by all will come out well. The Regt. have not yet been paid off so as far as that goes I am as well off as I can be. But I must close to pack up. Don’t know where I shall write from next, but my thoughts are always with you. Adieu with love to all. A kiss for Lulu. As ever, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Regimental History notes that Lieutenant Hodgkins rejoined the regiment from home leave and detached service at Cumberland Gap on December 11th. He provided news that mail and supplies were at Tazewell. The supply-train arrived on the 13th and mail arrived the following day. (p. 123) Since Jerome wasn’t with the Regiment, his last mail was from Nov. 16th, and he wrote this letter on Dec. 20, 1863. NOTE 2: The Regimental History also references the night of Dec. 13th when during the night there were orders to march at early dawn, but they remained at Rutledge. The History notes that Longstreet attacked the Union cavalry at Bean’s Station, and captured a wagon train. (p. 124) NOTE 3: Lieutenant P. Marion Holmes of Company B from Charleston was killed in action at Campbell’s Station on Nov. 16, 1863. Jerome’s letter of Dec 20th refers to fighting in mid-November as “the other day.” NOTE 4: There is no reference in the Regimental History to a Corporal Houghton killed in East Tennessee. A Private Joshua Houghton was killed in May 1864 at the Wilderness, and an Alfred Houghton who transferred from the Regiment to the Second U.S. Cavalry in December 1862. NOTE 5: First Lieutenant Robert M. Cross was from Palmer, Massachusetts, and he enlisted in Company E on August 22, 1862. He became acting aide-de-camp to Colonel Leasure at Cumberland Gap in 1863 -1864, and was honorably discharged on July 24, 1864. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, December 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Tazewell, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.57 X 3.05" - 1st Scan "4.93 X 8.05" - 2nd Scan "9.96 X 8.05 - 3rd Scan "4.93 X 5.29" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #184 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tazewell, TN Allie Jerome Peirce Tazewell TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8f3f9f591dcc62f855811e4c752ecf66.jpg f4a47652189cbe6caa382aac2552fb2a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0051d4f9bc346385db2adfa2d95c20e3.jpg 7aad7f13e830c06dda241b0f11892668 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/169b9a0f3071d9c577f946b1f657a7a5.jpg f49d9a0262e8c02b03f755f72a0d7743 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tazewell Tenn. Dec. 13 1863 My dear family and friends, Again ‘tis Sabbath morning and oh how I wish I could join you, instead of attempting to write in this uncongenial scene. But a soldier must be used to everything and I feel like I am having experiences. Have been here since last Sabbath when we returned from the ford near Clinch River. Have been busy with the Quartermaster handling stores as this is a post now where supplies have to be loaded and unloaded, transferred to the post commissary etc. etc. without end and a great deal of night work. But we have good living and sleep under cover which is much tho the weather is warm and delightful for the most part. The Rebels in this vicinity have been compelled to fall back or change their position and the 9th Corps are about 25 miles from here at Rutledge and with others are pressing Longstreet with a view to capturing them in a body. We have a lot of provisions in a house close by and things are decidedly favorable and it is only by a series of unblushing lies that the rebel leaders keep up the spirit of their men. From all accounts I have been rescued from much hardship and even death for if accounts be true, the man who took the colors from me was killed at Knoxville during the late struggle there. Of the future I know nothing. Am trying to get my pay. Whether I finally join the Regt or not I can’t tell. The Quartermaster so far seems satisfied with me and it may prove a permanent thing. He is absent today at the front (at the Corps) and when he returns I shall probably know what is to be done. You must be patient. Everything you well know has to be done “just so” and it takes time. If I remain here shall have a way of getting my pay etc. I know how much you need it, but if I can work into a place here I shall learn more about business and after a year’s hard service with the Regt. I shall do the best I can especially in a pecuniary point. Things are now quiet here and it is a mere depot of supplies. And if the rebels are disposed of and the six months men soon go home for are no others to speak of even this will be broke up and so it stands. The mail was forward yesterday, mine with the rest, I expect, but I hope to receive it yet. It is quite a trial to be away off here not a word from home, yet there is no other safe way yet awhile. Among the number employed here is a gentleman of education from Indiana, in (one of the six months men) a private, an independent character, and we find time to chat books and the better things of home, generally so that life is not quite a blank and with my reading I manage to keep the rust of. Yesterday, you would have been amused I think, mending and making all day what time I had from my duties. Patched my tent-cloth. Ditto blanket, both having holes burned in them sleeping out of doors by the fire. Washed out haversack and other bags. Then made a new box to knapsack, etc. so that I am all in condition to move or keep still. Today I devote to writing and reading. I always if possible try and distinguish someway Sunday. Hope to succeed, better today than sometimes, as the chief is absent and things necessarily are at a standstill. Have just finished a letter to the “Socials” commenced some days since (Directed it to William Finney). How do you all? There are more I ought to write to but positively I cannot. More difficult than when with the Rgt. Will C. and his father and the girls. You must for the present share them as to all. Little Lulu too, but there is little I could wish her to see or know of my life here. The birds are silent and no flowers to send her. All is fear and desolation of season and war’s red hand. You are having, I trust, the good word today with the comforts and quiet of home in full. There are two or three buildings here designed as meeting houses but like the rest devoted to hospital or other army purposes. So we still live within ourselves, or the precious memories of the past and what could we do without them! Have written you but once a week of late. Two weeks ago at the Gap and from here last Sabbath. Life is monotonous and confused. Hope to know soon what I am to do and can feel more settled and contented. Mailed a letter to Fosters the other day. Am reading regularly as possible. Jeremiah, Proverbs, Psalms, 1st Ep[istles], and Corinthians and gleam great comfort therefrom. And so goes life. Tell father and mother I know I ought to have some word especially for them for their care and kindness to mine as the New Year approaches, but they are not forgotten and they must accept a cordial “Christmas” and “New Years” from me with the hope that we may see by and by some compensation for these days of separation and disorder. Dear Allie, I still have yours of the 8th and 16 Nov[ember] to look over and hope for more soon. Can think of no more for the present. May the good Father still keep you in his care, in health and peace till we meet. A kiss for Lulu. Tell her Papie is living in a house a little while just now and thinks much of her. My Ind[iana] friend (Mr. Major) much admires her picture, one of the child pictures. He loves to see so I must prize it all the more. Regards to Mr. Salloway, always and all friends. Once more adieu and ever your loving husband, Jerome Have you heard of late from Mr. Ellis (Walpole)? Tell them if opportunity offers why we or I have not written them. What of the Prestons? Dreamed of them last night. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 2: This letter references a number of family friends: Prestons, Salloway, Ellis, William Finney and Will C. NOTE 3: It is not clear what the “Socials” refers to. Mr. Finney appears to be one of their number. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to "Family and friends", December 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Family and friends Tazewell, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Family and friends Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-13 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (trasncriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.08 X 8.08" - 1st Scan "10.08 X 8.08" - 2nd Scan "5.08 X 8.08" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #183 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tazewell, TN Family and friends Jerome Peirce Tazewell TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5fe5b441aed6db48832791fcf8ac7220.jpg 030723399d3fe36997b71eb2732cfc1f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d75e94fa74a64e9508b9c095f4dec149.jpg d3f3aad4f09e46537c2719e485457965 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/59dbcf14c2acdbc55e9a342ec0eb0e89.jpg 8b33fc1d2834fa4d6f7c293ffc905d34 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tazewell, Tenn. 7 Dec 1863 Ever dear wife, In all the uncertainty and confusion of a forward movement I will attempt a line to you. Last Sunday I wrote a letter from the [Cumberland] Gap. Monday morning went down to the headquarters (on the Flat) to see about drawing clothing when lo all was stir and moving. Col. B. put us in the way of moving with the troops and train of Gen’l. Foster’s party who arrived the eve before. So went back to our quarters and with Carter was soon on the road for this place. Fell in with the Commissary Dept. where I live with two others of the 36th and of course have no trouble in obtaining rations. Reached here late Mond. [Monday] eve. Remained till Tues[day] morn about one o’cl[oc]k when we moved forward to within a short ‘bit’ (as the Westerners say) of Clinch River, where the enemy has appeared in force, and a short fight ensued with slight loss, inc. [including] troops and mounted infantry. Remained till yesterday or Sat. eve. Halted over night and reached here early in the morning. ‘Tis about 12 miles from the Gap and Clinch River 12 more from here. This morning another move and we expect every moment to be again on the way to the front (Knoxville). News came last eve that Burnside was relieved and the enemy were scattering in all directions and we hope now to reach K[noxville] before a great while. There are rebels scattered about here and efforts are being made to bag them, but at any rate the way is to be cleared to K[noxville]. Am now situated nicely and have good living and help as much as possible in the Com[missary] Dept. and learn something. “West” Packard of Charlestown is ‘butcher’ so I feel quite at home as I do anywhere. Col. B. is Chief of Staff to Gen’l. Wilcox. Hodgkins is with him, etc. etc. and have treated us with great kindness. We are having fine cool weather but quite warm daytimes. I can but send you a word this morning as I expect a chance in a few moments to mail this at the Gap. I am in “tip top” health and spirits and hope soon to find some way of hearing from you again soon. Give love to everybody and believe me as ever your Ever loving husband, Jerome P.M. Reported just now to Lieut. Crop, Div[ision] Quartermaster. Don’t know exactly what I should do, perhaps some writing. Expect to move tomorrow. Another disturbed Sabbath yesterday but I never forget you. Direct your letters to the Regt. and I trust I shall receive them by and by. J TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Envelope addressed to Mrs. Jerome Peirce, Billerica Mass. Postmarked Barboursville, KY, Dec 12. Handwritten in pencil perpendicular on side Dec 13 1863 on at 7. NOTE 2: Colonel B. is Colonel Henry Bowman of Clinton, Massachusetts. He was on special duty as Chief of Staff of General Willcox, commanding at Cumberland Gap and in East Tennessee from Nov. 21 to Dec. 25, 1863. He rejoined the regiment, along with Jerome, at Blaine’s Cross Roads, Tenn., on Dec. 26, 1863. Bowman was unable to muster as a Colonel, since the regiment was below the minimum size, according to the Regimental History, p. 317. NOTE 3: William H. Hodgkins of Charleston was on special duty as Aide-de-Camp to General Wilcox in East Tennessee from Nov. 22 to Dec. 25, 1863. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, December 7, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Tazewell, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Perice Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-07 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.55 X 3.07" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 7.82" - 2nd Scan "9.89 X 7.82" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #182 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tazewell, TN Allie Jerome Peirce Tazewell TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aaca131a53e7318795578dbaad439ab6.jpg c4cd9d5d24d11bfac677bb793f1df2fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8e94ff512a309698555d49c9ec95f23e.jpg f35199e10aa5b4891366459a17f53ee3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Billerica Nov. 29th, 1863 My ever dear husband, Again it is Sunday eve. and I am seated at your writing desk to hold a little converse [conversation] with you. Did you think when you got the desk that your wife would write so many letters upon it and send them to you in the Army? How little one knows what is before them and is it not well? I remember very well when I wrote the first letter upon this. My heart was so happy. I look around upon our little home at Peyron Place and saw the comfort we were surrounded with and felt that I was truly blessed. Could I have then looked forward six short years and seen the change, my heart would have been saddened, would not yours? And this turns my thoughts back to the time I first met you all the way through the first time I saw you at Sunday School, the boys around you, the smiles you had for them, and then you coming in the shop with Charles, the call with Albert, your first visit at Billerica to see Daniel Preston’s family, my visit to Charlestown, going to lecture with and the invitation given at Mr. Pratt’s, your call at Aunt Zaschiek’s, the Sunday eve. at Wymans, the letter that was waiting my arrival home, your first visit here, your staying at the depot one night, my being introduced to your friends, [???] sickness and death, our fixing up our little home, our wedding, the arrival home, Mary’s first fortnight with us, our being left alone in the quietness of our little home, our first visit home, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas at home (at [???]) and so on to the birth of our little boy, our disappointment, my summer at home, George and Inez being with us, Inez being married, my summer at home in the pleasant shade of summer under the old trees, our quiet days at home, Hannah S. coming on from Ohio, our quiet Thanksgiving at home, Mary Eliza being with us, the Christmas present of our little girl, our packing up and moving to Orange, our life there although much was unpleasant there, was much that was pleasant, the war, you enlisting, my stay at Worcester, my visit at Boston and Orange, settling here for the winter, your coming home after a year’s absence, your return. All this rushes into mind faster than I can pen it down. My dear husband, I hope your married life was not unpleasant to you, it certainly has been very far from that to me. When I look through all this and think how much has transpired in the time we first met, what will be the coming years? I dare not look into the future but I live on from day to day thinking “one day nearer to God and thee”. Our lives here are but short and I feel that those days ought to be spent together. Jerome, our being separated these years will be a lifelong lesson, will it not? I hope you will come home soon, and that our home may be reopened and our happy days continued, and surely if we keep on pushing the Rebs, we shall soon have them all in our control. We have had glorious news lately, and is it wrong when I think I am glad my own dear husband is not in this battle? We hear Grant is having victories. Meade is pushing Lee, has him out of his entrenchments. We have taken C. I dare not tell how many prisoners, all of which my heart swells with joy. We are having spirited war meetings here and some are enlisting. Among the first was Edward Adams. He made the most spirited speech and enrolled his name. Last night he called a meeting and was to speak. Capt. Ranlett and Alonzo were there. Capt. R. was president. Alonzo spoke but no Edward appeared, has caused much talk. There is to be another one tomorrow eve. Branle wants to go but the folks are feeling so bad that I hardly think he will. I stayed at home from church this morning. Went this afternoon and I took Lulu. She did better than I expected. She wanted me to tell you of it. I received the letter written at Cumberland Gap Friday and truly glad was I to get it. It was a nice letter. Last Sunday after writing your letter Branle and I went down to Mr. Whitfords and Mr. Deans. I did the washing as mother was busy with butter. Tuesday I cleaned my chamber, wish you could see it and cleaned tins. Hattie went to Chelsea. Wednesday it rained. Had a letter from Ellen. She wants me to go and sew for her as she expects to be married this winter. I guess Alonzo will not go back to the regiment. Thursday was Thanksgiving day. I cooked the dinner so Mother went to church. In the afternoon Mr. Salloway called. He had a splendid sermon. He gave me his photograph. Only think, one more Thanksgiving and then you will come home. I am counting the months, shall soon begin to count the weeks. Friday I sewed upon Lulu’s clothes to get her ready to go to Boston. I forgot Thanksgiving. Dr. H. and wife called and Mary Eliza with two young men spent the evening. Saturday it stormed all day. We heard the bells in Lowell and guns from Lowell and Boston. Hope it was good news. Tell Joseph H. that I got his letter and will answer soon. I shall go to Boston Wednesday, weather permitting. Love to brother Benj. My love to Henry Nelson and Mr. Stevens. Love and a kiss from your own little Wife Allie. Keep this. It done me good to read it. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: The “Joseph H.” that Allie referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Allie to Jerome, November 29, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-29 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens, Nathan Varnold (transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.03 X 8.03" - 1st Scan "10.05 X 8.03" - 2nd Scan "5.03 X 8.03" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #181 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/495496155f81eda4b5063876538b472e.jpg a432bf40ae0641332148a56e7a5b17a9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/52a777b5d400a138481dd322a97561c0.jpg 3ee27248b4d4d2e75e683a6ac8f65916 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/87695443dd4be6d2eb602993e1b983a3.jpg 001f0c7d17f3b374eb87e1732ef50955 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Cumberland Gap, Ky, Nov. 28/63 My ever Dear Wife and little one, Sabbath morning among the Cumberland mountains! Snow falling fast. The hillsides covered with hoar frost and snow. Front of the tent open and a good cheerful fire before it. Have just had a good wash and changed some of my clothing. Home like (Breakfast over cup of coffee and a small piece of bread, on quarter rations) and now to the first duty of a message to you, my dear ones far away! How shall I express my joy of receiving on Friday letter from home? Lieut. Hodgkins opens the mail here and found three for me. Yours of the 8th, and 16th Nov., with Frank’s and Mary’s enclosed after more than a month’s lack of such among these wild hills. How do you think it seemed? Did I love you any the less think you? Could you know how in the silent hours of the night (as you do) or where on the lonely beat on picket, the dear images come and flit before me. You would not ask. These are busy days, Allie, but you are never out of heart or mind and would for you take as well as for my own longings. [???] cruel war was over and I could clasp you to my heart and share the joys of home again. Do not, I pray, think me unloving. I know I am cold in measures but not lacking in affection. Have I not written often ever since I have been away! There is something in my situation with all the privations that is wild [???] and poetical and answering to a corresponding vein in my nature, and which I did not realize till the experience came and which makes it impossible for me to be gloomy or what the world calls “Homesick.” Such grand and changing scenes – summer amid those deep, sylvan ravines of Mississippi with the magnolias and hanging moss and now winter comes amid the lofty, grand and billowy “Cumberland Range” with authentic tints and silvery garb all fills my soul with such a sense of the great Creator and added to this the busy work of attending to our actual wants, bodily, that I cannot but feel that I am in a school from which I shall one day come forth, better able to appreciate the charms and joys of home. Think how I have been spared in health and escaped, manifold dangers, with no design of my own! And yet I am not unmindful of your struggles and longings. Oh no, but how can I assist you more than by doing my duty, and earning my way to something better by and by. You ask me if I was glad or sorry to leave so abruptly for the Regt? Ah, Allie, I did feel it most keenly but why [???]? Such was my lot, and I could but go forward believing all for the best. But enough of this. We have been “moving”! I sometimes wish you could look in upon us! A few days ago we move one tent down the hill further move out the wind, built up about 30 inches with logs, and there set out cloth upon it, filled in with leaves, and with blankets, coats, etc. We are quite comfortable and have good room. If we remain here long shall build a fireplace and then shall be better fixed than at Falmouth last winter. But we hope the way will ere long be opened to the Regt. altho there is little prospect now. Officers and men from home on their way back keep coming in and have to ‘haul up’ home. I see Col. Bowman quite often. ‘Tis about four miles to Headquarters, on the flat, “or hollow” at the Gap where there are one or two good sized houses and log barracks for officers and men. The mountain cliff behind where we camp is the highest, a crude sketch of which I gave you in my first letter from here, and is about 18 hundred feet above the “flat” below. If I was on artist, there would be an ample field to work. The finest view is in the “flat” looking north, a little east, a perfect wall of rock with two roads winding around to the left thru the Gap and to the right around the cliff. But I cannot describe it, far and wide on every hand, of the three states, (marked by a square stone post at the Gap, with the names of governors of each, etc.) are the mountains as far as the eye can reach. And here I would gladly – oh how gladly with honor – close my duties as a soldier and come to you. But you could not see me do a dishonorable thing, so I must make the best of what remains and both must possess hope and patience yet awhile longer. You and Frank speak of sad news of wounded friends, of battles etc. What has been going on? We have had no papers or definite news since leaving Camp Nelson! Saw a paper yesterday of the 23rd. It looked like work again on the Potomac. Banks was at it in Texas. Burnside all right in Tenn. etc. If the people would only come up and clinch the late elections by another host of volunteers, how soon might the thing be ended! Is all patriotism died out, and are we to sink unsupported? I hope not – still. A large body of E. Tennesseans came here the other day for clothing to take the place of their tattered and “rebish” looking apparel. One man told me every one capable of bearing arms was or soon would be in the field with Burnside, had to be supplied with everything etc. We have a story, (by letter from Cincinnati) that Lee had abandoned Virginia, and was in Tenn. and that Meade’s Army was following, and part were there in Cin. [Cincinnati], etc., but we know nothing for certain. Am glad Alonzo is having such good time, hope to see him by and by. He can’t get beyond here at present. Saw the paymaster and inquired about pay. Said I must be paid from the Muster Roll and not from Descriptive List, that I might be paid at Knoxville etc. I hope so. Am very glad of the sale of the stove. Got a nice letter from Mary. Spoke of it and said they should send the money (for the stove) soon. I have written them. Hope to be able to send you more by and by. Am making what little I have go far. Should have suffered if I had not had a little. Found an extra pair of shoes on the road quite good ones, making three pairs, and with my extra pants. (I bought a new pair of shoes at Barboursville for fear I could not draw any) and as I don’t have to march everything is working well even if food is scarce. We expect to draw corn today. Have only two meals a day but those in front are still worse off. So, you see a little what I am enjoying now. But the sun is coming out and I must take a walk and mail this, and by and by I hope to read a little from the Good Vol. Am reading “Jerimiah” and find a new beauty and meaning and scripture. My love of the poetic and beautiful seems to intensify as I need it. Will you or Abbie, any of you girls that have a few moments to spare, copy off the first paragraph of Keats “Endymion”? (Closing at the top of the second page I believe) ‘Tis a beautiful thing and has a meaning here. Am glad to hear of [???] Lee again and a relative of Capt. S.! His romance reminds me of and explains a certain ‘tone’ I have observed. Have we not, all of us, our tales? Am glad of the present of the carpet, a great addition, wish I could see it too, but my hope is large. Shall hope soon to have many letters from home and friends. Have written many [letters] since I left you and so they are due me. None like those from P.V. [Pleasant Valley] Love and thanks to Frank and Mary, also to Will and Hattie, all joy and happiness to them and may we all meet yet again at the old hearthstone. I am afraid I have forgotten much but don’t forget a kiss and to Lulu for her little note. The rosebud is in my Testament and shall be kept. I sent you a little piece “Outward Bound.” I thought it beautiful. Send me little scraps. They “help” wonderfully in these wilds. Always remember [me] to Father and Mother, etc. Your loving Jerome Hope Lulu will know sometime why Papie is away from her. Shall be glad to hear from Mr. Galloway. Hope he is well. Do you have two Thanksgivings in Mass.? Busy ‘fixing’ here last Thursday! Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, November 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Cumberland Gap, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Nathan Varnold (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.03 X 8.15" - 1st Scan "9.98 X 8.15" - 2nd Scan "5.03 X 8.15" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #180 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cumberland Gap, KY Allie Cumberland Gap Jerome Peirce KY Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/667428785a2a51919459316087569bdb.jpg 959adda5a31a01ed93474be08c3cec26 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ce554c33bf74666e9a18d83ca012f28.jpg 99a04618e84f69a9a4e693a11b79f1f5 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/860cf03f1a1145743d23b85ee8fb9c87.jpg 233b4393a01cb9488788da58a74270d9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Cumberland Gap, Ky 28th Nov/63 Dear Friends all, If you could just look in upon us you would see a little of the shady side of the soldier’s life. Sat morning. Have just had thunder and lightning and it is raining, dull and steady. No breakfast as yet, too wet to get a fire started, etc. I mailed you a letter last in Barboursville, Ky about two weeks ago. We were there plodding along with the teams until we arrived at the “Gap” same day forenoon the 25th amid a rain storm. I mounted on a mule. On reaching the “Gap” everything was at a stand-still. Rebels in front. Burnside at there at Knoxville. So, for us, we could leave. Things still remain the same. News from the front kept secret and all who chance to be going to their Regts., officers, mail and all, are detained here for the present. A week ago yesterday our party, those I came with, consisting of seven of the 21st Mass., some from Ills., Michgn., Ind. and Penn., convalescents from Camp Nelson, broke up, some returned with the teams and the rest were put on duty here. The 21st men, with the one of 36th that came back with me (Carter, Co. “A” of Lancaster and 12 others) are all attached to Battery “A” on the highest point of the “Gap” Ky. side. We have pitched our tents and are making ourselves as comfortable as we can on half rations and small houses. It rains often, as the winter comes on, but we are in the woods with any amount of firewood and leaves and we manage to keep quite comfortable. There is a “scare” here and artillery is planted at every available point and small detachments to tend them and pickets in the nights. As good fortune will have it, Col. Bowman of “ours” is here [as] Chief of Artillery and is very kind and sociable as opportunity offers and as we go to the “Gap” every few days to draw rations, I see him. He, like all the rest, are for Knoxville when the way is opened. Lieut. Hodgkins is here today (36th) and has charge of the mail and by his kindness I received yesterday letters from wife and yours of the 8th Nov., the first news since I left home. He searched the mail and took them out. More are somewhere and shall get them now if possible. News by letters is disappointed. Allie speaks as tho there had been a big battle somewhere. We see no papers and know nothing what is going on, only that Andrew is Gov. [Governor] again, New York Republican etc., etc. A rumor here says that the Rebs have left Virginia altogether and will concentrate hereabouts, that Meade’s Army is on the way here. This latter item came by a letter recd. by one of the soldiers here from Cincinnati, that part of his forces were there in C. [Cincinnati] etc., etc., etc. Let me thank you for your letter and also for attending to Allie, sending her aid, etc. and selling the stove. I was anxious to get to Regt. in hopes if would be to my advantage pecuniaryly. I have served to the best of my ability since I came out and my family write to say nothing more require that I make the most of my life here and if I can get a lift I intend to the first chance (This to you friends). Drafting! Yes, and business excellent and commanding good pay etc. If the country is really to be forgotten and men dragged by the “neck and heels” into the field, what are those to think who are in the field with the enormous sum of $100 or $125 bounty behind them? (I understand bounties are high). The real sacrifices and true motives of some of us will be appreciated sometime I trust and for you and others, kindness to my family. Well, I can only try and do my part. Allie does not feel indifferent because she does not visit O. [Orange]. She could enjoy it but the truth is she don’t feel to afford it and does not like others to be at expense for her. Please don’t let her know this but that with the fact she works hard, and I wish my term of service was up for her sake. But one must hope for the best and struggle on till we have help or “go under” and God save us from that. Give my best regards to all friends even the senator-elect, if you see him. Good for him! (A. A. Ward). Nothing reliable from the Regt. Have not written and I did not think letters could go thru. As ever Bro. [Brother] Jerome Am glad to hear from the Ballous. A mistake giving him up, I think. Heard that Boyden was discharged, etc. Where are those left at Camp Dennison, Ohio? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Rev. Levi Ballou gave the sermon at the funeral service sermon held for Jerome on Sunday, June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent.” Rev. Ballou made reference to several letters that Allie had shared with him in that sermon. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to “Dear friends all", November 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Dear friends all Cumberland Gap, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to “Dear friends all" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Nathan Varnold (trasncriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.00 X 8.01" - 1st Scan "10.01 X 8.01" - 2nd Scan "5.00 X 8.01" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #179 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cumberland Gap, KY Cumberland Gap Dear friends all Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/67feed5d9ec70bba53edf5200e6d8123.jpg bfd93706b4fe130ce45ac94b85e30ce1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9b765ce5cc2f0a23e5a20d001a6773f9.jpg 0e862179ca53b06bb566611b5fa0c486 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0023ab584d865300047f14da9007a0a4.jpg 0d1e8202f093e0cc3813ad7f0f491abd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Cumberland Gap. Nov 24th, 1863 Dear ones at home, Still in exile. Since my last we have been detailed, that is a squad which did not go back with the teams, comprising men from Mass., Mich., Ills., Penn. to serve as guard on the highest point of the Gap in Battery “A”. And last Friday we came up here [to] an isolated place I assure you, but we can’t get to the Regt. at present owing to obstructions and dangers by the way and we can get a little something to eat, plenty of firewood and a sort of shelter, and being in good health I expect we ought not to complain. But I sadly miss my letters from home and feel like an outcast but still there is seen here some compensation, the fine, grand studies of autumn among the Cumberland mountains. This morning from 3 o’clk stood guard and saw daybreak among the hills but it soon clouded up and now is raining some which it does in this season, dreary every other day. You can imagine us on the top of the mountain, tho back a little in sort of a hollow, with our earthworks a few rods above us with a single piece of cannon. We (21 of us) do duty by turns at night, only on a road where they have feared the approach of rebs more of “scare” than else. I think all around us on the hillsides and everywhere lay the fallen trees forming a wild, desolate appearance like a pioneer settlement and so we imagine ourselves. We three (Carter of the 36th and a Sergt. Perry of Ills. [Illinois] tent together) form a good trio and manage to live as happily as possible. Carter is cook. We draw flour and fresh meat, the former we mix up in salt and water and succeed in making tolerable flitters. And so we [are] “roughing it in the bush” patiently waiting for the time when we can go to the Regt. Took a nap this morning but the boys all round are preparing firewood and preparing for dinner and so I thought I would at least begin a letter. Wedns. morning – I quit [writing the letter] yesterday in the midst of fog and drizzle. This morning cold and windy and not quite clear. Have just finished breakfast of flitters, pork (fried) with broth for gravy and coffee good enough for a genl. Have just cut down a little oak with my hatchet and as one of the men is going down to the Gap P.O. [Post Office] I finished this. Of course, as I have often said I cannot give you much of a letter. We are in a real wilderness and feel more like prisoners than soldiers but the glorious health which I feel makes up for much. We have to “lug” our rations for about a mile thro [through] the woods up and down hills, over rocks, like climbing Tully. Collect firewood etc., etc., which keeps us busy. I manage to read a little. (Heaven bless books!) Yesterday finished the book of Isaiah. Some beautiful chapters and here among nature’s grandeur and quietness. I find a new zest and beauty in scripture. I try and read a little each day of different parts, say the Prophets, Proverbs, Psalms and New Testament and with some of Cowper. I hope my hours in the wilds are not in vain. My thoughts are much with those at home, but you must write them, for stationery and all such things are scarce and I am ignorant when we can go forward, so I have to write little. Have not written to anyone but you lately and cannot. Shall get some paper today if possible. The “hardest” part of one company went back to Camp Nelson with the teams, so those remaining are good company. Seven are from the 21st Mass. Have not seen Col B. [Bowman] since the day we came up here. He is going to take command of the Regt. again, I am told with a “star.” (Brigadier) in view I expect. But how do you all? How much I wish I could even hear from you and still more see you? I ask so often. Are you well? If so, I am content. Time passes rapidly and one half of my term is almost expired. I must close as they are going to the [post] office. So accept so much love for you all. Adieu and as ever, your loving husband, brother, etc. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: “Flitters” is probably a word used at the time to describe what are now called “fritters.” A fritter is a fried food, usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading, which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables or other ingredients. NOTE 2: Col. Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units, including at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to "My dear ones at home", November 24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Dear ones at home Allie Lulu Cumberland Gap, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "My dear ones" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-24 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Nathan Varnold (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "4.98 X 7.86" - 1st Scan "9.98 X 7.86" - 2nd Scan "4.98 X 7.86" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #178 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cumberland Gap, KY. Allie Cumberland Gap Dear ones at home Jerome Peirce KY Lulu