11 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/84154a5f95e0b15f5665a6d85130f502.jpg 49b2bd81aa3bb03e749deb783a615942 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/595fdaf9ac7904338f219e5ebfe0c0b5.jpg cea5ea217661c30b5413c911fae38a07 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/970da2123d0a12a2d738d11dc0732337.jpg 86a34492c416e147a25a046b71a9ae8e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dd1110553367e9872abee09b4d566768.jpg cdaf9f3c6750d7082c09b62acdf7cec0 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 19 Nov 1863 Once more my dear ones I send a few words from the wagon. Time drags slowly away and still I don’t’ see the Regt. or hear from home. A month tomorrow since I left you. I wrote you how we arrived here Sat. [Saturday] noon last in the middle of rain, etc. and so we remained till yesterday morning when we went to the top of the Gap and unloaded our rations. A wild rough climb I assure you. A winding rocky road hundreds of feet above the valley to a little level place where the commissary stores are kept. A good deal of stir is manifest here, rumors of fighting at Knoxville, Burnside falling back etc., etc. and they are fortifying the heights in addition to what is already there and yesterday they are sending to the top a small rifle battery. Col. Bowman is here [as] Chief of Artillery. Spoke with him several times. Signal lights by night etc., etc. and things look ominous but all may still be well. None of us can get beyond the Gap at present, so I don’t know when I shall see the Regt. and yet I cannot say that you can send letters here yet. Saw Lieut. Hodgkins too (with Co. [Company] B). He said Alonzo was on a 30 day furlough (met him in Worcester). Should return at the expiration of that time. I am in hopes to see him and get letters by him if perchance I cannot get to the Regt. Time hangs rather heavy but I make the best of it. I am reading over occasionally your last letter to me at Long Island, the only one I have, and a little ‘Cowper’ (I found in Cincinnati) and I should suffer if it were not for them. Expect my term of service as mule driver is about up as we shall probably report “upstairs” (at the Gap) soon and await our chances to go forward. ‘Tis a grand place for scenery, hills on hills accumulate. Went to the top of the highest points yesterday where the pieces of cannon are planted and I saw away down into “Dixie” towards Tenn., Virg. and Kentucky, behind us an ocean of mountains with the “Cumberland” range looming up above the rest, while the winding roads up the peaks immediately about us looked more like pictures I have seen of “Gibraltar” as indeed it is. Hear no definite news, only what some stray citizen or officer may report and they don’t agree very well. I hope Burnside will not have to fall back here. If we lose possession of E. [East] Tenn. the people will have much to answer for in not better sustaining by reinforcements promptly. There are rumors that the main body of Lee’s Army is coming this way and that they are making desperate efforts to drive us out entirely, etc. but time alone can decide. But I gladly and often turn to you at home and imagine you all so busy and I trust well. I suppose it is beginning to look “coldish” with you. ‘Tis not very cold here but chilly, just a few flakes of snow the other day which just silvered over and gave a beautiful touch to the lofty hills behind us. But rain and mud and the elements here at present, and then it will come out sunny and warm as it is this morning. Have been cleaning up my gun and unpacking my things a little this morning in prospect of a change. Whittled out a finger ring of laurel root, much in vogue for pipes, rings, etc. among the boys. Looks like birds eye maple and is pretty and tough. ‘Tis large, something like this, (for the little finger.) Do you think it becoming? My wagon mates are gone and I am all alone in the wagon among malt or rather empty corn sacks, bags of oats, guns, blankets, etc., etc. and the general “litter” of an almost empty army wagon, with my open knapsack close by my side while lots of wagons and still more of mules having had their breakfast and still and dozy, and such is life just now, and so the days go by that bring my term of service a little nearer its close. Forgot to mention my birthday. Did you think of it? Was at Barboursville, Ky 30 miles back where we stopped for a day and got some forage, corn. We see a little of the people about here. They are principally women on horseback with corn bread to sell or perhaps a few apples, and poor at that. Have not purchased much. Army rations still holding out. How does Lulu ‘come on’ with her learning and lessons? How much I want to hear from you but I know ‘tis not your fault but “all is well.” I hope and I can at least write to you and you must share in a measure with the rest, for paper is scarce here, so I cannot write each separately. Love to all. Am in good health. Accept once more the best love of your husband Jerome The mail was stopped here the other day for the present but I don’t expect it is allowed to be opened. [???] will send to the Regt. for the present. 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: A small sketch of the ring mentioned in the letter is include in the letter. 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", November 19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome My dear ones Allie Lulu Cumberland Gap, KY 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 1863-11-19 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 "5.48 X 3.17" - 1st Scan "5.00 X 7.89" - 2nd Scan "10.01 X 7.89" - 3rd Scan "5.00 X 7.89" - 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 #177 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 My dear ones https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3955f30f855998c20fbf5f0b4571275f.jpg ce0dfbb144fd42ea6a623849d6acfbba https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a7b19c4f50bd2db74bd5a074f6413396.jpg c18d308ff02f6d806c7dd2b9d004aa3c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9d9d2a5783497dc47832570fcc5ca742.jpg 84ac7daf0bd8baa547d19124d0eeba8b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/582e8f631d64944e02cc4430a60b4321.jpg 0de819877abe010c1d6957c23fe3b6d7 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. 15 Nov. 1863 My Ever Dear Wife, In hopes I may find some means of sending this, I scribble a few lines. Since my last [letter] mailed at London, we have moved on nicely, fair weather and more tolerable roads. Camped at Barboursville, a pretty spot encircled by hills, but the village has the same dull (but for the war movements) and lazy look of all the towns. There I mailed a letter to Foster’s and Joseph’s folks. Since leaving B. I have been repaid for much that is tedious and uncongenialing, the grand scenery. As you approach “Cumberland Ford” the hills are towering rocky and grand, and with the autumnal garb, present in solemn and shady look varied by the sunlight and altogether a feast of scenery not to be forgotten. The Cumberland River is about the size (in width) of the Concord [River] at B. [Billerica], perhaps not quite as wide, and in most places the hills shut close down to its banks just leaving room for the road which is rocky and in many places dangerous but so far we’ve come on without loss of a wagon or animal, the accidents being nearly all confined to a few citizens who drive a few of the teams and have 30 dollars per month, such as tipping over etc. and of course we consider ourselves pretty good teamsters. Yesterday it rained furiously and I was in the saddle and got wet, this notwithstanding my rubber blanket which is a poor thing, but as good fortune would have it (and it seems never to desert me) the train was ordered to park at the Gap as the roads are full on the other side, beside some rebel bands and said to be disturbing things a little. Today it is cloudy and damp but does not rain. Have just had dinner of bean soup, which was made good and together with a nice cup of coffee made by myself, relished “hugely”. And here let me tell you that I’m hearty and well, exceedingly, as I always am when moving, and the mountain air agrees with me muchly. Don’t know when we shall reach the Regt. Can you think how strange it seems not to hear from the friends at home? The “pack mules” with the mail have passed us both ways several times and I thought now there are missives for me in some of them! But I feel as though you were all quite well and the good “right arm” still protected you in home quietude if it does me in these strange wanderings. Can you look on the map and imagine what the “Gap” is? A rugged towering height with a huge rock on the left, on the very top (about the height of Tully at O. [Orange], the rock like a man’s nose and like this while the lower hills represent a lower range nearer to us, and just below these, the road (the dotted line) begins the ascent. The “Gap” is between the ‘nose’ and the outlines on the right, and is about a mile and a half from us, altho it does not look half that. At different places on the hills about are fortifications and troops on the other side. A little ways back we came upon a school house and quite a group of little folks and exceedingly pretty and intelligent. ‘Twas recess and they came out to see us (as we were delayed a few moments), kept by a “man from down the river a piece.” Geography, grammar, arithmetic, spelling and writing and was the most promising scene since coming into ‘Kentuck’ and made amends somewhat for the ruins of homes along the road, fruits of rebel raids. Forage is scarce and today (this A.M.) we’ve been putting the mules out to browse among the coarse brake, withered grass, etc. Tell Joe I expect to know more about harnessing horses and have a faint idea what his trips to market are! And I think I have the advantage a little in schooling on rough roads and he can imagine me driving six mules team across the hills at the Gap over a road that would call a “Town Meeting” “right quick” in N.E. [New England]. “Life in an Army Wagon” has its novelties, and we are sure of a tent if the mules don’t eat it up and there we light our candle and find a moment to read mail and eat also and write and think of home, which is the dear ray of sunshine throwing its cheerful light clear into the future. I gathered once more a few leaves at “Cumberland Ford,” which I enclose. ‘Tis a tedious climb, and [there are] guards about or I would “essay” a trip to the top and see the rock where the three states notch, but I forbear, contented with the sight alone. Suppose you have all been to the old church and heard the word while I can only read and I have found time to do so and enjoy more and more! I got me a small cheap Bible at the Society Rooms in Boston and am reading the Prophet Isaiah. Well, have I not been chatty this time? May this find you all well. Love abundantly to each and all, and as ever your loving Jerome A kiss for Lu [Lulu] always. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) As alluded to in the text, the letter includes a small, rough sketch of Cumberland Gap and the road he describes. Because the text and the sketch are intertwined, the sketch is not included in this transcription. 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, November 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Cumberland Gap, KY 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 1863-11-15 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 "5.34 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.17" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.17" - 3rd Scan "4.96 X 8.17" - 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 #176 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 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5008ea5a334905c015d3ad4e2dc5975f.jpg 76da935030ba25f3cef82fa3b1a8c54f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cdfda9359418f49728031f70904da294.jpg 3454b739ca5377e894f3dce106fda2f2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a60feea6b4c79bdc27177efea45716e7.jpg 9bc29119cdfa20da356174686615a724 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 3 o’clk P.M. On the road between Mt. Vernon and Rock Castle Nov. 6th [1863] My dearest wife, A pleasant sunny day and the train is delayed quite awhile so I begin another letter. Had a wet, bad day yesterday from Crab Orchard to near Mt. Vernon. Very muddy and rough roads but got along nicely and safe. ‘Tis quite a thing and not uninteresting to see the big work it takes to supply the army. Vast droves of hogs are driven to Knoxville, one is near us now and then we meet returning trains from the front. News is that London, Tenn., is occupied by the Rebs and our forces are a few miles this side. Shackleford (the captor of Morgan) is driven back from So. West Virginia etc., etc. We are approaching again the place where I left the Regt. and the wilderness begins to look familiar. Came to camp about dark yesterday but it looks doubtful this time for we must go to Rock Castle River about five miles. Had a little leisure at C. O. about which I wrote you. Start. It is Sat Morning, 7th. Pleasant and warm. At a halt on a hill again. Got to camp late last eve. Bad hills and worse roads, mud. Barely escaped a capsize. Broke a chain but was helped into camp. Riding this morning, writing on the wagon seat. News from Knoxville this morning. Our regiment there, hope to 8th [November]. Sunday M[orning] 8th. Delayed again by hills. Camped after dark last eve. Passed “Wild Cat.” Rough and dangerous in the extreme but came in all right. Stopping at our old Camp “Hazel Hatch.” Chilly. A body of prisoners passing, Grey backs as usual. Monday Morn at London [Changed. See postmark.] Dear Allie, ‘Twas talked that we should remain here a day or two but ‘tis uncertain and so I prepare it for the mail. Have got along nicely and am perfectly well and hearty. Weather, cold morning and eve but pleasant daytimes. We see some rough times and characters as all sorts of fellows are in the train, but we keep along well, and I hope soon to see the Regt. The guards with the prisoners yesterday say that Burnside is all right and that Rosecrans’ men have gained a victory over the Rebs etc., etc. I need not tell you how my thoughts are with you and how eagerly I wait for letters but I feel all will be well. My love to each and all. I cannot write to them separately at present. How are Abbie’s eyes? Remember me to Will C. and his folks. Shall write Mr. C. some time. Send me his address as I have forgotten it. Wm. C. I think. A kiss for Lulu and ever your Affec[tionate] husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Although the year that this letter was written is not indicated, based on the location where it was written and the notations on the envelope, the year was definitely 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, November 6 - 7, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Mt. Vernon , KY Rock Castle, KY 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 1863-11-6 1863-11-7 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 "5.55 X 3.15" - 1st Scan "4.98 X 7.86" - 2nd Scan "9.98 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 #175 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On the road between Mt. Vernon and Rock Castle, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce KY Mt. Vernon Rock Castle https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4ab1c0608782ed668c9f3bd11480746b.jpg af1ac31004ed6764f3e843a66aecadd9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dc4e2d0efb6eaee20b2fe6c429fdda71.jpg 5de954a1cbb894980d5a799b398d3edf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/759458416673bb8407b83332935879e3.jpg 73f285ec993a46dff3f03247adbeffdd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/54a94d6ec306c544a841d9bab324509b.jpg e19cc028a9f94fb528c293c6d458b662 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 Camp Nelson, Ky. Nov. 1st 1863 My dear family and friends, A warm beautiful Sabbath morning. Am sitting on the grass besides our teams. All in line ready for starting but waiting for the forage train to supply us before leaving. Came down here last eve. without any accident and working everything nicely. Animals becoming more docile and used to it, and their drivers. Made out to read a psalm as I sat here, and my thoughts turn homeward and wondering if it is as pleasant a day with you, and if you are all well and at church? I trust so. Mailed you a letter yesterday. Am feeling excellently well and hope for a safe passage to the Regt. 5 P.M. Started out and went to Lancaster, 14 miles. Muddy, tired and hungry as usual. Supper and to bed, about 11 o’clk such was this Sunday’s work. Monday 2nd Nov. Started out about 8 o’clk. Got along finely and went into park (a halt) about 3 o’clk PM. Warm and pleasant and here I sit upon the ground, waiting for corn for the mules and writing. Evening. Little past 7 o’clk. Have been to the Convalescent Camp nearby and to the hospitals downtown. Found most of them, and all of my own Co. [Company] gaining. Some on duty. Saw Sumner Morse. He is on duty here and doing nicely. You remember Miss Hall that we met at Mr. Phipp’s! Her brother died yesterday, a sad case. The boys have written home. Saw Frank Crafts. He is gaining too. Saw the Chaplain, Mr. Canfield, was very cordial and had a pleasant time and chat with him. Is suffering from chills and fever. Was going to the Regt. or home soon, might have to go to Regt first. He tells us one train is going via Somerset, instead of the route we took by Mt. Vernon etc. The roads are better and nearer. Says our Regt. was at London, Tenn., 30 miles below Knoxville. I and they talked of winter quarters. This must be taken with caution, this “Winter Quarters,” but I do hope I shall find them nearby. There is a rumor here that Col. Goodell is dead from his wounds but hope it is only a rumor. We passed the Col. of the 8th Mich., on his way home. I suppose he brought the item about our location, etc. I am writing by candlelight in the wagon upon barrels, hay, etc. Both the other boys are now writing. If we go to Somerset, I don’t know when I shall mail again, for it is not always a train stop by daylight so long, and I assure you it is busy, tiresome work. I fear ‘tis blowing up another storm. Am feeling in excellent health and trust you are all well, for I can do and endure if you will only keep well, as I have often told you. There is news of success in E. [East] Tennessee by Genl. Hooker and Burnside etc., that we had flanked Bragg, got possession of “Lookout Mountain,” and following Bragg who was retreating etc., etc., etc. All which we can hope is true. We are in a pleasant ground near the village, Crab Orchard, on high ground, and if the Regt. was here, could endure very well for awhile. But I must close. Please tell the friends I am well when you write. I mailed a letter from Camp Nelson on Sat. As ever yours, Jerome Expect to start in the morning. Not quite so wearing as the knapsack, yet. 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", November 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Family and friends Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Family and friends" 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 1861-11-01 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 "5.41 X 3.17" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.20" - 2nd Scan "9.93 X 8.20" - 3rd Scan "4.96 X 8.20" - 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 #174 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Nelson, Ky. Camp Nelson Family and friends Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/866e0e2ae3c8a65b49a353764fce1890.jpg 903f708dc9288c874df268efed3a7f60 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fb616b39e442bb490d05f48cde92c6a8.jpg 9309c8d8821ffdcab4229303bd366407 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5537bfbe856e37db8105d943885c3d62.jpg 9b2a66c153e449101baefdb4e3c01116 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 Near Camp Nelson Ky 31st Oct 1863 My dearest wife, Just a word once more before starting. Have had one of our old fashioned storms again. Cold rain, terribly muddy etc. According to military fashion yesterday P.M. took my first lesson as teamster. Helped take care of a six mule team to Camp N[elson] and loaded up for Knoxville. Rained all the time and in spite of rubber blanket got wet through to the skin. Got back after dark etc. etc. Managed to make a bed on top of the barrels and wrapped up and managed to ‘keep cool’ till about 3 o’clk this a.m. when [I] got up and warmed up and dried off and as usual came out all right. Have just returned from the convalescent camp at Camp N[elson] where some of the 36th arrived two days ago. Found none of Co. “H” but some of Co. “B” and others I know. A sad sight but they will get some better after awhile. Some were left at ‘Crab Orchard’ but moved to a better place. They ought to be furloughed and so have a chance to recruit. The mud is still bad but the sun is out and warm again. The talk is that we start this P.M. We may and if not, no doubt, shall be on our way tomorrow. Coffee is preparing for dinner and I can say but a few words today and when I shall have another chance to mail back I can’t tell. We shall get very tired, be out till dark often and I may not have even a chance to write so don’t be worried. I shall take all possible care of myself. Such is the way we soldiers are able to get transportation. If I get safely to the Regt. ‘twill be like home as much as any can [be] away from you. Am feeling perfectly well and hearty and shall have not [a] knapsack to lug and that is much. Can’t hear much news from the Regt. It is said they are towards Chattanooga but little is known I think. I hope we shall meet them at Knoxville. Are you all well? and all the friends? How much I want to see the “old familiar” letters! I hope I shall not fail to see some when I get through. I shall keep a few pieces of paper with me and will send you back something if possible. Share this with the rest with love and regards to friends all remembering Mr. Salloway. What can I say to Lulu? Not a day or hardly an hour passes but you and she are in mind and only such know how earnestly I pray that this war may soon close and reunite us all once more and so once more, with a kiss. Adieu from Your ever loving husband Jerome This is the fourth [letter] since I left you or rather Boston. 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, October 31, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Nelson, KY 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 1863-10-31 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (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 "5.50 X 3.10" - 1st Scan "4.84 X 8.13" - 2nd Scan "9.96 X 8.13" - 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 #173 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Near Camp Nelson, Ky. Allie Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bd0558314628885c9ed958fcad85ffdc.jpg 015595face4e05778ac81f7ee6cd0e56 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ab42ec78deebbd4888800f29f6a13ccf.jpg d8d2dd591c9c7ba437af510d3716d90b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/72b819b1701d86feb5959df0ea4fdb80.jpg a6633beb190b65865e88d87d82f11ca0 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 Near “Camp Nelson” Ky Oct 27th 1863 My own dear ones, Came down here some over a mile yesterday P.M. where the train is that we expect to go to Knoxville with tomorrow and I am sitting here under my tent all alone with only your dear selves to speak to. Have been writing to the “Socials” thru Charles Smith and thought I would begin another message to you. My pen works bad and the wind blows quite cool and I fear I shall make sad work especially when I have no news, only waiting but I know you are ever watching and working and that any word is ever welcome so before I leave I must come once more. Wrote you Sunday. Wrote to Joseph’s folks and Haynes also and strolled about camp reading a little and wishing so much that we could be on our way, for it is the dullest of all work waiting. But yesterday Capt. Holmes came along with an order to draw fifteen days rations and get them to the teams and I am here watching them and Capt. H. [Holmes] went on to Crab Orchard and I do hope he will effect something for the poor fellows for I am told they are dying off and suffering as they must be if there isn’t better care of them than when I left. The “scare” from the “raiders” is all over and the trains are moving on again and they say the roads are all clear, only bad some of the way, but they are at work repairing them to Knoxville so we hope to get along very well and I feel as though I could endure anything better than laying here and I should be all right if the mails could come all right but ‘twill be a long time before I shall hear anything from any of the friends. What should we do now but [put] the faith in a higher power? “Tis here I learn how little we can do and I trust my experience in these times will not be without some good. Have told you about my return so far so I have nothing new but I am well and shall try and keep so to the end and what more can I do? How much, and constantly, you are in my mind! And little Lulu too. May she be well and happy and still remember her papa who loves her more than he can tell for all he is so far away. I should feel like a piece of “drift wood” did I not know that the dear ones at home still loved and remembered me in all my wanderings. The sun is out warm but the wind is cool and I shall have to stop awhile. Shall not mail till tonight or morning and will add a word then. Wednes[day] morning. Still here watching our rations. Don’t know when we shall start. So much work to get so many wagons started. After I finished writing yesterday, walked about five miles to see about things. Hear no news and can only repeat that we are waiting not knowing an hour before hand what is coming. Shall have to assist the drivers along etc. and shall have a tedious time I expect but I’ve seen home and you all! and so I can work on. I can’t interest you much but you have a line and I hope that will be something. Will improve every opportunity of sending back but you must not be surprised if I am silent a long time by and by. I hope you will see the Adjt. (Alonzo) and he can tell you many things perhaps about the journey. Must close and mail this today as it is time my regular letter was sent. Keep cheerful and let us hope the winter will not pass without some good fruit, individually and nationally. Shall hope to get some message from you one of these days. It seems strange and lonely without the mail but I shall try and keep my mind busy. Love and kisses for Lulu. And once more, As ever your loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 2: 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. 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 own dear ones”, October 27, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome “My own dear ones” Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to “My own 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 1863-10-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (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 "5.55 X 3.17" - 1st Scan "7.86 X 9.91" - 2nd Scan "7.86 X 9.91" - 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 #172 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Near Camp Nelson, Ky. Allie Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY Lulu My own dear ones https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c24ab5ee395ce304b1ecb755d993e4e9.jpg a06d1966bf98a04d5d4f233b8fcc7000 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/24f8ab24c030ce4c32ab2fdc3dee25f9.jpg d6f1e183bf2da7199bad639c23f2eabf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/574a5f2d04d520404ab79861786a170f.jpg b33d9aaf3f945badc525b5322f22c7b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8b8382709821e6a9e012b110321d43a0.jpg 367868c47bc34bdc43c9b643bed915c1 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 “Camp Nelson” Ky Oct 25th, 1863 My own dear Wife and friends, Another pause in our journey and I send you a few lines once more. I wrote you from Cincinnati last Thursday which I suppose you received. Remained in C. [Cincinnati] till yesterday morning when we came here by rail and wagon. You know I told you this was the great depot for supplies for Burnside’s Army, about eight miles from Nicholasville, the terminus of the railroad. Time passed slowly in C. [Cincinnati]. Went to hear John B. Gough Fri. eve. The Home was crowded and not pleasant at all, rainy weather and dark, so it was impossible to read or amuse oneself. Had a great military funeral, Genl. Lytle of Cincinnati who was killed at Chattanooga lately, a great favorite and ‘twas an imposing affair. He resided near the Home, and we saw it very well. The same P.M. quite a fire took place and the operation of the steam fire engines was another novelty, so we had quite a stirring time that day. Walked about the city and saw everything we could, but was glad to be on the move once more. I learned this A.M. that Alonzo passed thro here, Thurs. P.M. on a twenty days leave of absence, am very sorry I did not see him. Tell him I am trying hard to get to the Regt. and am uneasy as a “fish out of water”, altho I expect ‘twill be a rough time going and after we get there, from accounts we have, roads [are] bad, and lose a great deal of the subsistence on the way. For the last few days the country here has been much stirred up by another Guerilla raid, destroying a large lot of government stores at Danville and last night an alarm was raised in this camp, but today all is quiet and trains are leaving or preparing to and we expect to go forward Tues and soon after. I can tell you little to interest, ‘tis the same old story. I begin to feel near the Army again, and think over my recent visit home. A pleasure on which I shall have to live for an uncertain period but I hope all will issue well sometime. The weather is very cool, and the trees in full fall costume, and, of course, there is sort of a cheery feeling, and look to everything. We are stopping, three of us, in a building occupied by the guard at Hdqrs., some of the 21st boys taking our meals, about a mile away, altho we had some nice baked beans at their houses this morning. Have thought what a perfect day this must be with you! I do hope you have enjoyed it in a more truly Sabbath-like way than I have. Altho we had a delightful walk at early morning, some ways, to find acquaintances of some of the party but the sound of work is going on, and there is but little, save the sweet memories of the day to remind one of the hour. ‘Tis such times that I feel the weight, in full, of these times, and how sweet Home would be. But how do you do my Allie? and Lulu too? When shall I hear from you? I cannot guess, but I shall hope you may be preserved in health and strength till the good time comes, and I expect it will be a good while, for ‘tis very difficult to get the mails through. Will take a few notes along and send back as often as possible, tho’ ‘twill be only the dull story of life along the road, but you can look on the map once in a while and imagine us walking along, slowly to the end, somewhere in South Western Virginia perhaps or East Tennessee. It took six weeks lately for a train to go to Knoxville and return, but they are constructing a better road, or improving the old one so soon will be better I hope in the future. The friends must still share for the present these poor scrawls. They will at least tell you of my whereabouts and health, and if the latter is only spared, I shall do well. Am very well now, and only anxious to get “home” to the Regt. now I am fairly on the way. Remember me to Alonzo. Hope to see him again by and by, tho’ I imagine they will try and keep him at home. Love to all and ever your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: John Bartholomew Gough (1817 - 1886) was a United States temperance orator. NOTE 2: William Haines Lytle (1826 - 1863) was a politician in Ohio, renowned poet, and military officer in the United States Army during both the Mexican–American War and Civil War, where he was killed in action as a brigadier general. Contrary to what Jerome wrote in this letter, Gen. Lytle was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga, instead of the Battle of Chattanooga, on September 20, 1863. NOTE 3: 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. 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 friends", October 25, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and friends Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Allie and friends" 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 1863-10-25 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (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 "5.48 X 3.19" - 1st Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.13" - 3rd Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 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 #171 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Nelson, KY. Allie and friends Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a2f2a68b198aed7a3db92898eb4099e4.jpg d523269310d5dc3ecb957ce504067db3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c1f4d3e13d434befc2dd9e022a6d9fc5.jpg d8e16c2ce8f14443248904e2a7a3b9bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1a00321591eb730bf6ed5a93c0c2cfa5.jpg 47dc29010a2c86de23080ad8bb45452a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/813edce18403fa6646ea2ac708aa9b39.jpg 010b19dd7d0d7111e6ef28258300c18b 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 Cincinnati Oct 22nd, 1863 My ever dear Wife, I improve the first opportunity to send you a few lines to assure you of my safe arrival here this morning about 7 o’clk. Left Boston as I expected at half past 2 P.M. Tues. and was not detained and on the whole had a pleasant trip, considering the necessity of again leaving my dear ones but hope all will prove for the best. Took a stroll over to Covington this morning in hopes to see some of the Orange boys, but they are all at “Camp Dennison”, but I ran upon Sergeant Perry, the Color Sergeant who got sure stuck at Jackson, Miss. He has been home on a furlough. It is doubtful if he is ever fit for field service again, his head troubling [him] very much at the least exertion. He was delighted to see me and [we] had a long chat. Has a family in Winchendon. Says he owes his life to me and some others, Jos. H. and Whipple. He is the one that we took care of at the Black River coming from Jackson, a big fleshy fellow with a great deal of blood. I can tell you but little news. Had the usual life in the [railroad] cars riding night and day. Slept some and ate mostly in the cars. Kate fitted me out with bread and butter with the greatest care and kindness. Foster was in N.Y. ‘Tis pleasant but cool here, more so than when we left Boston. Have to report at 3 P.M. to see what we shall do. Don’t expect it to go onto the Regt. till a large squad goes that we can take care of ourselves. There is only six in our party and Capt. Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins. The way it is working, I shall not be paid off till next Jan., I am afraid. So, I borrowed a little of F.P. & Co. ($10.00) which I will return in due time. Did not dare to be so far from home with so little. Don’t you trouble yourself about [it.] I tell you as I don’t wish to keep anything from you. Shall return it as soon as possible. Am stopping at the Soldiers’ Home and the “boys” are all about me waiting for dinner. You will hear from Ellen. You had better write me once a week or little more and direct to the Regt. as of old and I shall get them after awhile. Will write you as often as I can. Am in nice health and shall make it as pleasant as possible but ‘twill be a long time before I hear from you, but you must take good care of yourself and remember my best love and exertions are for you, constantly and I hope to appreciate your love and efforts for our mutual good more than ever and I shall make every trial to better myself as soon as possible. There’s the usual amount of news about Meade and Rosecrans, the latter I believe is expected here soon, if so, hope to see him. We had our knapsacks checked to Cincinnati and I so got along with little load. Shall busy myself reading and looking about and never without a thought of my dear ones at home. Many kisses for Lulu and if she can share, you can share. Have just spoke with one [man] of the Brigade (35th Mass.). Says there’s a number of them here. So, we may push on for the Regt. soon. Love to all and for the present, adieu. Ever your loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: There were several men named Perry in the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, and it could not be determined from the Unit History which one Jerome referred to in this letter. NOTE 2: 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 3: Albert B. Whipple enlisted at age 27 as a Corporal from Worcester, Massachusetts on May 12, 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant on May 12, 1864. On December 19, 1864, he was transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps for disability from wounds he received in action at Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 4: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 5: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. NOTE 6: 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. Some of the stationery Jerome used for a few letters was embossed “F. Peirce & Co., Boston, Chair Warehouse” 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, October 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Cincinnati. OH 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 1863-10-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Peter Rainey (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 "5.72 X 3.00" - 1st Scan "4.91 X 8.24" - 2nd Scan "9.96 X 8.24" - 3rd Scan "4.91 X 8.24" - 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 #170 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cincinnati, OH Allie Cincinnati Jerome Peirce OH https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7b358bd65fe3c3b114f59ca552ed9bc.jpg c34323f75924d2b103aa5c06afe515bb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/951414bf56611c5da59333d1142536e2.jpg 149fec8c8105effd994fea8d4b64d034 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6b9f26bcbe580549587aabec0670adcd.jpg 8567e6f7c0470c74c57c73736ded0a10 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 Boston 20th Oct 1863 Brother Joseph, Mary’s letter is just received and I can only reply in a word as I am ordered to the Regt. and leave this P.M. at ½ past 2. Did not recover but a moment last eve. and came up to Foster’s. Have no news. Letters from Jos. H. were received here same date as yours. I may not see the Regt. for two months yet to come. Wish you would write occasionally and direct to the Regt. It is sad about the Orange boys. Certainly the town has reason to remember the war and many are made mourners. I am so firmly in the belief that “all’s for the best” that I return to my duties cheerfully altho I expected to remain awhile. Weather is delightful and I hope to keep well and hearty as I am. Allie and Lulu are well. Hardly expect to see them again. Will let you hear from me as often as possible. Remember as ever to all the friends. I would have been glad to have visited you but I don’t see how I could. Don’t think I was indifferent. Accept my best wishes for you all. Trusting that the tide of patriotic feeling will again arise to back up the recent elections and sustain the “braves” in the field and close this “Civil” War”. I am as ever your brother, Jerome Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: To identify the members of the Peirce family, a detailed, well documented 283-page history of the family written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce was used. It is titled Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, which is now available on Google Books. It traces the Peirce family history back to John Pers in England, who was born in about 1588 and died in 1661. According to that Peirce family history, Joseph Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers, having been born in 1820. (Jerome was born on November 11, 1831.) It is fairly certain that Joseph and Jerome operated a furniture manufacturing business in North Orange, Massachusetts, before Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862. According to the envelope and other sources, Joseph continued to live in North Orange, and it might be assumed that he continued to operate the business. NOTE 2: Foster Peirce was also 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 3: 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 (to whom this letter was addressed), 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 Jerome to Allie, October 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Joseph 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 1863-10-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (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 "5.29 X 3.10" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.10" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.10" - 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 #169 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA Boston Jerome Peirce Joseph Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c484f0af0f2c0ff98dfbbb1710824fa2.jpg 2aabb10ddb724bd2de7f911de10cedc9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/726d43c2c99cbb9c8c06ee8b3a5e73b3.jpg 1f72c76244481a84b413aad2e37a455d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9ca866d43d678c034c2bf7d6e952208b.jpg 47ed349f98b3b6c962c7e202ecdf4a13 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 Worcester [???] Boston Mond. Eve. 19 Oct 1863 Just a few words, my dear Allie, to say that I am ordered to the Regt, and expect to leave at ½ past 2 o’clk PM tomorrow, Capt. Holmes, Lieut. Hodgkins and four 21st Regt. boys. I have feared this for a day or two and I am spending the last of my stay here. Received yours of yesterday just as I was leaving the Island and thank you and little Lulu too. I can send but a word as I wish to mail it before nine o’clk this eve. If you can receive this in time, you will come down if you think best. You know full well I would like to see you. Letters that went to the Regt. I have received from Hattie, etc. written a long while ago. Also one from Jos. H. and Alonzo but not of late date. Expect to be in Cincinnati next Sat. night where I will write if we cannot meet and I fear there is not time. I hope you will see and feel that all is for the best. I do and go cheerfully. Letters say (from J.H.) that only two of the Orange boys are on duty and I am one of them! If so, I am needed. All are well here and received your letter. Keep a good heart and Heaven bless and protect you till we meet again. Love again to all and kind regards to Mr. Salloway. As ever your loving husband, Jerome All send love. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The “Island” referred to in this letter was Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, which is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. Jerome spent a short time there as part of a temporary duty in Massachusetts for recruiting. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop this island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater. NOTE 2: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 3: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. NOTE 4: The “Jos. H.” or “J.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 5: 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Paper/Letter 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, October 19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Worcester Boston, MA 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 1863-10-19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (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 "5.38 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "4.98 X 8.10" - 2nd Scan "4.98 X 8.10" - 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 #168 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worcester or Boston, MA Allie Boston Jerome Peirce MA Worcester