12 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ea48756854154b6c8f1140ee566b530.jpg 1adf409a1b32f9cfecac69331f660949 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a31c7331682c237fa75c290d55969a14.jpg 28feb1f9c09ed8c4f271f305b1096d05 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f26632cdd5be0c96daea91a4d636e337.jpg bd509b72f591a627fa8ecc9814f842e2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3a3782c3a777d1c365fea148c523e4ac.jpg d4d74d80091d49c6ce296cd7b9f3277b 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 Long Island, Boston Harbor, Oct. 18/63 My own dear Wife, Allie, Again at the old “South Picket Post” where I wrote you before last Wedns. [Wednesday.] So you see I am busy, not many days at my leisure. ‘Tis one of the lovely days. So calm and still, a real Sabbath, just a breath of wind which makes it perfect. The men with me are laying down and hardly a sound to disturb at all. Thought at first I did not like to be on duty today, but I find it the most quiet, undisturbed way I could pass the twenty-four hours, especially as I can write and plenty of good reading. Yours of the 14th came to hand the next day and glad you were once again safely and quietly at the old place and Lulu well again. Have been laying and strutting about my limited sphere, reading, dreaming, etc. Fri[day] noon had a little alarm. Was suddenly ordered to pack up and report to Capt. Holmes, but before I could get ready, the order was countermanded and I was of course a good deal in the dark. Yesterday, however, I was assured by my Capt. (of “B” [Company]) that I was to remain, so that will constitute the belief, at least till further orders. Capt. Holmes is to report at least once more, next Monday, and then I have no doubt, a squad will depart with him for the South. You must know I pass a quiet, monotonous life here, regulations strict and must look out or something will go wrong. Have enjoyed myself much with reading some old “Harper’s” from the library. Yesterday, a capital story called ‘Regular Habits,’ with a nice love tincture and capitally told. No letters as yet since from the friends, excepting yourself, altho[ugh] I’ve [written] to Joseph and Foster’s family. Not quite time [for mail’s arrival]. Don’t know what the morning’s mail brought, if any. Shall inquire before I mail this. Expect I shall miss the services today, and I am sorry. The three or four Sundays before I can recall with real delight. Can we not? And now I hope you and the rest are able to make the most of it at B. [Billerica] and the thought will help me, too, very much indeed. How much I should like to be with you and have a word with Lulu. Tell her Papa sits outdoors by the tent while the water is still all about him, a few cows grazing near him and that is about all the company, except the other Corp’l. By the way he was in the 6th [Regiment]. His name is T.F. Gardner of Lowell. Does not know Frank. He seems a fine fellow and I should judge had been well brought up. [He] was in Fort Halleck for the most part. Have just had a call from the Lieut. of the Guard. The officers are very pleasant men and I begin to feel quite at home. Didn’t we have a severe storm? I waked up many times during Friday night, but the tent stood firm. Tis a grand place to read some solemn old sea story or parts of “Triflelon Papers” after a storm to see the breakers on the reefs about Boston Light, Nixes Mate, the “Graves” near Chelsea, and other places and hear their solemn moan. Am glad to hear Abbie’s eyes are mending. Will address them and her one of these days. She would enjoy the “Sea Shore Poems” of Longfellow here. Is it not well to have something you can romance a little over when you are so often brought in contact with those who have little sympathy, for soldiers here are coarse, some of them. I have already told you that my letters will be dull, for I can only think of you, watch the sea, the coming and departing vessels, muse over the distant lighthouses and headlands by evening light and then tell it all to you. And I feel how dear and sweet it is to have one who will value even these samely details and consider it another chapter in the life of her soldier husband. Took from the library this noon “Tolla, a Roman Story” and hope to find some amusement. Shall expect a word soon from you again. Again, accept my love and all husbandly wishes for yourself and our little one, with what is due to others. As ever your own entirely, Jerome Take good care of your health. Don’t sit too long at a time. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: An article titled, “Regular Habits,” by Ludlow Fitz Hugh, was published in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, December 1, 1859, pp. 72-88. Perhaps this is the article Jerome referred to. NOTE 2: “The Graves” is another island lighthouse located in Boston Harbor. NOTE 3: “The Sounds of the Sea,” and “The Secret of the Sea,” are two short poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The latter appeared in his collection, The Seaside and the Fireside, published in 1850. Jerome refers to other Longfellow poems in his letters, some of which he memorized. NOTE 4: Tolla: A Tale of Modern Rome by the French writer, Edmond About, was published in 1856. 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 18, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-18 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend 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 "6.5 X 4.65" - 1st Scan "6.15 X 9.15" - 2nd Scan "11.5 X 9.25" - 3rd Scan "6.3 X 9" - 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 #167 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Long Island, Boston, Mass., Harbor Allie Boston Boston Harbor Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/38011de4c26a3044db72ba80e230fdac.jpg 6e12d0ca5a1109e9aa0a290461168a2f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d11e3d4a63b3fb8917abcfad5a20ca35.jpg ce1e5ffcfddbfe543f8dd999631bb748 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7ae17d771723bd2fea4f06378873e51.jpg 2190472931b118fc185119ad91c1f022 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/12ceac08be0a365507d88f5973db08ff.jpg b64b6052d4e9b9bdc7dccd70f90a3e4c 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 Long Island, Boston Harbor 14 Oct 1863 My dear Wife Here I am this fine morning on the outpost guard south end of the Island, so you see I am at work. Had plenty of time yesterday and reported at noon, so everything was “all right.” Saw Lieut. Hodgkins again. They will not leave before tomorrow. The boys are away on furlough, report this P.M. It seemed still and lonesome somewhat after I got to my quarters, but soon chatted it away with Martindale, the one who remains with me. I read the Waverly Mag[azine] till the call for Batt[allion] Drill and of course had enough to do till supper time with Dress Parade, buttoned and secured my tent cloth together and made a nice bed tick and we had plenty [of] straw come at night so you see Uncle Sam still has an eye for the “Islanders” and ‘twas pretty cold last night but I am warm enough. Have just got through Grand Mounting and fixed here in a tent, etc., six men and two Corpls. and where we shall remain for twenty-four hours, and I shall read, write, etc. Had a chat with Foster before I came away and let him know I appreciated his kindness and gave a very kindly response, “welcome to anything he could do, etc., etc.” And how did you get home and how [did you] find Lulu and all? It seems pleasant to know we are not so far separated and I hope now that our minds are made up for a stay that I can for a while, though we know not what an hour will bring forth. There is a breeze stirring and the drummers are practicing the old sound of camp life and we can hear the calls at Fort Independence and Warren, at the former yesterday as we were coming down, they were firing at a target about half a mile away and towards night it disappeared, so I suppose they hit it. Have not seen Lieut. D. [Davis] yet but he got the ration money $3.50 so I shall receive it sometime. P. M. Thought I [would] finish after dinner. Made me a nice cup of coffee and had stewed beans, bread and enjoyed finely. The other Corpl. is writing his wife, lately married and quite communicative, has been a wild boy I expect but is naturally smart and writes a good hand. Suppose you are busy by this time. Should like to “pop in” and take a look. Of course, it is still and monotonous here. Walked down the beat each side of the Island and watched the waves a few moments and [it] reminded me of Newport News. You will find this a dull affair I fear, but you will know that I think of you and may it find you well. Shall expect to hear from you soon and that our little Lulu too is better. Let this answer for all this time and write me accordingly. Officer of the Day has just been along and had to rally out and “Present.” I know you don’t care for much that I have written, but it’s “Long Island” life just now and when this “cruel war is over” will hope for something better. Shall try and improve the time as much as possible. Shall send this in the morning. Love to all and as ever, your loving Jerome Thurs[day] Noon Got off guard this A. M. and have been “napping”, just finished dinner. Heard yesterday P. M. that our division and regiment had been in a fight with General Burnside. Colonel Goodell wounded and other officers. Nothing in the Journal of this morning. Have you seen anything? Boys not gone yet. Quiet and dull, warm. How do you today? A kiss for Lulu and yourself. Am very anxious to hear from the regiment. As ever your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. 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: 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 3: A bed tick is a cloth case for a bed mattress or pillow. It can also be a light mattress. NOTE 4: 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 5: Jonas R. Davis enlisted as a Corporal at age 20 from Templeton, Massachusetts, in the 21st Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. After several promotions, he was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts and promoted to First Lieutenant on June 6, 1863. He was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts on June 8, 1865, upon expiration of service. NOTE 6: Arthur A. Goodell enlisted at age 23 from Worcester, Massachusetts, as a Sergeant-Major on April 18, 1861. He was transferred as a Captain of Company C of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 16, 1862, and was promoted to Major on January 29, 1863. Subsequent to the date this letter was written, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on July 31, 1863, and he commanded the Regiment from that date until October 10, 1863, when he was severely wounded at Blue Springs, Tennessee. Goodell returned to the Regiment on April 1, 1864, but resigned on May 5, 1864, because of disability resulting from wounds. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers, for “gallant and meritorious conduct in the field.” Goodell died at Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 30, 1882, on his 43rd birthday. 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 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-14 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson 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 "6 X 3.75" - 1st Scan "6.25 X 9" - 2nd Scan "11.75 X 9.75" - 3rd Scan "6.5 X 9.75" - 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 #166 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Long Island, Boston, Mass., Harbor Allie Boston Boston Harbor Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/45ebb136ae099d37d2ec03e90d8e9a83.jpg 0f9f9e5730af73de53d6ba36a6f76ea4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/786ae3882ba5ad9d6a403417c3db18c3.jpg 47a5574a5a6ac078003268591acca2c9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b024c6838bb1f534229e6e0d6d13b56c.jpg 996a6dca7eee84e81bec604f3db04ed3 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 1st Provisional Guard, Co. ‘B’ Long Island, Boston Harbor Thurs P.M. 8th Oct/63 My ever dear Allie, Yours of Tues. eve was recd. yesterday P.M. and but that I was on guard and very much undecided what to do. Should have answered before and then the storm today and add to this the fact that I don’t know what is to come, I could not write before. Thought about getting a ‘pass’ but so recently from home Capt. H[olmes] could do nothing now and he has gone away as indeed all our officers have till next Monday and I can only wonder whether you have gone home as I suppose you have. Lieut. Davis made a little talk yesterday and said he would like me to remain here with him if he did, and I think he will. If we do, I shall get a three day leave of absence as soon as I can and so see you in Billerica. It is blowing almost a gale and wet. Find something to keep me busy as ever and have just finished some sewing and cleaning up my gun etc. and it is dull and lonesome today and I need not tell you how much I would like, love, to be with you and hope to ere long. Lieut. D[avis] said if we had to return to the Regt. I should have time to see you again. So you must make the best of the present and as soon as I can continue to meet you I will. I wrote Foster and mentioned the ‘Pic Nic’ to the veterans by Gen. Devens. I suppose they will have one perhaps. A good time but I thought as you would return to B[illerica] I would not attempt much but trust to a leave of absence. As the weather looks, it is as well. No letter this morning but I hope to hear something this eve and from Lulu but as Joe left no word, I conclude she is all right. The regulations here are very strict and I don’t feel much at home yet. All so uncertain and a good deal like banishment. Got relieved from guard about ten o’clk this morn. If it were not for being near you and escaping marching perhaps for a time, I would like to return to the Regt. Besides, I hope something may possibly turn up to better myself. At any rate some good thing has come of all the changes so far and I hope the same in the future. It is not very cold as yet and the views about the harbor are very fine. I can look out of my tent directly towards the city and it does not look so far as in Ky [Kentucky]! You must not expect a letter for I am not ‘at home’ but you will know I am well and have a thought for you. Hope tonight’s boat will bring some message from you and the Regt. We have very good fare and I continue to keep comfortable and by and by I hope to feel at home and do whatever is for the best. If you or any of the friends wish to come to the Island you must set a day and I have to furnish the ‘passes’ and send you tickets. Will enclose a word to Foster and close. Write me often and be patient till I see you one way or another. Love as ever to all. Yours ever, Jerome A kiss for Lulu. What does she say about Papie? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. 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: Jonas R. Davis enlisted as a Corporal at age 20 from Templeton, Massachusetts, in the 21st Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. After several promotions, he was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts and promoted to First Lieutenant on June 6, 1863. He was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts on June 8, 1865, upon expiration of service. NOTE 4: 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 5: Charles Devens, Jr. (1820 - 1891) was an American lawyer, jurist and statesman who also served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was appointed as colonel of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry in July 1861 and wounded at the Battle of Ball's Bluff in Virginia in October. Although still recovering, Devens was promoted to brigadier general in April 1862 and assigned command of the 1st Brigade/1st Division. He was wounded a second time at the Battle of Seven Pines and spent most of the summer recovering. His brigade was not heavily involved in the Maryland Campaign. Shortly afterwards, it was reassigned to the VI Corps. Devens commanded the 2nd Brigade/3rd Division/VI Corps during the Battle of Fredericksburg. In January 1863, Devens was given command of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, VI Corps. After Maj. Gen Oliver O. Howard took command of the XI Corps, he appointed Devens as a division commander, and at Chancellorsville he was wounded a third time. Devens distinguished himself at the Battle of Cold Harbor, while commanding the 3rd Division/XVIII Corps in Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign. During the final stages of the Siege of Petersburg, he commanded the 3rd Division of the XXIV Corps. Devens's troops were the first to occupy Richmond after its fall in April 1865. 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 10, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-10 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 "6 X 4.45" - 1st Scan "7 X 9.35" - 2nd Scan "11.65 X 9.25" - 3rd Scan "6.5 X 9.25" - 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 #165 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Long Island, Boston, MA., Harbor Allie Boston Boston Harbor Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/eb631e66871a111eeac4aa7a010ec1ae.jpg 1831bed586e57281a4ae2a5f8623d78e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/756f6ad9e1afd28b48ba9d4cd8eb913e.jpg 87cc5939289c5a7ec5899c9691e66898 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a5bdac498d0c5fc90097dd1f1004f96a.jpg 72ac483db586cb9c298afcef05a26194 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 Long Island, Boston 5th October 1863 My dearest Wife, Just a line to say we are “nabbed” for tonight at least, although we know nothing of the future. We are called “Provisional Guard” Co. “B” and as near as we can find out, do escort to the conscripts in going about and even going some ways with them on furlough, etc. We don’t know how long we may remain, perhaps only a few days and maybe longer. In short, I only send this that you may know I have not left for the Regt. We six are in an “A” tent, and close wind blowing hard tho it is not cold very. Have got some hay so we shall not suffer. I hope this will find you at F’s. Don’t expect we can get away again for the present even if we remain, but I will inform you as soon as possible [of] all the items. Am told they are sending all the men back to their Regts. except two, and being a “non-com” [non-commissioned officer], I hope to remain awhile. Of course, I should love to be with you but you can hear from me often while I am here, and those who would like to come to the Island to see me must inquire about it as I don’t know the regulations. Will add a word in the morning. Tues. morn. Good morning! And a lovely one too. The view of the bay is fine. Direct your letters “Co. B” 1st Provisional Guard, Long Island, Boston Harbor. Am in fine health. No chills or anything. Have not been assigned to duty as yet. Hope this will find you in the City. Write me immediately. As ever your loving, Jerome Please send some stamps. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Long Island” referred to in this letter, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. 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 the 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: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march. 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 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Long Island Boston, Mass. 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 1863-10-05 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 "6.75 X 4.45" - 1st Scan (JPEG) "6.75 X 9.3" - 2nd Scan (JPEG) "6.75 X 9.3" - 3rd Scan (JPEG) 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 #164 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 Long Island, Boston, Mass. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Allie Boston Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/858f5e6bfc6d82928906550fe6f4a1a8.jpg a0dc11aa2a7fa7aa4cbaf0ba641ea57a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b34d45db14f1ef545a843e7a16008da3.jpg 3fb3af1c40f48b4827cd620d12e50ebe 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 Brother Joseph I send you a line this morning which I thought you might communicate to some of the boys friends if they would like to see me, I should be in this vicinity till Friday next – no Thursday. Shall have to report again next Monday P.M. We don’t expect to have any conscripts and shall return to the Regt. next week. My time will be much taken up, of course, but would like to see any of the friends who would like to meet me. News favorable this morning and all will turn out well by and by at the West. Must send a line to Capt. Sawyer and am in great haste. Letters from Alonzo speak[s] of Jos. H. is all right and well. As ever, Jerome Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Company Muster Roll for September and October 1863 in Corporal Jerome Peirce’s Service File gives the following information: “Absent. Sent to Massachusetts for conscription Sept. 15, 1863.” The following Company Muster Roll, for November and December 1863, lists him as “Present.” NOTE 2: Jerome’s older brother, Joseph, was born in 1820. He might have been involved in the woodworking/furniture business in Orange, Massachusetts. NOTE 3: By “West” that Jerome Peirce is referring to in this letter, he undoubtedly means the western theater of operations, which at the time, would have meant the fighting in states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc. NOTE 4: Captain Christopher Sawyer, from Templeton, Massachusetts, was 28 years old when he joined Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged due to disability on February 19, 1864, probably due to illness rather than being wounded. NOTE 5: Letters from Jerome and Allie indicate that he was able to see his family while on recruiting duty in Massachusetts. 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 Joseph, September 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Perice, Joseph 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 1863-09-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus 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 8.17" - 1st Scan "5.03 X 8.17" - 2nd 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 #163 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts Jerome Peirce Joseph Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c36837fba85fa695ac166fc7b5e63cea.jpg c9880570a017bc6e22b0d1ffff62a656 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/67ef1a487f7167e97ed8127ce548384c.jpg 7ce752b989086cd1b8c4ef385ed7fdd0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8d96255c8d064ee59bcce81930e84c9d.jpg b86ead5fa683e6add1d932ea0a18efde https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3f0a5fcbf52c8f7c96679a3964a5d2c9.jpg dda76d59ba4fe02eb2ec1d82c2c5514e 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 11 miles beyond London, Ky. Mond[ay] Eve 14 Sept[ember] 1863 My dear Wife, Another day passed and so far on our way. Wrote you from “near London”. Came about 13 miles today. Left camp a little before 5 this A.M. Pleasant and cool in the morning, but hot before reaching camp, marching sometimes over an hour without a halt, but got along pretty well (I mean speaking collectively). I got on nicely not having my knapsack, but it came in all right with Regimental Team. Came thro’ a sterile region for the most part. One grand view from a summit that we passed. Behind us was a vast sea of green from the dense forests with long stretch of hills showing an extensive valley between. Not a church spire or village to break the scene. The chief item today was the meeting over 2200 rebel prisoners captured at “Cumberland Gap” by Genl. Burnside. Good news still. Rosecrans and B. [Burnside] doing the business. We expect to remain at the Gap awhile. Shall reach there Wedns. or Thurs. Talk of a mail [call] tonight. We are camped in a rough field; good water exceedingly scarce. Walked more than a mile to get some and very dirty at that. This is the exception in Ky. [Kentucky]. Pitched tent and rested awhile. Ground rough and covered thick with briers. Word comes that we move again at 5 o’clock in the morning. The “boys” jabbering and playing Euchre outside. N.W. Ward still unwell inside. Such, dear Allie, is this day. Am quite tired, so “good night.” Tues[day] morning. How little we know what is before us! After closing this for the night, the mail came and how welcome in this far-off seeming country were your letters (and Abbie’s) of the 5th. But that was not all. I had been receiving rations for an early start this morning and had been kept awake sometime and had just got nicely into a drowse when someone called out, “Jerome!” and behold, Alonzo says, “Your papers have come and you leave for home in the morning!” I did not know what to think at first, but here we are at a farm house with many others, waiting for teams, wagons, or something to take us along. I am in hopes this will reach [you] a few days before hand. We are to report at Springfield, Mass. and probably, tho’ I don’t know certain, we shall come to Boston soon [thereafter]. The officers assure us we shall have ample time to see our friends, etc., etc. Don’t know whether we shall get started today, but the mail wagon will be along by and by. Don’t expect to leave Cincinnati before next Sunday or Monday, possibly Sat[urday]. ‘Tis a long tedious road full of rough places and harms. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your letters and now indeed I hope soon to see you. Shall try and look well and bring no disease, for we have not been exposed for a long time. Will telegraph from Springfield as soon as we arrive there. Will send it to F. P. & Co. [Foster Peirce and Company]. The troops left this A.M. at 3 o’clk. All well or gaining. Have scribbled this off in hopes it will reach you before I do. As ever, Jerome Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Nathan W. Ward enlisted at age 19 from Orange, Massachusetts, as a Private on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease on October 21, 1863, at Knoxville, Tennessee. 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. NOTE 3: 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.” 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, September 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie London, 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 1863-09-14 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (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 "4.97 X 2.69" - 1st Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 2nd Scan "10.05 X 7.98" - 3rd Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 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 #162 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant London, KY Allie Jerome Peirce KY London https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c80632e83e105103cbb193a709487dda.jpg 67225a91b48e17358b9ffb4bdac874bb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ce764f634d53643c347543abac25d1e.jpg 20125ebfaca14e12bfd2ba8709f496fc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/81ebd1a74adbd5d6d9959854e920f6c5.jpg ab04dfedb463e6677e40a1bac1a1d3ad 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 Near London, Ky Sunday 13 Sept 1863 My ever dear wife, Once more on the march and at a halt where we are putting up for Sunday, a blessed privilege which does not often occur when moving. Before you receive this you will hear of the move into Lenoir and feel disappointed at my not coming on. Alonzo wrote and mailed a letter home since we started and spoke of it, but the more I think of it the more I feel that it is “all right.” Almost everyone who has been home since this Miss[issippi] campaign have been very sick of the fever. Col. Bowman is now ill at home and I would not risk being sick now for anything except to see you and as long as you are well I hope that you will feel “all’s well.” Alonzo feels just so. If we stay here and we get over in this climate what we engendered in Miss[issippi], we shall be all right and he feels as this would cost him sickness if he had gone home. I have been puzzled to know whether you would go to Foster’s expecting me or not so I sent a letter to F.P. & Co[mpany]’s care for you the morning we left Crab Orchard thinking you might go there. Well we are 36 miles on our way and some of it was hard, exceedingly hot and dusty and over the wildest mountain region we have yet seen, villages 25 miles apart and rough enough looking at, that ‘Mt. Vernon’ and ‘London’ only think what names! But fortune still favors me and this time to another’s misfortune. The color bearer, Littlefield, was taken sick at noon of the first day so I am relieved of my knapsack. Carrying only my rations, tent cloth and a hatchet and am getting along finely. If I should be the one to bear the state colors of Mass. into Tennessee (the home of Gen’l. Jackson!) only think of it! I believe the 29th and 35th Regt have both sent home their state colors so we are the only one of the three Mass. Regts. here who have a state flag. But we’ll not anticipate for news (reliable) comes that we’re carrying all before us in Tennessee and we’re not wanted etc., etc. and perhaps we shall go back, but “don’t see it.” I have come out into the woods to write you. So much noise and smoke from the fires and here I am on an old log in a pretty shady place and nothing but the murmurs from camp comes to disturb me. Did you think of the anniversary of our wedding? We left C[rab] O[rchard] on the 10th, and I thought of it and under a burning sun we were struggling on over the rough roads of K[entuck]y. Will another year bring us together under the family roof? I hope and believe so and then what a blessed time we’ll have! Mailed a letter to you and Mr. Murray this morning before we started and of course I have no news only that I am bearing it so far nicely and see no reason why I cannot go a great ways. Don’t know how mail facilities will be. We shall rest one day in four, no doubt and I shall send back whenever I can. Have been busy, cooking and resting and little things that keep us employed on the march. One of the O. [Orange] boys, N. William Ward (not Edmund) is sick and I have tried to tend him some. Ought not to have started, bowel complaint and chills some. It seems little like the Sabbath but however tired or confused, I always think of you and our blessed Sabbath at home on that day and long for the time when there will be no marching to dread on that day. The whole division with Gen’l. Ferrero is with us and yesterday morning about 9 o’clk a.m. when the order came in to turn in and halt we were glad enough, for the day before we came 17 miles and did not reach camp till nearly 9 o’clk p.m. Fri[day]. Came by “Wild Cut”, a wild romantic mountain pass where there was a camp once and a battle between Gen’l. Zollicoffer rebel and the Union men. I don’t seem to recollect about it, but is well marked for there is rocks, caves, bad roads and steep hills all at once. Had a big shower last eve. or p.m. and all hands of the officers were outdoors, for their baggage did not get here on acc[oun]t of the terrible going for teams, but I had my tent and Mr. Stevens came up so we had a house right off and during the shower the water ran most all over the floor! but I continued to make a fire and had hot coffee in the midst of it so checked all bad effects. Well, Allie dear, I have been looking over this and am amazed to see what a fumbled up affair it is! but it is a marching letter written in the woods and I hope it will find all the friends well. How is Abbie? Will write her soon and the rest and hope to receive lots of letters from them and the papers will tell you more of the 9th A. C. [Army Corps] than I can begin to. We find much to amuse us, noticeable standing, the long walks and I enjoy the wild romantic country very much. Had such a nice bath when we got in and a little rested! Am feeling well and hope so to continue. Am glad Joe and Mr. Galloway are not coming for I know they are both particularly useful in their labors at home. Our Chaplain did not start. Don’t know when he will come along. Love as ever to Lulu and all, and Ever your own, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig) NOTE 1: Felix Kirk Zollicoffer was a newspaperman, three-term United States Congressman from Tennessee, officer in the United States Army, and a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War. He led the first Confederate invasion of eastern Kentucky and was killed in action at the Battle of Mill Springs in January 1862. NOTE 2: According to the Regimental History, Crab Orchard was quite a favorite resort of the people of Kentucky, and was celebrated for its mineral springs. “Whether the men tried the waters of the springs or not the writer cannot say; they certainly were not delectable to the taste, and it is very doubtful whether they were used medicinally”. (Page 78.) NOTE 3: The Regimental History notes that on the evening of September 12th, a severe thundershower came up at night; the baggage being far behind, and the field staff without any tents. “September 13th, Sunday, we lay quietly in camp, — a very welcome rest—for the men were getting very footsore from the rough Kentucky roads. It would be hard to find worse ones even in rocky New England.” Page 78 NOTE 4: The Regimental History notes in mid-to-late August 1863, “Every day the effect of the southern campaign was shown in the increasing number of the sick. Many were sent to hospitals, and the regiment rapidly decreased. Chills and fever were most prevalent, and a disease similar to scurvy broke out and caused the death of several, whose flesh actually fell from their limbs before death relieved them from their sufferings. All complained of a feeling of exhaustion, and officers and men dragged themselves painfully and slowly about the camp.” Page 76. NOTE 5: Ammiel Littlefield enlisted in Company F at age 36 from Milford, Massachusetts, as a Corporal. He was later promoted to Sergeant. Littlefield was wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the same battle at which Jerome Peirce was killed. However, he recovered from his wounds and was discharged on June 8, 1865, on the expiration of his term of service. NOTE 6: Nathan W. Ward died of disease Oct. 21, 1863 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was in Company H with Jerome and Edmund Ward. NOTE 7: Foster was Jerome’s brother, and owner of the Foster Pierce & Company business. NOTE 8: Alonzo is Seth Alonzo Ranlett, husband of Nellie, Allie’s younger sister or Jerome’s brother-in-law. 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, September 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie London, 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 1863-09-13 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 "4.96 X 8.08" - 1st Scan "9.89 X 8.08 - 2nd Scan "4.96 X 8.08 - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #161 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant London, KY Allie Jerome Peirce KY London https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/44912a6d4316372517cf47319fb9eb2a.jpg 448eed356f57b2ef1585cf2c886576a3 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 N. Orange, [Massachusetts] Sept. 20th, 1863 Mrs. Peirce, I cannot help expressing my thanks to you for your kind letter last month when I was in great affliction. I will not undertake to express to you my feeling caused by the death of my son. As you are a kind hearted woman, you can sympathize with my bereaved family. Captain Sawyer is at home in Templeton. I went to see him a few days ago. He spoke in the same way about my son that your husband did, and he also spoke well of his men that went from Orange, but he spoke in particular praise of Mr. Jerome Peirce. He said that he honored his office and that a nobler man he did not find. If I was alone in my affliction, I do not know as I could bear up under the load, but these trials are visiting most all families in my vicinity and I can look around and see those that are in worse condition than myself. If I have to part with my son, I had rather he would lay down his life for the benefit of the country than any other way, as I consider that millions yet unborn are to reap the benefits of this great sacrifice. May God’s Blessings visit all people but especially those in the Federal Army. Give my respects to your husband. Milton Bliss TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 2: Milton Bliss’ son, Augustus E. Bliss, enlisted as a Private at age 18 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease on July 24, 1863, at Milldale, Mississippi. Jerome wrote about the death of Augustus Bliss in his letter Number 143 in this collection, dated July 26, 1863, as follows: “Poor [Augustus] Bliss. I seldom or never felt so sad towards one who was not a relative. He was beautiful in death, fair as marble but, oh, the aching hearts at home. He was always dutiful and prompt and kept clear of the vices of Army life but his work is nobly done and it is well. He lies nearby at the edge of the woods where the birds are singing and noble trees wavering over him.” Further research indicates that that his remains were reinterred at the Vicksburg National Cemetery at some point in time. The cemetery records show that Augustus Bliss was a Private in Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, that he died on July 24, 1863, and that he is buried in Grave No. 9700 in Section Q of the cemetery. In addition, Augustus Bliss is mentioned in a letter dated March 7, 1864, (Letter No. 200 in this collection) that Rev. Levi Ballou sent to Jerome approximately two months before Jerome was killed as follows: “Remember us to all the Orange soldiers, Henry Mayo, Nelson Smith, Joseph H. Pierce, Edmund Ward, C. C. Harris, Artimus Goddard. The Lord bless them all. Br. Edwin Stevens ever faithful, true and worthy we can meet no more on earth; and Harrison Goddard, A. Bliss, D. Mellen, D. Stearns, H. Boyden all have offered up their lives on their country’s altar and fallen in a noble and worthy cause.” This collection of letters includes a letter sent by Mrs. Bliss to Allie (No. 159), dated September 10, 1863, also lamenting the death of her son. 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 Milton to Allie, September 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Bliss, Milton Allie N. Orange, MA. Description An account of the resource From Milton to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Milton Bliss 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 1863-09-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (trancriber) 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 "7.96 X 9.82" - 1st Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #160 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant N. Orange, MA Allie MA Milton Bliss N. Orange https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/894f974eb3ecd822a2e0b00cc6e6378d.jpg a22391597f60f1d4e554a5ec350903f6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/53d069a4b8fb1db2874dee3758491676.jpg 43f0b540b651a0b89376f1d8a53c4fed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7202ec160024bc36af850390911238e4.jpg 4c801f7ca7b4ad26aaaa54e9cf528132 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/85603622bfad126eee597b6c87edc6f1.jpg 271d79a13912b5a819fe66d561e48eb6 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 Winchester N.H. Sept 10, 1863 Dear Mrs. Peirce We received your letter written soon after the death of my dear brother in due season. We were very happy to receive a letter so full of feeling and Christian sympathy. Father wished me to answer it and I now improve an opportunity to do so. I cannot tell you what our feelings were when we heard of his death. It came like a thunderbolt. We did not know he was sick until we heard of his death. If I could only have been there to minister to his needs in his last hours, I should have felt differently, but it was not so to be and we ought not to murmur at the ways of Providence. His ways are not our ways. He takes the dearest objects of our affections from us and we can do nothing but bid them farewell and look to God for assistance to bear all with patience and Christian fortitude. Augustus died very young but I trust he has not lived in vain. He has been a good boy always, a kind brother to me. I cannot realize that he is indeed gone, that I shall never look upon his face again. His work is early done but faithfully I trust and he is now enjoying the happiness of Heaven. He has no more foes to face, no more trials to endure, but is forever blest. Hiram Woodward, when writing to his Aunt, of him says: “Let the autumn winds harp on the drooping leaves their softest requiem over him, let winter’s purest snow rest spotless upon his grave, let spring entwine her brightest garlands for his tomb, and summer gild it with her brightest sunshine, for it will be long, long ere we shall look upon his like again.” I cannot but be thankful that he had soldier friends around him to close his eyes and perform the last sad offices for my dear brother. I feel that although far from dear ones at home, he was tenderly buried by his companions. Although I may never visit his grave and drop affectionate tears thereon, yet will the clear dews of heaven moisten it, the birds will sing their sweet songs near him and the God of our fathers will guard his dust carefully and tenderly. Father has visited the Captain of the Company. He is sick in Templeton. He spoke of your husband and said he was a noble soldier and honored his position. I was very glad to hear from him. I hope he may be spared to come back to you, to make glad your home, for I know you must be very, very lonely. How many sad and lonely homes have been caused by this cruel Rebellion. I would like to see little Lulu, kiss her for me. I dare say she has forgotten me, but I remember her. She must be a great deal of company for you in your lonely life. I am now at Mr. Atherton’s in Winchester boarding. I teach here in the neighborhood, have a very pleasant school. Please write me if you receive this and direct to Winchester N.H. Remember me with much love as your true friend Maria M. Bliss. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Maria Bliss’ brother, Augustus E. Bliss, enlisted as a Private at age 18 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease on July 24, 1863, at Milldale, Mississippi. Jerome wrote about the death of Augustus Bliss in his letter Number 143 in this collection, dated July 26, 1863, as follows: “Poor [Augustus] Bliss. I seldom or never felt so sad towards one who was not a relative. He was beautiful in death, fair as marble but, oh, the aching hearts at home. He was always dutiful and prompt and kept clear of the vices of Army life but his work is nobly done and it is well. He lies nearby at the edge of the woods where the birds are singing and noble trees wavering over him.” Further research indicates that that his remains were reinterred at the Vicksburg National Cemetery at some point in time. The cemetery records show that Augustus Bliss was a Private in Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, that he died on July 24, 1863, and that he is buried in Grave No. 9700 in Section Q of the cemetery. In addition, Augustus Bliss is mentioned in a letter dated March 7, 1864, (Letter No. 200 in this collection) that Rev. Levi Ballou sent to Jerome approximately two months before Jerome was killed as follows: “Remember us to all the Orange soldiers, Henry Mayo, Nelson Smith, Joseph H. Pierce, Edmund Ward, C. C. Harris, Artimus Goddard. The Lord bless them all. Br. Edwin Stevens ever faithful, true and worthy we can meet no more on earth; and Harrison Goddard, A. Bliss, D. Mellen, D. Stearns, H. Boyden all have offered up their lives on their country’s altar and fallen in a noble and worthy cause.” This collection of letters includes a letter sent by Maria Bliss’ father, Milton Bliss, to Allie (No. 160), dated September 20, 1863, also lamenting the death of his son. 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 Maria to Allie, September 10, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Bliss, Maria M. Allie Winchester, NH Description An account of the resource From Maria to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Maria M. Bliss 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 1863-09-10 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 "5.79 X 3.15" - 1st Scan "5.29 X 8.48" - 2nd Scan "10.60 X 8.48" - 3rd Scan "5.29 X 8.48" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #159 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Winchester, NH Allie Maria M. Bliss NH Winchester https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b96527fe8a99fac2da115236364900c3.jpg 0f38f413b6db86f7da9b16540bf100a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e4f2db24b00385fe00d0ba6c97fa3965.jpg 6ab896e1905f9015f534e76012053688 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/513dab759d220fc5d5aba6f573e4eef4.jpg 86eb1cfec017dc56dffa4c86e0d12fe4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/18798a34a58e15fc9c79513b3a4bd8f5.jpg a8fceaa3a64bca20eb9538586f7c3e0d 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 Crab Orchard, Ky. 9th Sept/63 My Dearest Wife, ‘Tis evening and by a candle I send a few words to my dear ones at home. What shall I say? Yours of [the] 2nd so full of joyous anticipation with thought of soon meeting me made my heart ache as I thought of the uncertainties and disappointments of a soldier’s life and this I know will be so to you and find it hard to talk about. Orders came just now that we must ‘forward’ tomorrow morning and the prospect is we must give up the thought of meeting for the present. It grieves me, dear Allie, to tell you this but let us hope that the future will show that it was all for the best, altho we may not quite see it. From some unaccountable reason the papers which was to send me with others home do not come to hand. The brigade commander does not understand it and probably the officers, Capt. Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins, will return to the Regt. We can only think it is because we’re moving so far and the difficulties of communication. Had a talk with Alonzo. He is in the dark of course. The order was from headquarters in regular official order and we must call it one of the strange things of war and army life. I had hoped for a delightful meeting but I have become accustomed to almost everything but I know how disappointed you will all be, but we did not think such things would be, as the others were receiving conscripts. Alonzo thinks we may yet, even at Knoxville, receive some word. It is “official” and must be answered some way. I hope you will see some good meaning to it, as I am trying to, and still hope on that our forward movement will presage an early close of the war. We have got a long march before us. Let it comfort you to think how well I have always been and now I am in most excellent health and very hopeful and if we can help bring an end I feel as tho I could still march a long way. Alonzo is in fine spirits and feels as I do but very many of our poor boys will have to stay behind. I expect we’ve a 160 miles before us but it is to be made as easy as possible, marching about ten miles a day which leaves the P.M. and night to rest and finally I hope we shall strike the great line of R[ail]road at Knoxville which will seem nearer home than here, almost. My dear Allie, this is the hardest letter I have had to write since I came out but everything looked so square and fair I could but speak confidently so do try and be resigned and believe that a happy meeting yet awaits us which may be longer for the waiting. Had a nice letter from Mr. Herring. Enclosing one from H. Hoover. He has had an easy time. Jos. H. recd. a nice letter from Nellie. Tell her he appreciates it and that he is worthy of it. His ambitious and kindly attentions will do ever so much for him. I am only happy to share my part of the letters with him. Indeed, we read each other’s. Continually, army life has been a benefit to him decidedly and he thinks everything of the General. It is dark and the crickets are singing while Mr. Stevens and another soldier boy are enjoying a game of Euchre. Wrote sister Kate two days ago and Geo. today. Shall send a few lines to Murray with Hoover’s letter in return. Ben is well and sympathizes with us in this disappointment, all the more as he has had such a delightful meeting with his wife. I must bid you goodnight. I hope you have not told Lulu, the darling. She little knows, but like her we must think of the Good Father who has so wonderfully preserved us. Oh Allie, when I think of what I have passed thru, I cannot mourn us but only say “all is well” and the future full of blessing and so I believe. Love to all and a goodnight kiss and the entire love of your Jerome. Direct letters the same as ever and write often and tell the friends to. I shall write often. Shall be moving for 2 days probably. 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: 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 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. NOTE 4: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. 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, September 9, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Crab Orchard, 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 1863-09-09 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 "5.57 X 3.12" - 1st Scan (JPEG) "4.57 X 7.26" - 2nd Scan (JPEG) "9.27 X 7.46" - 3rd Scan (JPEG) "4.57 X 7.26" - 4th Scan (JPEG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #158 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Crab Orchard, KY Allie Crab Orchard Jerome Peirce KY