3 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/250f2fc0736ee9efae2992c24b591530.jpg 26ea9a8849b447884720a6277311cec3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d2b026dd0c2fbd94f7b003bb5e849d09.jpg 71a2807b280b7ad938c03a2ba38de26c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/74021746ad484786c38ee4c78857fd6c.jpg 640e3bc194b3b4b5cba1eeeb9d7c79fa https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fb350cb0bb0a166514d085ad62c7e69c.jpg 5542ad8f29b9d1b60422c4c1dc939d47 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 Newport News 21st Feb 1863 My ever dear Wife, Yours of the 13th came last eve. and how much I wish you and Lulu were here! Yes Allie, I wish you were here and for the first time could I feel willing you should look in upon us just as we are, for we are now nearly in order a camp superior to “Camp Wool” at Worcester. Wedns and Thurs were severe days, rain and all that could make camp life disagreeable, excepting mud, sand instead, but a change has come. Thursday eve the tents came, all new and while they hold five but as yet we have only four in ours. The streets are all laid out uniform, 8 tents on a side, 27 feet wide (the street), sidewalks and the street rolling just as they do at home in the cities. At the foot the cooks are building a log tent. Will do the cooking in future. A little farther down is the Capt.’s tent, with the orderly Sargt.’s tent beside him. And still farther in the rear in the centre of the Regt. is the colonel’s quarters and “staff”, six tents facing each other for surgeon, chaplain, adjutant, and sergeant major, quartermaster and the Col. in the center. On the end thus, trees set by little marks and when all completed will be a very handsome and comfortable camp. Such as I should like to welcome you to. Our tents we can stand up in and keep neat. The weather is now beautiful. Sun shines warm, a realization somewhat of the ‘Sunny South’. Took a ramble (and a bath) yesterday by the shore and gathered some curious stones and shells which I shall send home sometime in a little box made [on] the rainy day with my knife alone. I send it, or will, to little Lulu. The shells are mostly of the oyster species and with water and the sun upon them look very pretty. They will answer for a beginning of a little cabinet and the box for the jewelry. I wish you would take sweet oil and rub it up nicely. It will be quite handsome. It served to while away the dreariest hours I have seen in camp. I picked up the pieces between here and the river and so you will have a memento of this camp. There are also some leaves! “Hock” they call them here but are the old English “Holly” so Ben E. says and so often mentioned by the Eng. [English] poets. Have I sent any home before? Will send some in this letter. The brown one in the box I picked up on the beach colored by the sea and I thought ‘twould look well in a wreath. I don’t know exactly when I shall send the box. The Capt. thinks I had better send it by someone. Perhaps we shall make up a box and send to Orange by Express. But I mention these items as I think of them now. I will send an extract or two from the “Register” which I desire kept for Lulu and please make her a ‘scrap book’ of reading suitable and pictures which will be equal to bought books and much cheaper. Get a good shaped book, cut out every other leaf, etc. Keep all the pretty little pictures, wood cuts, etc., like those in the paper I sent her. You will understand. I often think of my childhood and of the little things which cost nothing and yet make a world to childhood. Now Dear Allie, let me tell you how much good your letters do me. What more can I ask to “keep and sustain” me in whatever comes than such letters as yours and Abbie’s? I now feel that you are preparing to bear and prepare in the only sure way for what is before us and to know that Lulu is such a comfort. I knew it would prove so and you may be sure I am trying hard to keep myself as worthy as possible of such ones to love and remember me! And if I am not permitted to see you at present you can feel that I am passing life not all in vain and the place will be in keeping with all that is elevating in feeling. The beautiful scenery here, regularity and discipline, which will be instituted as soon as the camp is fairly completed, will leave time for improvement which I shall improve by all means. Shall have choice reading, means for keeping neat, bathing, etc. make up a fine camp and next to home. Our Lieut. thinks we shall be here for some time. Have read Romans 14th this morn. It’s a favorite chapter with me and your acct. of the services were very interesting and with Abbie’s letters make something far better than Sabbath services because I can enjoy them quietly and not surrounded by the various moods and countenances. For these are all my own sweet comfort and if necessary I can steal away and enjoy them daily. I read and passed to the Captain your note and he has promised to reply, and will. He is busy most of the time and you must be patient. I think he feels for all those who are at home and is a fatherly man to the whole company. You have done “all right” in writing him and he will do for all what he can. There is scarcely a man in [the] regt. so much of a gentleman and kindly as he is. Called on the acting Ajut. [Adjutant] this morn. and spoke with the Col. about Alonzo. Have not heard from Foster’s folks since your last two or three letters. They look to me for news from him and I wish they would keep me posted often for they get about all they hear from me. I hope he is mending and that we can hear something decidedly better soon. Company B has some reports from him occasionally but I don’t think they are reliable, very. The next tent to us is H. Mayo’s with Smith, W.H., Goddard, Ward and Harris. One tent is on the front corner left as you enter the street, this x being our tent. A poor sketch but will give you an idea of the street. Had a game of euchre last eve, Frank Craft and another Corpl. of the “Color Guard” and J.H. A nice time. Shall not spend any more time than I can help tho in that way. Will close later in the day. P.M. Now Dear Allie, can you tell what a benediction I have had? Just as I was seated in my tent eating dinner of toasted bakers bread and beef broth, who should come with Corp. Penn, Co. A, but young Knowles of Co. B just from Charlestown and gave me a package with a letter in it from Miss Waldo, stationery and a Monthly Journal, a pretty pair of wristers. Shall have to send them home as I don’t need them now (For next winter I hope to wear them at home.) and a nice long letter which I will send you sometime. Also a nice letter from Abbie and C.F. Smith! Have I not something to defend? Knowles says a week ago today, no, yesterday, Alonzo not expected to live and Foster and Ellen had gone to Washington but three days afterwards nothing had been heard from them. Sad, sad time. Well Allie, am one full of strange scenes and changes! And here I am improving time writing outdoors, back of our tent, by a little fire stewing some dried apple for supper. ‘Tis very pleasant and I wish so much you could see the sunny side of soldier’s life. Asked the Capt. if I could get a “Pass” to go to Suffolk. Said he’d see the Col. Wish I could, but fear not, furloughs are talked of again. Don’t know what will come of it. Expect to begin drill and other duties on Monday which will keep us moving and I am willing for we feel better to keep doing. I send some verses to Lulu ‘Jessie’. I have acted upon the sentiment of the last verse since I’ve been out here and find it excellent. We have Dress Parade now at 5 P.M. Have to shine up our brass buttons, etc. and, as we all have good clothes, make a fine appearance. I have not written as I would like to this time but feared that tomorrow would be interrupted so I have done something. I have mentioned that papers, thread, etc., toothbrush all came safe. Had the misfortune to lose the toothbrush during the rainy days when everything was in confusion. Could you send me another and I will be more careful. A little later. Just saw the Capt. Tried to get some more shells for my box but couldn’t find any such as he wanted. Has been busy. Is now giving out clothing. Will answer your note by and by. Be patient. Have looked over your letter and wish I had done better. I often dream over the past days, my better days no doubt. Would I could be “translated” to them but I trust we shall grow better and enjoy so much in writing. Like you, I feel more of our lover days, and I shall feel stronger for duty by your interest in the “one thing” to sustain us, for I assure you I am more in thoughts serious and enjoy so much in my bible. But there is so much to confuse one here! ‘Tis hard to write connectedly. I opened to the 80th Psalm, just see how appropriate it is to our situation. Was just interrupted and must close immediately. As ever, yours with love to self and all abundantly from your Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: According to the Unit History, “On February 10, 1863, the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment moved to Newport News, Virginia, where it remained in camp until March 22, 1863.” NOTE 2: “Wristers” are a warm, knitted covering for the wrist. NOTE 3: Abbie (Abigail) was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 4: 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 5: The “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, his 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, February 21, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. 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 1863-02-21 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 6.25 X 4.15 6.25 X 8.75 11 X 8.75 6.25 X 8.75 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 #76 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0b06a9177efb8131948a6dbe7cf99188.jpg 9293c6eadcc729fd88f380d60ad0e994 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c1ed76f574dc7972f02b20657ca731d1.jpg 3cc53265f6e6557751d8a834368019d3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9f3a61cd8a3de44c30242a891c3839db.jpg 507086446d098c11cd6956a4d742f98b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a00c3019676084ef0fe2b9cb01ac389.jpg e121b34f37a646476dca4b0f6697be88 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 Newport News, VA 17th Feb 1863 My dearest Wife, Yours of the 12th, 13th letter came last eve [evening] and you know how welcome it was. It is a very rainy day and J. H. and Corporal Sawin (of Westminster) my additional tent-mate with myself are all busily engaged in writing to loved ones at home. The change of camp has caused some change of formalities and Corpl. S[awin] has joined us and if we can get the new tents, we shall have five in a tent. Don’t know who will constitute the others yet. It is an ugly storm, not so very cold but wet and as the soil here is sandy we have no fears of the mud, which gave such a dismal appearance to the camp at F [Falmouth] the last part of our stay there. Well, I have much I would like to say and what shall I begin with? You know how confused one feels when first in process of moving. If we first had expected so much delay in receiving our tents, should have finished ours regardless of orders as if we have only half of one pitched, raised with logs and a fireplace but no chimney, so fires inside is out of the question. We can stand erect and that is something but you see we are hardly convalescent as yet from morning. It is raining harder and the wind is rising, we imagine it knows at the North. We had just such a storm at F [Falmouth]. I wrote you on Sunday, No. 1 from N.P., enclosing $5.00 more. I hope you will receive all ($10.00). I was obliged to have a new blanket and had a chance to get one of one of the Co. cheaper than the Gov furnishes and better so I bought it, $1.75, and some little things, so I could not send you all I would have liked to, but we expect another payday soon and you shall be remembered to the best of my ability. Your letters do me so much good, but the thought of you going to work troubles me a great deal and “going into a shop” must not be thought of as moment for little Lulu must not be exposed to any such life for you know if she was with you she would see strangers more or less. When I think what the soldiers of the Union are doing, the thought that their families should suffer one moment’s anxiety in addition to the fearful fact of a separation from their husbands and fathers, I know not what to say or think. But let us hope for something and I will not suggest anything now but I am denying and will more than ever myself for your dear sakes and I can honestly assure you that I have asked for nothing and have bought nothing but what went to benefit me in health and spirit and so far I have kept both and that is everything here and could you witness some of the sad ones of “low spirits” with bad health and a grave soon following, you would say keep both health and spirits at any cost. Could you look in upon us now, you (and any of the friends not used to war scenes) would think there was little to sustain the bright side but instead we can hear singing and joking in the neighboring tents and we see now few sober faces. We have as I have said before a lovely place for a camp and I am [???] so much for spring, for the country is “sunny south” indeed in these beautiful shores of the “James” [River] and how many incidents of the olden and later times have I recalled to mind. The early settlement of Va [Virginia] in this vicinity and but a little ways from here some 15 miles are Little Bethel and Big B[ethel] where the fight was and where Winthrop fell, that [who] has written “John Brent” and other good books and since I commenced occasionally hear the big guns from the monitors and gun barrels in the river, practicing I presume. The rain is beating in so as to wet my paper sadly. I fear I shall have to close my letter for I find it hard to think or say anything it is so uncomfortable. Last eve. Corpl. S[awin] got a box from home and he showed some of his things brown bread, doughnuts, cheese, cake, pies etc. I should not expect you to send one for we can now get things and too we will live better than formerly. Have soft bread every day, fruit quite [often]. Shea called on the Capt. [Capt. Sawyer, Commanding Officer of Company H] this morn. He got a box last eve. Gave me a piece of cake had received your “sermon” and wished me “to present his particular compliments for your favor.” I told him how much you thought of him in connection with me, how little Lulu talked about him etc. etc. He is an excellent man and could I see you, could tell you some little things. I told him you looked upon him sort of as a father to me and Lieut. Gird (a 1st) spoke up “and he must be father-in-law to her (you)”. Gird is a pleasant fine fellow, but somewhat odd and very large, a little of the C. F. Smith style but I like him and am in good standing with both of them for the simple reason that I try to do my whole duty and sympathy of taste for Capt. S[awyer] as a scholar and Lt. Gird was an editor or had something to do with a paper in Fitchburg or Worcester some time ago before the war. He has lived in both places. I send you a march, Army worn diary kept on board the steamer for the most part, but I thought you would think all the more of it being so soiled. I forgot to mention that I had some delightful chats and reading with Ben E. and his nephew Geo. on board. Geo. E is a lover of good reading and has my Shakespeare now till I get settled. We were reading “Julius Caesar” on the boat together, when Jim Canfield, the chaplain, came along and asked if he (Geo.) “carried that”. It is Corpl. P.’s [Peirce’s] said he, turning to me. I explained how I got it and told him he could get one. Said he had been wanting just such an one. Asked me about my residence in C. [Charlestown] and how I came in Co. H. etc. etc., a pleasant chat followed and on the war etc. Was in Ben E’s [tent] last eve. Had a box of “goodies” as they call them, gave me an apple. J. H. has been very set upon a box and spoke to Aunt Sarah [in] Jamestown quite cooly as I thought altho. she had mentioned the matter first. She has promised as you see, to send one. And this reminds that J. H. wants to have her letter sent to O. [Orange], to his folks. It was directed to him I didn’t think at first but if you’ll forward ‘twill [it will] be all right. I will send you a letter from Mr. Mayo. I answered it yesterday, four pages. Regarding scriptures and religious matters, I have not been able yet to think enough to say much this time. Have to take precious care of books this time or they’ll get wet. Intended to have read up something but last eve. looked at “Dew Drops”. I carry it in my watch pocket and the text for 16th Deut. was “Give me more wisdom and knowledge” from Chron. The things, papers with brush, thread, stamps, etc. all safe. Many thanks and little L’s [Lulu’s, i.e., Jerome and Allie’s daughter] sewing. She is a dear good child to think of working for Papie [Papa, i.e., Jerome]. I still feel that we shall all meet again and if you can be all spared to greet me, how little shall I regret the part I have acted. There is many comments made in the difference of letters from the Army. We that are cheerful endure as much as any but we keep healthy for one thing and it is something to do that. It is raining fearfully and ‘tis dripping thru. I intended to have written Abbie but fear shall not mail it today as it goes at noon. Don’t think of boxes or anything but that I am well, safe even happy, that we have a pleasant camp and a good cause, and this camp seems to have changed the spirit of the whole Army. I took a plunge in the river yesterday, merely plunged in and rubbed myself down and was warm right away. We are collecting water in a dipper and throwing it out so you can imagine how it comes. I think I spoke of the unfavorable news from Alonzo. Have heard nothing since my last. I hope for better news but it looks dark now. Spoke with the Capt. about furloughs. He said this morning that it looked dubious as Gen Dix had respectfully refused some lately. I have not allowed myself to think much about it and trust we can bear the disappointment for it would indeed be hard to come away if I were at home. As ever your loving husband with many kisses for self and Lulu. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (James Lloyd and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The Battle of Big Bethel was one of the earliest land battles of the American Civil War. It took place on the Virginia Peninsula, near Newport News, on June 10, 1861. The Union forces suffered 76 casualties, with 18 killed, including Maj. Theodore Winthrop and Lt. John T. Greble. Lt. Greble the first regular army officer killed in the war. NOTE 2: Major Theodore Woolsey Winthrop (1828 – 1861) was a writer, lawyer, and world traveler. He was one of the first Union officers killed in the Civil War. At the Battle of Big Bethel on June 10, 1861, he drew up a crude plan of battle. After a Federal attack to the enemy right flank was foiled, Winthrop led an ill-fated assault on the Confederate left. In the heat of battle, Major Winthrop leapt onto the trunk of a fallen tree and reportedly yelled, "One more charge boys, and the day is ours." Soon thereafter, he was killed by a musket ball to the heart and became the first casualty of rank for the Northern side in what history regards as the first pitched land battle of the Civil War. Winthrop's novels, for which he had failed to find a publisher during his lifetime, appeared posthumously. They include “John Brent,” founded on his experiences in the far West. NOTE 3: A monitor was a relatively small warship which was neither fast nor strongly armored but carried disproportionately large guns. They were used by some navies from the 1860s, during the First World War and with limited use in the Second World War. During the Vietnam War they were used by the United States Navy. The original monitor was designed by John Ericsson in 1861 who named it USS Monitor. They were designed for shallow waters and served as coastal ships. NOTE 4: "Dew Drops" was a miniature book measuring about 1 1/2" by 2 1/8" which was published by the American Tract Society. It was a miniature inspirational book of daily devotions with a bible verse for each day of the year and was 128 pages in length. The American Tract Society was founded in 1825 for publishing Christian literature. The title “Dew Drops” is taken from a verse from Deuteronomy, pictured on the title page "My speech shall distill as the dew.” NOTE 5: On wisdom and knowledge 2 Chronicles 1:10: “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” NOTE 6: 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 7: The following information about the men in his company he mentions in the letter was obtained from the Unit History. All three were no longer Jerome’s comrades when Jerome was killed on May 11, 1864, at Spotsylvania Court House. Captain Christopher enlisted from Templeton, Massachusetts, at age 28 on August 22, 1862. He served as the commanding officer of Company H, 36th Massachusetts Infantry, until February 19, 1864, when he was discharged for disability. LT. Joseph W. Gird enlisted from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at age 22 as a Private in Company F of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteers on October 4, 1861. On August 11, 1862, he was appointed First Lieutenant of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment but resigned on May 18, 1863. He was appointed Second Lieutenant in the 57th Massachusetts Volunteers on November 3, 1863, and was promoted in that regiment to Captain on December 31, 1863. Lieut. Gird was killed in action on May 6, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, just a few days before Jerome was killed. Corporal Farwell Sawin was 31 years old when he enlisted as a Corporal from Westminster, Massachusetts, on August 11, 1862, i.e., seven days after Jerome enlisted. On August 9, 1863, he died of disease at Vicksburg, Mississippi. 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, February 17, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. 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 1863-02-17 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Lloyd (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 6.5 X 4.5 6.25 X 9 11 X 9 6.25 X 9 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 #75 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/47fa92fc1a35fbc504000633d15a6a9e.jpg 7c79acb022ee9f591e1c1f3f2d23e8a0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/729e7085323149cbfd3117b2b8e7c01a.jpg af6ddde32262b760ef1dc47353564d62 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fafa3cb6dd15ea6f6b5b314bc96829bd.jpg 884ae6c12be2025ad8de2c14152925ff https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e71df7c4ef6d4fa20632e9d459d10540.jpg 4576b57715e6c81a9be9150692b23db8 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 Feb. 16, 1863 Friend Jerome, Mr. Murray mentioned tonight that there was an opportunity of sending to you, and as I have been wanting to write again, I hasten to improve it. I was much obliged for your kind letter, and wish I could hope to write something that might interest you. I was delighted to learn by one of your letters that your valued friend “Will Shakespeare” had at last reached you and you could part heart and mind with his imitable portrayal of character. Had all our soldiers as good resources in pursuing intellectual and moral culture as yourself, there would be much less to dread from the influences of camp life and our men would return to their homes and friends, nobler, better from their hard experiences of the past two years. But it must be very hard for you to bear up against the many difficulties and hardships of a soldier’s life. Were there but as much true patriotism among our politicians as among our brave soldiers, I should look for a much speedier peace. As it is, they will doubtless drag on longer than they need. But let politicians take what course they may, there is a power behind them I believe to which they must yield. Whether they will is now proving to them and to us all that there is a “Providence that shapes our ways, roughhew them as we will.” God is teaching us lessons we have long slighted in a way not to be resisted. I can scarcely conceive of a greater change of feeling in the public mind and have since the war has begun and I trust and believe the good work will go on till we are ready to bear the “Ark of Liberty” God has entrusted to us. Onward till every human being through the length and breadth of our land may be free. The outrageous course of the opposition at the North after slavery has shown so plainly the clever fool is past my comprehension and shows that we must yet suffer from humiliation and punishment as we are brought to our true positions and our duty. Me thinks [I think] you soldiers who have been made to bear the brunt of all our troubles, will see and realize the evils of slavery as Ben Butler claims that he has done. Again a change in the leader of the Army of the Potomac and we wait to see what Gen[eral] Hooker will accomplish. While frequent changes I should think would hinder the progress of victory for us, but still we hope, wait and thirst for the “good time coming.” I have been greatly disappointed at Gen. McClellan’s course, making himself as many say, the tool of the politicians in coming North and East to be feted and caressed just at this time while our affairs are still so far from prosperous. Me thinks Gen. Burn[side] proves himself the more modest and meritorious of the two. Even Gen. Butler seems to be better posted as to the right means of retaining the best feelings of the public on his side. I cannot understand why Gen. Burnside found so many things to interfere with his plans for I believe he is a true and noble man. When I feel almost discouraged, I strengthen myself with the thought that we are all in His hands who doeth all things well and who doth not willingly afflict any. I have just returned from Teacher’s Meeting at Mrs. Lonings. Dr. Ellis and his wife are away. They left last week for N[ew] Y[ork], Washington and Baltimore I believe, and Rev. Mr. Everett led in our discussion on the benefits etc. of S S [Sunday School] concerts of which we have recently had one in Boylston Chapel under the care of our good superintendent Mr. Studly. He is a young man of great earnestness in the S[unday] School cause and whom you would like much. His health is delicate, as he has been suffering some two years or more with his throat. Mrs. J. Ellis (Lucy Mills) was there this eve. She and her husband are spending four days with him and I think you know somewhat our good friend Mr. Everett. Mr. E seems very much better than I had supposed he would be thru the winter. You would find many changes in our School and among our teachers though enough remain who would rejoice to welcome you to make you feel at home. Sometimes I feel very very hopeful that if spared to come back you will return to C[hurch]. Your old friend Charles Smith is still with us as librarian tho I think the duty is rather irksome to him. His wife, who is a pleasing lady tho I know her but slightly, has recently taken a class at the S[unday] School. I suppose letter [from] J. keeps you informed of the items of interest in connection with our S[unday] School. One of our greatest acquisitions there is Mr. Tranberg who I believe you reckon among your friends. He has a fine class of seven or eight young lads from I think 16 to 20 and you I know would be pleased to see how closely he keeps them interested. He occasionally gives a smart instructive lesson to the whole school, when we teachers feel we gained as much as our pupils. We have felt all our hearts saddened by the word from young A. [Alonzo] Ranlett but I cannot help hoping his friends’ fates may not be realized, but that Nellie [Ellen] Peirce’s presence may help to win him back to life and health. How many of our true and noble hearted young men have laid their lives on the Altar of Liberty and Country. God grants the costly sacrifice be sent in vain that ere long this fearful course of slavery may “give up the ghost” and vanish from our land. I sometimes doubt whether we are yet prepared to bear patiently with the poor blacks in their training when paid for we can not expect they will step above into a true grand manhood and yet if they make any missteps on the way how many will have all hope and faith in their being able to enjoy and improve liberty. ‘tis late and I must say good night. Sisters join me in kindest regards and good wishes for you and all our brave defenders. Heaven guard and keep us all. Tuesday morn. I felt that I would like to send some little token of goodwill but just now seem rather deficient and supposing however that paper envelopes are always useful, I add four and hope this writing will keep off a little cold. I thought you might enjoy reading the incl[osed] monthly Journal. When you have sufficient leisure I will be glad to hear from you tho I do not wish you to feel obliged to answer at once. My time for school when with forty pupils I find enough to keep me very busy. Your friend, S. A. Waldo My regards to your wife when you write. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: According to Regimental History, on February 16, 1863, the 36th Regiment was camped in Newport News, Virginia, for six weeks. NOTE 2: The phrase “ark of the liberties” comes from Herman Melville, who offered a grand vision of America’s global destiny while deploring the chauvinism that framed America’s expansionist war against Mexico in 1846. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/books/review/Oshinsky-t.html NOTE 3: The quotation near the top of the second page is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “"There's a Divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will." http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/divineprovidence.html NOTE 4: S. Alonzo Ranlett was the adjutant and was ill from January 19, 1863, according to the Regimental History, p. 47. Ranlett was from Charlestown, MA. Alonzo Ranlett, whose full name was Seth Alonzo Ranlett, married Ellen Peirce on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the daughters of Joseph Peirce, who was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, Ellen was one of the nieces of Jerome. NOTE 5: Brigadier General Joseph Hooker was appointed to command the Army of the Potomac by President Lincoln on January 26, 1863. He replaced General Burnside after the Union defeat at Fredericksburg and the failed Mud March on January 20-23. NOTE 6: Ben Butler was a Massachusetts politician who became a Brigadier General and led the 8th Massachusetts troops, who were some of the first to reach Washington D.C. to protect the Union capital in case Maryland seceded. He was the first Union general to identify slaves who ran away into Union lines as “contraband of war,” despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. NOTE 7: Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote in 1852 an anti-slavery tract: “The Two Altars, or Two Pictures in One” about the same time as start of the serialization of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Written in response to the Fugitive Slave Law, the story, simple, obvious, and sentimental, consists of two parallel parts, "The Altar of Liberty, or 1776" and "The Altar of _______, or 1850." Daniel Washburn at the Utica Free Soil political convention in June 1848 gave an anti-slavery speech reference the altar of Liberty: "Can you rest one hand on the sacred altar of Liberty, and with the other extend the domain of the darkest curse that a righteous heaven permits on earth? Every impulse of humanity revolts at the idea. The trials and struggles of our patriot fathers, the blood and agony of their battlefields, a thousand witnesses of the blight and desolation of Bondage on a virgin soil, and thronging Millions from distant shores seeking a Free Land for their Free labor, utter an awful and undying protest!" The Free Soil party in 1848 and 1852 was a single-issue party opposing the expansion of slavery into the Western territories. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004665354/ Picture of Washington at the Altar of Liberty on a cotton print from 1819. http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/77853 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 S.A. Waldo to Jerome, February 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Waldo, S.A. Description An account of the resource From S.A. Waldo to Jerome Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource S.A. Waldo 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 1863-02-16 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 6.25 X 3.25 6.25 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 X 9 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 #74 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location could not be determined Friend Jerome Peirce S. A. Waldo https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d43e5986d27533df9a630758d107f17e.jpg 9d3fec9c5bfeb5e9ebb07f9ff60ec64b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6627a24787ed9c5857deada322fe432b.jpg 77f9f4b3c9f4a559bb1b5f82d3d03052 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d3f900924ab733dc8d6d956875031715.jpg d6a950026139997fb6c8c019ae3c0888 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 Sunday, Feb 15th 1863 Billerica My dearest Jerome, It is Sabbath morn and while I am quietly seated in the sitting room, I wonder where you are. How much would I give if I could only look upon you if only for a few moments. I received your letter written last Sunday [on] Friday morn and the money was all safe. Let me thank [you] for it. Be sure and not send me any if you need it yourself. I cannot tell you how much good your letter did me. When I received yours stating you were to move, I almost felt that I never should have another letter from your dear self. Joseph had been up to the office. When he came in I asked him if he had anything for me. He said, yes, a letter from Jerome. I barely pressed the document to my lips. It seems as though you yourself was there. Everyone marked the change in myself and asked what did Jerome say to calm your spirits so much. The prospect of seeing Frank and Will, I know it will do you as well as them good and the folks have sent the boys a large box of things (eatables) and they hope so much that you will have a taste of them. Would it not seem like home to eat some of Mother's pie and some of Mary's cake? Lulu helped to pack the box, as busy as a bee. You would have laughed to have seen her. I often wish I could set her in your tent for a short time. What do you think she would say? She talks so much about you and says, "Mama, I won't go away and leave you if Papa did and if you wait, he will come home and live with you in your house". “Sweet little comforter” is she not? Sunday eve. Again my dearest Jerome do I take pen to address you. I was interrupted this morning. Mother, Father and Joseph went this morning. When they came home [they] said that Mr. Livermore preached. We almost concluded not to go out this afternoon, but finally Mother and myself went, and well paid was I for going. Mr. L. read from the fourteenth Chapt. of Romans. His text was the eighth verse. He gave a fine description of Paul [???] that in his teachings he wish[ed] to remind us we were subject to the government of God however we might try to get away from it, still God holds us in his power. He liken[ed] the search unto a man that was trying [to] shake off the teachings of our Savior and the commands of God although they try and said they had nothing to do with it, that did not free them from it and although the South had tried not and said they were not under our government, that did not make them so. He said he had tended three funerals lately, one, an infant of three months, an old lady over eighty, the other a fair maiden who was on the verge of womanhood. The infant was born a sufferer and knew nothing else, its recollections of this world (and he believed that in passing onto another world we do have recollections of this world) would be of suffering but after a time that would pass away as we had no suffering there. I cannot begin to tell you all but it was beautiful, his thoughts were. Then came the old lady. Although she had not any children of her own, yet she loved and was deeply loved by others and was a mother to many. She had passed an active life in doing good for others. As life advanced instead of caring for others and doing for others, she had to have others do for her and became as a little child. As she passed on, her recollections would be the kindness she had felt for others and what she had received. The young lady had begun to feel the responsibility of life but ill health overtook her. She became beautifully calm and quiet, first would only do a little light work then not anything. Finally, became entirely dependent for care upon the kindness of her parents, brothers and sisters. Her affections had expanded to those around her and was met and returned, and finally it had stood out as it did prominent in man and woman, [???] an interesting time and was returned by one who was in their Army and with love for all around her and one dearer than other, she passed on. Her recollections of this world would be that she was happy here in her love for others and theirs in return. My dear Jerome I cannot tell to you as I would like to. It sent a calmness through my heart that I had not felt for several days. I can hear his voice now, and the singing sounded very sweet, and the day will close by my conveying some of my thoughts to yourself. Never do I feel more calm and happy than I do when conversing with your dear self. My thoughts turned today of our first meeting and as time moved on to our love. What is more sacred and holy in this world, that a true love and that being [???] by our love and trust of our Heavenly Parent. Here vividly comes in my mind your face as I first saw it, talking to the class of boys you had around you. I never shall forget the smile that wreathed your countenance, and my first visit to C [Charlestown] after our engagement, your uniting with the church. We have been separated several months and does not all the happy hours we have passed together come to mind. I am living them all over and are constantly reminded of you in our little Lu [Lulu]. She is a living picture of yourself. I cannot tell you what a comfort to me it is that she looks so much like you. If we are permitted to meet again in this world, let our love be so strong that nothing will separate us. Oh! How I wish you could come home. Sometimes when I think how long the time has seemed since you went away and how much longer you have to stay, it seems as though my heart would break, that my trial was more than I could bear. But, I feel that I still can hear from you by your own pen and that I can converse with you in the same way and I try to be patient and feel thankful that I can hear from you and write to you. Mary came home Friday night and Miss Aradine Brown, where she boards, came home with her, a very pleasant young lady. She said give my love to your husband. She says she feels the greatest respect for those who have gone in the Army. Do you remember the young man that was so social with Mary at the dance we went to year ago Thanksgiving, Mr. Buffan? He was on board the vessel that was later at Charleston, S.C. His parents do not know his fate – if he is killed or alive. They feel shockingly, the suspense is dreadful. He is an only child. I think Mary’s school wears upon her. She was not looking very well. She sends ever so much love to you and J.H. She says she wishes she could see you both. Yesterday afternoon Emily Drew came here. She is an adopted daughter to one of Mr. Ranlett’s sisters. They had heard from Alonzo. The fever has turned upon his lungs and he was troubled with a cough, a bad one. She thought he was not to have a furlough, that they did not grant a sick soldier furloughs, as they were apt to be sick again when they return to service. I have not heard from Ellen for some time. Mary has written to her and I am to add a note. It is eight o’clock. Hattie is writing to Will, Mother to Frank, [???] in the rocking chair, Joseph reading the newspaper, our darling asleep. Am glad you wrote to Dr. E. I believe he is away from home now, however. I am glad your books afford you so much pleasure. Have you got the stockings and book? I have sent you a toothbrush and some thread in papers. Hope you will get them. My love to all. You read Capt. S. [Sawyer] note, and if you think best to give it to him, you can. If not, burn it. Receive the truest love of your own wife, Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: 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, his nephew. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” referred to in this letter 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 is mentioned in this letter was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 4: Allie and Lulu moved in with her parents after Jerome enlisted. Several of the Jaquith family members are mentioned in this letter. As best as could be ascertained from several Jaquith family trees on ancestry.com, the Jaquith family consisted of the following members: Father: Franklin Jaquith (1800 - ) Mother: Lucy Walker Jaquith (1807 - ) Albinia’s (Allie’s) siblings: Ellen Jaquith (1832 - ) Abigail (Abbie) Jaquith (1836 - 1915) Lucy Jaquith (1838 - 1841) Franklin Jaquith, Jr. (1839 - 1922) Mary Frances Jaquith (1841 - ) Joseph Jaquith (1842 - ) Harriet (Hattie) Jaquith (1845 - 1930?) Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Allie to Jerome, September 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1863-09-15 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 6.25 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 X 9 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 #73 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55a535b07e0d407e650a8a64eb054081.jpg 6d1060ac11d85fed19ede26c14d634a8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8c5f46abbb8a492626537e725935faf5.jpg 5357e8793efe90a33ac33ee7ac294c1a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/61e4418b22918c94f6ff60200f08072a.jpg 29e997b09de51cd77f1893d4b11cb9ee https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/544e2ea51fa9adb6be5500bf0d375b1e.jpg 1db1b20c63d02c21b32b82bb4bc667af 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 Sunday 15th Feb 1863 My dearest Wife, You will think it a long while since my last [letter] and I do not remember the date of it, but I sent $5.00 in it. I can but give you a word now as the mail closes in a few moments and I have been busy every moment since our arrival here. Left F__g [Fredericksburg] Tues 8 AM by rail and steamboat, reached here Fri P.M. Had a fine and even delightful trip down the Potomac from Aquia Creek and across the Chesapeake Bay. Just enough of cloud, wind, and sunshine to give a pleasing variety. Intended to have sent a pencil diary, but have not finished it. Will send soon as finished. We are on the bank of the James River, a long level plain, woods in the rear and some four wide miles of river. It is a lovely spot. A beautiful beach but a few steps from our quarters. The banks are about 40 feet high and sandy. The wrecks of the “Cumberland” and “Congress” are in sight and two or three gun boats laying near to look out for the new Rebel ironclads at Richmond. Also the “Minnesota” frigate. Have been busy fixing up our tents like the old ones when yesterday we were ordered to stop work for we are to have “A” tents. Probably we shall be here some time. Hope so for it is a so pleasant. Warm and threatening rain this morn. On duty yesterday P.M. at the landing some two miles away and this morn drawing rations so have been occupied. Yours of the 11 and 12 number came yesterday. Also stocking book and papers. Many thanks. Am in “tip top” health and spirits and shall try to keep so in spite of friends at Orange. J.H. well and just as usual. Letters from Abbie, Edward Peirce, Mr. Mayo, also Sarah’s sister. Thanks to Hattie for her letters. Will write ever so much when we get “settled”. Imagine a morning and you will have an idea of the state we are in but I shall have enough to talk about by and by. Have not heard from Frank and Will since the fight. Am glad they are safe. Sad news from Alonzo. Words are in vain but I trust he will yet recover. I enclose $3.00 more. Have had to spend most of the remainder and I regret it but ‘twas positively necessary. More in the future. As ever yours with love of your husband Jerome P.S. 1 Newport News Va Letter No. 1 Newport News P.S. 2 Direct as usual till further notice. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “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 2: Abbie (Abigail Jaquith) was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. 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. NOTE 4: 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. 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, February 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. 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 1863-02-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Boise (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 6.5 X 4.5 6.5 X 9 11 X 9 6.5 X 9 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 #72 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/67c04a3df45fb4a9449cffaa12d67d81.jpg c503b8b8f92fd9550848a18a1b83abbb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/afc378ca5a64576c52ae186bb4d8c135.jpg 2bc6a5c1e9f98f83ad8ab36c642926ea https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c765f7653ee705fa3ebd68262483ae8e.jpg 54df3721366f804d8beca27803165f39 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aac709c384bc8f7acd8ad4d91cc3a466.jpg 63bd0df7115f90c15aaf8a54f2a25bd5 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 Sunday 8th Feb 1863 It is Sabbath P.M. and a scene very different here from what it is there. It is 3 o’clk. Frank Crafts is sitting here in our tent talking with Jos H. and I thought I would send a few lines, not a letter for owing to the prospect of moving, we are full of preparation, cleaning up clothes, mending, etc. etc. It is a sunny mild day, but oh the mud and I felt compelled to buy some boots $9.00. This sounds dear but it will be dearer without them. I enclose $5.00 and will more from time to time, reserving a small sum for myself. We rec’d $25.18 to Nov. 1st and hope for more before long. We have various rumors as to our destination, but I think we are going to Suffolk Va, which will enable me to see Frank and Will and be but a short trip, only about 120 miles and little marching. We may go farther south, but I give you the most prevalent surmise. More of one Corps are gone and the deserted camps look dreary enough, but we find a good supply of fuel and of easy access. We may move tomorrow but I think within four or five days at the furthest. We are all in fine health and spirits and are glad to leave this do-nothing and ill-fated place and trust to see something better and less mud. Rec’d a paper with the little book from Mary, many thanks. It brought up old times, for it was one of the first things I noticed in my visit to B. I had hoped to have written you a good letter today, but there’s no settled rest for us at present and I have got things pretty much in order and want to be off, especially if I can meet Frank and Will. I keep the “Dew Drops” in my watch pocket. Pollyanthus can think of it, and I shall thus be reminded constantly of the dear ones at home. Shall expect to hear from you tonight, but we have to get our letters ready by 5 o’clock and mail don’t arrive till evening. I am very comfortably fixed for a move. A new pr. [pair] of pants and other things are all right besides, t’will soon be warmer and Spring with us will be along “right soon”. I long to hear the birds and gather some flowers of “Dixie”, and trust my “flowers” at home will not droop nor fade at my long journeys and absent so far from them, for I think of them constantly. Tell Mary and Hattie I will write them each some time when I can be very interesting. Wrote Abbie a day or two ago and ventured a note to Mr. Ellis, thanking him for his interest in my book affair and recalling the occasion at B. [Possibly Billerica], Mr. S’s ordination. Have had only [one] meal today but shall go about supper soon. Get along very well with two meals. I see by the “Register” that Mr. Chaffee is “settled” as Boston minister. He was at Billerica. Pardon this poor affair for this time. Wish it was more in the spirit of the day, but I do not forget some attention to it be it ever so busy. I send a letter of Henry P. that it might interest you. I think it does finely. A kiss for Lulu and love most abundantly from your affect. [affectionate] husband Jerome Write immediately on receipt of this 8th letter. Frank C. wishes to be remembered. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: 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, his nephew. NOTE 2: The “Pollyanthus” (correctly spelled “Polyanthus”) is a herbaceous flowering plant which is a hybrid between the wild primrose and primulas. Although it is speculation, he might be referring to keeping some of these flowers (along with “Dew Drops” (possibly also referring to a flower)) in his watch pocket. It is conceivable that Allie and Lulu sent him these flowers in a previous letter. NOTE 3: The “Soldier’s Letter, etc.” notation on the envelope was written on the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, where a stamp would normally be affixed. Charles T. Canfield, who was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts, was the chaplain of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. The rubber-stamped note “Due 3” was apparently stamped over Canfield’s hand-written note by a post office official. An identical note written by Canfield (and also the “Due 3” note) appears on several of Jerome’s letters. Canfield (and Jerome) apparently believed that this notation would make it unnecessary to affix the three-cent stamp required for a letter at that time. However, it appears that they were mistaken. Whether or not the three cents postage due was actually collected from Allie could not be determined. It is interesting to note that in more recent times, U.S. service personnel in war zones have been allowed free franking privileges by writing “Free” or “Soldier’s Mail” in the area of the envelope where a stamp would normally be affixed. There is also a note on the envelope that reads “No Stamps”. NOTE 4: “Mr. Ellis” was Rev. George E. Ellis, the pastor of the church in Charlestown that the family attended before it moved to Orange, Massachusetts. 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, February 8, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie 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 1863-02-08 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (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 6.7 X 4.55 6.35 X 9.37 11.31 X 9.39 6.43 X 9.48 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 #71 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Could not be determined, possibly Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/de8919671a5f8777d325e77e219a5b62.jpg 306d4c4bdb5be884fe9fc0870ede3937 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b05ee2fc892f4bfb59a1e12973b1e1a8.jpg c37a3ef0685c6ee7a36433503ecd3e20 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 North Orange Feb 8th 1863 Mr. Peirce Absent but ever remembered friend, as it has been some time since I received a line from you I will pen a few lines to you to cheer you up in your great work, for things are looking decidedly better at this time than they have before. I think your brother Joseph has got a very wrong notion in his head to talk as he does in regard to putting down this Rebellion. It is a great work but it is working at this time well and I think it will continue to work well. J [Jerome’s brother Joseph] met our Sabbath School this day as we continue to meet every two weeks. We had a good number out. It is very pleasant and warm here at this time. It appears like April. We have not heard from your family for some little time. My family are all well and join with me in sending our best wishes to you, praying the Lord to bless and prosper you in this great work that you are engaged in. It is with a good feeling that I remain your friend Caleb Mayo TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE1: The Sabbath (Sunday) School is mentioned because Jerome was the “Sabbath School Superintendent” in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, before he enlisted. NOTE 2: Caleb Mayo was almost definitely the father of Henry H. Mayo. Henry enlisted at the age of 21 as a corporal in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. Jerome enlisted on the same date. He was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864, just a few days before Jerome was killed at Spotsylvania Court House. Caleb Mayo is listed in the 1870 U.S. Census as 60 years old (born about 1810) and living in Orange. It is interesting to note that the census enumerator listed his occupation as “works in furniture shop” because Jerome and his brother Joseph operated a furniture/chair shop in Orange. 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 Caleb Mayo to Jerome, February 8, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Mayo, Caleb North Orange, MA. Description An account of the resource From Caleb Mayo to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Caleb Mayo 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 1863-02-08 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 6.59 X 4.25 9.25 X 12.21 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 #70 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant North Orange, MA. Caleb Mayo Friend Jerome Peirce North Orange MA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8eee1b969aff7265cc3fbbcc243a0f25.jpg dbd95da8dc55d821601ee9a04b3535a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/495f7da7dfc5658c69fcbb2938fe7ab3.jpg 4e10668d502e98699810b2f35cd125bd 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 Newport News 7th Feb 1863 My very dear Sisters Mary and Hattie, Will you accept of a word of thanks, in another letter from me, for your kind letter? I wish I could write you something “real interesting” but the rain is beating in and makes a little blacker mark occasionally as you see, when it strikes my paper. Have been waiting for a letter from Will since the fight and you may know I am happy with you that our friends escaped the death blow and I trust they will soon be restored to you and that in God’s good time we shall meet again at the old home in P.V. [Probably Pleasant Valley] How I wish you could all be here some sunny days to stroll on this beautiful river beach! Would we not dream of Powhatan and his daughter, not forgetting the gallant dead who fell near here, Little and Big Bethel. And then how much the wrecks of the Cumberland and Congress bring to mind. And they are both in sight by a few steps walk. The river is about 4 miles wide here, a clear expanse of blue water with a forest on the opposite shore and the whole country is dead level with a little unevenness. ‘Twould be a lovely scene, very, but as it is, it is charming and in warm weather with birds, verdure and flowers, a fit use indeed for taste and fashion of Rebeldom, about 40 miles to Richmond. When settled we shall be busy with the various duties as at muster, guard and detail of a brigade such as duty at the wharf, for there is much to do. So you must not think unmindful of you but share this letter, as we shall have to be “soldiers” here. Tell Will I wish much to hear from him. Wish I could get to him for it is only a few miles to him, 20 or 30, or he to me. Hope to meet them someday yet. With the love of your Bro. [Brother] Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Ben Raterman and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: His “sisters” were probably actually his sisters-in law Mary Frances Jaquith (Born in 1841) and Harriet (Hattie) Walker Jaquith (Born in 1845). NOTE 2: In referring to the “recent fight,” he was referring to the Battle of Big Bethel which was one of the earliest land battles of the Civil War. It took place on the Virginia Peninsula, near Newport News, Virginia, on June 10, 1861. NOTE 3: The union ship Cumberland was rammed and sunk in an engagement with the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) at Newport News, Virginia on March 8, 1862. NOTE 4: The Union ship Congress was anchored off Newport News, Virginia, as part of the Union blockade of that port on March 8, 1862, when she fell under attack by the Confederate CSS Virginia (ex-USS Merrimack) and five other small ships. After exchanging broadsides with Virginia, Congress slipped her moorings and ran aground in shallow water. The ironclad and her consorts attacked from a distance and inflicted great damage on the ship, killing 120. Ablaze in several places and unable to bring guns to bear on the enemy, Congress was forced to strike her colors and raise a white flag. Heavy shore batteries prevented Virginia from taking possession. Instead she fired several rounds of hot shot and incendiary causing Congress to burn to the water's edge, and her magazine to explode. Eventually, during the battle, Congress sank by the stern. 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 Sisters Mary and Hattie, February 7, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Jaquith, Mary Frances Jaquith, Hattie Walker Newport News, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Mary and Hattie 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 1863-02-07 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 6.41 X 4.1 6.19 X 12.05 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 #69 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Hattie Walker Jaquith Jerome Peirce Mary Frances Jaquith Newport News VA. Sister in Law https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b3def129265025416be932ca3809cda9.jpg f716d84039e50c586be2bf9a9c0066fa https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c7b1a767951968dbe1905bc02aa828ad.jpg b9d92ddc26c8b0078a51269dd7dd3497 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/84ebfb683afa8cc6d791735a0d85b415.jpg 2c004dd6a695eca41409fc62e2e9fb6a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/331b46751ddf65b870dab441a4e2cc56.jpg 46b53f7a4f5fbc82ddab185ec5edfcf9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/da3de50f2d611951638d79ee41526aa6.jpg a117bd7ab8ed8b9908108fb47510d244 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/726f3bf5faf2dfd7df44b3b4d18e9c4b.jpg 2c33d69c09367edc278cc2d87c2f14e1 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 Friday P.M. 6th Feb 1863 My dearest Allie, It has been a somewhat stormy and exceedingly muddy and uncomfortable day outside and confused generally and I fear I shall not answer yours received last eve (the 9th letter) as it deserves. I cannot express to you my happiness at the thought of your interest in religious matters. Heaven knows I am far, oh how very far, from filling my ideal in such deep concerns, but for all that I am deeply sensible how important the subject is and never more so than since my sojourn in the Army. I approve with my whole heart your intentions, and trust you will enjoy so much with Abbie and so find a great helper in these times of deep trial, and I pray that you may find a sustaining power which will enable you to bear up and in every dark hour, and maintain a courage and faith that no affliction or disaster can dispel. I hope you will write me as much as possible about [it] and so help me to contend with what is before my trial temptation, and I think I can honestly assure that “temptations”, as commonly understood in the Army, have no charm or effect upon me but to cause me to cling closer to the dear memories of home – blessed word! My severest trials here are those of patience and temper, but I trust I will not go backward at least. I pass much of my time alone with my books or in thought as I stroll about in my various duties and in the late quiet camp life. I can hardly be said to have lived, here my best thoughts and feelings have flown to you and the many dear friends at home. You ask me to mention some book in the New Testament for your attentions. If you desire discussion and subject for thought, I would recommend the Epistle of Romans. You have the commentary on the same in our Library, which will help you, which contains the life of St. Paul, which will bear a careful study, the grand intellectual apostle and earnest man. I admire his character much. I have read the Romans since I have been in the Army. You know it contains more upon which the great divisions exist between the Unitarian and Orthodox. Sometime I will try and mention particular chapters. But always bear in mind the simple and beautiful words of the Savior when you find difficulties and the Polyglot bible (mine is one, you know) will enable you to compare texts. I have before mentioned how much I wish I had brought a small copy of the whole bible for I used to teach often to the grand sentences of the Prophet Isiah in particular. I am so glad you are favorably impressed with your new pastor and I cannot tell you how it sustains me to think of you and Lulu under the serene and holy influence of a regular attendance on worship of your choice and this thought makes me bear up and resolve to do what little I can to sustain the glorious institutions of N. England and resist the efforts of the vile traitors who would subvert them and erect barbarism instead. When the disaster at F. [Fredericksburg] took place and the blunders which have followed since I have felt at times discouraged but I trust I have imbibed a fresh spirit and hope to endure to the end and this brings me to the latest news, viz. We were paid off last eve to Nov. 1st /62 $25.13 and now we expect in a few days to report at Fortress Monroe without delay which may be within or even less than a week. From there we join the Blackwater Army (so Capt. S says) which is to assault south of Richmond. So sudden came change here, I fear my furlough will “come tardy off” but I think for the public good all’s for the best for I am convinced that the Va. campaign is and will be a shameful failure which the same power can be more effectively used to sever the Capital from the “Confederacy” and so cripple the rebels to the ending of the conflict. There is much that is doubtful to speculation yet but part of our division is already on the move and little doubt exists as to our leaving soon. One sign is that we are having “any quantity” of rations dealt out to us which always precedes a movement, load the men and so reduce the number of teams. Have been very busy today washing and fixing up my things and knapsack, etc. J. H. has gone “on guard” where I was the other night and at present I am alone by a warm fire, my flannels appended overhead drying while before me a bread box is covered with [???] blouse, cap, and stationery. Bought a lot today. I will send you some money soon. Am hesitating about buying boots here, have got along very well so far by drawing shoes about once a month, a dear way I fear, but they are very easy for marching, rather think I shall get me a pair. Jos. H. will. I wish I could send you the whole, but I need very much a little by me. Will do the best I can. I do not desire the voyage around Cape Hatteras this season but many brave men have been there and we can. I have learned to look these changes and duties in the face and though my slight vision of a furlough and home was a happy one and carries its keen regret at the prospect of failure, I feel compensated by the thought of being more useful and I trust successful and finally I hope to meet you sometime in better days and it would not surprise to have the order countermanded, so uncertain are all the movements here. J. H. has written which will explain itself. To Mary and Hattie I would say that they know full well I intend a word to them always, even if I do not address them separately and I think of them as of old. If we go to New Bern, I hope to see James Walker also Walter Everett (1st Lieut.) in the Fifth and possibly to meet Frank and Will. Wrote the latter last eve. What letters did I send you last? I intended to have sent one of Henry P.’s but found it here after I mailed yours. Will send Kale’s with Georgie’s first effort. Tell Lulu Papie would “come home” and see his darlings but she must remember me and love me just the same and when old enough feel proud that her father was a soldier and could ensure a little for a good cause. Will send things for wreathes etc. I am glad you are so successful in making them. With the entire love your husband Jerome Transcriber’s Note: Notation on left margin of Page 1: “(7th ???)” [Refers to a sequential number used by Jerome at times to track his letters.] TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: 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 2: Mary and Hattie (Nickname for Harriet] were sisters of Abbie. Abbie moved in with her parents after Jerome enlisted. Mary and Hattie were also living in the parents’ home at the time. NOTE 3: The “Soldier’s Letter, etc.” notation on the envelope was written on the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, where a stamp would normally be affixed. Charles T. Canfield, who was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts, was the chaplain of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. The rubber-stamped note “Due 3” was apparently stamped over Canfield’s hand-written note by a post office official. An identical note written by Canfield (and also the “Due 3” note) appears on several of Jerome’s letters. Canfield (and Jerome) apparently believed that this notation would make it unnecessary to affix the three-cent stamp required for a letter at that time. However, it appears that they were mistaken. Whether or not the three cents postage due was actually collected from Allie could not be determined. It is interesting to note that in more recent times, U.S. service personnel in war zones have been allowed free franking privileges by writing “Free” or “Soldier’s Mail” in the area of the envelope where a stamp would normally be affixed. There is also a faint note on the envelope that reads “No Stamps”. 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, February 6, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Falmouth VA. 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 1863-02-06 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (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 6.71 X 4.33 6.37 X 9.39 11.15 X 9.13 6.3 X 9.22 6.43 X 9.3 6.38 X 9.37 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 #68 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 at Falmouth VA. Allie Falmouth VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/42ac80ca0d7c828457a401bd1b6f6cb4.jpg 93b55b59807941a7bfb674c7203c117d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7884079befefe0005a947de04df0b5f.jpg 7e34b89f7f791f8fc1030c951be1d21a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/500e5a47d62da39aef72ef5a8c36d4d4.jpg 931fb949e3ae1a9b6eb8e256a9c16f9c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9643e995e8939db4641cd2dacd384bf7.jpg 3e6090f62a7829fae3234ebb778e0983 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION New Milldale, Miss. 30th July 1863 Ever dear Wife I must send you a few lines if not of interest or news except that I am well and having the quietest idlest possible time. Still at the hospital, but no new cases and the one remaining a light case and doing nicely. We hope the disease is permanently stayed and that we shall soon be relieved and on our way out of this land of heat and small afflictions, such as fleas, mosquitoes and flies which keep us fretting day and night. I am sitting at the door of my teak and mahogany table top resting on four sticks securing for a desk, your four last letters pressed under “Mrs. Hemans Poems” with writing paper, case of memorandum books, a tin plate etc. etc., making a shabby looking office. Woodward (Hiram) is lying down behind me. Nothing but the murmur of the camp and the twittering of birds serves to indicate the habitation of living things. ’Tis about 2 o’clk P.M. and all is silent enough. Still waiting for transports and today they say word has come by telegraph that they will be at the landing by tomorrow eve or Sat. morn. I only hope ‘twill prove true for we are entirely ready to leave this country where everything breathes of lassitude and silence. I think the sick generally are doing pretty very well. Capt. Sawyer has a fever. Can’t hear much about him but expect he too is gaining. He is a very nervous, excitable man which of course is not well for sickness. You spoke once that I did not say much about him of late. Well, my situation leaves me very little to do with the Co. having no duty only when the Regt moves, and I see but little of him when in such movements as of late having more to do with Capt. Smith of the Color Co. and the rest I will not speak of here, not but what we are entirely friendly as I don’t allow myself to be any other way, if possible with any of the officers but you know all men will not wear well or retain the nearest place for any long period. We’ve no officers of our own now Capt. S[mith] sick. Lieut. Howe dead. Lieut. Chipman of Co. A is commanding the Co. and Lieut. Sibley is second. My thoughts visit you in Billerica where I trust you are enjoying yourselves and in [good] health. Would I not fly to meet you if possible! No papers. Yes, I receive the Register, but no late papers and all news comes by hearsay or in letters, and it seems like being out of the world. Took a stroll out of camp more than a mile the other day. Got a few green apples for a fry that went nicely yesterday. Woodward got some corn, so we had boiled corn that was a treat. We lay here, read, chat, cook, write etc., so time goes. Heavy showers of lately and quite a cool breeze today. Suppose you’ve heard all about the sad times in Orange (No. [North]) David Miller’s death, Mayo’s insanity. Sad times! and then the draft. But let us hope for an early and peace and sunshine once more after a season. I do hope Joe will escape for he is so needed at home. Frank’s last letter is before me and this must serve for all as I am hard up somewhat for stationery, but if he must come, I trust some way will be provided and that they will be resigned, but I pray daily for a close and no trust, honor, commission would induce me to remain a day longer. Col. Bowman has resigned and returned with us. Had command of the brigade but I suspect a [???] took place somewhere in the Jackson expedition. What shall we say of those who escape by paying the draft? What do they think its effect on those in the field, throwing the work on the poor, hardy men who have house and dear ones as well as they? Some I can see some excuse for perhaps, but what can the volunteers think about it? I suppose everybody is off for the country. White, Hill etc. etc. Shall write Foster’s folks ere long. Have not seen Alonzo for a week. You must excuse this paper. It came out of an old record book and I found it in the woods, wet and soiled but ‘twill do for this time. Hope soon to be where I can purchase ink and paper, so I ventured Ink this time. If we move up the river don’t know when we shall receive a mail. Rec’d yours of the 13th with Mrs. Ellis’ and have answered it. Don’t say any more about going West, you take matters too seriously altogether. Your last came in eight days to C. Have been reading Lulu’s book and Mrs. Heman’s today. Shall try hard to send them home for her sometime. Love to each and all and as ever, Your own loving, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The mention of him being in the hospital refers to the fact that he had temporarily been assigned as a hospital steward to take care of smallpox patients according to a previous letter. NOTE 2: The following excerpt from the Unit History (Page 71) describes the conditions in the Regiment toward the end of July 1863. “On July 23rd at eleven o’clock AM, after a match of fourteen miles, [we] arrived at the old camp at Milldale. The condition of the regiment at this time was miserable indeed. Sixteen cases of small-pox and varioloid (See below), three being officers, were under treatment, and the regimental hospital was filled with sick. The adjutant’s morning report of July 24th was as follows: 6 officers and 98 men present sick, 63 men absent in hospitals, and 25 officers and 343 men present for duty. It was a season of general depression among all, and the only thing to relieve the gloom was the prospect of a speedy departure for the North, an event most anxiously awaited and desired.” NOTE 3: The term “varioloid” was a common 19th century name for smallpox, but in the following century, the term would be used more specifically to describe milder forms of the disease that occurred in previously vaccinated individuals. Smallpox was a devastating disease. On average, three out of every ten people who contracted it died. Those who survived were usually left with scars, which were sometimes severe, and some were left blind. The basis for vaccination began in 1796 when an English doctor, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had gotten cowpox did not show any symptoms of smallpox. However, widespread vaccinations did not occur until considerably later. During the Civil War, it was standard practice to physically separate the men who had contracted the disease in an area away from the main part of the camp to prevent its spread. NOTE 4: Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793 - 1835) was an English poet. Her works appeared in nineteen books during her lifetime. After her death, they were republished widely, usually as collections of individual lyrics and not the longer, annotated works and integrated series that made up her books. NOTE 5: Second Lieutenant Hiram C. Woodward enlisted at a relatively old age of 40 on July 31, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, and served in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, as did Jerome. He died on August 10, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, a few days before Jerome wrote this letter. He had been assigned temporarily with Jerome to work in the small smallpox hospital at an earlier camp. The “hospital” consisted of a regular tent physically located some distance away from the main camp to help minimize the spread of infection. NOTE 6: James B. Smith enlisted at age 23 from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was appointed Captain, Company K, on August 22, 1862. Smith was wounded at the Battle of Pegram Farm in Virginia on September 30, 1864, but was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864, as a Major. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel for “gallant and meritorious service.” NOTE 7: William L. Howe enlisted as a Private from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on January 30, 1863. Howe died of disease at Milldale, Mississippi, om July 7, 1863. NOTE 8: George L. Chipman enlisted at age 28 as a Second Lieutenant from Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on August 22, 1862, and served as Acting Adjutant from September 7, 1862, until December 10, 1862. Chipman resigned on October 23, 1863. NOTE 9: Frederick H. Sibley enlisted from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at age 24 as a Sergeant in the 15th Massachusetts Regiment on July 12, 1861, and was transferred as a Second Lieutenant to Company I of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. He was subsequently promoted to First Lieutenant on August 2, 1863. Sibley died in the U.S. General Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, of disease contracted during the Mississippi campaign on August 12, 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, July 30, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie New Milldale, MS. 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 1863-07-30 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 6 X 3.75 8 X 9 14.25 X 9 8 X 9 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 #145 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New Milldale, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce New Milldale MS