8 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/78fcc1584403b7e0e8bb83e0596a1709.jpg d5b3d0003906ddbf549ccc3626ef21a9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bbaead2ae1eba05e1c1aed296a2e5992.jpg 8b91d098ca1394ec606f94c4b81ac0cb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/19803bc436622ace62b8551a36adc8b6.jpg 675b7c21e693682d6e567569b6a53a0f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6cc6f1b79760d498c4321e2444044c08.jpg 249a5e0aa5ada35bb6dbfbb1f8922905 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 Near Middleburg, 6th May 1863 My dearest Allie, If all reports are true, you have had glorious news ere this and it is said we are to hear it on dress parade this eve. A great victory at Fredericksburg etc. and a report of Gen. Hooker of eight pages sent to the whole Army! My heart beats as I write it and heaven grant all is true. Have just [seen] Ceritin Murray. We are halted. Moved camp to a more healthy location about a mile from where [we] were last Sunday, the date of my last [letter]. Of course all is still and dull. No news of importance in front (Tenn) and such as it is in our favor. I felt I must send you a few lines to tell you I’m well and coming up from the marches finely. Have had a good deal of rain for the last days. We came in here Monday P.M. in the midst of a tremendous shower, which wet us to the skin, but all were merry as larks, and soon had our tents pitched. I am now with the two Woodward’s from O. [Orange]. We are in a valley, heights all around, a river and brook in front and rear. Country hilly and rough people. A few Union farmers, all ordinary and quiet. The soldiers are very cheerful and careful not to trespass as we feel [we are] among friends. Had a nice time with Ben last eve. Is very happy at being so kindly remembered by you. His wife will have your messages. She was in the midst of the excitement at Wheeling, where the Rebels were raiding, but she was brave and did not like to leave the city as all of them did with their valuables and went over into Ohio. Witnessed a funny scene last eve. Some slave ‘boys’ singing and dancing by candlelight outdoors and a crowd of 36th [Regiment soldiers] around them. ‘Native talent” and vastly amusing I assure you. Hope for a mail tonight. None since Sunday. Am glad you are well and happy. Allie, you may have a wrong impression. I disliked the idea of you entering a shop for it seems to me you might have sewing as you will now and so be among friends and cheerful associations. The clouds do seem breaking and if the Rebel Army of Va [Virginia] is destroyed, the end is surely approaching. The loyal people here are bitter on the rebels and it does us all good to see evidence of earnestness and depend upon it [that] Ky. [Kentucky] will look out for the traitors. We amuse ourselves in keeping our “pieces” (guns) in order and cutting down knapsacks for rapid movement and mine is quite smaller. Don’t send any stationery just now as I intend to keep as little as possible and on marches I can write but few. You will understand. Our movements are all uncertain and I cannot imagine when or where we shall move. If the news is true, it may bring us to a dead halt or send us back to Camp Dick. Love to all friends, Alonzo and the rest. Have written someone near you almost every day of our moves. J.H. is well along with the teams. Heard of your call at Isaac E’s by Ben last eve, and a goodly message he sent us both. I cannot overstate my enjoyments with Ben and if we return together! But [???] with a [kiss] and one for Lulu. As ever your loving, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The 36th Regiment camped at Middleburg (referenced as Middleburgh), Kentucky from May 2 to May 23rd, 1862. Middleburg is on the Green River. According to Wikipedia, the first landowner in the area was Abraham Lincoln I, the grandfather of president Abraham Lincoln, who purchased 800 acres in the area in 1784. NOTE 2: The Regimental History describes the favorable, albeit inaccurate, news about a major Union victory in Virginia, referenced in Jerome’s letter. On page 44: “Wednesday, May 6th at dress parade a dispatch from General Wilcox to General Welch, announcing cheering news from the Rappahannock was read. Not until two days later did we receive the tidings of Hooker’s defeat at Chancellorsville.” Rumors seemed to abound. The Regimental History noted that on May 10th, there were rumors of the capture of Richmond, and a major celebration was held by Union troops. NOTE 3: The reference to Camp Dick likely refers to Camp Dick Robinson, near Bryantsville, where the 36th Regiment stayed from April 9 to April 30, 1862. Camp Dick Robinson was named after the famer, Richard Robinson, on whose farm the Union established the first federal base south of the Ohio River in August 1861. It played an important role in keeping Kentucky as a border state during the war. Kentucky officially declared its neutrality at the beginning of the war, but after a failed attempt by Confederate General Leonidas Polk to take the state for the Confederacy, the legislature petitioned the Union Army for assistance. NOTE 4: The reference to the “excitement at Wheeling, where Rebels were raiding” likely refers to the Jones-Imboden Raid, a military action in April and May 1863. The raid, led by Brigadier Generals Jones and Imboden, aimed at disrupting traffic on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the derail the statehood movement. Voters had approved a new Constitution and statement in March and were awaiting Congressional and Presidential approval, which occurred in June. The raiders damaged several railroad bridges, but not the two most crucial bridges. 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, May 6, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Middleburg, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-06 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 4.74 X 2.75 4.85 X 7.93 9.71 X 7.93 4.85 X 7.93 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 #109 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant near Middleburg, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Middleburg KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/184768951ca3c18bdfcd0c4457756e69.jpg 6d0633cf8cf75c3700f7718c91cbcab3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5bb3b7ba4c721b8712e8c6e18f7ee00a.jpg 77361e76c67d96df11f83515ba16901a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1c06beff109ed306414c84ef4291595c.jpg de89c07a2b94560b597200674032e4dc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b9e9fa1c6f4cc029ed5e389bed1c6824.jpg a60ce720c7b2a4bb71e4fff1fc9333e4 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 Middletown Ky. Sunday P.M. May 3rd 1863 My dearest Wife, I am sitting here in my tent, have been looking out upon a tree (at the left hand), which the rain and a beautiful rainbow has beautified. So like a painting that I wish I could transfer [it] to this paper and send [it to] you as a memento of this camp, the third since we left Camp “Dick [Robinson]”. It has showered considerably for two days, tho’ not yesterday. Another afternoon march yesterday of about ten miles. We are now in a rough portion of the state, thinly settled, there being only three or four houses here to claim the name of a town. We are surrounded by hills on every side with [the] Green River a few rods from our tent, taking its name from the color of the water. Early this P.M. took a bath in it and felt much refreshed. We are having fitful showers like April, one moment looking like clearing off, and then raining again. Was very busy this A.M. with little things that need “fixing” a little, but found time to attend the Services about 3 o’clk. The chaplain spoke on reading the Scriptures and very well. A shower interrupted us. Took a short walk after supper (5 o’clk) up a steep hill the other side of the road, which commands a very pretty view of the country, which looks much like the scene from old Tully, only the hills are not so high. (Since I began the boys have commenced chattering and making it unpleasant. Will have a candle and quiet, by and by). After Tattoo. Mail arrived and how glad was I to receive letters from your dear self, Abbie and Ellen and Edwd. P. etc. of the 26th Vlt. [Volunteers]. I feel much better in spirits than when some of my late letters were written. You will understand this. All is quiet in the tent. Seven of us of the ‘Colors’ in one tent, a candle burning, fixed in a bayonet, all under the blankets but Sergeant Goodspeed (of Worcester) and we are busy writing to [our] dear ones. He has nice little pictures of wife and four children like yours, fixed in a little movers case, the oldest thirteen, the youngest six. Well, the first Sabbath in May! and through many obstacles, such as the damp and mud of a low camp in rainy weather, the camp “talk” not always in keeping with the day, rumors and guesses etc. etc., but still my thoughts stole to you at church, amid congenial scenes, and I felt that I was still with you and believed that some comforting words from able lips [were] still bearing your spirits up, and so I was comforted. I must not omit a very interesting item of today. A family of refugees from E. Tennessee has been among us. A man of years with three daughters from perhaps nineteen to near thirty years, all intelligent and well appearing, wanderers as it were from Rebel violence. The story was too horrible for narration in full. The youngest girl had an eye gouged out by a bayonet while defending herself from ruffian hands, and one finger is gone from the shot fired which killed the villain whom her father slew in his frenzy, and it seems he literally cut him to pieces. They are lingering near here awaiting their chance to return. The father has been in the Union service and wounded. He is a large noble looking man, with a settled expression of grief and suffering such as I never before saw. I entered an officer’s tent when the four were conversing and contributed the best half of what I had left, felt I done it in a good cause. They were comfortable, well-to-do people of the staunch Union stock, and refused at the peril of their lives to join the miserable rebels. The home was attacked and here they are one of Parson Brownlow’s scenes to the life. Over a hundred dollars has been raised for them in the Brigade. The youngest, who is wounded, is exceedingly modest and pretty and all fine appearing. Such things are what will nerve the arm when the conflict comes. We have rumors of a great victory at Fredericksburg and pray it be so. Very interesting letters in the ‘Journal’ (enclosed in the “Register”). I greatly rejoice at the result at Suffolk and I hope the Rebel Army at F. [Fredericksburg] [Changed to brackets] will be destroyed, between F. [Fredericksburg] {Changed to brackets] and Suffolk. We expect to go to Columbia Ky. near the border and where the RRoad [Railroad] connects with Louisville and where we can draw supplies and so “hold on” for the next move. Have got nicely rested and expect to move tomorrow again. I have written every day since we left Camp “Dick”, to Alonzo, Abbie, or yourself, so you will know how we are getting on. Tell Abbie, her letter done me good, and is fully felt and appreciated. Tell Ellen I forgot to enclose the flowers but they were so crushed I would not have sent them, will sometime. You speak of my writing the S. [Sabbath] School. I find the scenes I am passing thru’ so great in contrast with it, I find it impossible to address them directly, but as the “spirit moves” I utter my feelings in a way which perhaps have a meaning for all in S. [Sabbath] School. In my last to Charles there may be a word that may do good. As Miss Waldo says, in substance, these times will impress the minds of the young, so that a deeper love of country may be the fruits, among many good results to follow from the present events. I shall feel quite happy to think of you with “friends” as Ellen says, and on the whole the look of things is more cheering than for a long time. My candle is most down and I must close. I dare say I forget much. Have seen Ben E. today as usual. Called on the Tennesseans with me and contributed his “mite”. I have plenty of stamps just now. Hope to see the paymaster again at the halt, Columbia perhaps. It seems strange about Eddy Haynes. What can be the matter? Wrote to Billerica a few days ago. Shall do so, as often as possible. Letters from Orange but don’t know the news. It has been very sickly there of late tho’. I send this soiled paper, as we are moving and spare the last for camp. Excuse all appearances, broke my ink stand again, the day at Stanford, so pencil must answer. Give some message to Lulu from me and much love to all friends and believe me ever yours wholly Jerome Mond [Monday] Morn [Morning] Clearing off, warm, uncertain about moving today. Saw a slip from the Boston “Journal” from near Bryantsville (Camp Dick) speaking of the trip to Cin. [Cincinnati] etc. and complementing the Col. etc. All quite just. The Col. is growing more popular. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The Green River is a 384-mile-long tributary of the Ohio River that rises in Lincoln County in south-central Kentucky. The river was named after Nathanael Greene, a general of the Revolutionary War. NOTE 3: 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 4: Edward Peirce was the son of Foster and Catherine Peirce, Foster being one of Jerome’s brothers. Therefore, Edward Peirce, who was born in 1845, was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 5: Samuel A. Goodspeed enlisted at age 38 from Worcester, Massachusetts, as a sergeant in Company C on August 13, 1862. He was promoted to First Sergeant on June 27, 1863, and to Second Lieutenant on Jul 17, 1863, followed by a promotion to First Lieutenant on January 3, 1864. Goodspeed resigned from the Army on April 20, 1864. NOTE 6: William Gannaway "Parson" Brownlow (1805 – 1877) was an American newspaper publisher, Methodist minister, book author, prisoner of war, lecturer, and politician. He served as Governor of Tennessee from 1865 to 1869 and as a United States Senator from Tennessee from 1869 to 1875. Brownlow rose to prominence in the 1840s as editor of the Whig, a polemical newspaper in East Tennessee that promoted Whig Party ideals and opposed secession in the years leading up to the Civil War. Brownlow's uncompromising and radical viewpoints made him one of the most divisive figures in Tennessee political history and one of the most controversial Reconstruction Era politicians of the United States. NOTE 7: The Second Battle of Fredericksburg, also known as the Second Battle of Marye's Heights, took place on May 3, 1863, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, as part of the Chancellorsville Campaign of the Civil War. NOTE 8: 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 9: The Sabbath School is mentioned in this letter because Jerome was the Sabbath School Superintendent at the church in Orange, Massachusetts, that the Peirce family attended before he enlisted. NOTE 10: The “Col.” referred to in the letter was Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who enlisted as a captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units and served at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 3, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Middletown, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-03 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 6.10 X 4 8.75 X 10.75 16.15 X 10.5 8.7 X 10.6 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 #108 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Middletown, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Middletown KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/61efb72c254b3143185aad5701eb8fee.jpg f31dcfe5e8edecb7d3372865af434e0f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/41f7598b85f328f9d1d3b2c7ecd17c4c.jpg c64566a492ec0dcde671f2d3475deac7 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 Stanford, Ky Thurs Eve. 30th April ‘63 My dearest Allie, Much to our surprise, we left Camp Dick R. [Robinson] this morning about 7 o’clk, 18 or 19 miles. Made a good march, and nearly all came in in good condition, myself among the same. Dust laid by last night’s rain. We are moving to the front, Cumberland River, to reinforce, as far as we can learn. Expect to march two or three days more. Several are going to write just a line, so I must be brief. Am very well. Am writing with a candle on the rail of a fence and tents spread near us. Love to all and as ever yours wholly Jerome Will write when I can. May [1st] Have just read a letter from Alonzo rec’d last eve. Am quite refreshed. It is 5 o’clk and must make a fire and look out for some coffee. Our whole Camp “Dick [Robinson]” force is moving under General Welch. Give my love and thanks to Alonzo and will answer when we halt. Wish you could see our Bedrooms! I send a weed from Camp “Dick [Robinson]”, looks pretty growing, but sadly faded now. Jerome P.S. We remain here today. Will write Alonzo. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 30-May 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Stanford, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-30 1863-05-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.5 X 8.25 5.5 X 8.25 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 #107 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Stanford, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Stanford KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2352e41c9f6ede00d61b9c93f2c63e91.jpg 4e087d9564d73fea4210d466f8f62302 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ba6be58ce2195a0e6d82c40b8754d773.jpg d503a9e9f47d24591455448354bb3b9a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/03a852a5ba26544f0f0876c31a42e223.jpg e4e32fd34fd15fd62d46f231d3556196 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c654368cfa28f9719fe21e21bff08503.jpg aab93043f70b3aa4ecf90bbd23a69e98 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Near Fredericksburg Va 23d Jan 1863 My dear sister, Sitting here in our tent by a comfortable fine nephew and I am remembering those at home. Have written Miss W. a random affair which I hope she will be kind enough to believe an attempt to reply to hers. We have been in a disturbed state for some days expecting every moment to move and had not the storm prevented we know not what might have been. But that has stopped all for the present. The troops that did move are back in camp and some think it is Winter Quarters for us now sure, while another batch of rumors followed quickly to the effect that the Army of the Potomac is to be divided and some to go South West, others to remain in Va. I am of the opinion that VA campaigning is a humbug. We must seal up the southern ports, cut all R(ail)Road communications south and west of Richmond, secure the Miss[issippi] Valley and then with the Proc[lamation] of Emancipation to go before something will be done, leaving a capital without a Confederacy. We must utterly destroy slavery and the Southern aristocracy. To grant them Independence in any form and our troubles and their work are but just begun! You see what a statesman I am become! The knaves are after Mexico to form a great Southern Empire before which mere slavery will be a small affair. And if the truth was known France is afraid of that very thing today and if the North are once fairly on the winning side, Bony leaves Mexico instanter. Let us see how near I guess. Sometime I assume I believe the Southerners with independence and a Navy would make a stir in this Western Hemisphere. And foreign nations are learning where they got their ideas of American character. But “enuf”. Thanks for your letter (which I have answered I believe) but never mind. Tis not fair weather yet and muddy exceedingly so we sit in tents, chat, read, etc. You would have been amused to have seen us laughing of “Falstaff”. (E Peirce sent me a stage copy of Henry Fourth) my books from Crosby & Nichols don’t make their appearance but as they doubtless sent them I must wait and hope to see them sometime. And now to plague you a little. I enclose 25 cents. Will you ask Mr. Cutler (Abram E) to get the “Second Part” of Henry 4th (it is the first part I have) also “Macbeth”. Fishers in Court St. is where they can be had, and being pamphlets they will come safely and will be almost invaluable to me. The Stage Copy you know Mr. C. used to get them for the Reading Circle and I dare say will willingly do the same. You can give him my address. Shall have “Merchant of Venice” and “Othello” soon if the book don’t come and is not that better than paying the sutler? Alonzo R. is still a sick man at Geo(rge)town D.C. I trust he will be spared. The friends are very anxious for him. He seemed the picture of health when he left here. With “Remembrances” to all friends. I am ever lovingly Your Bro[ther] Jerome P. P.S. The plays are 12 ½ cents apiece. If there is no Henry 2nd part, send Hamlet. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Although addressed to Sister, Abbie Jacquith was Jerome’s sister-in-law. NOTE 2: The storm referenced in the letter resulted in what has been called the Mud March. General Burnside, after the disastrous defeat at Fredericksburg in December 1862, hoped to cross the Rappahannock River and hit Lee’s flank. The march began on January 20th but it began raining hard for four days, and the offensive was called off on January 23rd, the date this letter this letter was written. NOTE 3: The Confederacy did have interest in expanding into Mexico after the Civil War. See http://mentalfloss.com/article/20360/confederacys-plan-conquer-latin-america NOTE 4: France invaded Mexico in 1862 under the guise of promoting free trade for Europeans in Latin America, while the US was busy fighting the Civil War to enforce the Monroe Doctrine. By January 1863, the French were increasingly successful in their capturing of Mexican towns. Later in 1953, Napoleon III of France established the brother of the Austrian Emperor as Maximilian I as Emperor of the Mexicans. NOTE 5: “Bony” is likely referring to Napoleon Bonaparte III, nephew of Napoleon I. Napoleon III was emperor of France between 1852 and 1870. NOTE 6: Based on a description in Wikipedia, Sir John Falstaff is a fictional character who appears in three plays by William Shakespeare. In two of the Henry IV plays, he is a friend of Prince Hal; the man who becomes King Henry V. Falstaff is very fat. He thinks he is very important and is always boasting. He is also a coward. Falstaff is a comic figure, but Shakespeare makes him say some things, which tell us a lot about human nature. For example: before a battle in Henry IV he explains that his cowardice is actually common sense, because honor in battle is not really worth anything. Honor would not stop other people saying he was a coward and it would not help him if he got injured. NOTE 7: Crosby & Nichols was a popular Boston bookseller in the late 1850s and 1860s with Unitarian proclivities. NOTE 8: A sutler is a civilian merchant who sells provisions to troops in the field, in camp and in quarters. 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 Sister Abbie, January 23, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Abbie Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Abbie Jaquith 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 1863-01-23 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.49 X 3.15 5.06 X 8.07 10 X 8.03 5.06 X 8.07 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 #63 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Near Fredericksburg, VA. Abbie Jaquith Fredericksburg VA. Jerome Peirce Sister https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5d6bca5336d96dc24449bc93924e23e0.jpg 11ce236643356a4fa5539bc5e3c56edf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/750b3e5ca85a4ac764ef27a411a63e5d.jpg 0f529f44a3da2ce3184c3eed61a0276d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cb39b50c3b4af2550fcdf3b8de2ab57a.jpg ee3363b01450574f50c95d187792e89a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/daaad11074a4c8a60abb2470252cb302.jpg e07e1cff2a3c9822e5d1ea93e440f4a4 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 Thurs eve 22d Jan. 1863 My dearest wife and daughter, It’s past “Taps” (lights out) but Jos H and I felt like writing a letter to the folks at home and here let me say that I hope these letters will be shared in a certain degree at least by the whole family. I seldom write directly to any but you, but I know it will be so felt. We have had a fierce storm of wind and rain for some 36 hours, still cloudy, but rained but little today. We escaped any serious wetting and what is far better, perhaps, a sight of not participating in another battle as we have been under marching orders for several days. Other divisions had broken camp and we were waked this morn. at two o’clk A. M. Had hot coffee and rations dealt out, but the weather has turned affairs and the troops have returned to camp. Jos. H. saw a soldier of the 10th Reg. today who said they had been out four days, had a rough time but thought this won’t finish the business for this winter and we should remain in camp now. Another rumor is by tonight’s paper that the Army of the Potomac was to be divided, part sent to Washington and the rest to go to the So. West for active operations etc. etc. etc. All of which is mere camp soldier and paper talk. The Journal will tell as near correct as any and I was glad to welcome the three [issues] that came a day or two since with the yarn and many thanks for the same. Well, your letter of the 18th came this eve., also the tea and stamps. Am glad the picture arrived safely and am glad you think it so natural and that Lulu knew it. It is one of the saddest thoughts that she may forget me or my looks so she might hesitate before coming to me. How your letter made me wish to embrace you both! We are not down-hearted, indeed have been in excellent spirits of late but we love to think of home and want to see the fighting done. The other eve. at dress parade the colonel read an ‘order’ from General Burnside to the effect that “we were about to meet the enemy and under the Providence of God hoped to win the victory which was due to the country etc.” The colonel called for “three cheers for the general” and were given with a will. But a strange fatality seems to beset us seemingly and I know not what to do or think, feel sometimes like a “ship at sea without a rudder” but still feel that the ship is sound and will come out all right yet. This is precisely as I feel as nearly as I can express it. Poor Ellen! Saw Lieut. Hodgkins who came from home via Washington a few days since. Said Alonzo was a sick man and would be prostrated for some time. Lieutenant H. has been ill and has just reached the Regt. and is acting adjutant in the absence of Alonzo. He too was a private in Co. B and promoted by the colonel and was to be Adjt. but sickness overtook him. He was a member of the U.S.A. [Army Regulars] and a fine, smart fellow and possibly we may have him in Co. H for Second Lieut. Had a letter from Ed Haynes (I mentioned before) also one from Edward Peirce dated the 18th said they had heard that day from Alonzo “was no worse” which E. [Edward] thought was poor encouragement. I do hope he will be spared but I know a fever will go hard with him as he is very fleshy and nervous. Did the Rev. Knapp you speak of ever preach in Brookline near Boston? I remember one by that name, used to be quite feeble, a good man and fair preacher if he is the one, quite tall. J. H. had a letter from home. All well but Jos., a bout with cold and cough. Charley is going to dances with the girls! and Jos. H. is writing him some good advice. Fine times among the young people up there. You see I have some stationery including some of the gilt edge that you sent, yet am abundantly supplied for the present. Will close tomorrow as letters go at night. Have a good, warm fire, doesn’t storm, very still, so a kiss and good night! Friday, near noon. Have written Abbie and Miss Waldo today. F. Crafts spent the P.M. in our tent a day or two ago. Not cleared off yet. They are playing euchre and checkers in the tents nearby. No news reliable. As ever your loving husband, Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: "Taps" originates from the Dutch taptoe, meaning "close the (beer) taps (and send the troops back to camp)". An alternative explanation, however, is that it carried over from a term already in use before the American Civil War. Three single, slow drum beats were struck after the sounding of the Tattoo or "Extinguish Lights". This signal was known as the "Drum Taps", "The Taps", or simply as "Taps" in soldier's slang. NOTE 2: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 3: This letter was written as the infamous Mud March was coming to an end. The Mud March was an abortive offensive in January 1863 by Union Army Major General Ambrose Burnside. Burnside had been trying to approach the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, by crossing the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, but had been soundly defeated. The so-called Mud March was his second attempt at a river crossing. The offensive began with a westward move on January 20, 1863, in unseasonably mild weather. Burnside, with a head start, altered his plan to aim at Banks' Ford, a closer, quicker crossing. At dawn of January 21, engineers would push five bridges across; after that, two grand divisions would be over the river in four hours. Meanwhile, another grand division would distract the Confederate troops by repeating the December crossing at Fredericksburg. During the night of the 20th, the rain began, and by the morning of the 21st, the earth was soaked and the river banks had the appearance of a quagmire. Already, fifteen pontoons were on the river, nearly spanning it, and five more were amply sufficient. Burnside began at once to bring up his artillery, which had the effect of making a perfect mortar bed. For a considerable area around the ford all day the men worked in the rain but to little purpose. Quite a number of cannon were advanced near the ford, but the 22nd only added to the storm, and the artillery, caissons and even wagons were swamped in the mud. The storm had delayed Burnside's movements, giving Lee ample time to line the other shore with his army, though there was no attempt to interfere with his crossing except from the sharpshooters, who peppered away on all occasions. No doubt Lee was hoping Burnside would effect a crossing; with a swollen river in his rear, it would have been a sorry predicament for the Union Army indeed, but Burnside finally became resigned to his fate and gave the order for the army to retire to its quarters, and thus ended the famous Mud March. The Mud March was Burnside's final attempt to command the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln replaced him with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker on January 26, 1863. NOTE 4: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was almost certainly 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, and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 5: Euchre, a game of cards, is an offshoot of Juckerspiel, a game that became widely popular throughout Europe during the Napoleonic era. In the 1800s, Euchre became one of the most popular card games in America and Australia. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, James 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 5.47 X 3.14 4.81 X 8.04 9.80 X 8.05 4.81 X 8.04 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 #62 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 Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a9a2aa5a38c44ee9745462268bb7f609.jpg 21dea82d7ae687bfc78afd8a3fa862b7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bbef2a4fe8ee400aae870aec29f5d84d.jpg 60dadf1f801fc3ad56e4aebe7070bd7f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/68e05e09bcbcf980b4470bb511b39964.jpg 97450f01e66c22cd095b2423a6dd3571 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ac81948d72eb4871b49ac5ec33ac0b3.jpg f0dcfb896282aee4230005d118bc7327 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d1e33a55751890365f034e46e19b4c8b.jpg a2605f81ff228325e3e9c13e210da4d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/735427f0446318217c1366544e49cc99.jpg 3c359e6b8013a739f81be45d9c3e957b 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 Camp “Dick Robinson”, Ky Fri 24th Apr 1863 My dearest wife, My last [letter] of Tues. eve. closed by informing you of our departure for an expedition, etc. We reached camp again last eve. about 8 o’clk, one day’s return sooner than expected. It rained all night Tues. and morning found our camp “all afloat”. Called up at 3 a.m. and coffee served and started at 5, still raining. Took a cross road, a short distance from here, and such tedious marching. Stones, mud and all the wrenching inconveniences of bad highways but about 4 P.M. found us a Harrodsburg about 18 miles south east of this place. It is, or has been, a violent Sech place and we took a look through it, doing some splendier marching as we moved thru the streets and “I reckon” gave them a sight of “Yankee soldiering”. Finally camped about a mile out of the village in a pleasant spot among the trees. The “Color Guard” messed together and some merry times we have on such occasions around the campfire and taking our coffee, comparing ills such as lame and blistered feet, but always concluding “we are good for more miles tomorrow”. Well, about 9 o’clk Thurs. morn. left for camp via Danville 10 miles east. A beautiful country and a fine marching day, being cloudy and raining enough to keep the dust down. ‘Tis a fine place with a large “Female Institute” before mentioned as we had a call from some of the ladies and their teachers. Stopped long enough for coffee and started for camp and arrived as mentioned somewhat lame as I marched in shoes for the first time this season but we are doing well and tonight we (the whole Regt.) “appear out” in white gloves on Dress Parade. We are not aware as yet the character of our mission. Expect it was to let the ‘Secesh’ know how Yankees could appear and to initiate Burnside’s order, which is to “silence” all demonstrations in favor of Rebels in his department. The Col. was very kind and considerate of our comfort on this trip and he has removed some unfavorable impressions and we gave him the hearty cheers which made the camp sing and I trust he will appreciate it for the Regt, gained many encomiums for fine appearance, drill, etc. for we found some Union men and the others were very respectful and quiet. There are some magnificent scenes about here on ‘Dix Run’ which we crossed a narrow foot bridge twice. Such rocky scenes, hundreds of feet high and swelling out like the fronts of houses in the cities while the winding course of the river affords some fine views in these springtime budding and leafing out of the trees. Jos. H. it seems after I left wrote you and I feared would alarm you so I send you this brief scrawl. He told about firing heard, wouldn’t be back for a week, etc. but I felt you would know him well enough not to be much frightened. ‘Twas a perfect secret and only two persons knew where we went and no one on the errand. We had a pleasant trip and never was farther from any danger. In my last I sent you my picture in my fatigue camp dress also $2.00 in money yours returned. I hope ere this you have received the check etc. Had a nice letter from Mr. Murray waiting me. Will reply soon. Hope this will bring one from you as I’m anxious to know if you receive my late letters for have written often quite. I trust you are in good health, which Mr. Murray spoke of in particular. Transcriber’s Note: Several lines of text have been heavily crossed out with what appears to have been by black pencil, presumably by Jerome, making them totally illegible. I believe in a happy union by and by. I have written this past hastily that you might know of my health and safety. Have directed the last [letter] to Billerica. ‘Tis warm and pleasant today. Love to all friends and as ever your affectionate, Jerome Transcriber’s Note: Two small pieces of stationery, approximately one-third the size of a regular piece of stationery, with the following partial texts were included with the above letter in the same envelope. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …on the conduct of the war…. Day the account of the disgraceful sneak from Charleston and laying the blame on the poor Ironclads! Let commodore Farragut go there and see then what will take place! These things stirred my temper and I fear the sun went down on my wrath… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… … our Regt. made … appearance at Dress Parade this eve and we had many lookers on. I wish it could be justly done in “Harper’s Weekly” for your benefit. The ‘Color Guard’ is full 12 in all the flower of the regt. and I address you as the stars and stripes float… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Transcriber’s Note: The text apparently continues on regular-sized stationery as follows. over us and on the soil of “Kentuck” and makes me proud of the ‘Old Bay State” and I feel “taller and stronger” to “do and dare” for our Union. The boys of Co. B sing finely on our March and the new song “Rally around the flag Boys” rings out in telling tones and sends a thrill through the “Left” if not the whole Regt. We are having an addition to the Drum Corps, fifes and a brass drum. Music is potent in the Army and the “Thirty Sixth” will not be behind. I mention these things for they interest us and will you for our sake. Please see Abbie and Miss Waldo and tend my heart thanks for the letters. I feel very happy if my letters are such a satisfaction to my friends. They are certainly my experience and as long as health is so good I have no business to be anything but cheerful and brave. Spring comes on and the country looks more lovely every day and the birds are delightful. Please show this with your friend Charles. I mean should like to write him tonight but have been resting up all day and want to see Ben and show him his letter. I hope in your next [letter] you will tell me of the safe arrival of the ‘check’ etc. and soon of my picture etc. Good night and good angels Keep you for your loving Jerome P.S. My congratulations to Albert and S. and tell Charles I have thought over old times. Age levied on them thru some strange scenes. Especially at Fredericksburg! My love to them all. I may have miss dated this. It is Friday. Col. Norton looked nicely this eve. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. NOTE 3: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 4: The "Battle Cry of Freedom", also known as "Rally 'Round the Flag", is a song written in 1862 by American composer George Frederick Root (1820–1895) during the Civil War. A patriotic song advocating the causes of Unionism and abolitionism, it became so popular that composer H. L. Schreiner and lyricist W. H. Barnes adapted it for the Confederacy. A modified Union version was used as the campaign song for the Lincoln-Johnson ticket in the 1864 presidential election, as well as in elections after the war, such as for Garfield in the 1880 U.S. presidential election. The song was so popular that the music publisher had 14 printing presses going at one time and still could not keep up with demand. It is estimated that over 700,000 copies of this song were put in circulation. NOTE 5: Col. John B. Norton enlisted at age 39 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a First Lieutenant in the 5th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. He was transferred as a Captain to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. Norton was promoted to Lt. Col. on August 28, 1862, and he commanded the Regiment from June 1, 1863, until July 30, 1863. He resigned on July 30, 1863, the reason for his resignation not being specified in the Unit History. 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, April 24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-24 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 3.75 6.8 X 7.8 12.35 X 8.85 6.75 X 8 12 X 8.25 12.35 X 8.15 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 #106 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c3631bd9f01ebd6499bdb77b531f1721.jpg 2213543189f9eb90445ec9b61bd56e79 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a90743d26e89ea4fca6ee0c67109baca.jpg 5ab70312c4af21689c4b3d2895bce9b8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0dd08c5f854fb12f3b94369327932885.jpg dfbbc4af7515d680db4c7c0d38379752 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 Camp “Dick Robinson” Ky Sabbath [April] 19th 1863 Dear friends all, It is a rainy day and in the morning I expected to have a quiet day with a few lines to dear ones at home, but somewhat confused so far and I fear you will have a poor affair but now that Allie is not with you felt I must send you a line if nothing more, with my love and a kiss to my little Lulu. Everything is moving along as usual in camp. The signs of an advance but still waiting among the big trees for weeks. Received your and Mother’s letter in due time for which I expressed my thanks in one of Allie’s letters. I suppose you send hers to her. I was sorry that she thought it best to leave you and had hoped a year would unite us again and she could keep together that time but I suppose all is for the best. Have been very well and have recovered from the effects of the late march. The weather is becoming hot and we are lessening our clothing considerably. Have had but little to do thus far but ‘rest up’ and that we have done as much as possible. Last Thurs. P.M. had a pass out of camp and took a three hour stroll. A delightful time. ‘Tis a fine country about here and some beautiful scenery on the Kentucky or a tributary. Found a few flowers. Have sent Allie some. Will find some more perhaps. There are about 2500 troops in this immediate neighborhood and a great many more ahead of us but when we shall move I cannot divine. Our camp is very pleasant and the grass is out finely and the birds “make melody” all the day. Yesterday P.M. a large coach full of ladies from the Danville Institute with their teacher paid us a visit and quite a sensation was the consequence. The officers were very gallant. There were some quite pretty, and one from Charlestown, as was the principal, Mr. Bickford. He kept the Somerville High School some years ago. Was formerly in a store and worked his way thru “Harvard” by his own energies. The country hereabouts is the picture of pastoral comfort and wealth. Fine fields and plantations. Of course many slaves but it is in the milder form. On our stroll the other day called at a house and had some custard pie and a tumbler of fresh milk. The people are very hospitable but about half and half Union and Secesh I expect. Have had sixteen letters since a week ago last Sat[urday] eve but three weeks elapsed before I had any. Heard from Frank and Will and with them, Abbie writes me they are probably moving on the “Blackwater” [River]. The country and general appearance of things is more cheerful here than in the Eastern Department and I trust there’ll be an end sometime. Tell little Lulu she must be a good little girl and Papa and Mama are thinking of her every day. Her picture and mother’s are a great comfort to me. Letters come thru in four days so it don’t seem so very far from home, only when you think of the journey. Must write a line to Orange and must close. Write me as often as possible. Love to each and all. As ever from your affec[tionate], Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. NOTE 3: 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. 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 "Friends all", April 19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends all Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Friends all" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.75 X 7.75 10.75 X 8.65 5.5 X 8.5 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 #105 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Friends all Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/de81bf316d2c9a0beebff7477ba9f933.jpg 0fb2dbe01f9665e565cfc1ef7bebeeca https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a9410e90c15922d74a7d7618ad38d67.jpg 124b226e465a20652d24c543ba6d12ed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c89b79826186287465f78b7051f436c4.jpg 0fecf7852fd18fdc9ce43475a02be568 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 April 18, 1863 I have met with a sad loss, Allie. My memorandum book with your and Lulu’s picture is gone and I feel almost alone! Have tried to find it and may yet. Can’t account for it for I have taken so much pain to keep it safe. I despair of keeping anything precious here but in memory they will live. Will write the friends as I can. I mailed you a letter at Cincin… …soon. I shall be anxious to hear of your movements. Thurs. P.M. Took a stroll out of camp with Ben E. and had a delightful time and got some pie and milk and saw a pretty lady. Also gathered some flowers which I enclose. I have scribbled this in great haste for the morning mail. Give… TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) It appears that that the rest of this letter is missing. 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, April 18, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washinton Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-18 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 6.10 X 3.75 6.25 X 3.55 6.25 X 3.55 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 #104 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 not indicated. Almost certainly Camp Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bf9d42dc58502a26dd84d2115a1bd0cc.jpg cbc51b434d33b4b8e33f00c97ee1d5fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f9ef2d3f134c236d84248dd7656a9afe.jpg 2b1b2ff9016aec42bce16918921e04d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/db7d79b1d588c311bbaa15488cb53d79.jpg 7559bea71d463f76f2df36a850082ab5 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 April 16/63 Friend Jerome, Your last letter from Kentucky interested me very much and I felt sad as is the war that calls you there. You would much enjoy this new experience of seeing so much more of our glorious country. I did not know you had visited the West before. Harper’s Ferry must indeed of itself well repay a visit there and though your heart must be pained at the desolations of War, still you are doubtless storing your memory with beautiful history never to be forgotten, and if as I hope and trust you are spared for many years to look back upon this fearful struggle amid the many regrets it will ever [???] there will be mingled a true pride that much as slavery had corrupted us, we were yet strong and courageous enough to rise in our strength. I trample it under foot when it dared to put its sacrilegious hands on our government. I have a class in school studying our Constitution and as I feel the farseeing wisdom of those who framed it, I wonder how the wicked adherents of slavery have ever been able to pervert its liberty loving policy and my whole nature is roused to protest against it ever again shedding its baneful influence over our land. We have gained, we are gaining much and ere very long I believe this most wicked rebellion that was ever known (for there never was so good a government before known) must [???] have our land the better for the fearful storm that has swept over it, just as a fearful thunder shower clears the air and makes everything brighten and [???] before it. I returned a week ago yesterday from a visit to Brooklyn, N.Y. and while there I heard from Rev Mr. Flaplly a very fine discussion on unconditional loyalty as a religious duty for every one of us. His arguments were convincing and I enjoyed it very much. He seemed to have great faith in the power of the two civilizations of the North and South if once fully pitched (as a peaceful struggle) against each other to settle this matter. Freedom must be better if her sons and daughters are but true and enduring. They were talking of having a Union [???] and having every man to sign it. Ever since President Lincoln fully pledged himself to freedom by his proclamation, I have felt sure however much of struggle, trial or defeat ever there may be before us, we are sure of victory at last. I do not understand President Lincoln’s policy, but I do not believe he will ever take a step backward and boldly steer the ship forward, putting his trust in Him who will make the path clear and straight before us. For you, Jerome, and your noble brothers in the field my hearty thanks with grateful emotions that you could have your dear ones in God’s hands and go forth to defend our dear land and I daily pray that your efforts may be a blessing to our whole land. Rev. Mr. Everett says he feels only the good results from this war will be the awakening throughout our whole land a deeper truer patriotism than has ever been felt here before, that the children will now [???] in a deeper love of liberty than ever. I was much gratified by your last letter and the “holly” you gathered to put in it. When you have time, shall be glad to hear from you again. Sisters join in kind regard, As ever, your friend S. A. Waldo TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) There are several references to letters from “Miss Waldo” or “S. A. Waldo” or the Waldo family in Jerome’s letters. In addition, there are some letters from her to “Friend Jerome” in this collection of letters. 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, April 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Waldo, S. A. Peirce, Jerome Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From S. A. Waldo (friend) to Jerome 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 1863-04-16 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 5 X 7.75 9.5 X 8 5.15 X 7.75 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 #103 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 not indicated. Almost certainly Camp Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce S. A. Waldo https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1fe4f0c1afdaa758d78d9b6a33181163.jpg ae5bf4ea42f04248b508aa5499f8571a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2684e13c3446924a9aaac64ada3b0901.jpg 5f82bc9ef33d3b51936cd77db3505119 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d8ac540db9bdc86db3baeda6449936a6.jpg 8a2896bd866ba14c2fa361a2313e11cd 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 Camp “Dick Robinson”, Ky 15th Apr. 1863 My very dear wife, It is a cool drizzly morning and we keep to our tents. Have been quite busy mending, fastening buttons. No letters since last Sat. and we begin to feel impatient. We shall remain quietly in camp and have nicely recovered from the effects of the march, and nature is putting on her finest carpet of green. They have taken great pains clearing the grounds and the grass is putting forth beautifully and the birds are singing and it seems indeed like spring. It is really pleasant and I wish you could be nicely fixed in this neighborhood till the campaign was over for there are cozy nice looking old farm houses near our grounds which look homelike. Have been looking at your pictures and it almost seems as though I could hear you and Lulu as you move about. I suppose you are once more at B [Billerica]. I hope things will work in some way to favor you. There is quite a change in affairs in our tent. Jos. H. is going on the supply train again learning. Also one other of our tent fellows and still another is trying for a chance. Hope J. H. will succeed for I think [he] can do better there if he tries. The season will be better, and far better roads than in Va. Of course I can tell you no news but I love to send you a few words to keep you company as sort of pocket companions. Have written Bowen and Phillips. Hope I shall hear from some of them ere long. I can’t understand why our mail is so long arriving. A letter or two comes nearly every day but no large amount as there should be. Saw B. Edmands as usual yesterday. His wife is having good success at Wheeling. A little later as I finished the last sentence, Ben E. peeped in but is on duty and could not stay. Was with him last eve. laughing over “Merry Wives of Windsor” (Shakespeare). Jos. H. came in, been off to attend to his teams. Has bought him a revolver. Folks sometimes ask about accouterments in camp. Here ball playing is the great game. There are also cannon balls here from some old army stores and they practice throwing and rolling them a good deal. Capt. S. is about as smart as any. I do not play a great altho [I] used to pitch “quoits” some at Newport News. Newspaper news is quite uncertain and doubtful. Saw papers of Apr. 8th at B. E.’s tent last eve. Hope the work is progressing favorably at Charleston, S.C. See no signs of our moving yet awhile. Does it look like spring yet? Any work begun yet? How much I would like to be with the folks and try farming a little. Mary, I ought to have something interesting for you for your last [letter]. But ‘tis all one story here, bugles and drums most of the time. I rove about thinking of dear friends at home being “on the Colors”. Have nothing to do in camp but to keep up my health and strength. By the way, we ‘Color Guard’ are to have an additional badge on our sleeve. Imagine me sprouting the following, the star being recently added as in the old Regts [Regiments]. Shall I ever have two on the shoulders? Mary, when your scholars march, they must start with the left foot! and when turning, turn to the right, this is military. What’s Miss Hattie doing? Do I owe her a letter? My recent rambles have put me out of all account of letters received. Jos. H. wishes to remind you, Allie, that you owe him a letter, although he knows you have much to think of. Tell Lulu I am watching to find some flowers to send her but have seen none as yet. There are lots of little frogs tho running about here and some that are not so little. Jos. H. and another brought in some twenty dollars worth of stuff from a store nearby the other P.M. and sold all in a few moments to the boys Cheese, candy, cigars, bread, etc., etc., etc. Payday makes things lively. I don’t know as I can add anything more to this. Hope we shall have a mail before night. Hope you receive all my letters. Mailed one Sunday with $42.00. My sleeve stars have just come and I must be putting them on. Love to friends and as ever to your dear self from Your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: The “Capt. S” referred to in the letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 5: Quoits is a game in which flat rings of iron or rope are pitched at a stake, with points awarded for encircling it. 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, April 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-13 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 9 X 10.75 16.45 X 10.5 8.65 X 5 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 #102 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce