1 10 134 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aaca131a53e7318795578dbaad439ab6.jpg c4cd9d5d24d11bfac677bb793f1df2fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8e94ff512a309698555d49c9ec95f23e.jpg f35199e10aa5b4891366459a17f53ee3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Billerica Nov. 29th, 1863 My ever dear husband, Again it is Sunday eve. and I am seated at your writing desk to hold a little converse [conversation] with you. Did you think when you got the desk that your wife would write so many letters upon it and send them to you in the Army? How little one knows what is before them and is it not well? I remember very well when I wrote the first letter upon this. My heart was so happy. I look around upon our little home at Peyron Place and saw the comfort we were surrounded with and felt that I was truly blessed. Could I have then looked forward six short years and seen the change, my heart would have been saddened, would not yours? And this turns my thoughts back to the time I first met you all the way through the first time I saw you at Sunday School, the boys around you, the smiles you had for them, and then you coming in the shop with Charles, the call with Albert, your first visit at Billerica to see Daniel Preston’s family, my visit to Charlestown, going to lecture with and the invitation given at Mr. Pratt’s, your call at Aunt Zaschiek’s, the Sunday eve. at Wymans, the letter that was waiting my arrival home, your first visit here, your staying at the depot one night, my being introduced to your friends, [???] sickness and death, our fixing up our little home, our wedding, the arrival home, Mary’s first fortnight with us, our being left alone in the quietness of our little home, our first visit home, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas at home (at [???]) and so on to the birth of our little boy, our disappointment, my summer at home, George and Inez being with us, Inez being married, my summer at home in the pleasant shade of summer under the old trees, our quiet days at home, Hannah S. coming on from Ohio, our quiet Thanksgiving at home, Mary Eliza being with us, the Christmas present of our little girl, our packing up and moving to Orange, our life there although much was unpleasant there, was much that was pleasant, the war, you enlisting, my stay at Worcester, my visit at Boston and Orange, settling here for the winter, your coming home after a year’s absence, your return. All this rushes into mind faster than I can pen it down. My dear husband, I hope your married life was not unpleasant to you, it certainly has been very far from that to me. When I look through all this and think how much has transpired in the time we first met, what will be the coming years? I dare not look into the future but I live on from day to day thinking “one day nearer to God and thee”. Our lives here are but short and I feel that those days ought to be spent together. Jerome, our being separated these years will be a lifelong lesson, will it not? I hope you will come home soon, and that our home may be reopened and our happy days continued, and surely if we keep on pushing the Rebs, we shall soon have them all in our control. We have had glorious news lately, and is it wrong when I think I am glad my own dear husband is not in this battle? We hear Grant is having victories. Meade is pushing Lee, has him out of his entrenchments. We have taken C. I dare not tell how many prisoners, all of which my heart swells with joy. We are having spirited war meetings here and some are enlisting. Among the first was Edward Adams. He made the most spirited speech and enrolled his name. Last night he called a meeting and was to speak. Capt. Ranlett and Alonzo were there. Capt. R. was president. Alonzo spoke but no Edward appeared, has caused much talk. There is to be another one tomorrow eve. Branle wants to go but the folks are feeling so bad that I hardly think he will. I stayed at home from church this morning. Went this afternoon and I took Lulu. She did better than I expected. She wanted me to tell you of it. I received the letter written at Cumberland Gap Friday and truly glad was I to get it. It was a nice letter. Last Sunday after writing your letter Branle and I went down to Mr. Whitfords and Mr. Deans. I did the washing as mother was busy with butter. Tuesday I cleaned my chamber, wish you could see it and cleaned tins. Hattie went to Chelsea. Wednesday it rained. Had a letter from Ellen. She wants me to go and sew for her as she expects to be married this winter. I guess Alonzo will not go back to the regiment. Thursday was Thanksgiving day. I cooked the dinner so Mother went to church. In the afternoon Mr. Salloway called. He had a splendid sermon. He gave me his photograph. Only think, one more Thanksgiving and then you will come home. I am counting the months, shall soon begin to count the weeks. Friday I sewed upon Lulu’s clothes to get her ready to go to Boston. I forgot Thanksgiving. Dr. H. and wife called and Mary Eliza with two young men spent the evening. Saturday it stormed all day. We heard the bells in Lowell and guns from Lowell and Boston. Hope it was good news. Tell Joseph H. that I got his letter and will answer soon. I shall go to Boston Wednesday, weather permitting. Love to brother Benj. My love to Henry Nelson and Mr. Stevens. Love and a kiss from your own little Wife Allie. Keep this. It done me good to read it. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: The “Joseph H.” that Allie referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Allie to Jerome, November 29, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-29 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens, Nathan Varnold (transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.03 X 8.03" - 1st Scan "10.05 X 8.03" - 2nd Scan "5.03 X 8.03" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #181 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/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/937976d485b7f60669bb4eaa4601aa80.jpg fb8c32b328cf8705cc49275312eabba2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7865c331182ee660e338c52b150cbb4.jpg 32bd737a5d8c1fc8ed2fe66be207b878 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/668cbd3911674ea99370dca5fc113e04.jpg d85807c5b8015b87efe9ca73595f7438 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 Charlestown Jun 15th 1863 Friend Jerome. I take your hint about writing and send you a note in Franks box. I can’t think of you as a soldier, you must be entirely out of your element. You with your intellectual tastes and love of quiet home joys. I agree with you in your love of books. They are the best of friends. Good books are my delight. We can with them have a circle of choice minds ever about us and select them according to our moods, how we are thrilled with the noble thoughts of the writers, or charmed and fascinated with his fancies. What a world of good books there are. This winter I heard in Danvers a beautiful Lecture on “Dickens” from my Prince of Lecturers. Gen[eral] W Curtis, in it he said, “No novel writer could really portray a lovely, beautiful, woman, bring her before you, as a living creature , he thought beauty was like an aroma indescribable!! After the Lecture, I had the pleasure of riding to Salem, with Curtis and talking delightfully, with him. He is so genial. I took up his idea of Woman. He said “you know what I mean. ‘Shakespeare”, stands alone in describing woman, but Shelly said a pretty thing, once in trying to describe a beautiful woman after using the adjectives in vain. So give his idea, he ended by saying “she was one of Shakespeare’s women” Now I have told you all this to tell you of this pretty tale of your favorites Shelly in this lecture, Curtis spoke beautifully of Shelly. Oh you would have been charmed with this Lecture. Curtis gave as a glorious Lecture on “American Liberty.” T’was full of beauty, it was thrilling, as he described. The great army of freedom throughout the world moving steadily on with is to be on guard – its rear and flanks – its pickets – all steadily – slowly moving. With Christ as the great Capt[ain] and Leader of all – the solemn closing “when God would cry in our ears – where is thy brother Abel” Last Sunday, for a wander I went to the “Music Hall” and heard a most beautiful sermon from Mr. Cuming from the text “No man careth for my soul” and that was the[i]r cry ever surging up from society. The hunger and thirst of the soul of humanity for help and sympathy and our souls should so overflow with love and purity and sympathy, that underneath the conventionalities and the merriment of life we should hear that cry and answer it. We could only save our own souls, by saving others. I can give [?]idea of it with pen and paper. His illustrations and similes were beautiful. But what a strange motley irreverent audience that is many men there, and that day at least they heard high holy [things???] and [???] Truths that ought to make them better, truer, [fuller???] I must close. Tis so dark. I can’t see. My sisters join me in regards to you. Ever your friend C. L. Waldo 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 C. L. Waldo (Friend) to Jerome, June 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Waldo, C. L. Peirce, Jerome Charlestown, MA. Description An account of the resource From C. L. Waldo (Friend) to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource C. L. 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 1863-06-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Luisa Dispenzirie (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 3.82 X 6.34 7.49 X 6.34 3.82 X 6.34 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 #129 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Charlestown, MA. C. L. Waldo Charlestown MA 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/2387fde845f73ae1a72b6c6bd95a2c07.jpg c16bbd14b18dfdd1f3dbcd6ec4ceaf7c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dbb33d7915df71fa7b8179b59b8c7391.jpg 62da94be36dff918955c213591d6aacc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a4af3939d220d6b1541445cddec491f8.jpg 73163963df383504d39bcd0fff51dca6 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 15th Mar 1863 My dear Mother, And Father too. What, do you think that your ‘other boy’ don’t address you as personal particular? Not I assure you from indifference. Well, for two days I’ve been “kinder” ailing with a severe cold and have had to keep close for the same. Shall, I think, be all right by tomorrow. We are having severe weather here, cutting Mch. [March] winds and so near the sea that it seems much like old Boston altho we have no snow. We think you must have some big snow banks up north by the air hereabouts and very many are down with colds and coughs. Am taking medicine that looks like honey and tastes strongly of camphor and it loosened my cough very soon. And I have just finished dinner of a cup of nice tea and bread and I am feeling quite sound again. I have no news to write but I just wanted to tell you that I am not forgetful of the “old folks at home” and how much I wish I could set the time when we might meet again but I expect we have got to be patient still longer and see many more of our ‘sons’ in the field, yet I feel sanguine that all will end well and, in a way, to confer more peaceful and prosperous times for those to come after us when the true principles will govern and security will compensate for present trials. I look eagerly when the mail arrives for news from home and I cannot express how thankful I am that you are all spared in health and to feel that those dearest to me are cared for. Shall I ever repay it? My little Lulu, what do you all think of her? I often try and picture to my mind how she looks. It is one of the direful phases of this wicked war that so many men are so long denied the sight of the faces of innocent children and refined women, etc. And as I shook the hand of Mrs. Hall the other day it seemed like a dream. She left here on Fri. and I sent a hasty letter to be mailed when most convenient for Allie. A portion of the army have left for Suffolk, 3rd division, and I feel quite anxious for news from that quarter. The report being here that Rebel Gen. Hill was moving with a large force to attack that position but I expect that they are well fortified and we need not fear the general result altho for our personal friends we always feel anxious. I don’t know that we are likely to be called away tho we’re always ready. ‘Tis quite pleasant today, considering a little wind, sun out, but not so warm as some days. It seems Aunt Wyman is failing. Am not much surprised for she is into years somewhat and has seen much to try her I suppose. Should like to hear all about her from time to time as I have passed many pleasant hours with her and used to think her an excellent example of “growing old”. I suppose I must send a word to that daughter of yours so I must close for the present. As opportunity offers, send a line for they are still very welcome. How are father and Joe this winter? Remember me to the elderly friends who may inquire and believe me, your affectionate son, Jerome P Will send E’s letter next time. Envelope so small can’t fold them to take three sheets. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Although this letter is addressed to “Mother” and “Father” and is signed “your affectionate son,” Jerome wrote the letter to Allie’s parents (i.e., to his parents-in-law) instead of to his parents beyond a shadow of a doubt based on the following: 1. A Peirce family genealogy indicates that Jerome’s mother, Martha “Patty” Sherwin Peirce, died on June 27, 1847. That genealogy shows that Jerome’s father may have died in 1808, but that year cannot be correct because several children, i.e., Jerome’s siblings, and Jerome himself were born after 1808. Therefore, it is extremely likely that Jerome’s parents had died before he enlisted in 1862. (No information about Jerome’s parents could be found on the findagrave.com website.) As an aside, that family history correctly shows Jerome’s dates of birth and death and indicates that he was killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. This 283-page family history was written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce. It is titled Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, and it is now available on ancestry.com and Google Books. It traces the Peirce family history back to John Pers in England. He was born in about 1588 and died in 1661. 2. The letters collection does not contain any letters to or from Jerome’s parents. Nor do any letters reviewed to-date ever mention anything about Jerome’s parents. 3. In this letter he refers to himself as “your other boy.” 4. He signed this letter as “Jerome P”. It is very unlikely that he would have signed it with the initial of his last name if he was addressing the letter to his parents. 5. Most significantly, he used the phrase “I suppose I must send a word to that daughter of yours”. It almost certainly means that he was planning to write a letter to Abbie after he wrote this letter. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome Peirce to Mother and Father, March 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Newport News, VA. Mother-in-law Father-in-law Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Mother and Father 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 1863-03-15 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 6.82 X 9.56 11.81 X 9.66 6.81 X 9.56 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 #86 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. Father Father-in-law Jerome Peirce Mother Mother-in-law Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bd0558314628885c9ed958fcad85ffdc.jpg 015595face4e05778ac81f7ee6cd0e56 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ab42ec78deebbd4888800f29f6a13ccf.jpg d8d2dd591c9c7ba437af510d3716d90b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/72b819b1701d86feb5959df0ea4fdb80.jpg a6633beb190b65865e88d87d82f11ca0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Near “Camp Nelson” Ky Oct 27th 1863 My own dear ones, Came down here some over a mile yesterday P.M. where the train is that we expect to go to Knoxville with tomorrow and I am sitting here under my tent all alone with only your dear selves to speak to. Have been writing to the “Socials” thru Charles Smith and thought I would begin another message to you. My pen works bad and the wind blows quite cool and I fear I shall make sad work especially when I have no news, only waiting but I know you are ever watching and working and that any word is ever welcome so before I leave I must come once more. Wrote you Sunday. Wrote to Joseph’s folks and Haynes also and strolled about camp reading a little and wishing so much that we could be on our way, for it is the dullest of all work waiting. But yesterday Capt. Holmes came along with an order to draw fifteen days rations and get them to the teams and I am here watching them and Capt. H. [Holmes] went on to Crab Orchard and I do hope he will effect something for the poor fellows for I am told they are dying off and suffering as they must be if there isn’t better care of them than when I left. The “scare” from the “raiders” is all over and the trains are moving on again and they say the roads are all clear, only bad some of the way, but they are at work repairing them to Knoxville so we hope to get along very well and I feel as though I could endure anything better than laying here and I should be all right if the mails could come all right but ‘twill be a long time before I shall hear anything from any of the friends. What should we do now but [put] the faith in a higher power? “Tis here I learn how little we can do and I trust my experience in these times will not be without some good. Have told you about my return so far so I have nothing new but I am well and shall try and keep so to the end and what more can I do? How much, and constantly, you are in my mind! And little Lulu too. May she be well and happy and still remember her papa who loves her more than he can tell for all he is so far away. I should feel like a piece of “drift wood” did I not know that the dear ones at home still loved and remembered me in all my wanderings. The sun is out warm but the wind is cool and I shall have to stop awhile. Shall not mail till tonight or morning and will add a word then. Wednes[day] morning. Still here watching our rations. Don’t know when we shall start. So much work to get so many wagons started. After I finished writing yesterday, walked about five miles to see about things. Hear no news and can only repeat that we are waiting not knowing an hour before hand what is coming. Shall have to assist the drivers along etc. and shall have a tedious time I expect but I’ve seen home and you all! and so I can work on. I can’t interest you much but you have a line and I hope that will be something. Will improve every opportunity of sending back but you must not be surprised if I am silent a long time by and by. I hope you will see the Adjt. (Alonzo) and he can tell you many things perhaps about the journey. Must close and mail this today as it is time my regular letter was sent. Keep cheerful and let us hope the winter will not pass without some good fruit, individually and nationally. Shall hope to get some message from you one of these days. It seems strange and lonely without the mail but I shall try and keep my mind busy. Love and kisses for Lulu. And once more, As ever your loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to “My own dear ones”, October 27, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome “My own dear ones” Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to “My own dear ones” Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-10-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.55 X 3.17" - 1st Scan "7.86 X 9.91" - 2nd Scan "7.86 X 9.91" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #172 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Near Camp Nelson, Ky. Allie Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY Lulu My own dear ones https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c24ab5ee395ce304b1ecb755d993e4e9.jpg a06d1966bf98a04d5d4f233b8fcc7000 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/24f8ab24c030ce4c32ab2fdc3dee25f9.jpg d6f1e183bf2da7199bad639c23f2eabf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/574a5f2d04d520404ab79861786a170f.jpg b33d9aaf3f945badc525b5322f22c7b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8b8382709821e6a9e012b110321d43a0.jpg 367868c47bc34bdc43c9b643bed915c1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document “Camp Nelson” Ky Oct 25th, 1863 My own dear Wife and friends, Another pause in our journey and I send you a few lines once more. I wrote you from Cincinnati last Thursday which I suppose you received. Remained in C. [Cincinnati] till yesterday morning when we came here by rail and wagon. You know I told you this was the great depot for supplies for Burnside’s Army, about eight miles from Nicholasville, the terminus of the railroad. Time passed slowly in C. [Cincinnati]. Went to hear John B. Gough Fri. eve. The Home was crowded and not pleasant at all, rainy weather and dark, so it was impossible to read or amuse oneself. Had a great military funeral, Genl. Lytle of Cincinnati who was killed at Chattanooga lately, a great favorite and ‘twas an imposing affair. He resided near the Home, and we saw it very well. The same P.M. quite a fire took place and the operation of the steam fire engines was another novelty, so we had quite a stirring time that day. Walked about the city and saw everything we could, but was glad to be on the move once more. I learned this A.M. that Alonzo passed thro here, Thurs. P.M. on a twenty days leave of absence, am very sorry I did not see him. Tell him I am trying hard to get to the Regt. and am uneasy as a “fish out of water”, altho I expect ‘twill be a rough time going and after we get there, from accounts we have, roads [are] bad, and lose a great deal of the subsistence on the way. For the last few days the country here has been much stirred up by another Guerilla raid, destroying a large lot of government stores at Danville and last night an alarm was raised in this camp, but today all is quiet and trains are leaving or preparing to and we expect to go forward Tues and soon after. I can tell you little to interest, ‘tis the same old story. I begin to feel near the Army again, and think over my recent visit home. A pleasure on which I shall have to live for an uncertain period but I hope all will issue well sometime. The weather is very cool, and the trees in full fall costume, and, of course, there is sort of a cheery feeling, and look to everything. We are stopping, three of us, in a building occupied by the guard at Hdqrs., some of the 21st boys taking our meals, about a mile away, altho we had some nice baked beans at their houses this morning. Have thought what a perfect day this must be with you! I do hope you have enjoyed it in a more truly Sabbath-like way than I have. Altho we had a delightful walk at early morning, some ways, to find acquaintances of some of the party but the sound of work is going on, and there is but little, save the sweet memories of the day to remind one of the hour. ‘Tis such times that I feel the weight, in full, of these times, and how sweet Home would be. But how do you do my Allie? and Lulu too? When shall I hear from you? I cannot guess, but I shall hope you may be preserved in health and strength till the good time comes, and I expect it will be a good while, for ‘tis very difficult to get the mails through. Will take a few notes along and send back as often as possible, tho’ ‘twill be only the dull story of life along the road, but you can look on the map once in a while and imagine us walking along, slowly to the end, somewhere in South Western Virginia perhaps or East Tennessee. It took six weeks lately for a train to go to Knoxville and return, but they are constructing a better road, or improving the old one so soon will be better I hope in the future. The friends must still share for the present these poor scrawls. They will at least tell you of my whereabouts and health, and if the latter is only spared, I shall do well. Am very well now, and only anxious to get “home” to the Regt. now I am fairly on the way. Remember me to Alonzo. Hope to see him again by and by, tho’ I imagine they will try and keep him at home. Love to all and ever your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: John Bartholomew Gough (1817 - 1886) was a United States temperance orator. NOTE 2: William Haines Lytle (1826 - 1863) was a politician in Ohio, renowned poet, and military officer in the United States Army during both the Mexican–American War and Civil War, where he was killed in action as a brigadier general. Contrary to what Jerome wrote in this letter, Gen. Lytle was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga, instead of the Battle of Chattanooga, on September 20, 1863. NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to "Allie and friends", October 25, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and friends Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Allie and friends" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-10-25 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.48 X 3.19" - 1st Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.13" - 3rd Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #171 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Nelson, KY. Allie and friends Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2491078cac50b99c48479e5b7d505a85.jpg 720cce26bbcaade5086e4df7e742505b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a96aec37ef1fec5c93a3933fafa7efea.jpg 779731d38f1977d390a1596072c3bd7b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0cd0ac4494cc94de10af814dc4c5ecf7.jpg 2ce951d4700fa8879ed3c6ddcf0d5e75 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2247fbbb4c42857ddb3e64e02620775b.jpg 429f8ca1398a641e1a1c59030950204c 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 Missi[ssippi] River above Fort Pillow Onboard steamer “Hiawatha”, Sunday Morning, 9th July 1863 My Dear Bro. Frank[lin], If we could only meet “face to face” what a talk we would have! As I have looked over the letters I have lately received from different ones, yours called up a soldier’s “fellow feeling.” What memories of campaigning would arise! and I thought Frank shall have a little memento of the Miss. River! You [are] now, I trust, safely and cozily fixed at home with a vocation to your taste but alas for Joe I feel deeply that he must go (as I expect he’ll have to) for he was so much to those [at] home, his taste and inclination both making him such a help. But as mother says, he must try and feel that all’s for the best and I wish I could share a tent with him in “ours”. Well brother mine, of late, you know we’ve had a hard time, hurry and fatigue have rendered it impossible for me to write to the friends as I would like to and now we are packed like herring on a river boat but like all times we make the best of it knowing we’re getting a little nearer home. It has been the severest trial we’ve ever had and the Corps will not be worth much for two months and we expect to go into camp somewhere in Ky. [Kentucky] and recruit both in health and numbers. Miss. [Mississippi] is a terribly hot dusty country and now that we begin to feel the northern breeze we realize fully what an oven we’ve been in and strength and cheerfulness are returning somewhat. The most outrageous conduct attended the whole Jackson Campaign from the 4th [of] July the morning after the fall of Vicksburg. We started to cut off Johnston and altho the fight at J. [Jackson] was not of the Virginia kind, we had to endure quarter rations, constant stir and fatigue and alarm. We’re under fire some twenty-four hours with no battery to protect us and but for the fact that the enemy could not find out our exact position we should have fared hard for we were right under a battery. But “Benjamin’s” and “Edward’s” got a position at last and pelted away savagely one morning (see my “diary” if it ever gets home. Directed to B. with a letter) and the Rebels who got the idea that we were short of artillery, soon found who was around and the battery was silent “right soon” and we marched to the rear under a fearful fire of shell from “B. and E.” The Ninth Corps done the principal business at ‘Jackson’ [Mississippi] and the 35th Mass. was the first to enter the city. There’s a “history” to be written of this whole affair! The western boys got the idea that the eastern troops couldn’t fight! but when we left that notion was pretty fully dispelled and Gen. Grant gave us great praise, as well as the ‘boys’, and they said it must be in officers, not the men, “for better soldiers are nowhere to be found.” The simple fact is the southern armies have not the standup to them that the armies of Va. possess and had we met any of the Genl’s of Lee’s army we should have had hard work. The fight and game is well knocked out of [the] ‘Secesh’ down here and altho there may be some jobs, the heavy work is done and Richmond, Charleston and Chattanooga remain. I was awful sorry that Lee got the “inside track” but Morgan and the rioters are quelled. Couldn’t I have given the latter “some”! Boston got great praise for the treatment of mobs. The boys here are fierce I tell you and would [have] liked the privilege of treating with them. Had a letter from Allie (July 30) and a paper from Will yesterday. Shall mail this at Cairo [Illinois] where we hope to be tomorrow. Shall soon pass Columbus and “Island No. 10”. I must add a word for Allie so will give you my best wishes and hope to hear from you as often as possible. Are Frank Whilford and Jimmy Hills going to the army? I saw their names among the draftees. As ever Bro. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Per the Unit History for July 5 – July 23, 1863, the regiment moved towards Jackson, Mississippi, pursuing the retreating Confederates, with relatively few losses on both sides. After an eight-day siege of the city, it was abandoned by the Confederates on July 18. The regiment moved on until it reached Milldale, Mississippi, on July 23. NOTE 2: Although Franklin is identified in the letter as a brother of Jerome, he was actually his brother-in-law and that Jerome used the word “brother” as a form of endearment since the Jaquith and Peirce families were very close. To identify Jerome Peirce’s ancestors, a detailed, well documented 283-page history of the Peirce family written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce was used. It is titled Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, which is now available on Google Books. It traces the Peirce family history back to John Pers in England, who was born in about 1588 and died in 1661. In that account, the entire Peirce family that Jerome was a part of is listed, and there is no Franklin shown among Jerome’s siblings. However, the genealogy information found for the Jaquith family on ancestry.com shows that Allie (Albinia) had a brother by the name of Franklin, who also went by “Frank.” He was born in 1839 and died in 1922. Furthermore, in an 1864 letter Allie wrote, “I will be coming to Orange with my brother Frank.” As indicated in this letter and as alluded to in other letters, Franklin Jaquith also served in the Union Army. There are several men named Franklin Jaquith listed in the National Park Service’s Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database, so that it is not possible to determine which unit he belonged to. NOTE 3: The Battle of Jackson, fought on May 14, 1863, in Jackson, Mississippi, was part of the Vicksburg Campaign. Union commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee defeated elements of the Confederate Department of the West, commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston, seizing the city, cutting supply lines, and opening the path to the west and the Siege of Vicksburg. This battle was fought prior to the date when this letter was written. After Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863, the 36th Massachusetts moved to Jackson, Mississippi, a distance of approximately 46 miles. NOTE 4: The “Benjamin’s and Edward’s” (Or “B and D”) almost certainly refers to two artillery batteries commanded by two union officers (probably lieutenants) by those surnames who commanded those batteries. It was common to refer to units by the name of the commanding officer instead of by their official numerical and state/federal designations. Lt. Samuel N. Benjamin was in charge of Battery E, 2nd U.S. Artillery, 2nd Div., IX Army Corps. His name is mentioned once in the Unit History. Edwards’s name does not appear in the Unit History, which is not surprising because the artillery batteries were not part of the 36th Massachusetts. However, there are several men named “Edwards” in the National Park Service’s Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database who served in artillery positions. Presumably the “Edwards” that Jerome referred to was one of them. 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 "Brother" Franklin Jaquith, July 9, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Jaquith, Franklin "Hiwatha" Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Brother" Franklin Jaquith (Actually Jerome's brother-in-law) 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 1863-07-09 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 4 6.15 X 8.8 11 X 8.8 5.9 X 8.8 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 #138 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On-board the steamer "Hiwatha" on the Mississippi River above Fort Pillow "Hiwatha" Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8f3f9f591dcc62f855811e4c752ecf66.jpg f4a47652189cbe6caa382aac2552fb2a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0051d4f9bc346385db2adfa2d95c20e3.jpg 7aad7f13e830c06dda241b0f11892668 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/169b9a0f3071d9c577f946b1f657a7a5.jpg f49d9a0262e8c02b03f755f72a0d7743 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tazewell Tenn. Dec. 13 1863 My dear family and friends, Again ‘tis Sabbath morning and oh how I wish I could join you, instead of attempting to write in this uncongenial scene. But a soldier must be used to everything and I feel like I am having experiences. Have been here since last Sabbath when we returned from the ford near Clinch River. Have been busy with the Quartermaster handling stores as this is a post now where supplies have to be loaded and unloaded, transferred to the post commissary etc. etc. without end and a great deal of night work. But we have good living and sleep under cover which is much tho the weather is warm and delightful for the most part. The Rebels in this vicinity have been compelled to fall back or change their position and the 9th Corps are about 25 miles from here at Rutledge and with others are pressing Longstreet with a view to capturing them in a body. We have a lot of provisions in a house close by and things are decidedly favorable and it is only by a series of unblushing lies that the rebel leaders keep up the spirit of their men. From all accounts I have been rescued from much hardship and even death for if accounts be true, the man who took the colors from me was killed at Knoxville during the late struggle there. Of the future I know nothing. Am trying to get my pay. Whether I finally join the Regt or not I can’t tell. The Quartermaster so far seems satisfied with me and it may prove a permanent thing. He is absent today at the front (at the Corps) and when he returns I shall probably know what is to be done. You must be patient. Everything you well know has to be done “just so” and it takes time. If I remain here shall have a way of getting my pay etc. I know how much you need it, but if I can work into a place here I shall learn more about business and after a year’s hard service with the Regt. I shall do the best I can especially in a pecuniary point. Things are now quiet here and it is a mere depot of supplies. And if the rebels are disposed of and the six months men soon go home for are no others to speak of even this will be broke up and so it stands. The mail was forward yesterday, mine with the rest, I expect, but I hope to receive it yet. It is quite a trial to be away off here not a word from home, yet there is no other safe way yet awhile. Among the number employed here is a gentleman of education from Indiana, in (one of the six months men) a private, an independent character, and we find time to chat books and the better things of home, generally so that life is not quite a blank and with my reading I manage to keep the rust of. Yesterday, you would have been amused I think, mending and making all day what time I had from my duties. Patched my tent-cloth. Ditto blanket, both having holes burned in them sleeping out of doors by the fire. Washed out haversack and other bags. Then made a new box to knapsack, etc. so that I am all in condition to move or keep still. Today I devote to writing and reading. I always if possible try and distinguish someway Sunday. Hope to succeed, better today than sometimes, as the chief is absent and things necessarily are at a standstill. Have just finished a letter to the “Socials” commenced some days since (Directed it to William Finney). How do you all? There are more I ought to write to but positively I cannot. More difficult than when with the Rgt. Will C. and his father and the girls. You must for the present share them as to all. Little Lulu too, but there is little I could wish her to see or know of my life here. The birds are silent and no flowers to send her. All is fear and desolation of season and war’s red hand. You are having, I trust, the good word today with the comforts and quiet of home in full. There are two or three buildings here designed as meeting houses but like the rest devoted to hospital or other army purposes. So we still live within ourselves, or the precious memories of the past and what could we do without them! Have written you but once a week of late. Two weeks ago at the Gap and from here last Sabbath. Life is monotonous and confused. Hope to know soon what I am to do and can feel more settled and contented. Mailed a letter to Fosters the other day. Am reading regularly as possible. Jeremiah, Proverbs, Psalms, 1st Ep[istles], and Corinthians and gleam great comfort therefrom. And so goes life. Tell father and mother I know I ought to have some word especially for them for their care and kindness to mine as the New Year approaches, but they are not forgotten and they must accept a cordial “Christmas” and “New Years” from me with the hope that we may see by and by some compensation for these days of separation and disorder. Dear Allie, I still have yours of the 8th and 16 Nov[ember] to look over and hope for more soon. Can think of no more for the present. May the good Father still keep you in his care, in health and peace till we meet. A kiss for Lulu. Tell her Papie is living in a house a little while just now and thinks much of her. My Ind[iana] friend (Mr. Major) much admires her picture, one of the child pictures. He loves to see so I must prize it all the more. Regards to Mr. Salloway, always and all friends. Once more adieu and ever your loving husband, Jerome Have you heard of late from Mr. Ellis (Walpole)? Tell them if opportunity offers why we or I have not written them. What of the Prestons? Dreamed of them last night. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 2: This letter references a number of family friends: Prestons, Salloway, Ellis, William Finney and Will C. NOTE 3: It is not clear what the “Socials” refers to. Mr. Finney appears to be one of their number. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to "Family and friends", December 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Family and friends Tazewell, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Family and friends Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Pierce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-12-13 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (trasncriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.08 X 8.08" - 1st Scan "10.08 X 8.08" - 2nd Scan "5.08 X 8.08" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #183 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tazewell, TN Family and friends Jerome Peirce Tazewell TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4ab1c0608782ed668c9f3bd11480746b.jpg af1ac31004ed6764f3e843a66aecadd9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dc4e2d0efb6eaee20b2fe6c429fdda71.jpg 5de954a1cbb894980d5a799b398d3edf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/759458416673bb8407b83332935879e3.jpg 73f285ec993a46dff3f03247adbeffdd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/54a94d6ec306c544a841d9bab324509b.jpg e19cc028a9f94fb528c293c6d458b662 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp Nelson, Ky. Nov. 1st 1863 My dear family and friends, A warm beautiful Sabbath morning. Am sitting on the grass besides our teams. All in line ready for starting but waiting for the forage train to supply us before leaving. Came down here last eve. without any accident and working everything nicely. Animals becoming more docile and used to it, and their drivers. Made out to read a psalm as I sat here, and my thoughts turn homeward and wondering if it is as pleasant a day with you, and if you are all well and at church? I trust so. Mailed you a letter yesterday. Am feeling excellently well and hope for a safe passage to the Regt. 5 P.M. Started out and went to Lancaster, 14 miles. Muddy, tired and hungry as usual. Supper and to bed, about 11 o’clk such was this Sunday’s work. Monday 2nd Nov. Started out about 8 o’clk. Got along finely and went into park (a halt) about 3 o’clk PM. Warm and pleasant and here I sit upon the ground, waiting for corn for the mules and writing. Evening. Little past 7 o’clk. Have been to the Convalescent Camp nearby and to the hospitals downtown. Found most of them, and all of my own Co. [Company] gaining. Some on duty. Saw Sumner Morse. He is on duty here and doing nicely. You remember Miss Hall that we met at Mr. Phipp’s! Her brother died yesterday, a sad case. The boys have written home. Saw Frank Crafts. He is gaining too. Saw the Chaplain, Mr. Canfield, was very cordial and had a pleasant time and chat with him. Is suffering from chills and fever. Was going to the Regt. or home soon, might have to go to Regt first. He tells us one train is going via Somerset, instead of the route we took by Mt. Vernon etc. The roads are better and nearer. Says our Regt. was at London, Tenn., 30 miles below Knoxville. I and they talked of winter quarters. This must be taken with caution, this “Winter Quarters,” but I do hope I shall find them nearby. There is a rumor here that Col. Goodell is dead from his wounds but hope it is only a rumor. We passed the Col. of the 8th Mich., on his way home. I suppose he brought the item about our location, etc. I am writing by candlelight in the wagon upon barrels, hay, etc. Both the other boys are now writing. If we go to Somerset, I don’t know when I shall mail again, for it is not always a train stop by daylight so long, and I assure you it is busy, tiresome work. I fear ‘tis blowing up another storm. Am feeling in excellent health and trust you are all well, for I can do and endure if you will only keep well, as I have often told you. There is news of success in E. [East] Tennessee by Genl. Hooker and Burnside etc., that we had flanked Bragg, got possession of “Lookout Mountain,” and following Bragg who was retreating etc., etc., etc. All which we can hope is true. We are in a pleasant ground near the village, Crab Orchard, on high ground, and if the Regt. was here, could endure very well for awhile. But I must close. Please tell the friends I am well when you write. I mailed a letter from Camp Nelson on Sat. As ever yours, Jerome Expect to start in the morning. Not quite so wearing as the knapsack, yet. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to "Family and friends", November 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Family and friends Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Family and friends" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-11-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Nathan Varnold (trasncriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.41 X 3.17" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.20" - 2nd Scan "9.93 X 8.20" - 3rd Scan "4.96 X 8.20" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #174 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Nelson, Ky. Camp Nelson Family and friends Jerome Peirce KY