1 10 38 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3872e450ae4ce25ea26dbc29a29dde39.jpg e3e6ef5866e08e8a574d4306881157f1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/56f23a060ac5d0044d627144d7ef30fb.jpg 2a0df396ab30ee9a3356fa7f75106f88 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dbc2dfd4abd54b8ec6c9e5ea3ca5b15b.jpg 7ec361a4ba4ef127562412860c88bda7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ebf10cc51497425e9a51376f27fa97c.jpg 71ea5a250566cbc064bf70d473b0a315 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 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp near Alexandria, Va. Tues. morning 26 Apr. ‘64 Allie dear, Arrived from Annapolis last Eve. some four miles from Washington in a little valley towards A. [almost certainly Alexandria] near Fort Scott. Left Annapolis Sat. morning. A tedious little march but I am happy to tell you I am very well indeed in lameness. Feel like myself again. A great day yesterday tho [???] Washington where we were received very enthusiastically Genl. B. [Burnside] and Pres. Lincoln on the balcony of Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed, some forty thousands “Company front” and a splendid sight. Henry Mayo’s and Nelson Smith’s folks “there to see.” Came with Joseph H. who met me on the street at W. [Washington] and is writing by my side. He is well and feels repaid for all he has been thru with. Cannot write you much now. Have no idea where and when we go from here and it seems to be a secret no one can even guess. We imagine to the South side of the James [River], Suffolk perhaps. Expect Mr. Mayo and Smith here today. The boys got a ‘Pass’ and remained in W. [Washington] last night. Had a good sight of W. [Washington] City and the men, women and children treating us to everything, not the Washington of 1861! The president looks pale and careworn very. J.A. is detailed to Genl. Parke’s Hd Qurs. [Headquarters]. Orderly same as with Genl. Ferrero who commands the Black Troops. Hope to hear from you today. We’re in First Brigade Second Division now. Direct accordingly via Washington, D.C. Weather getting warm and we’re reducing Baggage fast. Mr. Heath from C [very likely “Charlestown”] is here. Came from Annapolis, as attentive as ever. He may mail this for me. Give love to all. Will write more first opportunity. Hope the money all reached you safely. Tell me all about. As ever yours, Jerome J.H. sends love, disappointed not seeing you. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Boston Globe article of May 29, 1994, included the following excerpt from this letter: “A great day yesterday. Thro Washington, where we were received very enthusiastically. Genl. B., President Lincoln on the balcony of the Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed…The boys got a “pass” and remained in W. last night. Had a good sight of W. City…The president looks pale and careworn – very.” NOTE 2: The Unit History of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment describes the review by General Burnside and President Lincoln that Peirce wrote about as follows: “On the evening of the 22d [April 1864] the command was ordered to be in readiness to march, and before daylight of the 23d the delightful camp was broken up, and the corps took up its line of march, not toward the harbor, but in the direction of Washington, following the line of the Elk Ridge and Annapolis Railroad. After a march of thirteen miles the corps bivouacked in the fields for the night. Very early on the 24th the march was resumed. In about six hours we reached the Baltimore and Washington Turnpike, and at nightfall the corps went into camp near Bladensburg, distant about eight miles from the city of Washington. At four o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 25th, reveille was sounded but, owing to a severe shower, the regiment did not march until about eight o'clock. When the march was resumed the corps passed through Bladensburg and continued in the direction of the city. We reached the outskirts of the capital about noon, and halted on New York Avenue for the command to close up, as we were to pay marching salute to the President and General Burnside, who were to review us from balcony of Willard's Hotel. It soon became known that the corps was to pass through the city, and the streets along the line of march were densely packed. The column was greeted with cheers and applause. Many spirited descriptions of this imposing scene were published at the time in the journals of the day.” NOTE 3: The following information about President Lincoln at the Willard Hotel was found on the website http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/sites/willards.htm: “Located only a few blocks from the White House (at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue), the Willard Hotel has welcomed many U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. The present building, completed in 1904, stands on the site of the original building which Lincoln knew. The first known visit of Lincoln to Willard's came at the end of his single term in Congress on January 27, 1849. Lincoln became a hotel guest shortly before his first inauguration as president in 1861. He arrived abruptly on February 23 after an assassination plot in Baltimore changed his travel plans. He was joined soon after by his wife and sons, remaining until his inauguration on March 4. Because Willard's was a social and political hub, Lincoln probably stopped by a number of times while president. However, only a few can be verified: A visit with Mrs. Lincoln on July 6, 1861, to attend a concert and his review of troops with General Burnside on April 25, 1864. 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 26, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near Alexandria, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-04-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource U.S. National Park Service, Lake of the Woods 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). 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 #213A Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Alexandria, VA. Alexandria Allie Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7f7f649b2dd8b902aa7bd3983cda7038.jpg b2ed18473e16c5e08375a5a3b3c362d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3c310fa8f6562d5b579038f3e63463c5.jpg 8f294dd18d96a98264ef01b7248c1f1b 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Annapolis Md 21st Apr 1864 Dear friends, Your kind letter with J.H.’s came to hand today and I was most happy to receive it. I need not tell you how much I thought of J.H. and of his brief visit home. His first leave of absence! How much is contained in it! Well he may say “he was repaid for all he had endured”! He and I had often pictured how he would like to surprise you late at night etc., etc. as it seems he did. I trust nothing occurred to mar for a moment the pleasure of the visit. Hope Allie and Lulu were in time to meet him. With us there is nothing new. Altho indications are that we shall soon move for somewhere soon. Orders for clothing, arms and equipments for field service are circulating. New arrangements of brigades etc. The 57th Mass arrived last eve and they say will be in our brigade. The most notable feature is the weather, rain every day to some extent. Now a fitful shower is upon us, just enough to keep us inside. There is nothing of interest. I do not often leave camp and it is as dull as any quiet place. Harland Metcalf was here yesterday. Looks finely, and dresses in citizens dress and mounted. Attached to Gen. Burnside in some capacity. The Army suits him “I reckon”. Does he bestow the accustomed attention upon his family? Have a letter from Edwd. Peirce to J.H. Took the liberty to read. Nothing special for news. (It’s hailing now.) Expect you had a fine time at the party. Well Joe is quite a hero and has “smelt powder” and as you see don’t look much the worse for his experience, and I trust will yet come safely off. A letter from [Bro.???] Haynes, or Edwd. and Martha I should say, tells me Danl. and Mother were there. She speaks quite encouragingly of him. Hope with reason I think Foster will be decided about it. A sad history, these lost opportunities and wasted lives. If Allie is with you tell her I mailed a valuable letter to her this morning which I hope she will receive. I shall hear from her probably soon. The boys are well, tho Edward W. and Nelson S. have been ailing slightly for a day or two. I hope our movements will not prevent the visitors [Note: Possibly missing words] There must be many changes at home. How long will Henry G. stay in Boston? But really I can think of nothing to interest and J.H. has pictured the thing all out to you so I must close. Remember [Note: Possibly missing “me”] to the friends all. Did you receive my letter, for J.H. too, from Covington, Ky? Write as often as you can and believe me as ever, Your Brother Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “J.H.” or “Joe” Jerome referred to was almost certainly Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a private in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a private. 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 was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 2: From December 20, 1863, until April 3, 1864, the regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. During this time, the lack of adequate rations, clothing and equipment presented more challenges to the men than did the Confederates. In this letter, written at Annapolis and dated April 21, 1863, he wrote that the men anticipated that they might soon be facing fighting against the Confederates because they were issued clothing, arms and equipment for field service. On April 23, 1864, just two days later, the regiment left its camp and marched to Washington, D.C., reaching the capital two days later. There, the Ninth Corps, including the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Burnside from the balcony of the Willard Hotel to the cheers and well wishes of a large crowd. (See his letter dated April 26, 1864, for a description of the review and his impression of the appearance of President Lincoln.) The regiment then went into camp at Alexandria, Virginia, until the next day. Although they had expected to go on a coastal expedition, possibly to North Carolina, the men of the Ninth Corps were instead assigned to guard the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in northern Virginia. They started their march toward the Rappahannock River on April 27, 1864, passing through Fairfax Court House, Centerville, Bristow Station, and Manassas, Virginia. The regiment was assigned to a camp at Catlett’s Station, Virginia. The Ninth Corps was soon in position, scattered along the railroad line from Fairfax to the Rappahannock River, having relieved the troops of the Army of the Potomac, which were now concentrated near the Rapidan River. The men of the 36th Massachusetts struck their tents on the morning of May 4, having been ordered to move towards the Rapidan River, which they crossed at daylight on May 5 at Germanna Ford using the pontoon bridges that had been recently erected by the Army of the Potomac. They were now part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, and they would participate in the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Jerome was killed at Spotsylvania early on the morning of May 12, 1864, just 21 days after this letter was written. NOTE 3: The 57th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a brand-new regiment at the time Jerome wrote this letter. The men were from Worcester and Reedville, Massachusetts, and were mustered into service on April 6, 1864. They moved to Annapolis, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, on April 18 - 20, 1864. They subsequently participated in all major battles in Virginia until the end of the war and were mustered out on July 30, 1865. The 57th Regiment lost 10 officers and 191 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 65 enlisted men to disease. NOTE 4: The phrase “smelt (or smelled) powder”, with “powder” referring to gunpowder, was used to describe a soldier who had been in battle. NOTE 5: When Jerome referred to a “valuable” letter (as he does in other letters), he meant that he had enclosed cash in that letter for Allie after being recently paid. 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/Brother [Name not indicated], April 21, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] Annapolis, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] 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 1864-04-21 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). 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 #211 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Annapolis Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5848f784790679ddf56384aca2e8c7e3.jpg ea2cb70725e8fe8c6bc5c606e9592647 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2122d5128a6025de947acee8d99d3c16.jpg b1ae5c589f2e4643dcbf27edb35021d1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/09deeaea1cf4e219edb20a7934980f19.jpg b62d6384cb51468496de91e24ec6b8a0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/616c88f5fc126e7d1f9408af8e018cb9.jpg df6104b802b87a565f98964b730c53cb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ffa320383eec06d79f4e59cccea1d50a.jpg 4216993e21519d35c473561fbcf16c87 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c4e4aadd75a080e81273c13ddae6a3f9.jpg e0e4ec95ff6207ba52d24dbe216dc406 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Annapolis Md. 20th Apr. 1864 My dearest wife, Time is indeed flying and another day is almost departed. For a moment, I’m alone and I thought I would begin something to you. Need I assure you how much I am with you in spirit and thought now we are so near? Yesterday I watched for the forenoon mail, but nothing came, but after we were nicely cuddled under the blanket, “Mail! Mail!” and soon the Sergeant gave me three nice letters. I struck a light (we have candles now) and read them, (yours of Sund [Sunday] 17th), one from Edw’d. Haynes and his Mother, so I went to sleep in better mood, if possible. Your letter done me good and the kindly inquiry of friends and their sympathy for you is much and does much to keep up heart and hope of the soldier. The black regiments are an interesting feature of life here, and it is curious to see what a universal compliment awaits them from the rest of the boys, many who have been bitter haters of the negro, acknowledge their disappointment and say, “only give them discipline and good leaders and they will be enough for anything.” I take pleasure in recording this for the gratification of those who [are] at home and doing in their noble way something for the cause. And what is so striking, here in Md., is the total change in the public feeling and the rapid progress the state is making in free principles. See President’s speech at the opening of the fair at Baltimore. But two events, Dear Allie. Ben has gone to Mass. and his commission. Seemed very happy and has the “God speed” of all who know him. I trust he may “come safely off.” ‘Tis not for a soldier to talk of danger, but I cannot wonder at the certain feeling of deep fear for all who serve in the black Regts., especially after the late affair at Fort Pillow. But I trust the savages will yet be brought to a sense of their position before the world and find out that it moves. Did I tell you that I have obtained a most kindly and cordial “recommend” from Lieutenant D. I had not told you that Lieut. Hodgkins suddenly left for home, and I gave it to Major Draper, who as kindly and cordially, endorsed the same, wishing me all success and so Rev. Haynes hast it, or will by tomorrow and that is the way things are going. (Good night. ‘tis dark.) Tentmate has just lit one of the aforesaid candles and I proceed. (Band playing near by.) ‘Tis a pleasant scene here in camp. Maj. D[raper]’s wife, Capt. Barker, Lieut. D, Sergeant Major Davidson are here and some gentlemen visitors, kindly faces from home. But our officers are returning and drill begins to more “military” forenoon and afternoon. (Had a little practice this a.m. myself.) Rumors begin to circulate about the new arrangement, and today came the order to draw clothing for an active campaign in the field. Cooks to be in readiness to receive and prepare five days rations etc. which don’t move us much. Altho’ everything now is probable. We expect to lose Gen’l. Ferrero who is to command the colored troops, so they will have something to do for he fights to hurt. Well, about finances. I have received [Erasure] months pay, [Erasure] as Sergt., [Erasure] in all. Have sent you by mail [Erasure]. Ben E., Sergt. Woodward and Lieut. H. [Hodgkins] mailed them from here. I hope all will reach you safely. I shall enclose [Erasure] in this making [“mailing”?] [Erasure] and I [Erasure] send you at least [Erasure] of the next payment, but fear we shall be away before we’re paid, which ought to be in a month. I had [Erasure] the stern necessities of life in Tenn. Compelled or suffer and I reserve the rest of [Erasure] for [Erasure]. That is [Erasure] I assure you I have done little of late that gave me the happiness this has and I know how well you will use it. Shall feel anxious ‘till I hear it is all safe, but I believe it is the safest way or as safe at least, as any. Express charges are high and checks we had none. The last was sent to father (for A.J.P.). Well, Dan P. and mother are at Boston and the friends or Martha spoke very encouragingly of him. Had had a serious talk (of his own seeking, etc.) and he had indicated a determination to do better, etc. Heaven help him and unite his family once more. Have you seen Ellen yet? (Lizzie O., they tell me, is off for Oregon to teach school! Lucy told me. Wedns. eve, and I wonder what you are all doing? The young visitors I suppose. Am quite happy as I read of your good times. I trust war and high prices will not suppress all the good old fashioned enjoyment in our homes. And Lulu, I wish you can get another picture of her and send me. Am glad she was so good at church. How I would have enjoyed the time. We have some sweet singing birds here and as soon as the flowers spring, I will send her some. She must send me some of the first violets that grow by Suckers Brook. Oh, for one of our strolls there and to “Prospect Hill”! But I will finish tomorrow. A long time since I’ve written by candlelight! Have written Jenney and Mr. Ellis. Will [Insert “write”?] Miss Walker soon. I know I ought to do better by her. I perfectly revere her and I don’t know why I haven’t remembered her oftener by letter. The “good and true” friends of my earlier days are remembered now, believe me. (Once more a kiss and good night.) Thurs. [Thursday] morn. [morning]. Mail goes soon and I can only add a word. Breakfast of hashed potato, cold ham and beans stewed, coffee. Letters from Orange to H.H. all say J. H. got home Sat. P.M. Will be back tomorrow or next day. The 57th Regt. arrived last eve, some of our old officers among them. One of the new Regts. to be in our brigade, hope ‘twill be the 59th. I enclose some pictures for Lulu cut out of a paper handed out [at] camp, some beautiful verses. The “Old Saints” question Ben learned by heart while in the rifle pits at Knoxville during the siege and repeated to me. Kept it. I’m feeling nicely again. Love to all as ever. Hope Mary will write me when she gets to her school. As ever, your Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following note, on a separate piece of paper in the envelope, seems to clarify the dollar amounts which were erased in the main letter and how much money and how Jerome sent it home. I have received 6 months’ pay, ten [???] as Sergt. $86.00 in all. Have sent you by mail $65.00, three twenties. Ben E., Sergt. Woodward and Lieut. H. [Hodgkins] mailed them. $5.00 from here. I shall enclose $10.00 in this. Hope to be able to send you at least $25.00 of the next payment I had [???] ($6.00) to pay etc. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The Battle of Fort Pillow, which ended with the Fort Pillow massacre, was fought on April 12, 1864, at Fort Pillow on the Mississippi River in Henning, Tennessee. The battle ended with a massacre of African-American Union troops and their white officers attempting to surrender by soldiers under the command of Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Fort Pillow became one of the most controversial battles of the war. The question remains whether General Forrest ordered the massacre (as the Union press immediately claimed), knew of but did nothing to stop it or even encouraged the massacre, or, as Forrest later alleged, had nothing to do with the spontaneous action of soldiers enraged at seeing former slaves fighting them with guns. The Fort Pillow massacre became a major political issue in the North, and it increased support for the war. NOTE 2: It appears that Jerome might have been recommended to receive an officer’s commission, but nothing ever came of it. NOTE 3: For some reason, Jerome erased all references to specific dollar amounts regarding his pay and how much money he was sending home to Allie in the main letter. The separate note provides clarification and details. 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 20, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #210 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e007963b658c34968c232cdd99f7d55d.jpg 1fa86f27d54977018c3bfcfd97bb0772 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a6bcec105fa72ec886c6424f62cf50c2.jpg 3497c8757c792ca641609c5abf36b76a 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 18 Apr 1864 Dear Allie, By Lieut. Hodgkins for safer mailing. $20.00 In haste. Quite well, Jerome Ben goes home today. Commission came and all right. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Jerome periodically sent home portions of his salary to Allie, as mentioned in several of his letters. NOTE 2: When Jerome was promoted from corporal to sergeant on January 1, 1864, his salary increased from $13.00 to $17.00 per month. Consequently, the $20.00 he sent was a significant amount. NOTE 3: The envelope for this letter was addressed to “Capt. F. Jaquith, Billerica, Mass.” It includes a notation that reads, “For A.J.P.” The initials stand for Albinia J. Peirce. The envelope is postmarked “Boston, Mass. Apr. 25”. Presumably, Jerome gave the envelope to Lieut. Hodgkins, who likely went to Massachusetts on leave and subsequently mailed it in Boston on April 25, 1864. NOTE 4: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. 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 Capt. F. Jaquith, April 18, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Capt. F. Jaquith [Not indicated] Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Capt. F. 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 1864-04-18 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). 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 #209 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant [Not indicated] [Not indicated] Capt. F. Jaquith Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/24248c92b72687f90dc0894b281aeff7.jpg d48708877e7ca057eccf8601f58e47cc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/80b08da02220f6791793dc7ac74608ff.jpg 4941c2b5e259016c9c54b3f8cd4acb7b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/063cebb1eaef496c157b54b97a7e2f1d.jpg 278bc8c9faa46af0d886428f69d4012d 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Annapolis, Md. 16 Apr /64 Allie Wife Dear You’ll receive at least two letters in a day of the same date, the last a few moments ago which I was obliged to scribble off in an instant catching the first thing in the shape of a pencil, which proved to be red (present from J.H. a long while ago). I explain. After being paid off last Eve. it occurred to me that the neighborhood is somewhat dangerous about pay-day. I thought it a little safer to mail away from this City and sent some by Ben (who was delayed by missing the train last Eve.) but started at 6 o’clock this morning to meet “his Amy” at Baltimore. At the 11th hour the orderly (Woodward of Orange) started for home on furlough. Is enclosed $20.00 more ($40.00 in all) to mail near home. Trust it will come safe to hand, and I will forward as I can more so will have no trouble but accepting at once with as much pleasure as “your lord” sends the same. Rainy today and we are all crowded in tent, five rather close. Have plenty of stationery, thread etc., etc. but not enough stamps. Please forward occasionally. Another item. The Lieut. Daniels just gave me a most expressive and handsome letter of recomendation [sic] (I fear I am a bad speller.) for promotion to Gov. Andrew! Gave it to Adjt. (Lieut. Hodgkins) who will put it through as early as possible. The Regimental commanders are absent and other commissions are “hanging fire” because the Regt. is not full enough to warrant their “mustering in” so after all. I am getting on as well as can be expected. The Adjt. called the Lieut.’s letter a good thing. Trust I have merited it. Hope you may see it sometime. Ben Haynes will receive it finally, didn’t think to take a copy of it. If a recommend is worth anything, that ought to do it. Many of the officers’ wives are here. Mrs. D., a pleasant, pretty lady, was hostess last Eve. Am much with the Edwards’s. Geo. is not well. Old complaint. Ought not to be here. You spoke of Mrs. Robinson, married, husband killed. etc. I remember her. What a fate! Don’t think I fear a commission. I merely mention that trails do not end there, but a strong mind is quite as much in demand there. We have some fine men among officers. Moral and high-minded, companionable. But I must close. Am feeling better. Side ache gone. [On the margin of Page 1:] I enclose $5.00. Write at once if all is recvd. [On the top of Page 1:] It does seem so good to [???] in 36 hours from home. You will act accordingly towards. Your Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: John Albion Andrew (1818-1867) was governor of Massachusetts from Jan. 3, 1861, until Jan. 4, 1866. He would have had to approve the promotions for the men in the Massachusetts regiments. NOTE 2: Per the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864, and went into camp. During this time, the lack of adequate rations, clothing and equipment presented more challenges to the men than did the Confederates. In the Company Muster Roll for November – December 1863, Peirce was recorded as “Present.” In the following Company Muster Roll, i.e., for January – February 1864, Peirce was recorded as “Present” with the rank of “Sergt.” A notation indicated “Promoted from Corpl. Jan. 1, 1864.” That promotion increased his pay from $13.00 per month to $17.00 per month. NOTE 3: Per the Unit History: April 23 – April 27, 1864. On April 23, 1864, the regiment left its camp in Annapolis and marched toward Washington, D.C., reaching the capital two days later. There, the Ninth Corps, including the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Burnside from the balcony of the Willard Hotel to the cheers and well wishes of a large crowd of citizens of Washington. It then went into camp at Alexandria, Virginia, until April 27, 1864. 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 16, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-16 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). 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 #208 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/628c85ce82e20c86c8626244920f2b47.jpg 4f65a16cab8bc10abfebe5efe7da91be https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e8ad7763fbfd33aa24f6f1308576d780.jpg df932b78a1e4b7abcff5ff795dc6f825 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/427fc4bf566110a80b4cd3f5d3d17681.jpg 42956e01c996f3958bbf5f7265b694f8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4178d406a276f4e85ddedf706a965c81.jpg 24528c683b1d35f31ec327973b4c3915 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e1dfbe77cf1710f9a323ce389f7fa813.jpg 5447c150a0a3bec234854c9c577f887e 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Annapolis, Md 15th Apr 1864 Well my dear little wife Here I am in my tent with your letters of 10th and 12th inst. and now for a word in reply. Life is very quiet here. Camp duty, guard, etc. in which I have had my share. I did not expect you could come to see me, would it were otherwise. I saw the Adjt. [Adjutant] today and inquired if my commander (Lieut. Daniels) had said a word for me yet. He is too busy with his wife here, but I am going to stir him up as soon as he comes. As we are near home, I shall make the most of it and better myself if possible and then perhaps we can meet sometime before my time expires. But Allie I dare not think too much about it for several reasons. One is my health. Now don’t be frightened but I am manifestly injured for carrying a knapsack. Have felt nicely since arriving here but took a little cold by changing clothing or sleeping and have had a smart little attack of something like pleurisy (spelt right?), pain in side etc., something like my trouble at Orange one fall. I hope warm weather will bring my usual strength but shall not go to the front with a knapsack if I find myself unfit if I can avoid it when the next movement is perfected which ‘they say’ will be first of June or so. But to other subjects. In scarcely everything else and that will be principly [principally] in having clean clothes, washing being a difficult job to me. Ben has just left for Baltimore to meet his wife. 24 hours pass. His Commission is delayed unaccountably at Washington. As it was issued from Mass. sometime in Mch. [March] if not earlier. So you see the difficulties attaining these things. No position would tempt me a moment to be a soldier only for the cause! I am indignant at the limited furlough granted to this Corps after what they have endured the past year. Had a nice dinner in Ben’s tent today. One of the occupants is quite an accomplished cook and so we had a nice corn starch pudding, milk and eggs in it etc. A box Ben rec’d from home containing some of the extras with our Army fare. Boiled ham, potatoes and soft b(r)ead. Another item. Had two pleasant visits to town with Ben. A quaint old place, reminding me of old Salem Mass very much. Old buildings, streets running from the State House like spokes of a wheel. The former being in the centre nearly surrounded by boats. Fine monuments at the Naval School. One of the naval officers who fell in the war with Tripoli of marble and one of granite to Capt. Herndon of the steamer “Central America” which was lost on her way from the Isthmus, whose coolness and bravery saved the passengers and perishing himself. Visited the State House, a grand view from the cupola. Something like ours at Boston, not as large, but very pleasant. They are now repairing it, painting etc. The surrounding country is level and so unlike the vicinity of Boston, but the bay is set off with headlands and delightful places for excursions, while away at the south is the blue line of the Chesapeake Bay. In summer it must be delightful. A small quiet city and plenty of blue water, good chance for boating. By what you say I conclude the 59th Regt is soon to join us. Shall take the first opportunity of seeing the sergeants mentioned. Hope they will be near us. The 56th is close by. Have had a visit from Generals Burnside, Grant and Washburn the other day. Was on guard and did not see Genl. G[rant] close to [us]. We know he is great but looks ordinary as anybody does beside of Burnside. You express dread of our being before Richmond. We don’t feel particularly fearful. Expect to operate in North Carolina and they have the benefit of past experience and I think will improve it. No doubt of sharp work at last but we think it will be done with comparatively a small sacrifice of life. The master wish is to have it done and the war closed. Mr. Lincoln must be made President and Richmond taken with Lee’s Army scattered or captured, and then comes the end. Not till then and we don’t care how quick when all is ready. How glad you get letters from the friends. I have felt little like writing of late but hope to ‘pay up’ sometime. (Will add more by and by.) Sat. morn. Early. Ben mails this in Baltimore. Write if you receive promptly. Quite well. In haste and as ever Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Jerome mentioned his application for a 2nd lieutenant’s commission in other letters also, but, of course, he was still a sergeant when he was killed not long after he wrote this letter. It is interesting to speculate how he might have fared at Spotsylvania Court House (or at subsequent battles) if he had been promoted. NOTE 2: First Lieutenant Henry W. Daniels commanded Company H for a time. He was also killed at Spotsylvania Court House, ironically on the same day that Jerome was killed. He had enlisted as a private at age 23 from Worcester, Massachusetts. NOTE 3: Pleurisy is a type of chest pain. A sharp, stabbing pain causes you to take small, shallow breaths, because it’s worse when you try to breathe deeply. It can cause pain in the side. It is less common now, since it is typically treated with antibiotics. It was the cause of death of Benjamin Franklin. NOTE 4: The SS Central America was a 280-foot side-wheel mail steamer that sank 150 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras in 1857 during a hurricane while sailing from Panama to New York. 426 passengers and crew drowned, but the ship’s captain, William Lewis Herndon, managed to unload 150 passengers to ships in the area that had managed to survive the storm. The Central America had placed its flag at half-mast and fired a gun, gaining the attention of the bark Marine out of Boston. Women and children were loaded into a trio of boats and sent over to the Marine which could not stay in the area due to storm damage. The boat was carrying up to 20 tons of gold from the goldfields. More than 140 later, a treasure hunter found it. A book by Gary Kinder, Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea, describes the voyage. The loss of gold contributed to the financial panic of 1857. NOTE 5: The marble monument was the U.S. Naval Monument, now known as the Tripoli Monument, erected by the officers of the Navy in memory of their brother offers who fell in the war with Tripoli. Apparently, the oldest military statue in the U.S., carved around 1806 in Italy and originally placed in the Washington DC Naval Yard. In 1830, it was moved to the west terrace of the Capital, and then in 1860 it was moved to the grounds of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, where it still is today. A 15-foot rostral column of white marble surmounted by an American eagle and flanked by a figure of Fame. Personifications of history, commerce and America are placed on three corners of the freestone base. The fourth corner is curiously empty. 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 15, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-15 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). 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 #207 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ce74bcff8fb426d25a2b0c03e156d29e.jpg 2f4bba16b19baf8ae09e66b593ca6e4d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f8755f0fee55a5587d3832306f342f5a.jpg eba6c3beead0ceb710921153d1589895 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/50e849135b4f689d4ed2ebb120269391.jpg 70176a0c2df1ce07167b08654b6b656b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9f0f10ead6c5dee16023e9460104c1e7.jpg f63a2ce281079c08c2ba2f78298c97e7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7ed03d26bf34d443621b94492b7625ae.jpg bfc858b379f8b5027aac89b76733c87d 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Mond. Apr 11th, 1864 My Ever dear Allie, (Health improving fast) ‘twas a beautiful day yesterday and I anticipated so much pleasure in writing you and Abbie undisturbed, but was doomed to disappointment and in here I tell you why and finally concluded to wait and hear from you by mail today and so finish. But no news from any one. Perhaps the P.M. mail will yet bring something We are quietly taking camp life. Guard duty, which I have done once. Hope when Col Goodell comes, ‘twill be taken off. Officers all off down town with wives. Expected drill today but I was left undisturbed to make my new ‘chevrons’. Took some pieces of my old pants cut them out, stitched with black to form the stripes and sewed them on so. I think they are quite neat and do you see I sewed at least 75%! For the little things are quite important on duty. I’m all in new Bib & Tucker dark and light blue, new shoes and look well enough to go to meeting with you anywhere, which I should like right well to do in old B. [likely Boston]. When shall I? Alas: I can’t tell. I hope the whole Command would go to Worcester in a body and then home but all looks doubtful now and I can hardly ask a furlough with any chance of success. News, I have none. Have been very busy ever since we came, getting clean and in some sort of order. Our camp looks like Newport News again. ‘A’ tents all white and neat. Four and five in a tent. Pine boughs for bedding etc. etc. I’m alone just now. Suppose you are busy as ever. How often I wish your poor heart and hands more leisure that you can refresh them more. You have my constant thoughts and prayers for all good angels to keep and sustain you. You spoke of reading the Epistle of John 3rd. I believe I read it yesterday and have read them all several times – so comforting and sweet and how appropriate for a letter! Have had very poor opportunities of late for a faithful reading of the ‘word’ but I hope to do so now. Am going thru Ezekial now with other selections which I always add from Psalms or New Test[ament]. While we were having our lunch at Pittsburgh Pa. a lady distributed tracts and the ‘Soldier’s Almanac’. A copy of the latter came to me. A great amount of excellent scripture matter and other items in a little pamphlet which I can fold in my pocket book and I prize it much. I still have the ‘Dew Drops’ which Mary gave me in my vest pocket. I speak of this for I do take real comfort with them. Had a ‘Register’ yesterday. What a loss was Ann King! And yet, as Abbie said, what a living example! One of those deaths which cause us to ask who can fill his place? But I see Dr. Bellows is away for the vacant place. How still it is here just now! How much I wish you were here! ‘twould be delightful – so orderly and home like! J.H. has been here. Is trying for a furlough. Hope he’ll obtain it. Wants you and Lulu to meet him at Orange if he gets home. But more of this if he goes. He wrote you yesterday. But how are all at home? Frank to make a change. Hope it will prove for the best. Am glad you go out to tea. Don’t be afraid of little commotions. Soldiers wives must be privileged somewhat. My regards to Mr. Hill. Should think Mary must have a nice time with her friend Mary M. She must write me soon. Will and Hattie and really housekeeping. Shall write them today. I can’t help but think and sigh for the good time we might have in W now, but must still hope on. Where is darling Lulu? She is running about and hearing the birds sing by this time I suppose. They do here where I go for water. Give her a good kiss for Papa, and you too. I use my toothbrush and am as kissable as ever and always. Your own Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following note, written in red pencil on light blue paper, was enclosed in the same envelope that contained the above letter, along with a small U.S. 34-star flag label: Dear Allie, For Safe Mailing $20.00 Per Sergt. Woodward Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following note was written on the back of the small U.S. flag label along with some scribbles, almost certainly made by Lulu: From little Lulu to her dear Papa. May 15th 1864 TRANSCRIPTION NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from which Jerome wrote this letter is not indicated in his letter. However, there is little doubt that his camp was in or near Annapolis, Md., because his previous letter, dated April 7, 1864, and his following letter, dated April 15, 1864, were both written from Annapolis, Md. See also the following two Notes. NOTE 2: Per the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. NOTE 3: Per the Unit History: April 23, 1864 – April 27, 1864. On April 23, the regiment left its camp in Annapolis and marched toward Washington, D.C., reaching the capital two days later. There, the Ninth Corps, including the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Burnside from the balcony of the Willard Hotel. NOTE 4: Part of the postmark of the envelope that contained this letter was removed when the stamp on the envelope was cut out. The remaining postmark reads “OR_____, MS. APR. 19”. At the time of the Civil War, the official post office abbreviation for the state of Massachusetts was “Ms.” or “MS”. (At the time, the abbreviation for Mississippi (which is now abbreviated “MS”) was “Mi.” or “MI”. The official abbreviations for the states have changed a number of times, most recently in 1963.) Therefore, it is a virtual certainty that this letter was mailed from Orange, Mass., on April 19, 1864, eight days after Jerome wrote it. Based on the above note referring to the $20.00 and Lt. Woodward (who was from Orange, Mass. per Note 5 below), it is very likely that Lt. Woodward went home on leave to Orange, Mass., and mailed the envelope and its contents from Orange. That explains the elapsed time between the date of the letter and the postmark date. NOTE 5: Per the Unit History: Lt. Philip G. Woodward, from Orange, Mass., enlisted as a sergeant at age 25 on Aug. 6, 1862, in Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to second lieutenant on Oct. 26, 1863, and to first lieutenant on May 15, 1864. He was wounded in action at Cold Harbor, Va., on June 3, 1864, but returned to duty. He was promoted to captain on Oct. 13, 1864, and was mustered out of the service with the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on June 8, 1865. For reference, Jerome Peirce was also from Orange, Mass., he enlisted as a corporal on Aug. 4, 1862, and he also served in Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. In addition to Woodward and Peirce, twenty other men from Orange enlisted between Aug. 4, 1862, and Aug. 8, 1862. NOTE 6: The ‘Register’ newspaper was The Christian Register (1821–1957). It was the leading American Unitarian weekly, published by the American Unitarian Association, Boston, until 1957 when the title was changed to The Unitarian Register. In 1961, the journal merged with The Universalist Leader and is still published today by the Unitarian Universalist Association as UU World. Jerome refers to it in other letters. It also published Allie’s death notice in its March 18, 1920, edition. 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 11, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Location not indicated. Based on previous and next letter, it was written at Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #206 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ee5997f58bef8b5418ec572dfcf8d3c3.jpg 02e806875ae29cbad7987621e6595673 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/abed660972d0b5e1f37664ab824e8abb.jpg 07fbb975c9ee407021b256457e48ee14 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8e912b7547baffa155d88ffa1b033b1f.jpg 8444454cd13f75271737fa0ccb5fdab2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fa3ce645f9c8d411c48f419ba8031873.jpg ec13caa041213c2631b42c7ca2a69b15 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9dae06bfefcced6a935867a90311c97e.jpg 3100838c42fdd5b6a0a6c760174332b0 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 of Rendezvous” Annapolis, Md April 7/64 My ever dear wife and Lulu, Once more I resume the pen to give you the earliest word of my whereabouts and condition. We left Covington [Ky] last Sabbath morning marching to the east end of Cincinnati to the [railroad] cars. By the way, passed on the way the establishment of “John Decamp”, steamboat furnisher, cabinet maker, etc., the husband of your old friend Miss Hill, I suppose. It being Sunday I could not attempt to call of course. After waiting and delay we finally steamed away for the East and stacked arms this morning a little before 8 o’clk. Had a fine entertainment at Pittsburg Pa. at midnight and at Baltimore yesterday till afternoon when we came down her. Thus closing another tedious R[ail] Road campaign. Have no tents pitched yet. Am sitting on my blankets, the sun warm and a gentle wind. The spot is very fine, a vast level plain on the R[ail] Road near the city, here and there woods and orchards, with the numerous camps of the fast gathering old 9th A C [Army Corps]. We expect “A” tents in a few days and then the old camp regulations as at Newport News, and the rest no doubt you will learn by the papers. Have just got a nice letter from Alonzo and Ellen. She has just written you and thought they would soon visit B. [probably “Billerica”] Great things are expected this summer of Genl. Grant and we are to take an active part which no doubt is true. Wish I could write you a long interesting letter but of late you know it has been nothing but hard work and fatigue, and now I am outdoors the wind playing the mischief with paper and the sergeants laying out streets [for the camp] and I expect any moment to be ordered to move. But my first duty and pleasure is to say something to you! As such you must accept it and then I am going to rest up [as] fast as possible. Of my health I will speak a little. Have had a severe cold and coughed a good deal tho the last of the march but that is much better. Have had some lameness in the right leg which manifests itself in the joints occasionally. But I hope rest will cause it to disappear altogether. Appetite good and as I have improved much since arriving at Covington I count myself quite well. The matter of furloughs is all talked of but nothing known. We hope to get home for a brief time and ought to but must only wait and hope for the best. Saw Capt Ames this morning, looking quite well again. Hope if we don’t get furloughs some of the friends will take you and Lu and take a ride down here, just a pretty trip. But does it not seem good to be so near home again! Had a taste of good things in Baltimore. Jos H. had some given him by his officers, and he is generous. Took raw oysters with Ben and Geo E. etc. etc. Hoped to be paid off immediately and will send home all I can. Am a little indebted from stern necessity and shall keep but little as we shall be paid again soon. I did not think to mention about Lieut. Smith. I hope to meet him when the Regt. reaches him. The 56th I believe is here and the others soon will be. Our friends of the 45th Penn had hot coffee for us as soon as we arrived on the ground. They reenlisted and have been home on a furlough. Shall have to move and pitch tent and so must close for now. Hope to get a mail soon and trust you are all well. ‘Tis Fast Day with you I suppose. Would I could join you but I do in spirit and hope it will be joyous with you as it is with us in the prospect of rest for awhile at least. Give love to all and reserve a choice sum [of love] for yourself and Lu. If you see Alonzo and Ellen acknowledge their letter. Will write as I can. As ever your loving husband Jerome Thanks to Frank for his letters. Will write him by and by. Direct [your letters to] “Camp of Rendezvous” 9th A. C. [Army Corps] Annapolis Md. Fri. P.M. In Geo Edmunds tent. No opportunity to mail this. J.H. is here and will do so. No news. Quietly resting and cleaning up, a luxury indeed. Weather pleasant and feeling like myself. Do not cough any to speak of and shall soon be all right. Ben down town. Will soon go home I suppose and receive his commission and orders. A Colored Regt. from New York passed our camp this morning, a fine appearing affair. Expect mail today. Nothing yesterday but Alonzo’s letter. Please mention again what Regt. Srgt. [Sergeant] Smith is in. I believe you said the 59th. 56th is here nearby. Will write again soon, Jerome Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: From the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. NOTE 2: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march. NOTE 3: April 7, 1864 was a Thursday. On the fourth page, Jerome added a fourth page marked Fri. PM, apparently the next day. The front of the envelope shows a note that reads April 7/64, but the postmark date is not clear. Therefore, the letter could have been mailed after the 7th. NOTE 4: Capt. T. Edward Ames, from Charlestown, Massachusetts, enlisted at age 24 as a First Lieutenant in the 34th Massachusetts Volunteers. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on August 12, 1862. He was then transferred to Company B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on August 22, 1862. Ames was promoted to Captain on August 2, 1863, and commanded Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts before serving in a number of staff positions for the balance of the War. He was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865, and he was promoted to the rank of Brevet Major for “gallant and meritorious conduct before Petersburg, Virginia, April 2, 1865.” NOTE 5: The “Jos. H.” Jerome referred to in this letter, and frequently in other letters as “J.H.” or “Jos. Henry”, was almost definitely 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 and he was 31 then. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 6: In A History of Massachusetts In the Civil War, by William Schouler, 1868, on page 260, the camp in Annapolis is referred to as “Camp of Rendezvous.” Annapolis was also called a Camp of Instruction to which paroled prisoners from New England were to return to (p. XXXV of the General Orders Affect the Voluntary Force: Adjunct General’s Office.) Apparently, there were multiple camps in Massachusetts called “Camp of Rendezvous” as a place for gathering. Not sure if Jerome had been in this same camp earlier in the war for him to call it by that name. 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, April 7, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu "Camp of Rendezvous", Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-07 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). 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 #205 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie and Lulu Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aa856c165ff6eb42cf45453fbe5b1b35.jpg 49346f774c779092eea16e025d9704aa https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/29d8c4731662706c6a071fa59c0dd93e.jpg 3133dd0db19dcb9e09dae0bb4bc2c779 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b31ee55c1910009a81ca24550648c36a.jpg c028028b1401618fdabd1bc3f6a36376 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/007a49c34b1e08280e5a622d937b0bad.jpg 8930477752e1a595689f65a1a73bc6b4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bc93f69c112d21342d6921af6aa175cd.jpg 06350a5269a8e9842a09bf2671425308 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Covington Ky April 2d 1864 My ever dear Allie, Once more “in Barracks” at C[ovington] where we took a few hours rest when [we were here] from Mississippi last Aug[ust]. I wrote you a brief word from Nicholasville Thurs[day] as soon as we stacked guns that you might know of my safe arrival after the great march. Have just finished reading some ten letters from different friends as the large mail met us here. Yours of the 14th, 21st and 28th March came to hand and one I had before of Mch. [March] makes all eight. I believe I forgot to mention one I got as of Feb[ruary] at Jacksboro, [on] the other side of the mountain when at a dinner halt. That I think makes your letters all received. We left camp near N[icholasville, Kentucky] yesterday morning in the midst of a cold, steady March rain and marched to the depot four miles without a halt. Got into a forage shed and waited till nearly noon, [???] this. I made out to make a cup of coffee and got comfortable considering, till we were aboard the cars. Arrived here at midnight and here we are in a long building with ‘bunks’ each side and two stoves. And altho you would not call the floors clean we feel that we’re well off. I can hardly collect my thoughts, dear Allie, to talk with you as your good letters deserve. They comforted me and made my fatigues seem lightened. Oh, the weary hours of the march day after day! Cloudy and storm with mud nearly every day. But I found some relief for the mountains were indeed grand and sublime. About 30 miles of wilderness at one time with scarcely a human habitation and then suddenly we came into some valley with a few scattered log houses with their rude inmates. We came the shortest route, known as the “Jacksboro Route”, the mountains [com???ing] at J[acksboro]. We may remain here till Monday but you know how to calculate on all movements now for we move before night. Am so glad that you are all well and sorry that it is your lot to work so hard, but can we not feel that we are together reaping some good for the future and knowing that whatever awaits us, we are at least one in heart now and always? Need I repeat to you how the dear faces of wife and little one are ever flitting before me to “keep up all will yet be well” and never so much as on the late weary march! It seems so strange! Expecting to have been away up at Bristol, Va., all the time confident that we should go “out of Tenn[essee]” and then to find ourselves again within bell sound of Cincinnati again. None but those who’ve campaigned it in E[ast] Tenn[essee] can appreciate the change! The three tablespoon fulls of flour at ‘Blain’s Cross Roads’ and the present abundance! And so comes our second deliverance. Am glad you have recd [received] my letters of late. They were not much but at least spoke of me. Hope Mr. S’s was acceptable and take great comfort in the fact of his being your pastor and feel that he is able to help cheer and sustain you. Had letters from Abbie (at Winchester). Frank’s [letter] enclosed. Thanks for him. Will deliver the invitation (Mary’s) to Jos[eph] H. The ladies no doubt made a grand hit and I trust much good will come of it. Had letters from Sister Kate, Ed Haynes, Lucy, C. F. Smith and Finney with papers etc. etc. etc. Am tired yet and have some cold but after we get thru, hope to clean and rest up and be like myself. Your stockings and thread came also and were very timely indeed. Kiss little Lulu. Shall fringe the hdkf [handkerchief] for her sake. She must be a good child to sew so well. I wish I could send her something but there are no flowers here yet. ‘tis wet and cold etc. She must still love her Papie as he does her and Ma more than he can tell and would gladly come to her but she will sometime understand why I am away, and love me not the less. There is much I ought to mention in your letters. I shall read them over again. I mentioned that Capt. Sawyer was discharged I think. It is reported that our ‘orderly’ (Woodward of O[range]) is commissioned. A good fellow. I hope ‘tis so. I have spoken with my Co[mpany] Commander and shall have to wait patiently for my chance as there are many who rank me and are quite as deserving, altho I have earned a name for pluck and endurance. Jos H. has just come in and brought me some “goodies”, bread etc. He’s a true friend to me and never fails to favor me when he can. He got your letter and sends love in return. Is now reading some of my letters. There is much confusion and I can’t say half I’d like to. Shall write Mr. Ellis by and by when I have time and rest. They (she) evidently does not understand things. Ben E. has a commission in the 54th Colored Regt. He takes it coolly, not elated. Sensible as he is about everything is well. Your letter to his wife was duly received and would be replied to soon as possible. Was much pleased to receive it and complimented you too. So don’t think you are such a poor writer because I find fault. But I must close. There is much noise. The boys are all well. Sumner Moore met us here. Is not quite well, has a ‘chill’ occasionally. Have letters from Orange to read (Jos. H’s). Folks getting better. Hope you will see Ellen Preston and give my kindest regards. Aunt P. is about right in her thoughts in regard to that matter, but I was not understood. Time, thou art a great revealer of men and things. Be patient if I have not mentioned all you would like. Regards to Mary Eliza. Am glad you find such a friend in her. Love to each and all and believe as ever your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Blain’s Cross Roads in Tennessee is remarked in the Regimental History (p. 124) as referred to as the Valley Forge of the Rebellion where Union troops stayed during a harsh winter and poor conditions of the troops. NOTE 2: Jacksboro was originally named Walnut Grove, but was renamed Jacksonboro in 1819 in honor of President Andrew Jackson. By the time of the Civil War the name had been shortened to Jacksboro. NOTE 3: Captain Christopher Sawyer of Templeton, Massachusetts, was commissioned as captain of Company H, Jerome’s company, in August 1862. He was discharged for disability February 19, 1864, according to the Regimental History (p. 321). NOTE 4: Sumner Moore enlisted in Orange, Massachusetts, at age 28, as a private on August 6, 1862. (Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862, in Orange). He was discharged on June 8, 1865, due to his expiration of service. 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 2, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Covington, 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 1864-04-02 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). 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 #204 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Covington, KY. Allie Covington Jerome Peirce KY. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2213a9b935317e8abdd70d664f461cf3.jpg c5b75fbb41e70850b5abcda5fec10e26 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/47ec760be07a345425b4e6efc183030d.jpg 6457e1964a2db6e494fa27309bcda8e1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3348f9503c235767b18a977077ebea0f.jpg cc284ed05725df627e832f531948992d 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 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp near Nicholasville, Ky. 31st March/64 My dearest wife, Noon. Just in from Knoxville! Over the mountains, 11 days of successive marching and a weary, worn set of men we are but we [are] nearing Home! My first opportunity of sending you anything since one from K. [Most likely, Knoxville, Tenn.] a week ago last Saturday. Did you get it? Am too tired and worn out to tell you particulars. Marched every morning at 6 1/2 o’clk a.m. and halting for coffee and dinner an hour and once or twice two hours. From Morristown it is 13 days marching with only 24 hours rest aside from our regular nights sleep so you may judge what a work has been done. We got to camp generally from 4 o’clock till 1/2 past 5. Rumor says we report at Annapolis, Md. and then each Regt. to its respective state for furlough, reasonable but uncertain. My general health is good but tired, very, but expect to be on the cars [railroad cars] and then the poor feet will rest. Have had plenty to eat, are now drawing soft bread. If I could only see you all I could tell you much but this will report me at least. I have marched the entire distance, nearly 190 miles, with knapsack and everything on. Had to march some in the rear, but always stacked arms with the Regt. Jos. H. well and sends regards. Will write when at our destination. Some leaves from Fort Sanders where the charge was made. Ever your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” Jerome referred to in this letter, as well as in other letters, was almost definitely 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 on September 30, 1864 and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 3: On November 29, 1863, Confederate forces under Gen. Longstreet unsuccessfully tried to capture the Union-held Fort Sanders (also known as Fort Saunders), located northwest of Knoxville, Tenn., with a charge that ultimately failed, with only a few Confederates reaching the inside of the fort, where they were killed or captured. The 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was present at the battle but was not directly involved in the main fighting. It suffered one loss, a private who died of his wounds when a shell exploded near him. Longstreet’s failure to capture Fort Sanders essentially ended the Knoxville Campaign, with the city remaining in Federal hands for the remainder of the war. This Confederate defeat, plus the Confederate loss at the Battle of Chattanooga on November 25, 1863, put much of East Tennessee in the Union camp. NOTE 4: The following two notations appear on the front of the envelope containing this letter: “flowers in this” and “Leaves from Fort Saunders”. The leaves from Fort Sanders/Saunders Jerome mentions in his letter survived and were still in the envelope along with the above letter when received by the National Park Service and are pictured below. 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, March 31, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near Nicholasville, 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 1864-03-31 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). 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 #203 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Nicholasville, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce KY. Nicholasville