1 10 38 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e004e21b15a2c39fe0021c3c53e2bcf0.jpg 4fb264e1a9a4e31ad1f951fdd9c4ffef https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ea770d1c3c6d4dada464e0120cb81c0c.jpg 7c2976d000fc4579de22a249545e308f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b5f4f99d15b3885418591c0b3198a89c.jpg dc7befa04f8cc706e61a84f70fbbdc67 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7fedcb095b682e12e4d22d1a390c2fbe.jpg edb4d877d9ca390a67b8de434fe7ea41 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 Blans [Blaines] Cross Roads, E. Tenn. Etc. 6th Jan. 1864 My dearest Allie, I wrote you as usual at Billerica on Mond. [Monday], intended to on Sund. [Sunday] but could not, being so very uncomfortable and disturbed by the severe cold weather but if you chance to be at Boston when this reaches you with Ellen’s I knew you would be disappointed if I did not have at least a word for you which I hope I shall always. Here I sit by the fire, paper and writing materials strewed all about me. And what shall I say? Nothing new since Monday only that my tent is more roomy and I expect to take some little comfort reading papers, writing and thinking of you at home. Yesterday wrote a family letter to Billerica and to Jamestown N.Y. Hope to pay my debts in this line sometime. Allie, I always enjoy knowing that you are in “town” and enjoying yourself with the friends and sights and keeping your mind fresh and I trust you will see the brightest side to all things. [Transcriber’s Note: The next four lines of the letter have been heavily crossed out with what appears to be a black pencil to make them illegible.] Your last [letter] with Ellen’s I enjoyed so much. The picture of the friends assembled about you, one reading, Edwd. at the piano, you going to church, Foster’s new book and I always like to know what books he reads. Saw a notice of it and expect it must be very interesting and I think he (and Gen. B. [Burnside]) is one of the institutions of this war. The “Fair” must have been a magnificent affair. Ben and I sat in his tent and read all about it in the Journal. His bro [bother] Isaac is very kind and sends many papers. “Journal”, “Independent” and many from others and forms the Reading Room of the Co. if not the Regt. News from Orange is not plenty, no great change there, but I’m glad you keep up correspondence with friends there for it is appreciated I think as Henry M. [Almost certainly “Mayo”] speaks of it. Had a letter from Charles Smith. Spoke of the gathering etc. I wrote to the ‘Socials’ from Tazewell early so they might receive it in time. Directed it to Finney. You spoke of being pleased etc. that I was in the Com. [Commissary] Dept. We have to learn. I am satisfied that I am better off in the Regt. and besides I should have to report and if you get my last [Insert “letter”] of Monday last, you will see I got help immediately and now you can see the progress and I think for awhile of your little Sergeant and of four dollars a month more although it may be sometime before I can recruit safely, yet I will have a case that you and our darling are remembered. So look cheerfully into the future. Don’t think me thoughtless of how your headaches sometimes and how faithfully you strive. I know all and love you more than I can tell for it and feel that a better day must come by and by out of all this trying and we need only turn to the good book to find comfort and promise. Days are short, but I mean to glean all the comforts I can wherever I am. Did you receive the letter from Tazewell with the little picture of a ‘deer’ for Lulu directing you to send to the care of Lieut. Cross etc.? Be particular and tell me what letters you get. This my second to you this year. Your last was “4th in Dec.” My chimney is built on the front of the tent this time on one side of the end thus [Note: He included a small sketch of his tent.] while my rubber blanket serves for a door. Logs lined with stone and plastered up forms the fireplace and the whole [???] so I can almost stand erect and sit nicely on pine boughs and thus I greet you once more. Do you have any time to read? I wish you could some, just something to cheer and keep in mind something besides work, work for you need it. So do steal a moment once in a while and tell me about it. Some favorite passage in the Scriptures. “Isiah” is a beautiful book full of poetry and comfort and promise. A kiss for Lulu and always for you and the love of your Jerome I enclose a dollar to get some stamps. Have had to get me some gloves, shoes etc. and must keep a little by me. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Blans Cross Roads” in eastern Tennessee could not be found on a current map. However, the town of Blaine is located approximately twenty miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee. The envelope for this letter bears the postmark of Knoxville, Tennessee. Also, in his letter dated January 10, 1864, three days after this letter, Jerome indicates that he was “Near Blaine Cross Roads, Tenn.” The envelope for this letter is also postmarked Knoxville. Therefore, he almost certainly was located near the present town of Blaine, Tennessee, in early January 1864. NOTE 2: It is interesting to note that he mentions his increase in pay as the result of being promoted from corporal to sergeant on January 1, 1864, just prior to the date of this letter. His monthly pay increased from $13.00 to $17.00 as the result of the promotion. It also appears that as the result of his promotion, he was moved to the Commissary Department of his regiment. NOTE 3: Henry Mayo, also from Orange, Massachusetts, enlisted in on the same date, August 4, 1862, as Jerome. 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, January 6, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Blaine's Cross Roads, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie 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 1864-01-06 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 #188 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Blaine's Cross Roads, TN Allie Blaine's Crossroads Jerome Peirce TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2dc485e690a716d6cea52888080d4ab6.jpg 8b52588a424f12cd18ca603a1b2cd769 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4ec5a2d08caf37bd8172d0fc391f8fa0.jpg a197ec14f65fdfe2cf5e5e87b78561d3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7fc7280ed1bedd7ec899719c0159f834.jpg 4faf66bce7d2d7e90b4ccfa8589ab57b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5156e5f9108409aaeef5284a1519792f.jpg 775fedadfae76d8e30e18da9eaedf7e3 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 Near Blaine Cross Roads, Tenn. Sunday Morn 10 Jan 1864 My dearest Wife, A bitter cold morning and still quietly in camp. Have just finished inspection as usual, that is of arms and equipments, expecting every moment a visit from the Major and Dr. Prince to look at our quarters and I improve the moments in again addresing you. It seems quite like Sabbath morn. once more. All quiet and so like a New England morning - cold, and we keep close to the fire. Have no news to write you since last week, the last [Insert “letter”] with Ellens. Are you still in Boston and preparing or at church? Life is now busy but monotonous. Our time being taken up in cooking and getting fuel and stealing a few moments for reading and writing. No mail as we expected last eve. Some delay and we shall not probably receive any till next Tuesday. Nothing from Alonzo as yet by letter or person and I imagine he has turned back somewhere. Am sorry now that I ordered you to direct [Possibly insert “your letter”] to Lieut. Cross but [Possibly insert “it”] shall get there after awhile. Last eve. we had a ‘sit down’ in our little tent. Ben E. came in and we chatted over ‘Burns’, his life and work and he repeated “The Cotters Saturday Night”, a beautiful sweet thing, a picture of lowly life in Scotland. Just think of it! Here among the Clinch Mountains of East Tenn., so long after his death, two soldiers at such a theme! He has much of the gems of verse, sacred and secular on his “tongue’s end” and so we pass some of the hours in the wilds. In looking over your letters, I see you was quite particular to know who accompanied me on the journey here, my companions on the train etc. I was not aware that I was more full of particulars to others than to you, and soldiers are so common and differ so little out here that I did not probably mention much of individuals. Suffice it so say, that these various “squads” of “Comradesants” mostly whom they send off their Regts. as opportunity offers. Some of them are rough and deseased[???], while a few are very good men and always press on to their Regts. A Sergt. Perry of the 112th Ills. [Illinois] Mounted Infantry and a Major of 115th Ind. [Indiana], an educated man, a lawyer were the two for whom I shall entertain peculiar regard, good men and companionable. The first is with his Regt. and latter at the Commissary Dept., a six month man. Promised to renew the acquaintance when he got home and furnish me items of western news and movements etc., etc. Like men on a journey, meeting by chance a few we shall remember with special regard and causing us to look with greater respect on men in general and as far as my experience goes. I can say men do not appear as bad as some think, a very encouraging fact to me, for if there be any place where to show up human nature, it is here. Our own Regt. is now reduced to its fewest and best both moral “physique” and all goes on quietly and in order. Very little of the fret and worry of old and all indicating the maturest soldiers. If rations be short, we take it, and hope for more next time. Clothing is scarce and many are suffering much, but still it is accepted with little complaint. It is said clothing is on the way to us. Yesterday each company had (drew) a green hide just from the butchers to make moccasins of to wear over the feet. Expect to make ourselves. Don’t know when I shall have some. Many – everything is exceedingly scarce. Transportation is bad. Sutlers are scarce and only at Knoxville and at enormous high prices can anything be had. Diaries, stationery very high. So we have to be careful. I have a fair supply now but an envelope and sheet of paper will come in play occasionally. I sent you in my last [Insert “letter”] (Wedns.) a dollar for stamps. I fear our pay day is far off. The old Regts. who have reenlisted 21st Mass. [Infantry Regiment] and 8th Michn. [Michigan] are gone. What [Who] did not reenlist go into other regts. to serve their time out. Expect the 21st will have a grand reception in Worcester as it has seen some of the severest service. We shall soon begin to count the months when we shall go back. “Flow swift around the wheels of Time”, and I need not tell you how glad it seems to feel that there is one at home whose heart is constantly reaching out in response to those longings. How I wish I was with you and Lulu in place of these scenes which with our best efforts fall so far short of the good Sabbaths at home. I am much interested in all you speak of at home. Lulu’s progress and development and how much her feelings remind me of my own earliest remembered days when I too wondered why we done so often what we knew to be bad. Does not this show how much of good there is in our nature? How much better the heart is at times than the performance, but we must do the best we can and hope for the influence of all good angels to direct the final end. I have often told you how constantly my mind reverts to you and more than ever the longer I am absent and between you and the anticipation of Spring singing birds, my poor hands go thru their accustomed task. Received this morning my Sergeant’s Warrant dated Jan. 9th by Major Draper etc. and Lieut. Hodgkins gave me a congratulatory nudge as he came along with the rest to inspect our quarters. I hope the future will look a little more promising. If we could only get further North, where we could hear more regular and often, we could cheerfully undergo the cold and exposure for so desirable a change. But I forget for why should I complain? But I must close. If my poor and sometimes fretful seconds do not always meet your fondest wishes, consider my situation and not feel that I am really cold and heartless. I want much to hear from you since I came to the Regt. of my promotion etc. How is the winter with you? Much snow? Little here but so chilly and bitter cold! Quite equal mornings to what we have at home. Is Edw. Haynes still at home? Love to Ben. H’s family. I do not write them quite as often but I think of them equally so and Lucy too. Shall hope to hear from you again soon. Give love to all and tell Lulu that Papie loves her just the same, sends her a kiss always. She must be a good girl and love her Mama dearly as her best friend. My fireplace met with an accident last night and I must do a little repairing. Shall read before sleep. Jos. H. is well. As 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. 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, Jerome 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. It is interesting to note that the shortage of rations, clothing and equipment is mentioned in this letter. NOTE 2: The Dr. Prince mentioned in this letter was James P. Prince, from Lynn, Massachusetts, who enlisted at age 24 in the 22nd Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers in October 1861. He was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on August 13, 1862. He subsequently served as Surgeon in various units of the 9th Army Corps, and in 1865 he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Volunteers. NOTE 3: The Lieut. Cross that Jerome refers to was First Lieutenant Robert M. Cross from Palmer, Massachusetts. NOTE 4: The Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) wrote the poem “The Cotter’s Saturday Night.” A "Cotter" in Burns' time was a poor peasant who was given the use of a Cot or Cottage by the property owner in exchange for labor as opposed to paying rent. This poem relates how the Cotter and his family take time to relax on a Saturday evening after their week's labor, knowing that Sunday is a day of rest. The eldest daughter, Jenny, who has by now left home, calls with her new boyfriend, and the family eat their peasant meal and join around the fireside to hear the father read from the Bible. NOTE 5: Cinch Mountain is a mountain ridge in Tennessee and Virginia, lying in the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. From its southern terminus at Kitts Point, which lies at the intersection of Knox, Union and Grainger counties near Blaine, Tennessee, it runs in a generally east-northeasterly direction to Garden Mountain near Burke's Garden, Virginia. Jerome gives his location when this letter was written as “Blaine Cross Roads, Tennessee”. NOTE 6: The 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in Worcester, Massachusetts, and mustered into service on August 23, 1861. It participated in the Battle of Roanoke Island, the Battle of New Bern, the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chantilly, in the Overland Campaign, and in the Siege of Petersburg. By the end of its three years of service, the 21st Massachusetts had been reduced from 1,000 men to fewer than 100. Of these losses, 152 were killed in action or died from wounds received in action, approximately 400 were discharged due to wounds, 69 were taken prisoner, and approximately 300 were discharged due to disease, resignation, or desertion. NOTE 7: William F. Draper, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted at age 21 as a Private in September 1861. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 12, 1861, and was promoted steadily thereafter, becoming a Major on July 31, 1863. He commanded the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from October 10, 1863, until August 10, 1864, except during a time when he was recovering from a severe wound he sustained in the Battle of the Wilderness in May of 1864. He was mustered out of the service on October 12, 1864, upon the expiration of his three years of service. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel and then Brevet Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers, for “gallant and meritorious services in the field during the war.” NOTE 8: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Private on July 23, 1862, at age 22. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant on October 17, 1863, and to Captain on May 6, 1864. He was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Major for “valuable and distinguished services at Fort Stedman, Virginia, on March 25, 1865.” NOTE 9: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was almost certainly Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 10: The fact that the men were very short of clothing and rations and made were forced to make moccasins for themselves because of the shortage of footwear is documented in the Unit History (Page 124). It reads, “Very few of our men had overcoats; indeed, they were poorly clothed in every respect. For the lack of shoes many were obliged to protect their feet with moccasins made of raw hides. Rations too were short. A few spoonfulls of flour were served out as the daily allowance, and, had it not been for the corn picked up here and there, sometimes where the mules were corralled, the men would have suffered severely.” 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, January 10, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Blaine's Cross Roads, TN 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 1864-01-10 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.38 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "4.93 X 7.82" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 7.82" - 3rd Scan "4.93 X 7.82" - 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 #190 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 Blaine's Cross Roads, TN Allie Blaine's Crossroads Jerome Peirce TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/edd6379018961cd3a3d7c788c3c0f492.jpg 3ba548ba097e8fbe17adc816033da731 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5f56413ec545ec5db4d437c611c9e44c.jpg 1fc7d2227d7f943394ceb5a07d46ead4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ae04a4f2961985bcc03e4e89189952a6.jpg 77c76ba8fe0aa3660343571747d0ce51 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fe28471f506ecc4c9b8fcc5f8e98ffe6.jpg 07557c740f0bd82ebed8ba428ae45ab7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7c2d8be0a73b3770cfe9eba494a3a977.jpg b45453cbbae25c65ed17d81ae73b5716 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2926449121955e8cdde710fbf6e808a9.jpg bf0d636ae40b260322c805215b14a6b4 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 Transcriber’s Note: See the below Transcriber’s Note 1 regarding a possible missing page of this letter, the probable location where it was written, and the missing salutation. Jan 17, 1864 …text was “In my Father’s House are many mansions.” J [Probably refers to John, the Apostle] The value of the human soul, of Heaven, hard to keep the former pure and win the latter. After the sermon he had a familiar “talk” with the men and it would do you good to see the men and officers draw near to him and listen. He spoke [of] trying to explain and reconcile these to the short fame and the general hardships of war. I cannot do justice to it. Spoke of the lovely country, that it was our mission to preserve from the pest of slavery to a higher order of civilization and gave all honor, as did Genl. Burnside the other day, to the “rank and file”, the common soldiers, the “ranks” for they are the heroes of the times, and I am more proud than ever to be [one] of them! And the country can never repay them. Now, Allie, for the first time since I have been out today I could see no mortal means to a dinner. Was speaking of it and one [of the men of] Co. B offered to give me some “sick wheat” as we call it, for it makes most all the men sick who eat it but does not affect me much and so I had four little flitters and a small stup of tough meat and a little coffee and so again I was “all right”. Was on duty this forenoon with a squad of men policing headquarters and with the little I had to do for myself got terribly hungry. But we hope soon to improve as good fare is promised. Reah[???] Fox, a messenger from Gov. Andrew, gave us a good word the other day. So we gave the Gov. three good cheers. Clothing has come and the boys are supplied partly and things look a little better. Weather is lovely and we are in a fine district of country, camped on high land with the beautiful plain between us and the Holstone River, about 13 miles from Knoxville. There is a blue outline of mountains far away and in the summer it must be one of the loveliest spots in all the land. As usual, axes are going and quarters [are] in progress. Don’t know as we should be here long, perhaps not a week. Had two kind letters from Orange same date as yours with four stamps. Do you receive the one with the money, $1.00, for some? Letter from Will spoke of going to B [Billerica?] soon and should see you, as you speak that he has, and took Lulu home etc. Am glad to know that some are coming up to the work. My particular respects to Ed Brown, and I wish him all success! We hear of some who have enlisted and it puts new life into the boys to know it. Let them come on and soon this cruel war will indeed be ended. Everything looks cheering now. The enemy are known to be well nigh used up in this Dept. and the boys are hoping and bearing everything patiently. Have looked once again [at] yours [your letter] of the 27th. What a happy scene with the little ones! I am sure little Lulu is not forgotten or considered all unworthy. Can you expect her to be without faults? Do not worry about her but feel that our best efforts will not go unpaid sometime. A short time more and we can hope to be again at home. Time flies rapidly and surely we can wait and hope on for awhile longer and I shall feel that my whole duty is done and you will be better satisfied with me and yourself for it. So don’t repine, for I am well and cheerful, notwithstanding all the little deprivations of the present. Am very glad you went to Finny’s. I think very much of them indeed and should have been glad to meet his brother again for I like him much. Glad my letter was read and shall be glad of the answer. Will answer Charles S’s soon. Tell them I am so fixed that I have constant interruptions or I could be more prompt in reply for their letters are fully appreciated. Paper and ink are almost impossible now and at a high price. Envelopes I need or shall soon very much. You speak of deaths. Mr. Whitford, E. Walker’s child and Mr. Draper of C [Charlestown?], Edwd. D, the brother of the Dr.’s girls? A great loss to them each and all. Mr. W must have been a great sufferer. My regards to Mary. Our friend Ben E is the same as ever, good and well. Saw him today. Of the others, remember me always joyful times in view may they be more in realization. Alonzo at home as I expected. My regards to him. Will write as soon as possible. Hodgkins is to be the Adjt [Adjutant] I believe. He’s acting at least already. Col. [Colonel] B has gone on to Genl. Foster’s staff “as they say” and rumor has it that Genl. Burnside’s coming back soon, etc., etc. Well, Dear Allie, I must close as the mail goes soon. I have tried to write something, but could you see how I am surrounded, noise, cooking, talking all around, you would forgive much. Have got to go clear to the river half a mile to get supper water. The Orange boys are well. Did you ever get a letter with some green leaves in it from “Cumberland Ford”? And have you got the glove band for Lulu? You did not tell me whether “Outward Bound” was pretty. You see, I catch you once in a while. My love to the friends one and all. I want to have the girls write occasionally. I miss Abbie’s letters much. As ever your Loving husband Jerome Love to Lucy. Will write her soon. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter apparently has one page, or possibly more pages, missing. The first page shows the notation “Jan. 17, 1864” written sideways on the margin on the top right section of the page. It is not clear whether or not Jerome wrote that date. The envelope includes the notation “Jan. 17, etc. 1864”. The postmark reads “KNOXVILLE TEN Jan 22 ‘64”. Based on the postmark and his locations for the letters written just before and just after this letter, he was in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area when this letter was written. Further information as to his exact location is obtained from the following excerpt of the Unit History (p. 125). It also mentions that the men had received new clothing and that they were building “houses.” “January 15th [1864] clothing arrived and was issued. Though the quantity was small, there was enough to be of much benefit to our shivering men. On the following day [January 16, 1864] the 45th Pennsylvania started home, its terms of service also having nearly expired. At ten o’clock we broke camp and marched to Strawberry Plains, about 16 miles north of Knoxville. It is at this place that the railroad crosses the Holston River. We went into camp and on the following day and built houses. But on the 17th there were rumors of an approach of the enemy, and we had orders to march the next morning at seven. When the morning came, these orders were countermanded, and we were then ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment’s notice. That night two or three inches of snow fell.” NOTE 2: The quotation in the first line of the letter is from John 14:2 of the Bible. NOTE 3: “Flitters” is probably a word used at the time to describe what are now called “fritters.” A fritter is a fried food, usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading, which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables or other ingredients. NOTE 4: The Holston River is a 136-mile river that flows from Kingsport, Tennessee, to Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with its three branches, it comprises a major river system that drains much of northeastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. The Holston's confluence with the French Broad River at Knoxville marks the beginning of the Tennessee River. NOTE 5: During the Civil War, a department was a geographical command within the Union's military organization, usually reporting directly to the War Department. Some of the Union's departments were named after rivers, such as the Department of the Potomac, Department of the Ohio, Department of the Susquehanna, and the Department of the Missouri. In this letter, he is most likely referring to the Department of the Tennessee. The geographical boundaries of such departments changed frequently, as did their names. As the armies became larger, Departments began to be subordinated to Military Divisions, and the Departments were often sub-divided into Districts. NOTE 6: In his advice to Allie “So don’t repine…” the word “repine” means “to be discontented or low in spirits” or “to complain or fret.” NOTE 7: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Private on July 23, 1862, at age 22. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant on October 17, 1863, and to Captain on May 6, 1864. He was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Major for “valuable and distinguished services at Fort Stedman, Virginia, on March 25, 1865.” NOTE 8: A military adjutant is an officer who assists the commanding officer with the unit’s administration. NOTE 9: The “Col. [Colonel] B” he refers to was Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who enlisted as a captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units and served at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. NOTE 10: John Watson Foster (1836 – 1917) was an American diplomat and military officer, as well as a lawyer and journalist. His highest public office was U.S. Secretary of State under President Benjamin Harrison. In 1861, Foster was commissioned as a major in the Union Army, and he rose to the rank of colonel, serving with several units. Foster's troops became the first to enter Knoxville, Tennessee, after the successful campaign there by General Ambrose Burnside. NOTE 11: Jerome sent flowers or leaves to Lulu on at least seven occasions, as evidenced by the dried remains of this foliage that were found in seven envelopes when they were received by the National Park Service. In this letter, he asks Allie about the leaves he sent while he was at Cumberland Ford in Kentucky. His letter Number 176 was written from Cumberland Gap, Kentucky, on November 15, 1863, and the envelope for that letter includes a notation that reads “Leaves from Cumberland Ford”. The dried leaves that were found with this letter are shown below, and they are obviously the ones he referred to in the letter transcribed above. The November 15, 1863, letter has stains that match exactly the leaves shown below. 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, January 17, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Knoxville, TN 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 1864-01-17 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.60 X 3.15" - 1st Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 2nd Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 3rd Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 4th Scan "10.03 X 8.05" - 5th Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 6th 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 #191 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Knoxville, TN Allie Jerome Peirce Knoxville TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d7e32fafe2d0ede39708005c7599bcc6.jpg 258efafaaf2d66409cf6cb35a85d81c6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/497d32a7f579063f75180fb2ec783175.jpg cea7cd80adf5b31e3c01a574f1ff67b7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3001d3097b87eb9f4290188b06c3c06e.jpg d0d7c8a18c58163562edb517afb1771e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3faee30fcde0f51121b502d6c1885a0d.jpg 3923e43afacc8783909d4f6cade089f3 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 “Erins Station” near Knoxville Tennessee January 30th, 1864 My ever dear wife, Your letter of Jan. 10th came last eve and altho of late I write Tuesdays and only once a week for the reason that stationary is so costly and there is little variation of late in our life. But the time seems favorable this morning and I feel so thankful for your preservation in the late accident and you confiding feelings in the Great Hand in the hollow of which we all rest. How much indeed, do we owe to this each day of our lives and who more than we soldiers? You spoke of thinking of so much in a moment, you can know something how I have felt more than once since I have been in the army. I can never tell you how much it is [“is” should probably be deleted] has strengthened my faith and hope that our lives here are no chance or accident but have a meaning and end which if we do our part will issue well whatever betide. It is a little singular in regard to your late escape that I had a presentiment a few days ago that you had passed that same peril. It came first in the night while in a half wakeful state and impressed me so that I thought much about it for sometime. Was it not strange? It seemed so pleasant that you were all once more at home! How gladly would I too join you! But as that cannot be I can only send these poor epithets to assure you of my constant remembrance. Your letter was very pleasant, as you seemed I thought more cheerful. I have seen a notice of the book you spoke of. Am glad you read it and could tell me something about it and I trust it served to fill your mind profitably for awhile. I know how much you think of me, but I love to know that you can turn for a little while and divert your thoughts and share them at least with anything that will keep away sadness. I must give you an idea of how we are situated. In health I never was better, but we are short of food and were it not for a few cents, I should go really hungry. Little biscuit, such as we could eat half a dozen at home, with the other fixings, we have to pay 50 cents per doz. For corn “Dodgers,” is corn and water baked, cost 20 cents and more apiece. Flour and meal are in proportion. The country is almost cleared of everything and many of the people are emigrating to the west, Ohio and thereabouts. The Government does all they can to feed and clothe us, and there is much improvement, but still we don’t have enough to keep from being faint only by private expense. I mention this not to complain but to explain. I made out to raise a little extra from sale of my sack and old blouse as my dress coat came while I was gone, so I keep along so far. My trip home caused me to miss two paydays so I have not of course been able to send you money as I wished to, but I hope you won’t allow yourself to suffer. You mentioned the need of flannels, etc. We hope soon to go North and probably we shall not be paid off till we get there and then six months pay will be due me, and I hope to send you the entire or nearly the whole amount. Two months or perhaps more will be sergeant’s pay 17 dollars instead of 13. Was surprised that you had not heard from me later than the 13th Dec. [letter] but by this time you have and you will find many things mentioned and explained. I speak of all this because I thought you did not make allowance in some things for the “chances of war”, such as missing pay days, etc. I certainly have tried to do the best I could for you, and we must be patient and have faith in the future a little even while the present seems dark and stranger. Am glad people are feeling encouraged about the war, and Fosters sentiments give me much encouragement. Mr. Lincoln, like Gov. Andrew, took the war in the beginning and I hope he will be allowed to finish it. I saw a short sketch in the paper of a speech by Mr. Arnold of Ills. [Illinois] in which he made a fine point in regard to Mr. L [Lincoln], and the whole subject. Many of the old regts [regiments] are reinlisting which will have a good effect, particularly in discouraging the rebs. A hundred prisoners came into K[noxville] yesterday from General Anderson’s force taken at a fight of two days near here, a part of Longstreet’s. Some secesh families too were to be sent to the Rebel lines today which made “weeping and wailing”. Ben E. was in town and informed me of the above. The work of preparing us for moving is going on. Today we expected an inspection of knapsacks, haversacks, canteens etc. to be replaced by new ones etc. You would have been amused to see me for the last few days. Have been busy sewing till my thread is gone. Mended haversack, knap’k [knapsack], and yesterday covered my canteen with blue pant cloth and succeeded finally and this morning boiled out my hack bag and darned socks so I’m ready for a start. It rains now for the first time for sometime and most of us are in the tents writing etc. Weather since we left Strawberry Plains has been delightful and we could sit round with our coats off. Cooking takes up a good deal of time even with short rations from the fact that we “extend” everything by boiling, frying, etc. I wrote a letter to you in ones to Ellen while you was there which she will send you I presume. The rest I have sent to B. Wrote the family on Thursday, also Sister Lucy. Sent you a “Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator”, Brownlow’s paper. You must share it with everybody. Cost 15 cents apiece. [???] letters [???] all up now [Part of letter missing] [???] well already which [???] us [???] [???] deal and by and by I expect we shall appear up North, quite transformed from the war-worn looking men we were of late. We’re to have “East Tennessee” inscribed on the flag, and it will have a meaning to us at least! Saw Ben E last eve. Had a letter from Mrs. Finney spoke of your call there and of reading a letter from me written at Tazewell. I wish you would always mention the first thing, what letters you receive from me. You may think you do but I can’t tell from what you say what ones you get. Till now, the 13 Dec. I wrote, the 27 Dec., the morning after I reached the regt., and regularly once a week since and a little oftener. The 27 Dec. letter was written in a great hurry and perpendicular instead of cross ways. I thought you would smile when you got it. I have inquired several times about a letter from Tazewell with a little picture of a deer for Lulu. I want her to receive all the little things of the kind, for such things impress her little mind and she will feel I do not forget her. Shall be glad when she can realize that I did not go from home because I did not love you and her, but for a great good cause which will affect many like her in the future, more than we can calculate now. I manage so that a day seldom passes but I read even a little in my Bible. Did you ever realize what a beautiful book Isaiah is? The 26th and 36th, 41st and 42nd, 53rd and 55th chapters and many others! Ben and I often get to reading and talking over it. His wife is still in Wheeling, Va. learning music, etc. quite brave and happy. [Part of letter missing] Remember [“me” should probably be inserted] particularly to Father and Mother. I do not forget them in the advancing years, and I trust time will only lend health and cheerfulness to them, and that the “family” will yet all gather about them and increase, not diminish, their happiness. Give [???] sons and brothers love to each and all and still believe me ever your loving husband Jerome Kiss for Lulu. Shall need some envelopes soon. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Parts of 3rd and 4th pages are missing and appear to be cut out. NOTE 2: The regiment went into camp at Erin’s Station, about five miles from Knoxville, on January 26th, 1864. It was there until Feb. 15, 1864. NOTE 3: On January 16th, the regiment made camp at Strawberry Plains, 16 miles north of Knoxville, where the railroad crosses the Holston River. The Regimental History indicates that they built houses there. (Regimental History, p. 125) NOTE 4: Tazewell is a town in East Tennessee near the Clinch River. The Regiment History states: ”December 11th, while we were still near Rutledge, Lieutenant Hodgkins, who had been home on leave of absence and detached service at Cumberland Gap, rejoined the regiment and brought not a little cheer to all hearts by the announcement that a large mail and supplies were at Tazewell. The supply-train arrived on the 13th and once again we had a taste of bread, coffee and sugar. That reached us on the following day.” (Unit History, p. 123) NOTE 5: Brownlow’s Knoxville Whig and Rebel Ventilator was a pro-union newspaper, which was reestablished between November 11, 1863, and February 21, 1866, after General Burnside’s army returned to East Tennessee in September 1863. Brownlow became governor of Tennessee in 1865. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brownlow%27s_Whig NOTE 6: John Albion Andrew was a U.S. antislavery leader who, as governor of Massachusetts during the Civil War, was one of the most energetic of the Northern “war governors.” https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Albion-Andrew NOTE 7: The reference to Mr. Arnold of Illinois likely refers to Congressman Isaac Arnold. http://www.mrlincolnandfriends.org/members-of-congress/isaac-arnold/ In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in March 1964, he said “Let Abraham Lincoln finish the great work he has begun. He has borne censure and denunciation for acts for which others were responsible, with a generosity which has extorted from his rivals the declaration, ‘Of all men, Mr. Lincoln is the most unselfish.’ I ask the ardent and impatient friends of freedom to put implicit faith in Abraham Lincoln. If you deem him slow, or if you think he has made mistakes, remember how often time has vindicated his wisdom.” It is possible that he made similar points in a speech prior to March 1964 and prior to Peirce’s letter. NOTE 8: Richard Anderson was a Confederate General who took over command of the First Corps when General Longstreet was wounded by friendly fire during the Wilderness Battle. Anderson and his Corps did an all-night march from the Wilderness to Spotsylvania Courthouse to prevent the Union troops from occupying a key crossroads. He led the First Corps in heavy fighting between March 8-12, 1864, at Spotsylvania Courthouse, where Sergeant Peirce was killed. NOTE 9: Reference to Foster’s sentiments about the war reference to Major-General John G. Foster who relieved General Burnside of command of the Army of the Ohio on Dec. 11th, 1863. Around January 31st, 1864, Foster asked to be relieved due to a reopening of old wound, and was relieved on Feb. 9th, 1864 by General J.M. Schofield. NOTE 10: Corn dodgers are fried corn meal, commonly called hush puppies currently. 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, January 30, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Erins Station, TN 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 1864-01-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.46 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "5.02 X 8.01" - 2nd Scan "10.12 X 8.01" - 3rd Scan "5.02 X 8.01" - 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 #192A Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Erins Station, TN Allie Erins Station Jerome Peirce TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/45929d718b4f0cc84ba9c0f480a2d9f0.jpg 08e898384926f197cf13b34a22c82795 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fb992073b1f6016349028acb874180e3.jpg 81159b341352b4b583a8e0511b3e7a5e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b589f28843daade1b0e309dd73609b1c.jpg 4a4a844dbd43cc78652205a7a03ae79d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b259c727ad120b48b5a89c71140428a2.jpg 9f79402d17bb3cadd45a5cfa188fa1f9 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 Erins Station, E. Tenn. Sunday P.M. 7th Feb 1864 Sabbath once more and what can I say to you, my dear wife? How much my thoughts are with you and our dear little Lulu! And what should I do in this distant region, write seldom a letter and short of food were it not for the dear affections which defy all mere outward and bodily complaints? Mail of late uncertain, tantalizing, but one little token came yesterday and I wondered why letters did not accompany it. Surely not because friends have not written, for I know they have. So I must still wait. The ‘Ploughman’ of 23rd Jan. arrived with its contents of good reading and what was very timely and acceptable, the thread, for I was entirely out. Well, you see we are still quietly in camp at the same camp of my last [letter] of last Sabbath and I have little that is new to relate, altho’ we had a little “scare” and a march of some ten or twelve miles. Monday eve. as we were all brushed up for Dress Parade, the order came, “Fall in, in light marching order!” And after receiving a pound of corn meal to a man, we were off for Knoxville and crossed the river on a pontoon bridge at K. [Knoxville], it then being quite dark and mud-muddy-muddiest! in the neighborhood of the river, up a steep rocky road, I tumbling and rolling along in the dark for a half mile when we came to a halt and made ourselves comfortable for the night. Cold and wet, or damp, for it didn’t rain. We got a fire and a supper after a while. It proved a “failure,” the trouble originating by some blunder which waked up the rebs and looked like a move on their part, and so of course the 9th A.C. [Army Corps] or the fragment of it must tramp again to aid the 23rd [Army Corps]. What will they do if we ever leave here? But early Tues. morn ordered back to camp where we’ve remained since with our com[pan]y drills, inspections, and lately dress parades, and short rations in spite of all our hopes and promises of better fare and a move North soon. It will come by and by and so we live on and make the best of it. I must confess my spirits have been somewhat tired of late. I long for a different state of things and find myself checking my temper quite often and I remember home and rush to some reading matter if it can be found. The last few days have been cold, cloudy with some rain, but on the whole ‘tis a fine climate. The woods are much cut away from front of the camp and the rolling land with woods with the mixture of pine seems like old N.E. [New England]. Upon a hill some more than a mile away stands a brick mansion painted drab, surrounded by tall oaks, in which Gen’l. Longstreet held his headquarters, and in the valley between is the railroad and the cars come and go several times a day, we are reminded of civilization. As I write, the 79th Reg’t. N.Y. Vols., at our right, are having inspection, the usual Sunday one with knapsacks, etc. and the old piper has just closed. ‘Tis a Scotch Reg’t. and they have a bagpipe which you know sounds like a cat and our boys always set up a shout when he plays. I don’t appreciate it, I must say, but they keep up this national feature and also have the drum and fife, which is now beating off. But you care little for this and I gladly turn from this camp picture to you at home. At church today I suppose and Communion Day! Need I repeat how much I wish I was with you? Sat over my fire this morning and read a few chapters in the Testament and felt that our hearts met somewhere in the space between us and was comforted! When shall we really meet? But this month and that soon brings my time half out, but today it looks a long ways to the end and I am glad I seldom feel it so, but everything conspires to “longings” today and so I am sober. Are you well? I am glad you have got some of my later letters as I conclude you have by the Serg’t. etc. and I hope too, to hear from you by letter quite soon. Did not attend service today for my thoughts were strongly elsewhere. Health is good as ever and I have my daily chats with Ben who always desires to be remembered. What of Will and Hattie? Suppose Alonzo and Ellen are ‘one’ and perhaps you’ve seen them since. Have felt so little like writing of late that I have only thought of them as by others. A good “bunch of letters” will help me, one of these days. Jos. H. is well. See him most every day. And how is Lulu? I ought to write her a letter. Tell her there is a sweet little bird [that] sings here every day and I wonder if she hears any? Or do the snow birds hop along on the snow and say anything to her? Are the rest well? Love to each and all and with hope of hearing soon, believe me, ever your own, Jerome Have lost my ink again, so excuse pencil. What of Mrs. Preston? I read the different articles in the “Ploughman” with interest. A good paper. Send it when you can. Story was good. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, February 7, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Erins Station, TN 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 1864-02-07 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.50 X 3.07" - 1st Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 2nd Scan "10.03 X 7.98" - 3rd Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #193 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Erins Station, TN Allie Erins Station Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d640b828a390cc0b27670e7bf16e04d0.jpg a6c1f1dcc38ae74e4e3a2a90f02c7d59 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b2929fe90b583964c9cee0b6116b3adf.jpg 2a776abd16f0df9c0ce37f1c0f487aab https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd0c7f245fc309bb87a23239714f665b.jpg 5b8842a745e96f7a0c6f7600ef0fc66b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5586b8c1e27d3367285a4e55fc9c9100.jpg da4111355c85289650a001334c8f3d72 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/46ff4cc9abee2b0b83e90a3feb25060a.jpg 69293deead7b8b0dbd15362dd443f39d 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 Bristoes Station, VA 27 Apr /64 My very dear Wife, Have just heard that a mail will leave for home tomorrow morning so I begin something. My last was from our camp near Alexandria. We’ve marched two days, passing thru Fairfax Court House, Centreville, Bull Run and over all the famous Battle Grounds of former and ill-fated times. All along are to be seen marks of the same. Arrived here before dark yesterday in excellent condition and last Eve. a mail came bringing yours and Abbie’s letters of 22? and 24 inst. Am sorry to hear of your terrible headaches and trust this will find you well as possible. It did me as much good to receive the letters for we fear we should not hear from home again soon as it was talked that the movements would prevent it but we cannot see it. Our movement is very grand, for miles the long dark columns fill the fields and roads as I have before tried to describe and the 9th Corps is in the most perfect condition. As far as we can know we are moving down to form the left wing of Meade’s Army or Reserve to watch his flank. It is said that when we reach our destination the Army will be more than a hundred thousand larger than ever before and it is believed that short work will be made of the enemy this time. And so we talk for I’ve little else to write. If you have one of Harpers Weekly maybe you can watch our march. Expect to bring up at Culpepper. I’m sitting back to the pleasant morning down on my knapsack. George E. had a letter from Ben. At home [???] sent me Mr. Bristol’s sermon on the death of Mr. King. The unspotted life is a beautiful thing, read it before I went to bed. To give you a more vivid idea of our march, I will say that we move easy than when in Tenn., halting about a quarter of an hour out of each hour. I am reading Dicken’s “Bleak House”. Found it in the camp at A. [probably Alexandria]. You will see officers and men reading on the march every spare moment while others run after water, nibble “Hard Tack” while some stretch out and can hardly speak or move from fatigue. Had a letter from Ed Haynes, from his father in answer to my Recommendations. Saw Gov. [Governor] A. [Almost certainly referring to John Albion Andrew, governor of Massachusetts from 1861 until 1866] and all is being done that can be. The Gov. was much pleased and would have given me appointment in one of the old Returned Regt’s [Regiments] had I been a little sooner but I have not neglected it. Others are ahead, and I must be patient. Have given the letter (Ed’s) to the Major this morning. But you will think of the future now as we move towards the enemy. It is natural, but we can only rely on the same good Power who has thus far led me on. I feel no sad resentments but on the contrary hopeful, so thankful that my health is so much better. Have reduced baggage and carry as little as possible and as the weather is coming warm it is favorable. Am glad so much of the needful had reached you safely and trust the whole $75.00 is at hand by this time. We should be mustered again soon and I hope to send you more before long. It looks a little as tho we should remain here today and I will finish by and by – Eve. and by candle light! This morning after falling in soon after I wrote and expecting to march all day, the order came to halt. Waited and waited, made coffee but soon, forward again and the result so far is that we are nicely in camp laid out in streets etc. some more than a mile from the old spot and the troops that were here have gone on and we almost feel that our dream is about to be realized and we are to have what the boys of the Army call “a soft thing”. We’re right on the R. Road [Railroad] and our Corps are said to be scattered all along as the ‘Reserve Corps’ to the Army of the Potomac – as the Washington folks said we were to be on. But we’ve seen too much hardship to flatter ourselves very much. Have been very busy of course in pitching tent. Am with another of the boys “Billy Gurrell” who came to the Co [Company] yesterday on the march. Was left in Memphis Miss. sick for some time etc. Five of us in a shelter tent is the most comfortable way we are allowed to live in the field. The country here is a vast level or valley, covered at intervals with pine woods. Here was a good deal of fighting not long since. I said level, there is a circular ridge but not high, where the rebel artillery done so much mischief and finally was captured some eight pieces by our forces. Remains of limited quarters of logs and fortifications with graves are scattered all around. It has been a delightful day and I have thought so much about you and how anxious you were probably feeling if the papers had got our movements. If mail arrangements are perfected I hope we shall chat often. And so the day closes. So different from what I expected but I expect we shall be busy with picket duty drill etc. but we can well afford to do that. ‘Billy’ is writing for he is a lover of letters and writes them often and remembers home. Co “B” boys are singing and a distant bugle is sounding the ‘Tattoo’ and I close with my last thought of you from my quiet tent and for once not tired out marching. A kiss for Lulu. Tell her the violets are springing beautifully and look like those at home. Also the “innocents” and everything tells of Spring. Love to all and ever from your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Per the Unit History: April 27, 1864 – May 2, 1864. 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. They, therefore, started their march toward the Rappahannock River on April 27, passing through Fairfax Court House, Centerville, Bristow Station, and Manassas, Virginia. The 36th was assigned to a camp at Catlett’s Station. 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 27, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Bristoes Station, 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 1864-04-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Robert Johnson (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 #214 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Bristoes [Bristow’s] Station, VA. Allie Bristoes Station VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f99693faeddf85d2bd53b5c1085b0a3a.jpg 2e06b99992bd7196a3d9ada03a8c4e25 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/892573e3dba231c0d6fdc34bdf35dc51.jpg 4c879060b1f91f66b3fd8a7b3e0e0cf7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a408b753f3a03e93aa6319381fff84a3.jpg 590c377841e684bc090a3bbcf40fb862 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 Picket Post. Near “Catletts Station”, Va. Sunday PM May 1st, 1864 My [own ???] dear Wife and Lulu. This beautiful Sabbath afternoon, may it be as pleasant with you – from this novel situation as Sergt. of the Picket, I send you a word of greeting. How little did I think one week ago that we should be so snugly fixed in this situation! Expected to have been on the Rapidan with Gen. Meade ere this, but we [fairly???] find ourselves living in log houses with cloth roofs and taking life easy guarding R Road [Railroad] from guerrillas which have infested the neighborhood. Mailed letters from near Alexandria and by our Sutler yesterday written from Bristoe’s [also spelled Bristow’s] Station where we camped for one night. Friday morning struck tents again and marched down the R Road some five miles when two Co’s H and G came down here, or a mile from here, where we relieved two Co’s. of the 14th Regulars and it seems the [???] for the present we scattered along this R Road as guard. The country reminds me some of the ground between town (at B [Billerica???]) and where Judkins’ [???] lived, rather skirted with woods. Where we are was a thick growth of oaks now much thinned out, the R Road ten rods perhaps on front with slight embankments. And some six or eight workmen are repairing while the sentinel paces his beat with fixed bayonet and ball cartridges. Trains pass frequently otherwise tis very quiet especially after such a long time at the front or with the hum of Camp life all about us. Have guard and Picket duty quite often of course but we shall rest up. The Regiment is nearby toward A. [probably Auburn, Virginia] while our quarters are towards Catlett’s opposite. Just breeze enough to be agreeable and reminds me so much of the dear old days at Pleasant Valley! If we could take a stroll together and hear a good sermon from [???] I do hope you are well and having some refreshment body and soul! Is it so? We soon expect to send and receive mail daily and then what chats we can have. Can you realize that your wandering boy is leading such a quiet life as near home? Let us make the most of it? A whole Brigade of heavy Artillery as Infantry passed us this A.M. for the front right from N.Y. harbor and many others are constantly going forward so it looks like something. A fearful future for some. Shall we be spared the last conflict? How these questions come up and we hope everything will be for the best. Are you all well? Can tell you nothing particularly interesting but I know a word will be axceptable [sic]. J. Henry is with the Co. [???] and is quartered with us eight in a house so far. Don’t know what the reason is that he came to the Co. All the boys from the Regt. are reported back. Will have a chance again soon perhaps. Is quite happy and boyish in his jollity. Another little incident. A playmate of Eddie Peirce’s is in our Co. belongs to the 29th Mass. (those who didn’t enlist are in our Regt.) and by chance I found him out. Geo. Woodbury I remember his name. Had a long chat last Eve. about old times in C [Charlestown?]. Younger of course than I am but as a mate of E’s [Eddie’s?] I was interested. A pleasant fellow and good soldier. How strange we meet folks in this world. Where’s my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days. And then I will answer all her questions. What would she ask me first. Think? Am very well indeed. Read a Psalm and a chapter from Ep [Epistle] St. John after got ready on duty – perhaps I ought to before. Mustered again this morning as accounted for for Pay. Shall return to quarters about 10 o’clock tomorrow morning and hope you will get this promptly. Love to all and Ever yours Entirely Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter was almost certainly the last letter that Jerome Peirce sent to his wife and daughter. A note added by someone on the first page of the letter indicates affirmatively that it was. It reads “last letter form (should be “from”) J.S.P”. NOTE 2: Rev. Levi Ballou in the funeral service sermon for Jerome Peirce that he gave on June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome Peirce had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent” made reference to several letters that Albinia had shared with him. The following is an excerpt from this letter that he used in that sermon. “Again, he writes his companion [his wife, Albinia or Allie], only 12 days before he fell, and after describing the place where he then was, as reminding him much of certain localities where they had in former days conversed and strolled together. He adds that by the movements of the army, “It looks like a fearful future for some.” He asks, “Shall we be spared the last fearful conflict?” “We hope all will be for the best.” He then speaks of his darling child to whom he sends some flowers which he had culled for her to keep to remember Papa and in closing says, ‘I hope to see you again soon.’” NOTE 3: The article titled “Hopeful Words Written in a Brutal Spring” in the Boston Globe edition of May 29, 1994, also includes the following excerpt from this letter. “Where is my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days and then I will answer all your questions. What would she ask me first, I think?...Read a Psalm, a chapter from the Epistle of St. John after I got ready on duty.” This article mentions that this letter is dated May 1, 1864, and that it may have been the last letter he wrote. This letter is also referenced in the May 1994 issue of Reader’s Digest as being “cheerful and upbeat.” Likewise, the fact that he sent flowers with this letter is also mentioned in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star article of May 29, 2001. NOTE 4: The following is a summary from the Unit History that describes the activities of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment around May 1, 1864. “On the 30th [of April, 1864] it became necessary to make another change, and our "Regulation Camp" was abandoned to others. We marched at half-past five o'clock in the morning, crossed Kettle Run at noon, and relieved the Seventeenth Regular Infantry, of the Fifth Corps, taking possession of the splendid camp near Catlett's Station, which they had occupied during the winter. Captain Morse, with Co. C, was sent forward to Catlett's, to guard the station and water tanks, while the remainder of the regiment went into camp. The larger portion of the regiment was accommodated in the barracks of the Seventeenth Regulars, but the three left companies were obliged to occupy their shelter-tents. Upon reaching this place, it being the last day of the month, the regular monthly return of the regiment was made up and forwarded to headquarters. As being the inventory of the effective strength with which we entered the campaign it may be interesting to include a synopsis of the report. At that date we had present for duty fourteen commissioned officers, and four hundred and twenty-six enlisted men, belonging to the regiment, including ninety-one men transferred from the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, or four hundred and forty in all. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, May 1, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Picket Post, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-05-01 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 #215 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Picket Post, near “Catletts Station”, VA. Allie Catletts Sation VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu Picket Post VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5f89aea2e60272e14268c3566fbe5390.jpg 12d43f8a65fb26c0780b18e6951c0ab9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c0de239a5d3916a2075c741896c7cf0f.jpg c483d78a5939cb493610ee62a04363c0 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 Billerica May 8th 1864 My own dear husband, It is Sunday eve. We have just got through tea and here I am in the summer sitting room. I cannot write as I would like, my anxiety is so great. I saw by last night’s papers that Burnside’s Corps were ordered up. I can hardly contain myself today. I went to church this afternoon but did not find much comfort. I rather be alone when I feel as I now do. All I can do for you is to commit you to our Heavenly Father for protection, and I know He will care for and watch over you. To be here at home and not know what befallen you is hard to bear. The suspense is dreadful. I do hope before many days to hear directly from you. Yesterday your letter written a week ago today came. I was so glad to get it, but it seems as though your anticipated chat we were to have together when the mail runs every day. Disappointments are the lot of man. I wrote you last Sunday. Monday noon Hattie came. Will went to Lowell with Jos. We did not wash as they were coming and I was not well. Mary commenced her school and came home at night to see Hattie and Will. Tuesday it rained very fast so the folks did not go home, staid here. I put a [???] in Jos. shirt. Wednesday we washed. Thursday we ironed. Friday and Sat. cleaned house. Abby Faulkner and one of her aunts called Thursday, very pleasant call. Saturday Dr. Bundy and his wife called. The Dr. looked at your picture and he says he has seen you somewhere. Wants me to ask you if he has not. He has always lived in Boston. His name is Frank Bundy, M.D. The little flowers you sent are beautiful and I send you a few in return. Freddy gathered them near Suckers Brook, and I have tied them together for you. It seems quite pleasant to get into this room again and the next time we move into it I shall be thinking only a few months and you will come home. O, will you be spared to return to me. I can not think any other way and how earnestly are my petitions sent upward and I know if it is right, they will be answered. Mrs. Dr Barns spoke to me, inquired after you. She sends you a New York Tribune when I can get it. She is very kind. Mr. Stone preached for us today. I do not like him very much. Frank was quite pleased with his letter from you and I believe he is writing to you. I cannot write a long letter tonight. I am too much excited but will write again soon. Lulu is upstairs with Abby. Good night dearest. From your own Allie Transcriber’s Note: A note, written sideways on the bottom of page 4, reads Got this coming from church. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter was written on Sunday evening, May 8, 1864, and was likely mailed on May 9. In view of the time it would have taken Allie’s letters to reach Jerome based on the transit time of other letters and considering the conditions on the battlefield at Spotsylvania Court House at the time, this letter would not have reached Jerome before he was killed early in the morning of May 12, 1864. It is very likely that it was returned to Allie with Jerome’s personal effects that were sent to her sometime after Jerome was killed. NOTE 2: This is the last letter from Allie in the collection addressed to Jerome before he was killed on May 12, 1864, and might be the last one she wrote to him. Based on other letters, the family learned of Jerome’s death sometime around May 20. How they found out could not be determined. It is likely that someone from his regiment sent Allie a letter at the first opportunity after the fighting at Spotsylvania had died down, and if so, it might have been Joseph H. Peirce, Jerome’s nephew. It is also likely that they saw it in one of the local newspapers. Those papers, such as the Boston Globe, invariably had reporters close to the fighting, and they reported the results of the battles, including a list of casualties of men from their area, very promptly, primarily because they were allowed to file their reports using the Union army’s telegraph system. NOTE 3: The “letter written a week ago” refers to the letter Jerome wrote on May 1, 1864, from Cattlets Station. Virginia. It is Letter No. 215 in this collection. NOTE 4: Hattie was Allie’s youngest sister Harriet (1845 – 1930?). NOTE 5: The pages of letter have brown stains on them which are the outline of the flowers she included, per her letter. Similar brown stains are found on one other letter, this one written by Jerome, which included flowers he sent to Lulu. That letter is Letter No. 191 in this collection. NOTE 6: “Suckers Brook” is also mentioned in the letter written by Jerome on April 20, 1864, from Annapolis, Maryland. He wrote, “We have some sweet singing birds here and as soon as the flowers spring, I will send her (Lulu) some. She must send me some of the first violets that grow by Suckers Brook.” That letter is Letter No. 210 in the collection. 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, May 8, 1864 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 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 1864-05-08 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 #216 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/ebeefff3377b22face81568af83f9e21.jpg 023e1ed0479c19e199f1e6d260fb3a24 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b95759713af33016ff7eaca905c34e78.jpg 8ada9411fbb8e6ceffa80fb45bb5b2bf 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 Billerica Sunday May 15th, 1864 My ever dear husband, I have written you every Sunday but I suppose you have not received many letters of late, I am very very anxious to hear from you. The time seems very long since I have heard from you and it seems doubly long my anxiety has been so great. O my dear husband how much the pour [sic] [poor] tired suffering soldiers have my sympathy and gladly would I flee to their assistance if I could or would bear their suffering for them. I have watch the papers very closely and find we are pushing hard upon Lee. I am very much cheered by the good news as are all the people if [sic] such victories without so many made to suffer, but they have the satisfaction to feel that they are suffering in a grand cause. I see by the papers that JH was sunstruck. I am anxious to hear how he is. I did want very much to go and take care of him and Nelson Smith – wounded in the side. I hope not bad. I have prayed so earnestly for your and others safety. The question cimes [sic] [seems] will my prayers be answered. Mr. Judkins sends me his paper every morning, the Post, and Mrs. Dr. Bowers sends me the Journal so I get the news. I hope you will be permitted to send a letter to me soon. It is Sunday afternoon. The folks have just got home from church. It is a very unpleasant day. Only the boys and Brother have been in church. Mr. Galloway preached. He sent word he shall be down this very same day this week. Jos said their [sic] [there] was great inquiry after you if we had heard from you. They saw J.H. news [???] and thought it was you. Lulu is quite busy with Abbie today and tod[d]les very fast. She woke up the other night and asked me where I thought Papie was. I thought she must have been dreaming about. Mr. Clark from Chelsea with his two youngest sons were here last night. They are going to remain for this week to work upon their farm. Frank and Jos has been in Boston this week to work for Mr. Clarke. They cannot earn as much you could in Boston painting. Marie Elizie was here last night and Mr. Gould. He has a brother in these battles. Freddie gathered these flowers for you. I have much sympathy for him, he has had much pain taken with him at home. I cannot write any long letters until I hear from you. I shall go to Orange as soon as I hear good news from you. All send love. Your ever loving wife, Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History: May 13 – May 21, 1864, at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House: Following days of virtually continuous rain and a final unsuccessful attack by Gen. Grant on the Confederate lines on May 18, Grant decided to shift his forces and move south again toward Richmond. The 36th Regiment left the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield on May 21, 1864. NOTE 2: This letter was written by Allie three days after Jerome was killed on May 12, 1864, a fact she obviously did not know when she wrote this letter. He was buried on the battlefield soon after he fell. His remains were re-interred in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery when it was established. The letter was apparently returned to Allie with Jerome’s personal effects which would have been sent to her by his commanding officer at a later time. 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, May 15, 1864 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 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 1864-05-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus, Luisa Dispenzirie and Donald Pfanz (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). 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 #217 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/476fb71720a55145d9a8e62a363bb3c4.jpg 6d8398eba02878868ee25339cfb1fb44 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4a125b6c05cb45ac6463b66776ffde4d.jpg 05654a0b8d1dfb2fcce5344c30dee7ad https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9c8f5a0622531578fb9a1e045c7bf57b.jpg 73acb72fbb95ba68ac566150583588e6 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 Billerica, May 22nd, 1864 Dear Mrs. Peirce, Your very painful but kind letter was received yesterday and Allie desires me to reply in her stead. We had heard nothing of the sad intelligence of which you wrote. The papers have been most carefully searched, the names of wounded and killed particularly read. We saw among them James Peirce of Co. H 36th Regt. killed, and I believe about the date we should affix to dear Jerome if the report be true. It startled us some at the time but circumstances overcame the feeling, it would have to arose from mistake in the name, was without his Seargt’s title prefixed to it and Allie believed there were others by the name of Peirce in that company. Do you know if it was so? You were very kind to send to Allie as you did – indeed you have ever been and your frequent communications of late have given her so much gratitude as her mind has been so distracted by the anxiety of this fearful time. She is sadly, sadly grieved and we hardly know what words of comfort to offer. We can only wait, leaning on that Omnipotent from above able to bear up the broken hearted. We do still cling to shadow of hope that rumor may have deceived us and that ere long more cheering tidings will come to us. How can we best ascertain facts? What does Mr. Peirce think as best course to pursue? We sent a letter at once to Boston hoping some effectual step for action might arise in the mind of your brother there or that Alonzo R. could suggest some known means for communications. Hope we shall hear soon. Allie received a letter from Mrs. Richardson of Stoneham a few days since expressive of much concern for the dear ones exposed to the sad ordeal of battle. Dear Mrs. Peirce, we most truly feel with you for the suffering and cruel return to danger of Jos. [Joseph] H. [Peirce]. How hard for him thus to be sent forth in all his weakness. We have felt much anxiety for him since we saw the account of his illness in the paper. Allie wrote to him as soon as she got your letter telling of his location in the Hospital, thinking it might seem good in his loneliness to hear from friends. Perhaps the letter never reached him if he was so soon sent forth. Let us know of him when you hear. Are not hearts drawn very closely by sympathy at this time? Surely a wail of sorrow must arise from your town. How has Orange suffered in this cause. It seems as though it must be almost draped with mourning but let us “be still and know the Lord reigns.” With many regards. I remain your friend Abbie Jaquith Afternoon. Mrs. Stebbins and Mrs. Richardson, Jerome’s sisters, have just left here. They had heard nothing of what you wrote but wished to know what was true in regard to tidings. Our whole town is under much excitement here today. A lady of much refinement and greatly beloved who has recently been suffering from mental depression since the death of her husband by consumption was this morning found missing from her home. She put her three children to bed last night and this morning they saw a light still burning but no trace of her in the house. A hoopskirt was found on the banks of the river and fears are entertained that she is drowned. They are dragging the river and search is being made in every direction. She has lived for a few years past in Springfield but returned to town as her father lived here. It is a singular coincidence that she was living in the same house in which her parents lived when she was young and from which her mother wandered away and made an attempt to drown herself but courage failed. There is a general gloom over the whole place. We dread the discovery. How many ways for sorrow? Abbie Monday morn. The body of that lady was recovered from the river last night drowned. Allie’s and our remembrance to Mr. Mayo’s family. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Abbie Jaquith was Allie’s sister. NOTE 2: According to the roster of men in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Volunteers Regiment contained in the Unit History, there was no James Peirce in that company, but Jerome Peirce is, of course, listed in the roster. The comments after his name read as follows: “Enlisted at age 31, from Orange, Mass. Mustered into service Aug. 4, 1862, Promoted Sergt. Killed in action at Spotsylvania, Va., May 12, ’64.” Therefore, the newspaper account referenced in the letter mistakenly identified Jerome as James. It is interesting to note that in the roster in the Unit History Jerome’s last name is spelled “Pierce” instead of the correct “Peirce.” NOTE 3: How and when Abbie first learned that Jerome had been killed has been an unanswered question. Based on this letter she was, very sadly, informed indirectly on or about May 21, 1864, from an article in a local newspaper that listed the names of men who had been killed or wounded in recent battles. Even then, she could not be absolutely certain that she would never see Jerome again because of the incorrect reporting of the first name. The fact that she received no more letters from Jerome after the one he wrote to her on May 1, 1864, must have been the deciding factor to convince her that the worst had happened. Quite often, official notifications of the next of kin did not take place for some time after the battle because the commanding officers were severely pressed for time as the regiments were compelled to move to the next battlefield. That was definitely the case for the Union army in May of 1864. Per Jerome’s Pension File, it was not until sometime in June 1864 that Abbie received an official notification that Jerome had fallen at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864. She used that document as part of her application for a widow’s pension. 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 Abbie to Mrs. Joseph Peirce, May 22, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Abbie Mrs. Joseph Peirce Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Abbie to Mrs. Joseph Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abbie Jaquith 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 1864-05-22 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 #218 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. Abbie Billerica MA. Mrs. Joseph Peirce