12 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/47fa92fc1a35fbc504000633d15a6a9e.jpg 7c79acb022ee9f591e1c1f3f2d23e8a0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/729e7085323149cbfd3117b2b8e7c01a.jpg af6ddde32262b760ef1dc47353564d62 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fafa3cb6dd15ea6f6b5b314bc96829bd.jpg 884ae6c12be2025ad8de2c14152925ff https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e71df7c4ef6d4fa20632e9d459d10540.jpg 4576b57715e6c81a9be9150692b23db8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Feb. 16, 1863 Friend Jerome, Mr. Murray mentioned tonight that there was an opportunity of sending to you, and as I have been wanting to write again, I hasten to improve it. I was much obliged for your kind letter, and wish I could hope to write something that might interest you. I was delighted to learn by one of your letters that your valued friend “Will Shakespeare” had at last reached you and you could part heart and mind with his imitable portrayal of character. Had all our soldiers as good resources in pursuing intellectual and moral culture as yourself, there would be much less to dread from the influences of camp life and our men would return to their homes and friends, nobler, better from their hard experiences of the past two years. But it must be very hard for you to bear up against the many difficulties and hardships of a soldier’s life. Were there but as much true patriotism among our politicians as among our brave soldiers, I should look for a much speedier peace. As it is, they will doubtless drag on longer than they need. But let politicians take what course they may, there is a power behind them I believe to which they must yield. Whether they will is now proving to them and to us all that there is a “Providence that shapes our ways, roughhew them as we will.” God is teaching us lessons we have long slighted in a way not to be resisted. I can scarcely conceive of a greater change of feeling in the public mind and have since the war has begun and I trust and believe the good work will go on till we are ready to bear the “Ark of Liberty” God has entrusted to us. Onward till every human being through the length and breadth of our land may be free. The outrageous course of the opposition at the North after slavery has shown so plainly the clever fool is past my comprehension and shows that we must yet suffer from humiliation and punishment as we are brought to our true positions and our duty. Me thinks [I think] you soldiers who have been made to bear the brunt of all our troubles, will see and realize the evils of slavery as Ben Butler claims that he has done. Again a change in the leader of the Army of the Potomac and we wait to see what Gen[eral] Hooker will accomplish. While frequent changes I should think would hinder the progress of victory for us, but still we hope, wait and thirst for the “good time coming.” I have been greatly disappointed at Gen. McClellan’s course, making himself as many say, the tool of the politicians in coming North and East to be feted and caressed just at this time while our affairs are still so far from prosperous. Me thinks Gen. Burn[side] proves himself the more modest and meritorious of the two. Even Gen. Butler seems to be better posted as to the right means of retaining the best feelings of the public on his side. I cannot understand why Gen. Burnside found so many things to interfere with his plans for I believe he is a true and noble man. When I feel almost discouraged, I strengthen myself with the thought that we are all in His hands who doeth all things well and who doth not willingly afflict any. I have just returned from Teacher’s Meeting at Mrs. Lonings. Dr. Ellis and his wife are away. They left last week for N[ew] Y[ork], Washington and Baltimore I believe, and Rev. Mr. Everett led in our discussion on the benefits etc. of S S [Sunday School] concerts of which we have recently had one in Boylston Chapel under the care of our good superintendent Mr. Studly. He is a young man of great earnestness in the S[unday] School cause and whom you would like much. His health is delicate, as he has been suffering some two years or more with his throat. Mrs. J. Ellis (Lucy Mills) was there this eve. She and her husband are spending four days with him and I think you know somewhat our good friend Mr. Everett. Mr. E seems very much better than I had supposed he would be thru the winter. You would find many changes in our School and among our teachers though enough remain who would rejoice to welcome you to make you feel at home. Sometimes I feel very very hopeful that if spared to come back you will return to C[hurch]. Your old friend Charles Smith is still with us as librarian tho I think the duty is rather irksome to him. His wife, who is a pleasing lady tho I know her but slightly, has recently taken a class at the S[unday] School. I suppose letter [from] J. keeps you informed of the items of interest in connection with our S[unday] School. One of our greatest acquisitions there is Mr. Tranberg who I believe you reckon among your friends. He has a fine class of seven or eight young lads from I think 16 to 20 and you I know would be pleased to see how closely he keeps them interested. He occasionally gives a smart instructive lesson to the whole school, when we teachers feel we gained as much as our pupils. We have felt all our hearts saddened by the word from young A. [Alonzo] Ranlett but I cannot help hoping his friends’ fates may not be realized, but that Nellie [Ellen] Peirce’s presence may help to win him back to life and health. How many of our true and noble hearted young men have laid their lives on the Altar of Liberty and Country. God grants the costly sacrifice be sent in vain that ere long this fearful course of slavery may “give up the ghost” and vanish from our land. I sometimes doubt whether we are yet prepared to bear patiently with the poor blacks in their training when paid for we can not expect they will step above into a true grand manhood and yet if they make any missteps on the way how many will have all hope and faith in their being able to enjoy and improve liberty. ‘tis late and I must say good night. Sisters join me in kindest regards and good wishes for you and all our brave defenders. Heaven guard and keep us all. Tuesday morn. I felt that I would like to send some little token of goodwill but just now seem rather deficient and supposing however that paper envelopes are always useful, I add four and hope this writing will keep off a little cold. I thought you might enjoy reading the incl[osed] monthly Journal. When you have sufficient leisure I will be glad to hear from you tho I do not wish you to feel obliged to answer at once. My time for school when with forty pupils I find enough to keep me very busy. Your friend, S. A. Waldo My regards to your wife when you write. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: According to Regimental History, on February 16, 1863, the 36th Regiment was camped in Newport News, Virginia, for six weeks. NOTE 2: The phrase “ark of the liberties” comes from Herman Melville, who offered a grand vision of America’s global destiny while deploring the chauvinism that framed America’s expansionist war against Mexico in 1846. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/books/review/Oshinsky-t.html NOTE 3: The quotation near the top of the second page is from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “"There's a Divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will." http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plays/hamlet/divineprovidence.html NOTE 4: S. Alonzo Ranlett was the adjutant and was ill from January 19, 1863, according to the Regimental History, p. 47. Ranlett was from Charlestown, MA. Alonzo Ranlett, whose full name was Seth Alonzo Ranlett, married Ellen Peirce on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the daughters of Joseph Peirce, who was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, Ellen was one of the nieces of Jerome. NOTE 5: Brigadier General Joseph Hooker was appointed to command the Army of the Potomac by President Lincoln on January 26, 1863. He replaced General Burnside after the Union defeat at Fredericksburg and the failed Mud March on January 20-23. NOTE 6: Ben Butler was a Massachusetts politician who became a Brigadier General and led the 8th Massachusetts troops, who were some of the first to reach Washington D.C. to protect the Union capital in case Maryland seceded. He was the first Union general to identify slaves who ran away into Union lines as “contraband of war,” despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. NOTE 7: Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote in 1852 an anti-slavery tract: “The Two Altars, or Two Pictures in One” about the same time as start of the serialization of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Written in response to the Fugitive Slave Law, the story, simple, obvious, and sentimental, consists of two parallel parts, "The Altar of Liberty, or 1776" and "The Altar of _______, or 1850." Daniel Washburn at the Utica Free Soil political convention in June 1848 gave an anti-slavery speech reference the altar of Liberty: "Can you rest one hand on the sacred altar of Liberty, and with the other extend the domain of the darkest curse that a righteous heaven permits on earth? Every impulse of humanity revolts at the idea. The trials and struggles of our patriot fathers, the blood and agony of their battlefields, a thousand witnesses of the blight and desolation of Bondage on a virgin soil, and thronging Millions from distant shores seeking a Free Land for their Free labor, utter an awful and undying protest!" The Free Soil party in 1848 and 1852 was a single-issue party opposing the expansion of slavery into the Western territories. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2004665354/ Picture of Washington at the Altar of Liberty on a cotton print from 1819. http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/77853 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From S.A. Waldo to Jerome, February 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Waldo, S.A. Description An account of the resource From S.A. Waldo to Jerome Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource S.A. Waldo Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-02-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 3.25 6.25 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 X 9 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #74 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location could not be determined Friend Jerome Peirce S. A. Waldo https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d114ec6330b785bcabba7b6ed068528f.jpg 9a8878fe4df53134900c702a43a95d41 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 Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION To “Allie” Dearest of all my earthly friends, Again I fly to thee, Whose blessed Image ever blends In all that’s dear to me. The toils of day and eve’s repose, Alike thy presence brings. When sleep serene, my eyelids close To thee my spirit wings. How deeply thus doth love enshrine Its object in the soul! And guides the heart to things divine, And Heaven – its final goal. Oh blessed thought! For those who love, An immortality remains. And in a brighter world above, A balm for all our pains. April ‘56 Written by my Father when engaged to Mother. Lucy S. Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE Jerome Peirce and Albinia Jaquith were married on September 10, 1857. More specifically, the Pension File obtained from the U.S. National Archives in Washington, D.C., contains a Certification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as required as proof of marriage by the U.S. Pension Office in order to approve the widow’s pension that Albinia applied for. That document reads, “The marriage of Jerome Peirce of Charlestown, aged 26 years, and Albinia Jaquith of Billerica, aged 28, was solemnized at Billerica on September 10, 1857, by Rev. J. G. D. Stearnes.” Further research shows that the Rev. Jesse G. D. Stearnes was the minister at the Congregational Church on Andover Street in Billerica, Massachusetts, from 1843 until 1867. 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 XX, 1856 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856-04-XX 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 #235 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6b59f861368307490f08181c8b546245.jpg 6d1943ad2fe27483197f0fce5cb5b152 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8f3b51cfc23daf321fe33b6ba10ff6d9.jpg 5fbc3a9facde2778b0366beb962a5c6d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4a90ef9aeb9e9fc99306dfc003e64987.jpg 86d703dd1788d9ae24e849265570b23b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c409efccc8876f7ef4e2aa3bc5f93006.jpg 788b0e291ff39690ad759ed3e6333c5a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/698fbb31b8920b90bf53589cf9158b45.jpg 5eebba7da97528a8c6d3a058ce1071fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7bd1f7f40e3507997bdde6aef95a059.jpg 89394830f532ef70736d8d3953ff9b50 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 Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Tell me now, my Allie dear Tell me Allie if you will What is this new tale I hear Of the doings on the hill? On the hill whose street is “green” Even in the winter time. Dear old winter! Though the showers Snow upon us from above Causeth no cold wind to lower Causeth no chill wind to move O’er the blossom love which springeth Springeth up in gentle hearts. Tell me now, my little Abbie Tell me Abbie, if you will Is it true your bright hopes rally Round the corner on the hill? Corner where a neighbor lives Who can “Pierce” a maiden’s heart. Was it wicked for our neighbor Thus to “pierce” dear Allie’s heart? No, oh no, for ‘twas love’s labor Done with love’s sweet pointed dart And we’ll hope, yes, hope most fondly This is not “Love’s Labor Lost.” Thus it happened, so they say - They who bear the tale to me - From your home you came away Visiting Maria P. There a friendship new was formed - Formed and ripened into love. How impressive was that visit! Visit made in winter’s cold! Fraught with tender memories is it, Memories which may ne’er grow old. Memories which must ever linger Round the heart in freshness green. When I saw you weeks ago - Saw you but at church a minute Then I did not, could not know All the things that happened in it. But ‘twould seem a change came o’er O’er the spirit of your dream. Listen, Allie, while I tell - Listen, love, with heart and ear, That it pleaseth me full well This new love tale which I hear. This engagement made between Friend Jerome and Allie J. I will hope that these two hearts Now becoming “twain in one” Shielded from suspicions darts Have a union true begun Union true of heart and soul Leading on to higher life. I’ll not say - may only roses Bloom along thy path in life. But may every day that closes Be with holy progress rife. Progress in the inner life - Life “eternal, sacred, sure.” Every station hath its crosses, Crosses every mortal hath, Joys and sorrows, gains and losses, Checkered lie in every path. But life’s trials rightly borne Lead us on to future good. So these two shall walk together Hand in hand and heart to heart, And in bright or cloudy weather Love and faith shall ne’er depart. Love and faith in one another, Love and faith in God above. And life’s discipline shall bring Strength and happiness and peace. Blossoms in your path shall spring Plants whose fragrance ne’er shall cease. Plants of heavenly birth which grow Grow in humble, loving hearts. Why, dear Allie, I’m astonished! What a ditty I have writ! By its length I am admonished ‘Tis high time for me to quit. Quit the theme which is so pleasant, Pleasant - both to you and me. I have known Jerome from childhood, And I know he’s good and true. And no other one you’d find would Strive more hard the right to do. - So I hope you’ll lead each other Onward, upward, heavenward – home. There, there - little one I’ll leave you, Leave you for a little space. But with this my love receive you And, before I see your face Write and of your welfare tell One who signs a simple L. Given at the Spring Hill home, One the twenty-sixth of March, When the warm spring sun has come, Mounting high in heaven’s arch. The year in course I here affix, ‘Tis eighteen hundred fifty six. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) This poem was written on March 26, 1856, apparently shortly after Jerome and Allie became engaged, per the last stanza of the poem. They were married on September 10, 1857. The name of the author, identified only by “L”, could not be determined but he/she was obviously a friend of both Allie and 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 probably Jerome to Allie, March 26, 1856 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Description An account of the resource From probably Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Probably 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 1856-03-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #234 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location not indicated Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3e0ef9a3915ce7f6c2b62268e48be567.jpg d0780ff02c51a329e0569258b1f3844f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e48ded5bf1f27ef37bd4d006dfbdc6bf.jpg 6b2b3afed2f76a0f2652214e6288eb42 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4847c3d9a5846315cbbc875660c3fc5f.jpg fa6e80606a56f42fe79504ab15786f26 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b82f8cf7a5a06ba180502a9c5c8d067c.jpg df3fc2f8be6ca4af7c6013cda3c3e827 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 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp Near the Potomac, 30th Sept 1862. My dearest Wife, On this lovely morning, (the sun just hidden sufficient to make it Cool and shady) in a lovely part of “My Maryland.” I resume the pencil again to you. I wish you could have just looked upon the sight yesterday P.M. The mail arrived about noon, distributed about 2 P.M. and such joyful faces. After more than two weeks of waiting it was indeed a Godsend and set the whole Camp in joyous hilarity except a few who received none, and they had the sympathy of the rest. Well I got Six, all thanks to the dear Good friends! Three were from our dearest self, dated 17th 20th & 21st from Bil, the last from Boston. I expect I have not got all of yours, as I have not all of mine. one from Foster I have not recd. I should value it much and hope it will come yet. One from Abbie of the 17th, one from Finney, one from E. Haynes, from Mr. Baker of Orange, (I wrote him and the S. School awhile ago)]. Am glad to have good news generally and trust the same health, and security will still keep all our dear friends and interests at home, and ‘tis a great deal to know we are a wall of strong arms and glittering steel, to still protect our best hopes at home, and already the Rebel hosts are cooled of their mad endeavors to “invade” the North! But of the Past, Left Camp “Rocks” as we facetiously call it--owing to the “stony places” where we last Camped--on Friday P.M. a Column of some 8500 men, and made three miles or so to this place, a little nearer the Potomac between it and Antietam Creek. It is a lovely spot, and a wide valley, to the West, some two miles and in front, are the belt of hills between us and Virginia (see the map) while undulating land, woods of Cedar, about, front and Right, and some 40000 to 75000 troops on hill and plain filling the whole area, and in the eve lighted up like a la[r]ge City. I wish I was an artist for it is a “continual feast” to the eyes. But I must tell you more. Lou R. came into the Capt’s tent last eve, where I was chatting, and seemed as overjoyed as a boy at his letters, two from Nellie, and we “walked and talked” till roll call 9 oclk, and almost imagined ourselves once more at home, even while talking over the chances of the war prompted by the little incident, of my being appointed one of the Color guard, a post of danger and honor. The duty is in the Centre of the Reg at Review, Dress parade and line of Battle. A co[r]poral is selected from each Co[.] Frank Crofts is from the “Phalanx,” so we are indeed under the folds of the starry flag, “By angel hands to valor given[.]” Jos H had a letter from his mother, and two papers[.] No particular news, only there is a rush for Certificates of disability to serve in the army and Mr. Baker is quite funny over it. But O is doing well notwithstanding, and I only hope the response will be general[?] for the appearance alone of the host can send, will crush the rebellion without much more fighting. We are having a beautiful season here, and the pleasantest period of our Camp life is passing. Should like to be in Bila a little while. by the way, the Potomac river looks a little like the Concord at B but for the Color. the streams all have a yellow, muddy Color. There is a steep rugged bushy bank, which looks off into Virginia, and a Canal running beside it, with deserted Lime Kilns, on the bank, for it is a great for Lime Stone Country, and the water effects us more or less, but therefor[e] I have been exceedingly well, and am so still for I am Careful of myself, and am not anxious to die either by bullets or desease [sic], but shall endeavor to “stand by the flag[.]” Had a Brigade Review this A.M. Gen Wil[l]cox, and Inspection Dress parade &c. by and by, so will rest awhile It is almost dark and the mail is closing—will add a closing word. You ask if Capt S. is a[s] popular as ever. he is and is a very kind and excellent man. Expect our first Lieut from Hubbardston soon. been sick. from the 25th Reg. I presume I have forgot[t]en many items, but not the love I bear you and our dear little Lulu. Regimental inspection, Dress Parade, (and Review this A.M.) so I am somewhat fatigued. I enclose $,00 as I can do without it, so I Just on “Please forward” in hopes it will ensure a safe arrival. Hope to hear from Foster. Love to all. As ever, Your Jerome Excuse this paper. Half of Mr. Baker’s. Have to make the most of Stationery. 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, September 30, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near the Potomac 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 1862-09-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.5 X 3 - 1st Scan 8 X 12 - 2nd Scan 8 X 12 - 3rd Scan 4.5 X 8 - 4th Scan 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 #17 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp near the Potomac Allie Camp near the Potomac Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/44118d8049037e73bdbee35783d442d0.jpg 5aa63b16c841c0736f5f9309c3f09b35 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/76b216e9fca3f028ad1d2bae58bcebf4.jpg 18c601030747e18b378622001e219b43 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bb14c5d6426856f78b06a66d9d43cae3.jpg 62f7e6e88eed8c1c14a74d9446075754 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/79e1b26ca808629e5dae411d8926045c.jpg 779277026a7610a67f1973523708ea21 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/710b5932cc2ad6c3db0c3432e60c27a0.jpg ea5b7adbd7db0a4499c85caca329e2f4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fbb6fcc47d6f74870410bc9520645f5b.jpg 25ecd5ca537a0fb7021f60ddda1ad6ac 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 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp Near Sharpesburg [sic] Sept 25, 1862 My dearest Wife, I had scarcely closed my last at Keedysville last Sunday P.M. when we were ordered to pack up and about 3 P.M. started for this place, 4 miles, which is with the main force of Gen Burnside and formes [sic] one of the Army Corps which holds the rebels, who are in Virginia in a shattered condition. Have been waiting for a mail before I wrote again. expect one today as it is on the way and hope to get it before I send this. Have no particular news to offer. have not seen a paper since Sunday, but our Capt. was ill at Frederick City, and came yesterday. Says the impression is that the fighting is about over with. I hope it may be so, for to see the carnage and ruin hereabouts is sufficient to sicken one of war. We passed this the village of Sharpesburg [sic], and it is riddled with shot from our Artillery at the fight a week or more ago. One fine brick house has a ball hole completely through it, and the course battered away four[?] two feet, as tho’ a 64 pounder had hit it. Have seen Converse Mayo, and Harland Metcalf. They are pretty well. Converse had three narrow escapes at the battles, was in two at So Mountain and Sharpsburg. bullets burnt his skin in three places, either of which would have ruined him if not killed him. He is a soldier every inch. Metcalf was well—attendant to Dr Church, a light duty. We are encamped on Antietam Creek, woods, cornfield in the rear, a steep bank within ten feet of our tent, some 50 feet high like Millers River near Acted[?], only the creek [?] half as wide. Here is about 130000 troops hereabouts, and the night time presents a fine sight sight [sic]. The measles are in the Reg some which prevents us from moving for the present. Shall probably be at Harpers Ferry sometime[.] We have little to do but go thro’ the manual of Arms, and inspection of arms, as the ground is not fitted. Dress parade last we[ek] in a Cornfield, on a hill side—awkward job. Weather is fine with Cool nights and mornings. The health of our boys is good[.] We are in an out-of-the-way region and have short rations some of the time. Got some Sugar and splendid molasses sy[r]up yesterday with a few home made cakes from a farm house, and we have lived. Jos H. is tenting with us for the present. Wrote to Sister Sarah yesterday[.] (Jos H. has just come in with a loaf of warm bread—bravo!) We find it hard to get postage stamps. please enclose some occasionally. Will add more by [?]. 5 P.M.—As a specimen of what we live[?] here. Just as we were closing the 10 Oclk Drill, this A.M. orders came to pack and be ready for marching at 1. O clock P.M Well all ready, stood till 4 P.M. when we [were] ordered back to tents, so here we are waiting for supper, Henry M. reading the paper. News seems favorable. the Proclamation I hope will close the war shortly. We know nothing of the future. The rebs “May make another dash for vi[c]tuals[.] if they do we are ready for them A beautiful day and have thought much of you. Are you at Orange? Hope you will be fixed at B son, where I hope to meet you all in less than a year. No mail yet. will not seal this till morning. A kiss for you and Lulu, and may heaven keep you always. Went to a tent meeting last Eve[.] fine singing, scripture reading, and a beautiful prayer from Sergeant White of Roxbridge[?][.] Evening by Candle light— Jos H. reading “Baltimore Clipper[.]” Dress Parade. there was no mention of marching tomorrow, so we may remain but, I think not. Thought I would add a few words as I could, as when we do march, it will be rapidly, and I shall be too fatigued for much writing. Had a nice supper of biscuit and molasses, Coffee &c sweetened with our own sugar. The Union folks at the farm house, like the Mass Boys, and make more money selling bread, than regular work. We share so that a little Cash goes a great way, for we have been short at this Camp. You will think we think of nothing but eatables, but we have singing, reading, and it would do you good to see how much attention the “Good book” receives from some of the boys, and I often think of Cromwell’s army as pictured in “Woodstock[.]” Have “confabs” with Lou R and Ben E. Had a cleaning up of the Camp grounds yesterday, which makes it look more Comfortable. I don’t know as these things will interest you, but O try to give a picture of Army Life in a dispirited way, for we are liable to “pack knapsack” at any moment. Tell Edward P. and H. I will remember them soon, but they must not wait for me. How goes life at C with Ed P? Saw some gentleman from Worcester sent out for the wounded of the 35th[.] Said the “men were coming”! Am glad of it, for I think the appearance of this vast Army will settle the matter soon, for evidence accumulates daily of the desperate condition of the “rebs,” and the wretched state of things at the South. Must bid you Good Night, and shall close in the morning anyhow, but hope for letters from home before I do. Direct, to 36 Reg Co H. Mass Vols “Ninth Army Corps,” as we get letters by the Division Mail now. Two Divisions (40,000) form a Corps[.] We are part of the 1st Div 3d Brigade 9th Corps &c. A Div. Composes 4 Brigades[,] 4 Regts a Brigade &c 8. P.M. Henry M. just came in. Says the talk in Camp is that we shall move at 4 Oclk A M which means early, so I will Close. Love abund[ant]ly to all. Ever Jerome [Marginal notes] [Page 1] Capt Hastings Co. My Testament is a dear Companion. As ever your own Jerome [Page 2] Direct to the Ninth Army Corps, in addition to former way. 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, September 25, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near Sharp[e]sburg, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-09-25 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6 X 4 - 1st Scan 6 X 8.75 - 2nd Scan 10.75 X 8.75 - 3rd Scan 5 X 8 - 4th Scan 6 X 8.5 - 5th Scan 10.75 X 9 - 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 #16 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Sharp[e]sburg, MD. Allie Jerome Peirce MD. Sharp[e]sburg https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/85f638f7e09709c7b7f8a5bfcc91c328.jpg faefe00bdecfba8c88a5e1d3eb8bd13b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6b387893a8dfb4b2c85bad565f261c07.jpg 58f584633d7a927de3908aef91ff9609 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/27bb7a335143f4a7a898e65f244dda58.jpg ccba3f239bf2aa5880742ec9d6956c80 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 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday morning 21st It is little past 8 O’clk A.M Sunday morning and I trust a day of rest. Went out early to get water, wash &c[.] Have to go about half a mile, but the water is good, and as I preffer[?] it all have had no trouble. Have been lying down, reading the Testament, & took a little walk[.] saw Alonzo R. very busy, and well. has written home at F. City. Am feeling very well. have some cold nothing serious. my limbs are getting stronger. expect our next march shall have to carry knapsacks. The “Harper’s Weekly” of 27th contains an excellent map of our rout[e]. “Turners Gap,” is fine scenery, and all along through there was a severe battle, some days before we came and could see some of the marks. several graves of Indiana boys. The battle hereby was near Sharpsburg, where we expect to go next. The 35th Mass and 9th N.H. was badly cut up. Victims are in the barns where we went for water this morn. I have seen enough to show what Slavery has done for the Country. I don’t know as we shall be in action yet but it will not be strange so you must muster your faith and resolution and try to feel that whatever happens will be for the best, for our “boys” have now seen what war is, and are resigned, and will try and do their duty. I have said this much as a matter of duty, as the time has Come to speak so much. I have no thought but to be supported by the same hand that has led us thus far, and which will look after those who are left behind. I wish very much to hear from you, and a mail will overtake us soon I think. I intended to have writ[t]en Mr Walker’s folks--wish you would—and remember me to them. Tell Mother I could not spare the cap nights. Have found it of great value. I suppose she must have heard from Capt J. We are about 70 miles from Washington, and have seen nearly the entire length of Maryland, it being only about 16 miles to the line of Penn. and how the Rebs ever dared to come here is more than I can tell. They say they have lost Fifty thousand men by it (a statement of one of their own officers)[.] The whole Country is mountainous, and a perfect gauntlet for Artillery. the field above us (about two miles off) extended four miles, some say five or six, and is covered with wrecks—old guns [and] wagons—and they are still burying the dead. But I hope a better scene is to come, when we shall return and “smoke the pipe of peace,” and be once more united in our good old Mass home. How and where are you? I need not say how much I think of you all, and may heaven grant a peaceful lot for you, and our darling Lulu. Kiss her for me. Tell her to love mama and be a good girl and not forget her papa[.] We shall be put to duty more than ever. will write others when I can, but for the present I shall write to you only. I get to[o] weary to think of writing more. Inspection, service &c today[.] if I can will add another word, but if I can’t give love to each and all. Don’t get alarmed by reports for some of us will write, whatever takes place. As ever Your loving husband Jerome P 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, September 21, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Near Keedysville, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Peirce, Jerome 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 1862-09-21 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6 X 8.75 - 1st Scan 11 X 8.75 - 2nd Scan 5 X 8 - 3rd Scan jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #15 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Keedysville, MD. Allie Jerome Peirce Keedysville MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/06c9e9841a125d9a292859602ea9caeb.jpg 13fe5ebd6c49aeea79540760e71fcbb6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ac4fe670326f98ac893375a0da23f7f0.jpg b19ba22b8e5c9a788109c87327de7b6d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cfb85c81fcce4c64ccea9ae6e5016b20.jpg 2e0c277d5d5c77a6a2e202d30920fdae https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/545926c189f8cc47c2eec5172bfdd0dd.jpg 51f739e051c0e716ff1c118e4b4b6dce 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 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Near Keedysville, Md 20 Sept 1862 My dearest Allie After a tedious march of three days and a half in succession, we have reached this place, which is in the very seat of war, and within a short distance of a bloody field, and the victims of which we have met hourly for the last two days. But let me say a word about our march. We left Brookville Weds morning, and went 15 miles, to beyond a miserable village called Damascus, where we camped outdoors in a musty and damp night, and weary I assure you. But after a while we had a ration of hot coffee and had a good nights sleep. Early Thu[r]s morn. moved into Frederick City, about 17 miles, through Monrovia[,] Newmarket, &c. The county is more hilly and N.E. like in Nature but nothing else. Frederick is a pretty place in a valley surrounded by heights, South Mountain &c[.] Yesterday morn. left F.C. and came beyond Middletown, thro’ a beautiful Country but marked by the rebel raid and camped on a beautiful hill[,] a chain, or branch of the Blue Ridge, with a charming view thro’ wide vallies [sic], much like Berkshire, Mass. Today was the crossing of the mountain, in which I rode most of the way, (Our Knapsacks have been carried since we left Damascus), and tho’ foot sore and wearied I am in good health, and only wish I could step in and tell you my adventures, instead of these miserable scrawls. Arrived here about noon today. We are at the rear of the main army and our next move is very uncertain. You have heard of the battles for the last few days no doubt[.] I cannot tell you half we have scene [sic], and if we don’t get hardened it will not be from want of seeing the victims, in all shapes of suffering, and we have talked with those from the 15th and 21st Reg. Capt Joselyn, of Worcester[,] is wounded and gone to Washington. Saw one of his (Reg) men yesterday and they agreed exactly, in the wrist and back, but will get well. They say he is a good fellow. Boonsboro and the village here are hospitals, every church, school house and many private dwel[l]ings are given up for the same purposes, and as I write, the cannon are heard in two or three directions, and it is supposed Siegel and Burnside are finishing Jackson and his forces, which are said to be hemmed in near Harpers Fer[r]y[.] Two columns of rebel prisiners [sic] went past here today, and near New Market we met some 5000. of our men who were parolled [sic] at Harper’s Ferry. It was a disgraceful affair. I have given you a rapid and poor account of things, and you may think sad, but we are in good spirits and only hope to see before many days the total destruction of Jackson’s army and the doing up of the Rebellion, which according to those best able to judge here will follow as the “Rebs” are in a most desperate condition. We hope to be Brigaded soon and so be in better shape in some particulars. Wrote to Frank & Will before leaving Brookville. No letters from home on the road[.] Direct to Washington as ever[.] See Harpers Weekly for a map of our travels. Will add more tomorrow. 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, September 20, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Near Keedysville, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Peirce 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 1862-09-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6 X 4 - 1st Scan 6.5 X 9 - 2nd Scan 10.75 X 8.75 - 3rd Scan 6 X 8.75 - 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 #14 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 Keedysville, MD. Allie Jerome Peirce Keedysville MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/30d6f3d9490343c3595b42052e9dc4ce.jpg f168e610f8ff828c90341a329a312955 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4c836fecb6cee0cee12b2240adff73ad.jpg afe920299b5a78fc3ae9dd8626872e4c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0f4a2befdbdaabebd5cd6e5ea200ecfe.jpg 82502176c4a0073fc8ea775e487c8778 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bcb182f51eb29b443449f7a2e0d14ade.jpg 2f658cde5e561b02e17e7153641e6bf7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/54c94ce2d95048ff8ce3542f0b75e9df.jpg 25e031eaaa1b4dd17dc6be5eef01b66c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2501d61586784f5e4fd261fd18da341d.jpg 76b0fa33f034842217e515bf7c30c39d 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 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp “Forbes” Brookville Md 16 Sept 1862 My very dear little wife and daughter, It is almost 8 Oclk A M, just after rations, which means Coffee and hard bread, and meat, and I assure you it “goes good” too. Well, we haven’t much news that certain, so I am going to have a rambling conversation answering questions &c[.] You will probably hear by my letters of Sunday, that we expected to move suddenly. well that proved a “hoax”, a sham messenger got into camp, and the Col wouldn’t move. We are among rascally rebels who are very good to our faces but would gladly see us cut up, but we are enough for them, so don’t feel alarmed. It is cloudy and Cool. I am feeling very home like. This may sound strange, and let me here ask you to dismiss at once, and forever, from your mind the thought that I was dissatisfied with my home. God knows I love you all sincerely, but when I saw and felt the condition of the Country, all employments at home, and especially at mean rates of compensation, seemed contemptable in Comparison, with standing under the Flag in defense of the best Country and government on earth, and I am glad more so than ever that I done as I did, for it places you and me in a more elevated condition than ever and if I live thro’ it, it will bring its own “exceeding great reward.” There is something in the stir and commotion of Soldier life, which you women can’t fully realize perhaps, and which we think not the less of you, there is a wonderful fascination in the thought of the work we are doing. The married men, I notice, and I have talked with many of them, are the most happy, and devoted in the service, while the young and single are the inconstant and faultfinding. So much for having something to defend. So I want you to feel as a soldiers Wife what I do as a “Soldier of the Army of the Union”! Well, I did think of our wedding day, a lovely day here (or at Leesboro Camp 10 miles back) and thought I should mention it but slipped my pen. You speak of a letter written the 11th. I got one written the 7th and one this Morn which I enjoyed so much over my bread and Coffee and glad you are well. I want to hear of you as cosily fixed at B with our effects, goods &c with you. Jos H. had a letter this morning from his mother, very kindly. She had written you. Jos. had gone to Royalston. Lottie Houghton was threatened with a fever. Will Miller sick at Alexandria in hospital. Ballon (Supt.) was to be first Leut. of a new company. Lively times, there[?] [are] so many men going to war. Saw B Edmonds yesterday. Says Wm. Finney, says, he feels almost ashamed to be seen in the street while so many are in the Army, and that’s how they feel We have a rumor in camp this morn that we are to start for somewhere, where we shall be pleasantly fixed for some time to come, where we shall have a pleasant “habitation and a name”. I hope it may be so, for in foul weather it would be agreeable, very, but we are fast learning to have no faith till the moment of action. No papers in camp yesterday but those we received from home, and they will be very welcome. It is so good to feel when we leave drill for the tents that there is something from home to greet our eyes. We are exceedingly favored with the men—a good set too—yes some four ministers in the ranks. Service on Sunday by the Chaplain. A good speaker, and a common sense discourse on the evils common in Camp. Swearing, gaming &c &c[.] Read drawn up in line, closing with dress Parade or guard, which takes about a 100 men[?], a fine sight. The drummers, or Guard if they have one[,] marches in front, from Right, (the head of the line) to Left, and back, wh[e]n the Sergeants come to the center in front, and report their number &c, whether absent “or accounted for.” they return to place, then Commissioned Officers, Capts &c. Come to Centre, march forward to the Col, who gives any orders, he may have, to be Communicated to the men, when the Companies are marched of[f] by the Sergeants to their quarters. The neighboring people, ladies slaves &c (There are scarcely any young men to be seen here) were present at the service, while the cannon were booming away to the west towards the mountains, where we expect McC and Burnside were punishing the rebels. We hear the guns at a distance every day, more or less, and the summit of the Virginia mountains are in sight from some elevated[?] spot. In marching, we halt for a few moments about every mile and over, have a halt for an hour or so, when we fill our Canteens, drop knapsacks, & take a lunch. It is expected we shall march from 10 to 15 miles a day, or more as we get used to it. I saw an account of the march of troops a few days before us over this road, which pronounced it worse even than anything in the Richmond Campaign. The dust is fearful on these roads, but our Reg bear it like “regulars.” Our Orderly Sergeant, Fisher of Northfield[,] is quite unwell. Sort of a fev[e]r and trouble in the bowels. No other sickness of note in our Co, which is full. Leut Howe will have his commission. Henry Mayo sends his love to you. I like him more than ever. Jos H is just about the same as ever. Well and wild in talk. he is on guard today. The slaves bring us “Hoe Cake” hot in butter, roasted apples, pies &c. which are good. I don’t indulge much but occasionally a little something tastes very good. Will try and look out for the money. The Camp abounds in singular characters. We have a Billy Howard who is half Spanish, used to live in C, knows Mr Everett (O.C.) who has befriended him, used to be missionary on board of a War Ship, has been in the English Army in India, was at Delhi in the great Rebellion, also in the 25th Reg, was injured at Annapolis, and had to return home. Enlisted at Gardner. A good hearted fellow, and I like him much, one of the Corporals &c is quite a talker on religion but now tro[u]bled with doubts, but is a smart debater. 28 years old. Would be called a back slider, but is nearer the mercy seat at heart than a great many of more pretensions. Have no trace of Frank[.] Shall write to W. Have written about all I can think of. Will write Sarah, and Ed Peirce and Ed Haynes by and by—be patient all. As ever your loving husband Jerome [Marginal notes] [Page 2] Shall keep our knapsacks tho’ lightened. Shall not send any thing home. [Pages 2-3] News favorable this morn. Please inclose stamps occasionally as we can’t get them easily here. [Page 5] Had a letter from Abbie. Wrote to Billerica the other day. 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, September 16, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp "Forbes" Brookville, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-09-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.5 - 1st Scan 7 X 8 - 2nd Scan 12.5 X 8 - 3rd Scan 6.25 X 8 - 4th Scan 7 X 9 - 5th Scan 5.75 X 8.75 - 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 #13 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Brookville, MD. Allie Brookville Camp Forbes Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d43e5986d27533df9a630758d107f17e.jpg 9d3fec9c5bfeb5e9ebb07f9ff60ec64b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6627a24787ed9c5857deada322fe432b.jpg 77f9f4b3c9f4a559bb1b5f82d3d03052 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d3f900924ab733dc8d6d956875031715.jpg d6a950026139997fb6c8c019ae3c0888 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday, Feb 15th 1863 Billerica My dearest Jerome, It is Sabbath morn and while I am quietly seated in the sitting room, I wonder where you are. How much would I give if I could only look upon you if only for a few moments. I received your letter written last Sunday [on] Friday morn and the money was all safe. Let me thank [you] for it. Be sure and not send me any if you need it yourself. I cannot tell you how much good your letter did me. When I received yours stating you were to move, I almost felt that I never should have another letter from your dear self. Joseph had been up to the office. When he came in I asked him if he had anything for me. He said, yes, a letter from Jerome. I barely pressed the document to my lips. It seems as though you yourself was there. Everyone marked the change in myself and asked what did Jerome say to calm your spirits so much. The prospect of seeing Frank and Will, I know it will do you as well as them good and the folks have sent the boys a large box of things (eatables) and they hope so much that you will have a taste of them. Would it not seem like home to eat some of Mother's pie and some of Mary's cake? Lulu helped to pack the box, as busy as a bee. You would have laughed to have seen her. I often wish I could set her in your tent for a short time. What do you think she would say? She talks so much about you and says, "Mama, I won't go away and leave you if Papa did and if you wait, he will come home and live with you in your house". “Sweet little comforter” is she not? Sunday eve. Again my dearest Jerome do I take pen to address you. I was interrupted this morning. Mother, Father and Joseph went this morning. When they came home [they] said that Mr. Livermore preached. We almost concluded not to go out this afternoon, but finally Mother and myself went, and well paid was I for going. Mr. L. read from the fourteenth Chapt. of Romans. His text was the eighth verse. He gave a fine description of Paul [???] that in his teachings he wish[ed] to remind us we were subject to the government of God however we might try to get away from it, still God holds us in his power. He liken[ed] the search unto a man that was trying [to] shake off the teachings of our Savior and the commands of God although they try and said they had nothing to do with it, that did not free them from it and although the South had tried not and said they were not under our government, that did not make them so. He said he had tended three funerals lately, one, an infant of three months, an old lady over eighty, the other a fair maiden who was on the verge of womanhood. The infant was born a sufferer and knew nothing else, its recollections of this world (and he believed that in passing onto another world we do have recollections of this world) would be of suffering but after a time that would pass away as we had no suffering there. I cannot begin to tell you all but it was beautiful, his thoughts were. Then came the old lady. Although she had not any children of her own, yet she loved and was deeply loved by others and was a mother to many. She had passed an active life in doing good for others. As life advanced instead of caring for others and doing for others, she had to have others do for her and became as a little child. As she passed on, her recollections would be the kindness she had felt for others and what she had received. The young lady had begun to feel the responsibility of life but ill health overtook her. She became beautifully calm and quiet, first would only do a little light work then not anything. Finally, became entirely dependent for care upon the kindness of her parents, brothers and sisters. Her affections had expanded to those around her and was met and returned, and finally it had stood out as it did prominent in man and woman, [???] an interesting time and was returned by one who was in their Army and with love for all around her and one dearer than other, she passed on. Her recollections of this world would be that she was happy here in her love for others and theirs in return. My dear Jerome I cannot tell to you as I would like to. It sent a calmness through my heart that I had not felt for several days. I can hear his voice now, and the singing sounded very sweet, and the day will close by my conveying some of my thoughts to yourself. Never do I feel more calm and happy than I do when conversing with your dear self. My thoughts turned today of our first meeting and as time moved on to our love. What is more sacred and holy in this world, that a true love and that being [???] by our love and trust of our Heavenly Parent. Here vividly comes in my mind your face as I first saw it, talking to the class of boys you had around you. I never shall forget the smile that wreathed your countenance, and my first visit to C [Charlestown] after our engagement, your uniting with the church. We have been separated several months and does not all the happy hours we have passed together come to mind. I am living them all over and are constantly reminded of you in our little Lu [Lulu]. She is a living picture of yourself. I cannot tell you what a comfort to me it is that she looks so much like you. If we are permitted to meet again in this world, let our love be so strong that nothing will separate us. Oh! How I wish you could come home. Sometimes when I think how long the time has seemed since you went away and how much longer you have to stay, it seems as though my heart would break, that my trial was more than I could bear. But, I feel that I still can hear from you by your own pen and that I can converse with you in the same way and I try to be patient and feel thankful that I can hear from you and write to you. Mary came home Friday night and Miss Aradine Brown, where she boards, came home with her, a very pleasant young lady. She said give my love to your husband. She says she feels the greatest respect for those who have gone in the Army. Do you remember the young man that was so social with Mary at the dance we went to year ago Thanksgiving, Mr. Buffan? He was on board the vessel that was later at Charleston, S.C. His parents do not know his fate – if he is killed or alive. They feel shockingly, the suspense is dreadful. He is an only child. I think Mary’s school wears upon her. She was not looking very well. She sends ever so much love to you and J.H. She says she wishes she could see you both. Yesterday afternoon Emily Drew came here. She is an adopted daughter to one of Mr. Ranlett’s sisters. They had heard from Alonzo. The fever has turned upon his lungs and he was troubled with a cough, a bad one. She thought he was not to have a furlough, that they did not grant a sick soldier furloughs, as they were apt to be sick again when they return to service. I have not heard from Ellen for some time. Mary has written to her and I am to add a note. It is eight o’clock. Hattie is writing to Will, Mother to Frank, [???] in the rocking chair, Joseph reading the newspaper, our darling asleep. Am glad you wrote to Dr. E. I believe he is away from home now, however. I am glad your books afford you so much pleasure. Have you got the stockings and book? I have sent you a toothbrush and some thread in papers. Hope you will get them. My love to all. You read Capt. S. [Sawyer] note, and if you think best to give it to him, you can. If not, burn it. Receive the truest love of your own wife, Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, his nephew. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” referred to in this letter was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that is mentioned in this letter was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 4: Allie and Lulu moved in with her parents after Jerome enlisted. Several of the Jaquith family members are mentioned in this letter. As best as could be ascertained from several Jaquith family trees on ancestry.com, the Jaquith family consisted of the following members: Father: Franklin Jaquith (1800 - ) Mother: Lucy Walker Jaquith (1807 - ) Albinia’s (Allie’s) siblings: Ellen Jaquith (1832 - ) Abigail (Abbie) Jaquith (1836 - 1915) Lucy Jaquith (1838 - 1841) Franklin Jaquith, Jr. (1839 - 1922) Mary Frances Jaquith (1841 - ) Joseph Jaquith (1842 - ) Harriet (Hattie) Jaquith (1845 - 1930?) Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Allie to Jerome, September 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-09-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 X 9 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #73 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55a535b07e0d407e650a8a64eb054081.jpg 6d1060ac11d85fed19ede26c14d634a8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8c5f46abbb8a492626537e725935faf5.jpg 5357e8793efe90a33ac33ee7ac294c1a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/61e4418b22918c94f6ff60200f08072a.jpg 29e997b09de51cd77f1893d4b11cb9ee https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/544e2ea51fa9adb6be5500bf0d375b1e.jpg 1db1b20c63d02c21b32b82bb4bc667af Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday 15th Feb 1863 My dearest Wife, You will think it a long while since my last [letter] and I do not remember the date of it, but I sent $5.00 in it. I can but give you a word now as the mail closes in a few moments and I have been busy every moment since our arrival here. Left F__g [Fredericksburg] Tues 8 AM by rail and steamboat, reached here Fri P.M. Had a fine and even delightful trip down the Potomac from Aquia Creek and across the Chesapeake Bay. Just enough of cloud, wind, and sunshine to give a pleasing variety. Intended to have sent a pencil diary, but have not finished it. Will send soon as finished. We are on the bank of the James River, a long level plain, woods in the rear and some four wide miles of river. It is a lovely spot. A beautiful beach but a few steps from our quarters. The banks are about 40 feet high and sandy. The wrecks of the “Cumberland” and “Congress” are in sight and two or three gun boats laying near to look out for the new Rebel ironclads at Richmond. Also the “Minnesota” frigate. Have been busy fixing up our tents like the old ones when yesterday we were ordered to stop work for we are to have “A” tents. Probably we shall be here some time. Hope so for it is a so pleasant. Warm and threatening rain this morn. On duty yesterday P.M. at the landing some two miles away and this morn drawing rations so have been occupied. Yours of the 11 and 12 number came yesterday. Also stocking book and papers. Many thanks. Am in “tip top” health and spirits and shall try to keep so in spite of friends at Orange. J.H. well and just as usual. Letters from Abbie, Edward Peirce, Mr. Mayo, also Sarah’s sister. Thanks to Hattie for her letters. Will write ever so much when we get “settled”. Imagine a morning and you will have an idea of the state we are in but I shall have enough to talk about by and by. Have not heard from Frank and Will since the fight. Am glad they are safe. Sad news from Alonzo. Words are in vain but I trust he will yet recover. I enclose $3.00 more. Have had to spend most of the remainder and I regret it but ‘twas positively necessary. More in the future. As ever yours with love of your husband Jerome P.S. 1 Newport News Va Letter No. 1 Newport News P.S. 2 Direct as usual till further notice. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “J. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 2: Abbie (Abigail Jaquith) was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. NOTE 4: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, February 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-02-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Boise (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.5 6.5 X 9 11 X 9 6.5 X 9 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #72 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA.