12 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f19ef904c7ba62365098df95665da741.jpg bb203158d2997412e6744e8f6145beb8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/079cc794a5b3ebaa76182e6b18cbff3f.jpg 3f88971475ba3506552304af3fc4be69 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c241e7f5830409379df3690027badb56.jpg 2ae5978de33c8995e08d83d1043d0308 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Thurs Eve 14th May 1863 My dearest Wife, Evening is come and though the mail brought nothing this eve, some token is your due and by my candle I close the day with a few lines more as a remembrance than to tell news. The day has passed very quietly, have spent most of the day my tent reading, have rarely left my tent. Yours of the 6th and of the Sunday before were duly received and you know something of the pleasure of the loving missive, and I trust your occupation will not lessen your loving messages for I find I live so entirely upon them. Nature is looking lovely “beyond compare” at this time and compensates much for so many blessings and endearments to demand. Most of the Co. [Company] has been on picket and some have just returned and others going out. There is again a bustle and a preparation, which indicates a movement and vague rumors are afloat about a raid from Morgan etc., etc. and which we have learned to regard very indifferently but still we may move in the morning as rations for two days are ordered. I fear it shall be dull tonight for there is absolutely nothing to write, but were I by your side with our dear little Lulu, how I could recall the past with perhaps a new interest! But now it seems like a strange tiresome dream. We are waiting for some intelligence from Hooker and are exceedingly impatient, for the papers are grossly sensational here and we feel lost in the dark and long for something reliable and pray that it may be propitious. It is with gratitude I hear of your good health. Is it not everything? Can we not bear almost anything if health is shown us? I feel so and you may be assured I shall use every effort to keep it. Am glad Hattie received my letter I wrote to Mary a day or two ago and sent some flowers for Lulu. I wish I could indeed write her a story, for Heaven knows, I want not be forgotten, and so I send her something she can see and handle as a token. You ask me about supplies, hdkfs. [handkerchiefs], towels. I am nicely supplied. Bought me a nice towel at Camp Dick and have one I brought from home. Hdkfs. [Handkerchiefs], I have two. It is so far from home you need not attempt to send such things, at least for the present. My wants are very few and I can supply myself from the Government. Have just drew me a new canteen, rubber blanket and one pair [of] socks and we keep our knapsacks as small and compact as possible. I am glad you attended Teacher’s Meeting. Pray don’t exclude yourself when opportunity for going out offers, for all such things while they may indeed remind you of past joys, will still offer some solace. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to be remembered. It seems worth suffering something for and inspires to greater fidelity. My thoughts have been much with the boys at Suffolk and I can but fear that they will yet see the sharp edge of war ere they reach home, but I trust the same hand will keep them in safety. Wrote Miss Waldo. Yet today, Henry Mayo spoke of his folks having a letter from you lately. I suppose you heard of the death at Athol of Miss Hill (one of John H.’s daughters, the eldest) that attended the dances at A [Athol]. Miss Goddard is quite well again but [???] tells me he is discontented and unhappy on his new place. Wants to go to California again, etc., queer if true, isn’t it? You may ask what I’ve been reading today, one of James’ novels, perhaps I have mentioned it before “Arrah Neil”, a picture of Cromwell’s time in England, rather dull but winding up with a happy marriage and a death scene on the battle fields of “Edgehill” of two who were just united also, thus setting joy and grief face to face and on the whole a touching picture. Every deserted camp shows many books, left behind for the next to carry along, not all of the highest order, but still, I have seen Scott, Leven and James in the list and thus speaks of home. You see I write in ink or pencil just as it happens. Sometimes pencil is very convenient for, unless quite careful, I lose my ink and I keep enough to superscribe with. One of our men came up today who was taken sick the other side of the Potomac and several of the Regiment. We have meetings several evenings in the week, sort of a revival, I imagine just now. I attend on Sunday always, the others are more general in which the chaplain takes a minor part. The “Tattoo” and my candle admonish me that it is growing late. So once more I must add a “Good Night” with remembrances to all friends, and love abundantly from your own Jerome. Please send in every other letter a sheet of paper as I wish to keep a little ahead. It’s better than sending much at a time. Fri. [Friday] morn. [morning]. All right this noon. Some good steak for breakfast, broiled. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) The “raid from Morgan” mentioned in this letter refers to a Confederate cavalry unit led by Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Morgan and his men are best remembered for the infamous raid they made into Northern territory. Specifically, Morgan's Raid was a diversionary incursion into Indiana and Ohio from June 11 until July 26, 1863. It covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and his senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The raid was ultimately classed as a failure. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Middleburg, KY. Lexington, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-14 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Bob 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.84 X 7.17 11.06 X 7.17 5.84 X 7.17 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 #112 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Not indicated. Probably in the Middleburg/Lexington, KY. area. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY Middleburg KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/493e0fdbf05b30fad0f4b23bee1b277f.jpg 2a184022082c371794afdcc6989a6c79 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5a4eb6162e7d83cfa4a6de8a1a121747.jpg f4f9d786c9b1b347f3a6c9d0d6b938af https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/217026de116bfb46c98893fe9dab94e0.jpg 4b4aa3aba58458e68b89aacc59a7c0c2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Lexington Ky Wednes[day] 20th May 1863 My dearest Wife, A long pause you will think in my letters. I wrote Abbie last Sunday eve. and expected to write you before, but Monday P.M. the Color Sergeant peeked into my tent [and] says quite mysteriously “fix yourself nice and be ready to leave in an hour.” Accordingly, I fixed and about 5 P.M. six of the color guard in all were all ‘aboard’ an army wagon with all their effects. Camped in the wagon at Hustonville first night. Tues[day] took an ambulance and came on to here, stopping near our old ‘Camp Dick’ for dinner and arrived here about midnight (took supper at the hotel in Nicholasville). Reported to the ‘Provost Marshal’ and were soon quartered for the night in Main St. It has been a wonder, all this for everybody, for no one could imagine what all the ‘Colors’ were being taken away from the Brigade, for two, yes, three other regts came the same [day] a[nd] the 45th Penn[sylvania] is expected today. All the officers, provost marshals and every official seemed utterly in the dark and even the Maj. Genl. Wilcox, to whom we reported this morn, seemed at first as deep as we were but finally he seemed to know and forthwith the colors ‘were taken in’ to his ‘house’, were provided quarters here in the fairgrounds where A tents are pitched and cooks, rations and all provided in style. Well, there is to be a grand ball tomorrow eve and the Colors from the whole corps are expected, to decorate and adorn the occasion, and what part we will take remains to be seen. Invitations were sent as far as N.Y. and we came 72 miles. This is one of the great movements I expect. We left too early for the mail so I have had no letters nor shall expect till we return which will be Sat. or Sunday perhaps. We are having fine times, liberty to go and come. Am going downtown soon and thought I would just send you a line. The country is lovely, the grounds where we are fine and fragrant with the locust tree[s]. A kind of a ‘Pic Nick’ for us. The boys who “generally kept themselves fixed up” were selected by order of the Col. so you see I am not quite careless yet. This for your private ear. How and where are you and are you still well? No doubt of it and you will be contented with this small affair for this time. Must fix up a little so a kiss and “good day” for today. Your loving Jerome P.S. Had a laughable affair with a drunken officer on the road who attempted to arrest us, etc. etc., but sergeant was game and we came out all right. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: In reference to “Camp Dick,” Camp “Dick Robinson” was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: At the time Jerome wrote this letter he was part of the Color Guard for the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which had the responsibility of guarding the “Colors’, i.e., the battle flag, of the Regiment. NOTE 3: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march. NOTE 4: The “Col.” 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, including at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.84 X 7.17 11.16 X 7.17 5.84 X 7.17 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 #113 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/eadc06b7df4c771cd35219e0962e5b6f.jpg 647d1900ef391a929e630c15e265c048 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/27da723dbde1737daf5aef0a5e562c93.jpg d3c89332dfb47ee751e9feb199bccd9a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bdd9dbaa81a761b3337f6b2cc2a96d68.jpg 1d65fce3cf5f6ffd9111ae7cef03d0e6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1c505fd940d9881a66612df0a93b80b4.jpg 025629fc00c5f135cf0bee509b22142d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Lexington Ky 22nd May 1863 My dearest Wife, You will learn by last Wedn[esday’s] letter of our visit in L[exington] etc. It is ‘after tea’ (or coffee) and coming on dark and I can send you but a line in haste but I know they will be welcome as I love to send them for in all my turns and adventures, the face of my ‘own’ comes into temporal and I feel how good it is to have one dear friend more than others to share all. Well, Thurs. we remained about camp and town and eve received orders to report to headquarters for our part in the Ball. ‘Twas quite a fine affair. Civic and military and rather select. Some of the ‘first’ people such as Judge [???] Robinson etc. etc. and a goodly share of young people. Two officers with empty coat sleeves, a lieut. of artillery and a N.H. major were there who told of real service. The front entry and parlors were the scene of the dancing and all highly decorated with colors, the 36th flag being conspicuous in the entry. Of course we were outside and on guard a part of the time but could see and hear a good deal. About 2 a.m. this morn we were called in and had a nice lunch of the prevailing niceties of such occasions, cake, ices, wine, etc. etc. We have been sleeping for the most part today and mean a walk downtown this eve. This noon a large fire took place at which I “played engine” for an hour or so with many others of the ‘boys’. Everything wanting the order and system of the east, the fire had its own way completely destroying the medical hospital for soldiers. A large brick building (shaped like the Seminary in Charlestown) but four or five times as large. It stood alone or it would have been a disastrous fire - very. No orders as yet to ‘go home’ but expect them at any time. I cannot tell you all my adventures. I have seen some of the darker shades of army life for the distant field camp is the purest spot certainly. Of course I have heard nothing from friends for a week and desire to hear very much. Trust you are well. Are you in Chelsea? Have sent your letters to Billerica but expect to hear when I return to camp the latest news. Am in excellent health. Wrote Bro. Haynes folks yesterday. Weather very warm and everything dusty to the last degree. Love to all and as ever your ever loving husband, Jerome P.S. These flying notes are poor things I know, but you know my best thoughts, tho “unexpressed”, and love are yours entirely, for I do not feel the less the dear old home ties but this life is so full of stir I cannot write best always. News is scarce here. J I send you A’s letter. Don’t know whether you saw it before. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Ben Raterman and Josef Rokus) Although the first name of Judge Robinson is illegible in the letter, it is possible that he was referring to James Fisher Robinson, who was an attorney and who might also have been a judge. More importantly, Robinson was the pro-Union governor of Kentucky at the time of the ball described in the letter, serving from August 18, 1862, until September 1, 1863. The governor of Kentucky would very likely have attended this ball, which was probably intended to be a part of a public relations effort to impress the local population with the capabilities and “friendliness” of the Union army. In addition, he would definitely have been part of the “first” people, as referred to in the letter. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.64 X 3.17 4.84 X 7.91 9.79 X 7.91 4.84 X 7.19 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 #114 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fe0ec887ffd9270ac759209404b34c9a.jpg 9019aa9757fe161ac3d7438c6ef4a76a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/81c6e0f0c15951b18e5d112e179cb846.jpg 35699550586a2b4896dc40625b0a522d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6507ddfe2bf893b16928bab98c80acf9.jpg fb5b0d40fff1dd300f1952ed242dc4d0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Camp near Columbia Ky May 26th/63 My dearest Allie Tues eve. Have just arrived at camp, overtaking the Regt. [Regiment] some 30 miles from Middleburg, where I left them with the colors last “Monday week” as they say out here being about a week and one day and all for Ball as my former letters will tell you. Left Lexington on Sat. P.M. and have travelled some 200 miles, mostly in ambulance wagons, tho [though] had an opportunity of practicing horseback riding for two half days and expect I am fitted for a Cavalry officer. We are encamped in the woods on Green River and a romantic place it is. Back of our tents is a steep rocky bank leading to the river where I have just had a nice bath. Have passed some wild and splendid forest scenery as I ever saw and as we approach the settlements you see cultivated fields and regularity again. Words can hardly do justice to the “views” about here. I found a generous mail, two letters from you, 15th and 18th (mailed) the last at B. [Billerica]. Expect another mail tonight. Letter from Frank, Ellen P., Alfred Phipps and many papers. You will hear of meeting Alonzo at Nicholasville Sat. eve. Letters and hdkefs. [handkerchiefs] from Miss Waldo (for Abbie), a pen ink stand I shall get when A. [Alonzo] opens his trunk. Am very glad you sent it. Murray sent a letter also. It is most dark and I am only writing you a line [for you] to know I am well and safe, tho [though] they say we are approaching the Rebels again. We may remain here awhile and may move on in 24 hours. Should like to say more about some things but can’t stop now. The good letters from the friends do me much good. Am glad you are doing well. I send some posies again for Lulu, something to keep her in mind of Papie. Love to Albert and family and friends. Alonzo is quite as well as I expected and has born his journey well. He wrote Ellen at Danville. I think the climate will agree with him. It is quite warm this cool night. Will write more before long but I am always your loving husband Jerome P. Wedns morn 27. Jos H. came last eve. Is well and very busy. The Army is concentrating a large force here. It is a lovely place where we are in camp. Am quite refreshed this morn. Had a nice chat with Ben E. last eve. and he sends kindest regards to you. Isaac spoke of your visit with them. Hope you will keep it up as they will be true friends to you. Had very kind letters from Foster and Kali by Alonzo, also Miss Waldo. Hope Abbie is better. Can’t tell what is before us but will write often. Please send a sheet of paper and envelopes in your letters. Direct your letters in future to “via Louisville Ky” instead of Cin [Cincinnati] as the railroad comes from there to near this point. Got these flowers at Hustonville. Did Mary receive my letter at B [Billerica]? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Jerome referred to the ball he mentions in this letter in two previous letters, namely Letter No. 113 dated May 20, 1863, and Letter No. 114 dated May 22. 1863. The ball was organized in Lexington, Kentucky, by the officers of the Union’s Ninth Corps, with all of the local civilian dignitaries invited. Such events were not uncommon and were intended to be a part of a public relations effort to impress the local population with the capabilities and “friendliness” of the Union army. Jerome’s involvement was to be part of the escort that took the colors of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment to the ball. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome 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 Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 4: Benjamin B. Edmands (Ben E. in this letter) enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 5: The “Foster” mentioned in this letter was Foster Peirce, one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 6: 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 7: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 26, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-26 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 4.97 X 8.06 9.84 X 8.06 4.97 X 8.06 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 #115 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 Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ddb1a8fbb26a43aaaa37f5df0d715bc5.jpg 08dd294de876d95b9f3022de29e5c3dc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b0b489af5e87ef36e5b25323fbfff0e3.jpg 4d5bbd52adc49df1425f00806a9a3437 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION May 1863 “Morgan Expedition” Tues. 26th Arrived at Columbia, overtaking the Regt. after an absence of a week and one day. Camp in the woods, a romantic and wild place on Green River. Wedns. 27th Busy all day, pitching tents in order. P.M. Came the order to move at 7 o’clk in light marching order with three days rations. Moved promptly at 7 with the 100th Penn[Sylvania] and four pieces of artillery etc., and 3 regt. large body of cavalry. Marched through a rough country, much of it in dense woods but a good morn. Halted about 2 a.m. Thurs. 28th Camped in a grass field. Had a refreshing sleep and awoke some before 5 o’clk, made coffee which I hardly drank, when we fell in and moved up a hill into the woods and halted. Made coffee again and after hunting about for water for some time, found and now “rest!” All quietly reposing in these beautiful woods with the morning sun shining thru the noble beech trees. Little past noon. Still waiting for Morgan as the expedition seems to be to have a ‘pop’ at him who is reported across the Cumberland and stealing horses and threatening a raid on the railroad to cut off our supplies. Have been napping and reading over my stack of papers. One of the curiosities of the woods is the immense wild grape vines which start out of the ground like trees and then light into the tops of the big trees around, beech, oak and poplar, or as we at home call it “whitewood” much used in furniture, the noblest growth of timber I ever saw of the hardwood species. Transcriber’s Note: This is the end of the letter. On the reverse side there is a note, written vertically, that seems to read as follows: [???] 32 M.M. Howard TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter does not show a location from where it was written. It also does not show a salutation or a closing, although most likely it was addressed to Allie. It appears to be a brief summary of the events that occurred day-by-day for three days in late May 1863. NOTE 2: Morgan's Raid (or Expedition) was a diversionary incursion by Confederate cavalry into the northern U.S. states of Indiana and Ohio during the Civil War. The raid took place from June 11–July 26, 1863, and is named for the commander of the Confederates, Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Although it caused temporary alarm in the North, the raid was ultimately classed as a failure. The raid covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and other senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The activity described in this letter pertaining to Morgan’s “expedition” apparently preceded what is now considered to be the timeframe of the raid, i.e., June and July 1863, which Jerome would not have known about, of course, when he wrote this letter in late May of 1863. 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 probably Allie, May 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to probably Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-28 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 8.04 X 9.74 8.04 X 9.74 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 #116 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/119d7c2e4d81789dce83f1210b08950a.jpg 8b3d4db0f3812cbef204150b858123da https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/56d15dd6e3547072bd32f21297c7ccfe.jpg 67ec6b3995eb601044d82b6508cc37da Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Friday 29 [May, 1863] Friday 29th P.M. Moved from “Beech woods” camp as I must call it, tho the Sergeant learned it was Katisville. Started at 9 o’clk a.m. and had a rapid tiresome march. A terrible road for the most fording streams frequently and through some wild forest scenery, immense tress, beech and black walnut. Commenced raining after a while and increased rapidly wetting us to the skin. Halted about 3 P.M. and made coffee in an orchard. Still raining, after awhile quarters were obtained in the barns, outbuildings, etc. there being a log village here dignified by the name of Breedingsville. Fires built and busy trying to dry blankets, glad I only took my rubbers. Query when will our knapsacks come up and rations? For we bid adieu to Columbia and the tents we took so much pain to “fix up”. Yesterday scouts were out and came in with tidings of Mor[gan] or his gang at least not within 9 miles, but I expect a “movement forward” is fairly in progress. Tomorrow, we know nothing but the talk is we go to Burksville 16 miles on the Cumberland [River]. Country rough but immediately about here more cultivated as usual when anything like a village. Hope for a mail and rations tomorrow, for news from home will be most welcome. Boys in excellent spirits not withstanding the exceeding discomfort of today’s march and Co. “B” sing a little. Sat. morning 30th. Prospects improving. Cleaning off and bids fair to be warm. Mail and rations just came up. Two nice letters from Allie and Sister Mary F [Frances]. Miss little Lulu’s darling, how much I would give to see her! Busy putting equipments, gun etc. in order. No rebs this side of the Cumberland [River] so an old scout said this morn. just from the river. Rations ready. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter does not contain a salutation or closing, but it was definitely written by Jerome to Allie, based on the penmanship, writing style, its content and the content of letters preceding and following this letter. The next letter (Letter No. 118) is essentially a continuation of this letter, with the first part of that letter starting with the afternoon of May 30, 1863. The end of that letter includes the usual closing from Jerome to Allie. NOTE 2: The Unit History provides the following summary of the Regiment’s movements in late May of 1863. April 8 – May 26, 1863. The regiment moved to Camp Dick Robinson, near Bryantsville, Kentucky, south of Lexington, and then to Middleburg, Kentucky. It remained there until May 26, when it moved again to Columbia, Kentucky. During that time, on May 13, it was alerted to be on the look-out for Morgan’s Raiders, but no contact was made. May 27 – June 9, 1863. The 36th marched to Jamestown, Kentucky, where it remained until June 4. On that day, it was ordered to proceed by rail to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Gen. Grant needed reinforcements, reaching Cairo, Illinois, on June 9. NOTE 3: The reference to “Morgan and his gang” is to Confederate Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan, whose raids became increasingly a nuisance to the Union army. His most famous (or infamous) raid or expedition was a diversionary incursion by Confederate cavalry into the northern U.S. states of Indiana and Ohio. The raid took place from June 11–July 26, 1863. Although it caused temporary alarm in the North, the raid was ultimately classed as a failure. The raid covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and other senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The activity described in this letter pertaining to Morgan’s raid apparently preceded what is now considered to be the timeframe of the raid, i.e., June and July 1863, which Jerome would not have known about, of course, when he wrote this letter in late May of 1863. NOTE 4: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. 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 probably Allie, May 29, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Breedingsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to probably Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-29 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 7.12 X 8.46 8.44 X 13 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 #117 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Breedingsville, KY. Allie Breedingsville KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/37947213449aa7a6a4b02ee3ced636e6.jpg fc42fd2dd03e5b84231c3f73d6c52f86 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/26614588294d5937d8eaf4bb2e566773.jpg e89df4e7df014445d4bb81090bd821fe Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Sat Morn 30th May/63 My ever dear Allie, As you will see by these notes, we are marching and I cannot give you anything like a letter but I will finish this out and if opportunity offers will pencil it. The inkstand came all right. Mr. Murray gave it to Alonzo. He just peeped into our quarters, the corn bin to a log barn, which made a comfortable place for we [had] plenty of straw. Everything is at a standstill and don’t know whether we go forward or back to Columbia. The letters as mentioned came to hand and it seems good beyond expression to receive them in these wilderness marches. Am sorry to hear of Abbie’s illness. Will write to Billerica soon as we stop. With you, we feel that the war will not end in this administration, but if [it] were not for principles, we would feel somewhat discouraged but aside from men and party schemes which have always clogged great revolutions, there is something to contend for and so we hope to see a triumph finally which will bring out the better fruits of this struggle. I mailed a letter to Miss Lucy Walker for her kindness in sending the Register. I intended to have inclosed some leaves from the “Beechwoods”. I will send some, please give her them. Alonzo is well and bearing the change and exposure finely and we have had some rough times this march. Give love to Albert and all friends and a kiss for the babies. Little Lulu wrote me. Don’t be surprised if you do not hear so often as we shall be on the jump now but will write as often as possible. Ben E. is well. Send a sheet of paper occasionally for I am getting short, as money and everything is out. The sutlers can’t follow us now. As ever your husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter is a continuation of the previous letter (Letter No. 117), which was written on the same date. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: The “Ben E.” referred to in the letter was almost certainly Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, Edmands was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: Sutlers were army camp followers who peddled provisions not issued by the army to the soldiers. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, May 30, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Kentucky Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-05-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group 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 8.44 X 14 7.12 X 8.45 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 #118 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On the march in Kentucky Allie Jerome Peirce Kentucky https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7cf87d4ff4f1cf44aca81845e65a7602.jpg 0873fa1c1b0b768dfc8d10706870413e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fe92e142f9095665170b665d2b863996.jpg b2f9a62c87834758a8ee369e0d857562 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0518df8d720d9cf5a6d553839439fca8.jpg 897e377da12fd7c4e4d5d6aab1a335c1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1e1085d13735220629d420489e5e9722.jpg e220c11c3c4d18d3c51ef52586fdb490 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Camp at Columbia June 1st, 1863 My dearest Wife, Once more quietly in camp! And how sweet it seems, after what has transpired for the last few days, to be quietly in my tent and send you another messenger. My last was written at our halt at Breedingsville. The first halt where I commenced the “Morgan Expedition” was Cadysville. It is quite hard to tell where you are here, the people have such a queer way of giving information. We remained at C. [Cadysville] till about 4 P.M. Sat., when the order came to march for our camp, at C. [Columbia], distance some 14 to 17 miles and we started off by a different road and at a rapid rate. Had not gone far when the distant thunder and sharp lightening denoted a shower approaching. We pushed on faster than ever, and while in the dense woods it broke upon us fearfully, and soon wetting us to the skin, almost in spite of our rubber blankets, and the roads must be seen to be appreciated! Mud deep and slippery, and with the stony unevenness made the most fatiguing affair we ever experienced. Halted about 7 o’clk to make coffee in an opening in the woods where a solitary log house received the officers, while we, in the wet. Continued to start a fire and soon had a steaming cup of what is to us the very elixir of life! Started off again in an hour, quite refreshed. A little more rain and finally it came out moonlight, and we pushed on, on through mud, up hill and down, stopping two or three times, till we reached the river near our camp, when we dashed in almost knee deep, and crept on under the rocky ledge, till we came to the road and the lights in camp told of hot coffee again! You folks at home can hardly realize the scene of that night thru the forest, two regiments and a battery of artillery, struggling thru the mud and over the breakneck road. Well, we finally got dried off a little and asleep. Yesterday, felt tired and lame but kept busy about little things, mending, a little washing. Towards eve. got a new pair of pants and fixed up, and called on the Adjt. [Adjutant] Alonzo, who stood all this bravely and seems improving on the work and in this case he had a hard time for ‘twas almost impossible for a horse to keep his feet, and a fall in his case, would have been very serious, but he is true metal and has a career before him. You should see his “Monthly Report,” [he was] making up last eve., neat and fine in every part. He is in fine spirits, and like all who have been absent, glad to be again with his Regt. There are indications that we will move towards “Cumberland Gap” before long, and we are ready any moment. An alarm was made last night about twelve, and pickets thrown out creating quite a stir in camp. Some Rebel spies running the pickets. Had a chat with some of Morgan’s gang our cavalry having captured eight while we were out at “Breedings[ville]”. They were merry fellows, well fed, and dressed in light or Kentucky brick colored fabric and most superbly mounted on stolen horses, which were of course taken from them and they [were] marched off to Gen. Welsh’s headquarters at C. [Columbia]. The 11th and 12th Ken. [Kentucky] Cavalry, with “Woolfert’s Rangers” are an institution here, and pick up a great many, as they come over the River (the Cumberland) to “forage.” They give us the name of being the fastest marchers that ever they saw and we are on the best of terms. Your letter with Mary’s and Mother’s done me much good, and I trust you will remain well and happy as possible. I am exceedingly glad that you are so “young” etc. and take my absence so well. I understand you, and so do the friends, so don’t put on any gloomy faces that folks may credit you with more feeling for your absent partner, for I am well and in good spirits, and that you are the same is a subject of rejoicing. It is very warm this morning but we [are] under great trees that would do you good to look on and a fine stream nearby for bathing, and this morning we had boiled ham for breakfast, a great treat. Pepper too is now a regular ration, and you would have been amused to see me making some “cunning” little bags to hold it, so I have a bag of black and red pepper, and a bottle of salt. Perhaps I have told you this many times. Had a nice chat with Ben E. [Edmands] last eve. and he left my tent, as I commenced this to write “his.” He was quite interested, as I was, in your little adventure with the good Irish Woman. Surely she has much to be thankful for, if a son of hers is still alive in the “Seventh”, a fighting regt. of the smartest kind. ‘Tis a sad thing of Aunt W’s grandsons but such is war. It seems to be thought here that Vicksburg is taken. The Col. had papers last eve. that seemed to leave no doubt of its capture. According to that [paper] five bloody battles were fought between Jackson, Miss. and V. [Vicksburg], when Pemberton surrendered unconditionally, with some 30,000 prisoners and 100 pieces of canon. But we’ve learned to temper our hopes, and “wait,” but I trust ‘tis true and “out West” you know they “go in to win.” Rec’d. papers yesterday, the Journal from Hattie with some pipe stem candy and confectionery is a treat here. You know I didn’t used to think much of it at home but like other things, it is a craving here. Don’t get much however. We are expecting to be paid off soon, and that is what brought us to camp I expect. Well Allie, how do you do? I can imagine you quite at home and happy at Albert’s. My best regards to them. How I would like to see my school day friend Maria and her two jewels! Surely, “time,” thou workest wonders! I fondly hope we shall be together by and by with the little ones together also, and then will we not have somewhat to speak of! Am quite recovered from the effects of the march. Shall write Billerica soon. Hope for a mail today and, if so, will add a word. A word to the friends as ever. A kiss and most affectionately your husband Jerome There is an endless variety of green leaves here but few flowers. I send a few to Maria. Those in the paper band are beech and black walnut. The others, I don’t know. Have just pinned a big “Beetle Bee” of most splendid golden hue. Shall go to Ben E. with it. He is “great” on natural curiosities of all sorts. My inkstand is a beauty. Came done up in a Program of Exercises of the Sabbath School Anniv’y [Anniversary] with Murray’s handwriting on it. Was it the one you sent? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Columbia, Kentucky, is located approximately 90 miles south-southwest of Lexington, Kentucky. Breedingsville and Cadysville, Kentucky, do not appear on today’s map of Kentucky. NOTE 2: Morgan's Raid (or Expedition) was a diversionary incursion by Confederate cavalry into the northern U.S. states of Indiana and Ohio during the Civil War. The raid took place from June 11–July 26, 1863, and is named for the commander of the Confederates, Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Although it caused temporary alarm in the North, the raid was ultimately classed as a failure. The raid covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and other senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The activity described in this letter pertaining to Morgan’s “expedition” preceded what is now considered to be the timeframe of the main raid, i.e., June and July 1863, which Jerome would not have known about, of course, when he wrote this letter on June 1, 1863. The Unit History notes on Page 45 that at the end of May and in early June, “It was understood that we were in pursuit of Morgan’s guerillas.” NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 4: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. NOTE 5: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 6: The news of the surrender of Vicksburg by the Confederate army was premature, since the Confederates actually surrendered on July 4, 1863. Soon after this letter was written, the 36th Massachusetts moved to Vicksburg in support of the siege of that city. NOTE 7: Hattie was Allie’s younger sister. Her complete name was Harriet Walker Jaquith, and she was born in 1845. The information about her on ancestry.com indicates that she probably died in 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 Jerome to Allie, June 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-01 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 6.5 X 4.15 6 X 9 10.75 X 9 6 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 #119 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/02449cd9cd61f92a04bf489c87da88ba.jpg 2ea54adf57f08e0648f1a01efb66750d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f326c2eaced65964ca55d86d65ed200d.jpg 102d54a11ab539d492ddf85c865ef0d6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ef1cd19f6d293639b04dfcf257774169.jpg 179d2ac5b7e514fa5c3fb78f3d0263ab Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Jamestown Kent[ucky] June 3rd, 1863 Dear Friends “at home” Your letter (Mary’s and Mother’s) the other day (with little Lulu’s, dear little one, I will not slight you!) while our Regt. were “scouting” some fifteen miles from Columbia and I assure you it made me feel happy, seeming as it does so far from home. What should we do but for the faithful mail carrier? Well, since then have been very busy and seen some severe hard marching and a speck of war once more! Last Sat. P.M. about 4 P.M. started for the camp finding no rebels in force tho the cavalry captured six of Morgan’s guard, well dressed gray fellows who did not seem to take this fortune very sadly but I hope they’ll be dealt with so as not to trouble us again. Marched thru rain and mud and deep woods, only a log house occasionally to show of human habitation. Made coffee between 7 and 8 o’clk and then pushed on almost at “double quick” till midnight when we arrived at Columbia once more, weary, footsore and wet but soon had coffee and “turned in” to a sound sleep. This ended our chase after Morgan. Sunday had a great day but Monday P.M. the word came to move again and about ½ past 3 we started off with three days rations and marched all night stopping for coffee as usual. Came 23 miles [to] this place. We felt like abused men but we had not been here but a few moments when crack! crack! crack! went shots from the woods around us and soon our pickets and cavalry came galloping in and the Rebels after them. We formed in line of battle but it seems they “caught a tartar” for no sooner did they see us than they ‘skedaddled’ and were soon out of the way, leaving one prisoner and two breach loading rifles. They say our timely arrival saved the town from a “raid” altho there were parts of three other Regts here but we happened to be all ready. A vigilant picket is kept on but all has remained quiet and we have got nicely rested up and ready for another move. Expect we shall push forward to the Cumberland River, which is only four miles from here, where on the other side it is expected the enemy are in force. We are camped in a thin growth of large trees, very uneven. Our tent line is on a ridge. I am tenting alone and have everything for this stop at least. Just as I please. We have reduced everything to light order. I carry only two rubber blankets and half tent which serves for shelter and bedding. One rubber and half tent making the former and there is a tall coarse grass here which takes the place of straw and much better which serves for a bed. Jamestown, like all the “county seats”, is a small village with a great square Court House in the center and streets leading from each side out of town but all of them do not resemble our stirring N.E. [New England] towns much. Have had a good deal of showery wet weather for some days and the roads are terrible but we are becoming a “tough set” and expect to be able to accomplish almost anything. We are changed into the 1st brigade with the 17th [and] 27th Mich. Regts. with the 45th Penn and Edwards battery, 3rd Regulars, all of which is here with a large force of cavalry of the 11th and 12th Ken[tucky]. There seems to be good news from the southwest, capture of Vicksburg etc. but we receive all news with caution altho we think it is true and our movements are connected with it. We are now a good ways from communications and hear little news but hope all is going well. Had a letter from Frank stating that he expected soon to be at home. I hope this will meet him there alive and well, but we boys have something yet to do. I need not tell you how much I think of home and all connected with it. Lulu’s letter was quite pretty. Tell her Papa takes long walks, hears a great many birds sing which always make him think of her. She is a good girl to think so much of Papa and I always try to send her some little thing to remember me by. Will send some leaves this time. There is a great variety of shape[s] here and the woods are very grand. Such immense trees, oak, blk walnut, white wood, and such splendid beeches! Much larger and taller than in N.E. [New England] making a great show of fine timber and to the sentimental eye and ear comes up the thought [of] Bryant’s lines “The groves were God’s first temples”. How is Abbie? Heard she was going home and I hope she is recovering and will send me a line once more. Expect soon to hear of the “boys” return. Write me often as I am on the move. Cannot write all I would like to for we have to catch our rest in the daytimes and all times as we shall have to march nights frequently. But it is the time of all others when to have letters from home meet us. When we stop seems a benediction indeed. I am in excellent health and growing stronger. Have no camp or guard duty to perform but find ‘fixing’ from wear and tear of clothing and such things keep me busy much of my time. Will you send me in a letter a skein of light and black linen thread, only a little at a time as I keep just as little of everything on hand as possible and get along. The black that I have is rotten and not worth much. Sent a letter to Allie on Monday at Chelsea. Shall write again soon. I forgot to mention that our Col. is acting brigade commander. Alonzo R. (adjutant) is bearing the campaign finely and seems building up on his rough experience for we have had some of the hardest times we ever saw within the last few weeks. Give much love to all friends and share with them what I would gladly write. A kiss for Lulu. She little knows how I want to see her, but good angels keep her and you all. With the love of Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Morgan’s Guards” mentioned in this letter were part of a Confederate cavalry unit led by Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Morgan and his men are best remembered for the infamous raid they made into Northern territory, soon after Jerome wrote this letter. Specifically, Morgan's Raid was a diversionary incursion into Indiana and Ohio from June 11 until July 26, 1863. It covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and his senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The raid was ultimately classed as a failure. NOTE 2: The phrase “to catch a tartar” means “to encounter or be forced to reckon with someone or something that proves more powerful, troublesome or formidable than one expected.” NOTE 3: In reference to his mention of Vicksburg, in May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, Mississippi, and entrapped a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Obviously, when Jerome wrote this letter on June 3, 1863, the surrender of Vicksburg was still a month away. However, he also notes that “we receive all news with caution.” As a matter of fact, the 36th Massachusetts would participate in the final stages of the Siege of Vicksburg. NOTE 4: “The groves were God’s first temple” is the first line of the poem titled “The Forest Hymn” written by William Cullen Bryant. Bryant (1794 – 1878) was an American poet, journalist, and long-time editor of the “New York Evening Post.” NOTE 5: 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 6: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Friends at home, June 3, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends at home Jamestown, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Friends at home 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 1863-06-03 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.85 X 8.85 11 X 8.75 9 X 6.25 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 #120 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Jamestown, KY. Friends at home Jamestown KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/98266cf5361e5440ab42862d744af409.jpg 5b4c0f0f12850e3450c6f7a48d235f20 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/25982cc533543c293642586f8f6866d0.jpg 83cc027b49ffba269b5a381c1285eb6c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2847564881f5516f60c98565ff041ff0.jpg 20a9a39d0ebe33e2f22ca43fae2b76da https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/daf1e854ce9559ea8b8051a817eb57c5.jpg 69a5d91ea835389c7b42afd6f8ce0a5e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55788cbd3db359f373676aee4e3016a2.jpg abe14e238115696f14ac53ada86e0f14 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1b5424803d47bdc5388a07427fa7a629.jpg cb45732adfa8152c45910c629dcea876 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION 4 o’clk A.M. Columbia KY, Fri morn 5th June /63 Ever dear Wife, Hard and constant moving for the past few days, will prevent my writing much, but I must send you just a line to tell you how happy [I was about] the arrival of two letters last night on our reaching here. Intended to have written you yesterday or before but have been constantly on the “qui vive.” My last was mailed from this place just as we were starting for Jamestown as it poured. Marched at ½ past 3 P.M. Monday, and moved all night, arriving at J. [Jamestown] early Tues. morn, tired and worn as you may believe. Hardly got our guns stacked when, crack! crack! from the woods and bushes about the village and in came our pickets and cavalry pursued by Rebel Cavalry. We formed in line of battle and moved to the field in front to receive what all supposed was a force, the rest of the brigade, 17th, 27th Mich. and battery (45th Penn), but it only proved a small body, intent upon a “raid” which our prompt arrival prevented, so all correct. They turned and a citizen captured one “reb” and two rifles were brought in. So ended this “affair.” Soon laid down in our blankets and got rest. Then came tents. Had one of my own, a cozy little affair which I had hoped to enjoy a little while, but, alas, not so. Yesterday morn, mysterious hints began to be afloat of a quiet departure of our whole force etc. and at ½ past 11 A.M. were prepared. Soon left, on the retreat it looked like. Rumors of “raids”, capture of our team mail, etc. and we pressed on, arriving here about 9 o’clk last eve. And now the story is we are to report at Louisville as soon as possible. Shall march at 6 o’clk for Lebanon which is 40 miles and connected by rail with L. [Louisville]. Your letter and Abbie‘s were dated 24th. Have no time to “talk with you”, but to say that I am bearing the fatigues very well indeed, and hope to be equal to what is to come, 20 miles a day I expect, western fashion. Wrote to Billerica friends Wedns. at J. [Jamestown]. Adjt. Ranlett is very well indeed, bearing himself bravely and well and our relations are very pleasant. Spoke to me twice on the march. “How do you stand it?” and it is mutual, and I am surprised to see how he bears it, for it has been the hardest time since our life in the Army. The weather is fair this morn. and we shall have a good road. Don’t know when this will go, but hope today. Recvd. a paper “Journal” last eve. Don’t speak of neglecting me, or the appearance of letters. You are everything a good, dear wife can be, and Heaven keep that we can meet again. Love to friends. More in future. Much writing will be out of the question, but you will be remembered. As ever your own Jerome P.M. Dear Allie Stirring times. Orders just issued to be ready with 8 days rations, 3 in haversacks and rest in knapsacks. Shall turn over my own dress coat to Quartermaster. Rumor says, we’re changed into the 1st Brigade, and Col. B. is to be Acting Brigadier Genl. Have been busy for the last hour or two, extra shoes, etc., etc. Expect we’re going to Cumberland Gap as mentioned. May march tonight. Officers are to live in shelter tents and have knapsacks, just like the men, so I hope something is to be done. Will write you as often as possible, journalize etc., but can’t promise much to some of my friends. Please see that Lulu has these verses from the Register. Intended to have written her a letter, but you must tell [her] about my long walks in the woods, birds, etc. etc. As ever Jerome P.S. Received some letter paper yesterday by Hattie. Have no envelopes. Paper enough for the present, but please send envelopes in your letters. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History, “We remained at Jamestown until Thursday, June 4th, when at noon, to the surprise of all, we received orders to proceed at once to Lebanon, which was sixty miles away, our nearest railroad connection with the North. Although we had had little or no rest for a week, in forty-eight consecutive hours, including halts and sleep, we made the sixty miles, arriving at Lebanon at noon, June 6th. And this long journey was accomplished in heavy marching order, under a scorching sun, and in dust which was almost insufferable.” 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 “Adjt. Ranlett” 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 Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 4: “Col. B.” was Henry Bowman, who enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Clinton, Massachusetts. He joined the 36th Massachusetts as the colonel commanding the Regiment on August 22, 1862. Bowman commanded the First Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army Cops starting on June 1, 1863, as alluded to this letter. However, he resigned on July 27, 1863, for reasons not stated in the Unit History. Bowman was recommissioned in October of 1863 and rejoined the 36th Massachusetts at Blain’s Cross Roads, Tennessee, on December 26, 1863. NOTE 5: Hattie was Allie’s younger sister. Her complete name was Harriet Walker Jaquith, and she was born in 1845. The information about her on ancestry.com indicates that she probably died in 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 Jerome to Allie, June 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washingotn Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-05 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 6.75 X 4 6 X 8.75 10.75 X 8.75 6.3 X 9 6.3 X 9 6.3 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 #121 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce