13 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1523cc344620cfbe7385b665c3c99a04.jpg a1c6dbc4f069cf1972a996bfa13ea993 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/82ef24dc34ab11a88582f6eead2f6600.jpg b2cf62200f3ae668d8efe0ebf12bc3e1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8be8cc7044c0738ce8a37cb76515442f.jpg f72cc78c04b696c574b0959656390b2e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3df6dc2cbcc1c6b5af8a5d8c8166712a.jpg d0d9c47bac492c7c8d392e6db65118a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ed12512481c70133af04862788d336f7.jpg 19013269863a4a28400151ca0f62db3f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a9665c41bc2085e7b3fea1ffdf1e6d85.jpg 919dd0b3f8c6aa0399eb3fe08b2a4d0a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Newport News 26th Feb. 1863 My own dear Wife, ‘Tis P.M. Have just come in from Co[mpany] drill and will send a few lines and will tell you why not but a few lines, ‘tho you know I always ‘string out’ quite a letter. Well just as I got ready to write you yesterday, Corp. S[awin] looked into our tent and said I could get a pass to go to Suffolk! (I had mentioned the subject before.) so I posted off at once. Got the Major’s (Goddell), (Col B[owman] is at home.) signature, also the Brigade Officer (Col. Leasure) and started off in fine spirits this morn. Left N.P. [Newport] at 8 am “all right” but alas when arrived at Fortress Monroe no “passes” for soldiers beyond there! Well I’ve been here in the Army long enough to know there are many slips between Provost Marshalls and the place you wish to see. So ends my attempts to see Frank and Will. Came directly back here where I arrive at dinnertime. The trip was very pleasant, got a sight of a few ladies, citizens and saw once again the beautiful Bay. Also ran upon young Merrill of Charlestown who was taken prisoner at Harper’s Ferry in the N.Y. Artillery. You remember Mr. Merrill the tailor in C[harlestown], his oldest son. Matters are moving on here. Had a Grand Review yesterday by Gen. Dix. A magnificent affair. 20,000 troops, the whole Corps, and we had a much better opportunity of seeing them, and I never saw so fine a display as they were all well clothed and in good spirits and a fine day. It is to be an animated scene here. Now Co[mpany] and Battalion and Brigade drills every week and almost every day in the week. The 2d Brigade is now on drill closely with a full band, and I can hear the officers giving orders as I sit here. But I must send you something. I did expect to write from Suffolk. It was thought there was fighting on the Blackwater [River] Tues(day) eve. Could hear firing but have not ascertained yet any particulars. I received yours of the 19th (15th letter), also one written the 15th and numbered which I believe I have answered. Have had a severe storm here last Sunday, snow and ending in rain and Tues. noon our tent blew over with a good many others. I was sitting eating bread and applesauce (we have dried apple regularly) and the sight was comical in the extreme for many were doing as many different things. Corpl. S[awin] was writing and his whole affair, portfolio paper, half written letters were scattered for quarter of a mile, and much stationery spoiled. I didn’t dare attempt writing that day. Read all day, papers, Shakespeare, Testament, Adam’s letters, etc. etc. and thought very much of my dear ones at home! Have strolled about considerable on the beach. Have some curious specimens I wish I could send home. Ben E. is quite an enthusiast in collecting sea mosses. I send you one piece or two you may take your choice and send one to Abbie at his request with his regards. They are gathered by dipping the paper into the water, sliding under the moss and gathering up slowly, keeping the form of the specimen, and then pressing them in an old book. They will adhere to the writing paper and appear as you see like a nice painting. Don’t attempt to pull them off of the paper, trim it, the paper, if you wish and keep them in a book. I shall gather some more with him sometime if we can find time. It storms here more or less here every few days or hours and we can’t be absent from camp but a short time. I fear there is little hope for Alonzo R. [Ranlett] Expect to hear today or evening from you and I trust [from] him also. It will be a blow to many and I feel that I cannot say anything but only wish they may bear up under it all. Surely we’re all born but not buried and know not our share of sorrow and trouble. There is much that I cannot write, as I think A’s [Alonzo’s] sickness which makes it sad to think of. A strange fatality seems to linger about Co. B for the Lieut. Col. (Capt. Norton that was of [Company] B) is at home very sick and there seems a prospect of quite a change of officers in the 36th. Had a religious meeting in our street last eve., speaking, singing and prayer. Just as I got here it was “fall in for mail call!” How I jumped out of our tent! And how delighted I was to get a dear good letter from your precious self, Ed Peirce with “Lady of the Lake,” from E.P. several stamps, and a paper from friend Murray. I must close for I feel I must answer briefly E.’s letter for we have to mail all letters by 5 P.M. and subject to so many interruptions. I have to work fast and I often regret that I am compelled to send such unfinished letters, but be assured they are fondly read and re-read and after a while I hope I expressed something that may cheer and comfort you, but at least tells that I love you all deeply as ever and my best moments and feeling are yours. Will refer more to your last [letter] in my next. Thanks and love to Mary. Am very sorry I could not go to Suffolk but such are the regulations of the Army. Ed writes that Alonzo is a little better, but fears he may be into consumption. Thanks for your stamps, am well supplied now. Edwd. P has been very attentive to me of late. Will send his letter next time, if not this. Must go to headquarters and tell them the news. Kiss for my Lulu. Would I could see her! If she is only a good girl, and loves and minds her mother ‘twill make Papie very happy. Health excellent good and ever your loving husband Jerome Excuse the looks of this paper. An accident of the Camp Newport News sand. Will tell you when I send the box. Be patient and you will hear from the Capt. He is very kind to me. No. 4 N.P. My regards to Mr. Galloway. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Corporal Farwell Sawin was 31 years old when he enlisted as a Corporal from Westminster, Massachusetts, on August 11, 1862, i.e., seven days after Jerome enlisted. On August 9, 1863, he died of disease at Vicksburg, Mississippi. NOTE 2: The Regimental History indicates that General Dix, the commander of Fortress Monroe, reviewed the 9th Corps on February 25, 1863. During the six weeks at Newport News, the History states: “much attention was given to regimental, brigade and division drills. About five hours each day were devoted to these exercises, and they were of great value in perfecting the discipline and adding to the efficiency of the regiment.” (p. 34) NOTE 3: The Adams letters may refer to the correspondence of John and Abigail Adams, one of the Founding Fathers and second President and his wife. Over 1100 letters from their courtship through his political career were saved and published. The Adams lived in Quincy, Massachusetts, 10 miles south of Boston, while the Peirces lived in Billerica, about the same distance from Boston but northwest of Boston. NOTE 4: The reference to “Lady of the Lake” could refer to several written materials. Ben Jonson, an English playwright in the 17th century wrote a play by that time. Sir Walter Scott published a narrative poem by that name in 1810. “Lady of the Lake” was an enchantress in the legends of King Arthur. NOTE 5: A provost marshal is the head of the military police in a camp NOTE 6: Consumption, now known as tuberculosis, is a disease cause by bacteria that usually attacks the lungs. At the turn of the 20th century it was the leading cause of death in the U.S. It was known as the “Great White Plague” due to the extreme paleness of those affected. NOTE 7: The Blackwater River flows from Petersburg Virginia into Albemarle Bay. For a time during the Civil War, it was the dividing line between Union-occupied territory and Confederate Virginia. NOTE 8: Sea moss, often referred to as Irish Moss, is a species of red algae, varying in color from light and dark green, to red, purple and white. It is a type of seaweed, ranging up to eight inches in length. 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 26, 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 1863-02-26 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 X 4 6 X 8.75 11 X 8.75 6 X 8.75 6 X 8.75 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 #77 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. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/47aa7c97d6c57a3fe5ce12914b8699a4.jpg 7c9ed5ace4f13df28abc457a3fd96078 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9f26954d599b02e8962aab33dcfe0bc6.jpg 9cb1c52b7e7fb969d3aa4bd1e4b6bb70 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ef2aa6a2d0792486c219236e30f4c97e.jpg 737c47e3abb8494f367c26c1a26d71b8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f15b22e65a4544449d3a1930dacdaab3.jpg 5d6add824865ede9eed1e2313f5b8202 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4754d99537c67b7df619efa2f4e5dff8.jpg 488db66b1fe4d50c805f9d93e07a3e00 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document In the field. Sunday morning Feb. 28/64 Ever dear Allie, I wrote you a few days ago [???] just as we got orders to move. Thought it might be pleasant to hear a word thru Mr. S. I am without knapsack and many little things. Please send me a little thread, black alone will do and a darning needle, also a sheet and envelope, as I don’t know when my things will come up. Have only one more envelope and most of the boys are in the same fix. We still wait, drawing clothing this morning, a poor arrangement for we can’t carry it if we have it. My health is pretty good, a boil bothers me, feet better. Letters don’t all come up. Have not got the folks’. Mr. S’s I received yesterday, just as we camped a pleasant find [???] to meet me. Don’t know when I can mail this. Joe seems fairly set to work. Success to him! The following text was written on the top of Page 1, above the location and salutation: The “extract” was very pretty and true and what soldiers have to act upon a great deal. A kiss for Lulu. Yours of 15th received. As you will see by the above, will write when I can. Love and as ever, Jerome P.S. A little later. Have ascertained “what’s up”. We’re off tomorrow for Bristol, Va. or that direction, a grand advance. Shall go in “light order” with several days of rations and don’t know when I shall write again as it is uncertain when I get my things. The Spring Campaign is fairly opened. Have one more envelope and a slip or two more of paper and will write as I can. Am at Hd Quarters with Joe H. He is posted and gave me information. Hope and believe too that the next two months will decide much. Don’t worry about me. A few days of work will set me all right. Some 120 miles before us. Teams carry part of the rations. Of course you will not think strange if you don’t hear for some time. As far as we can learn the rebs are falling back and are demoralized. Ten came in this morning to take the oath, belong in Ark [Arkansas]. Sent them to Gen. Schofield. J.H. things are back and he may not be able to write immediately. Mention if you write to Orange. J.H. will mail this. Transcriber’s Note: The following note was written in the center of the back of Page 1: Mrs. Jerome Peirce Present. TRANSCRIBERS NOTES NOTE 1: Although no specific location from where Jerome wrote this letter is indicated, the letters he wrote immediately before and after this letter were written from Knoxville, Tenn., and Mossy Creek, East. Tenn., respectively. Therefore, the regiment must have been camped in eastern Tennessee, in the Knoxville area. See also Note 2. NOTE 2: Per the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. NOTE 3: The “J.H.” or “Joe H.” Jerome referred to in this letter, as well as in other letters, was almost definitely Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864 and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, February 28, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie In the field. [Likely in Knoxville, TN. area] Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-02-28 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). 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 #198 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Knoxville, TN. Allie Jerome Peirce Knoxville TN. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b3def129265025416be932ca3809cda9.jpg f716d84039e50c586be2bf9a9c0066fa https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c7b1a767951968dbe1905bc02aa828ad.jpg b9d92ddc26c8b0078a51269dd7dd3497 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/84ebfb683afa8cc6d791735a0d85b415.jpg 2c004dd6a695eca41409fc62e2e9fb6a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/331b46751ddf65b870dab441a4e2cc56.jpg 46b53f7a4f5fbc82ddab185ec5edfcf9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/da3de50f2d611951638d79ee41526aa6.jpg a117bd7ab8ed8b9908108fb47510d244 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/726f3bf5faf2dfd7df44b3b4d18e9c4b.jpg 2c33d69c09367edc278cc2d87c2f14e1 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 Friday P.M. 6th Feb 1863 My dearest Allie, It has been a somewhat stormy and exceedingly muddy and uncomfortable day outside and confused generally and I fear I shall not answer yours received last eve (the 9th letter) as it deserves. I cannot express to you my happiness at the thought of your interest in religious matters. Heaven knows I am far, oh how very far, from filling my ideal in such deep concerns, but for all that I am deeply sensible how important the subject is and never more so than since my sojourn in the Army. I approve with my whole heart your intentions, and trust you will enjoy so much with Abbie and so find a great helper in these times of deep trial, and I pray that you may find a sustaining power which will enable you to bear up and in every dark hour, and maintain a courage and faith that no affliction or disaster can dispel. I hope you will write me as much as possible about [it] and so help me to contend with what is before my trial temptation, and I think I can honestly assure that “temptations”, as commonly understood in the Army, have no charm or effect upon me but to cause me to cling closer to the dear memories of home – blessed word! My severest trials here are those of patience and temper, but I trust I will not go backward at least. I pass much of my time alone with my books or in thought as I stroll about in my various duties and in the late quiet camp life. I can hardly be said to have lived, here my best thoughts and feelings have flown to you and the many dear friends at home. You ask me to mention some book in the New Testament for your attentions. If you desire discussion and subject for thought, I would recommend the Epistle of Romans. You have the commentary on the same in our Library, which will help you, which contains the life of St. Paul, which will bear a careful study, the grand intellectual apostle and earnest man. I admire his character much. I have read the Romans since I have been in the Army. You know it contains more upon which the great divisions exist between the Unitarian and Orthodox. Sometime I will try and mention particular chapters. But always bear in mind the simple and beautiful words of the Savior when you find difficulties and the Polyglot bible (mine is one, you know) will enable you to compare texts. I have before mentioned how much I wish I had brought a small copy of the whole bible for I used to teach often to the grand sentences of the Prophet Isiah in particular. I am so glad you are favorably impressed with your new pastor and I cannot tell you how it sustains me to think of you and Lulu under the serene and holy influence of a regular attendance on worship of your choice and this thought makes me bear up and resolve to do what little I can to sustain the glorious institutions of N. England and resist the efforts of the vile traitors who would subvert them and erect barbarism instead. When the disaster at F. [Fredericksburg] took place and the blunders which have followed since I have felt at times discouraged but I trust I have imbibed a fresh spirit and hope to endure to the end and this brings me to the latest news, viz. We were paid off last eve to Nov. 1st /62 $25.13 and now we expect in a few days to report at Fortress Monroe without delay which may be within or even less than a week. From there we join the Blackwater Army (so Capt. S says) which is to assault south of Richmond. So sudden came change here, I fear my furlough will “come tardy off” but I think for the public good all’s for the best for I am convinced that the Va. campaign is and will be a shameful failure which the same power can be more effectively used to sever the Capital from the “Confederacy” and so cripple the rebels to the ending of the conflict. There is much that is doubtful to speculation yet but part of our division is already on the move and little doubt exists as to our leaving soon. One sign is that we are having “any quantity” of rations dealt out to us which always precedes a movement, load the men and so reduce the number of teams. Have been very busy today washing and fixing up my things and knapsack, etc. J. H. has gone “on guard” where I was the other night and at present I am alone by a warm fire, my flannels appended overhead drying while before me a bread box is covered with [???] blouse, cap, and stationery. Bought a lot today. I will send you some money soon. Am hesitating about buying boots here, have got along very well so far by drawing shoes about once a month, a dear way I fear, but they are very easy for marching, rather think I shall get me a pair. Jos. H. will. I wish I could send you the whole, but I need very much a little by me. Will do the best I can. I do not desire the voyage around Cape Hatteras this season but many brave men have been there and we can. I have learned to look these changes and duties in the face and though my slight vision of a furlough and home was a happy one and carries its keen regret at the prospect of failure, I feel compensated by the thought of being more useful and I trust successful and finally I hope to meet you sometime in better days and it would not surprise to have the order countermanded, so uncertain are all the movements here. J. H. has written which will explain itself. To Mary and Hattie I would say that they know full well I intend a word to them always, even if I do not address them separately and I think of them as of old. If we go to New Bern, I hope to see James Walker also Walter Everett (1st Lieut.) in the Fifth and possibly to meet Frank and Will. Wrote the latter last eve. What letters did I send you last? I intended to have sent one of Henry P.’s but found it here after I mailed yours. Will send Kale’s with Georgie’s first effort. Tell Lulu Papie would “come home” and see his darlings but she must remember me and love me just the same and when old enough feel proud that her father was a soldier and could ensure a little for a good cause. Will send things for wreathes etc. I am glad you are so successful in making them. With the entire love your husband Jerome Transcriber’s Note: Notation on left margin of Page 1: “(7th ???)” [Refers to a sequential number used by Jerome at times to track his letters.] TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Jos. H.” or “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: Mary and Hattie (Nickname for Harriet] were sisters of Abbie. Abbie moved in with her parents after Jerome enlisted. Mary and Hattie were also living in the parents’ home at the time. NOTE 3: The “Soldier’s Letter, etc.” notation on the envelope was written on the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, where a stamp would normally be affixed. Charles T. Canfield, who was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts, was the chaplain of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. The rubber-stamped note “Due 3” was apparently stamped over Canfield’s hand-written note by a post office official. An identical note written by Canfield (and also the “Due 3” note) appears on several of Jerome’s letters. Canfield (and Jerome) apparently believed that this notation would make it unnecessary to affix the three-cent stamp required for a letter at that time. However, it appears that they were mistaken. Whether or not the three cents postage due was actually collected from Allie could not be determined. It is interesting to note that in more recent times, U.S. service personnel in war zones have been allowed free franking privileges by writing “Free” or “Soldier’s Mail” in the area of the envelope where a stamp would normally be affixed. There is also a faint note on the envelope that reads “No Stamps”. 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 6, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Falmouth 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 1863-02-06 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 6.71 X 4.33 6.37 X 9.39 11.15 X 9.13 6.3 X 9.22 6.43 X 9.3 6.38 X 9.37 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 #68 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 Falmouth VA. Allie Falmouth VA. 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Text Any textual data included in the document Erins Station, E. Tenn. Sunday P.M. 7th Feb 1864 Sabbath once more and what can I say to you, my dear wife? How much my thoughts are with you and our dear little Lulu! And what should I do in this distant region, write seldom a letter and short of food were it not for the dear affections which defy all mere outward and bodily complaints? Mail of late uncertain, tantalizing, but one little token came yesterday and I wondered why letters did not accompany it. Surely not because friends have not written, for I know they have. So I must still wait. The ‘Ploughman’ of 23rd Jan. arrived with its contents of good reading and what was very timely and acceptable, the thread, for I was entirely out. Well, you see we are still quietly in camp at the same camp of my last [letter] of last Sabbath and I have little that is new to relate, altho’ we had a little “scare” and a march of some ten or twelve miles. Monday eve. as we were all brushed up for Dress Parade, the order came, “Fall in, in light marching order!” And after receiving a pound of corn meal to a man, we were off for Knoxville and crossed the river on a pontoon bridge at K. [Knoxville], it then being quite dark and mud-muddy-muddiest! in the neighborhood of the river, up a steep rocky road, I tumbling and rolling along in the dark for a half mile when we came to a halt and made ourselves comfortable for the night. Cold and wet, or damp, for it didn’t rain. We got a fire and a supper after a while. It proved a “failure,” the trouble originating by some blunder which waked up the rebs and looked like a move on their part, and so of course the 9th A.C. [Army Corps] or the fragment of it must tramp again to aid the 23rd [Army Corps]. What will they do if we ever leave here? But early Tues. morn ordered back to camp where we’ve remained since with our com[pan]y drills, inspections, and lately dress parades, and short rations in spite of all our hopes and promises of better fare and a move North soon. It will come by and by and so we live on and make the best of it. I must confess my spirits have been somewhat tired of late. I long for a different state of things and find myself checking my temper quite often and I remember home and rush to some reading matter if it can be found. The last few days have been cold, cloudy with some rain, but on the whole ‘tis a fine climate. The woods are much cut away from front of the camp and the rolling land with woods with the mixture of pine seems like old N.E. [New England]. Upon a hill some more than a mile away stands a brick mansion painted drab, surrounded by tall oaks, in which Gen’l. Longstreet held his headquarters, and in the valley between is the railroad and the cars come and go several times a day, we are reminded of civilization. As I write, the 79th Reg’t. N.Y. Vols., at our right, are having inspection, the usual Sunday one with knapsacks, etc. and the old piper has just closed. ‘Tis a Scotch Reg’t. and they have a bagpipe which you know sounds like a cat and our boys always set up a shout when he plays. I don’t appreciate it, I must say, but they keep up this national feature and also have the drum and fife, which is now beating off. But you care little for this and I gladly turn from this camp picture to you at home. At church today I suppose and Communion Day! Need I repeat how much I wish I was with you? Sat over my fire this morning and read a few chapters in the Testament and felt that our hearts met somewhere in the space between us and was comforted! When shall we really meet? But this month and that soon brings my time half out, but today it looks a long ways to the end and I am glad I seldom feel it so, but everything conspires to “longings” today and so I am sober. Are you well? I am glad you have got some of my later letters as I conclude you have by the Serg’t. etc. and I hope too, to hear from you by letter quite soon. Did not attend service today for my thoughts were strongly elsewhere. Health is good as ever and I have my daily chats with Ben who always desires to be remembered. What of Will and Hattie? Suppose Alonzo and Ellen are ‘one’ and perhaps you’ve seen them since. Have felt so little like writing of late that I have only thought of them as by others. A good “bunch of letters” will help me, one of these days. Jos. H. is well. See him most every day. And how is Lulu? I ought to write her a letter. Tell her there is a sweet little bird [that] sings here every day and I wonder if she hears any? Or do the snow birds hop along on the snow and say anything to her? Are the rest well? Love to each and all and with hope of hearing soon, believe me, ever your own, Jerome Have lost my ink again, so excuse pencil. What of Mrs. Preston? I read the different articles in the “Ploughman” with interest. A good paper. Send it when you can. Story was good. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, February 7, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Erins Station, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-02-07 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.50 X 3.07" - 1st Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 2nd Scan "10.03 X 7.98" - 3rd Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #193 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Erins Station, TN Allie Erins Station Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/67c04a3df45fb4a9449cffaa12d67d81.jpg c503b8b8f92fd9550848a18a1b83abbb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/afc378ca5a64576c52ae186bb4d8c135.jpg 2bc6a5c1e9f98f83ad8ab36c642926ea https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c765f7653ee705fa3ebd68262483ae8e.jpg 54df3721366f804d8beca27803165f39 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aac709c384bc8f7acd8ad4d91cc3a466.jpg 63bd0df7115f90c15aaf8a54f2a25bd5 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 8th Feb 1863 It is Sabbath P.M. and a scene very different here from what it is there. It is 3 o’clk. Frank Crafts is sitting here in our tent talking with Jos H. and I thought I would send a few lines, not a letter for owing to the prospect of moving, we are full of preparation, cleaning up clothes, mending, etc. etc. It is a sunny mild day, but oh the mud and I felt compelled to buy some boots $9.00. This sounds dear but it will be dearer without them. I enclose $5.00 and will more from time to time, reserving a small sum for myself. We rec’d $25.18 to Nov. 1st and hope for more before long. We have various rumors as to our destination, but I think we are going to Suffolk Va, which will enable me to see Frank and Will and be but a short trip, only about 120 miles and little marching. We may go farther south, but I give you the most prevalent surmise. More of one Corps are gone and the deserted camps look dreary enough, but we find a good supply of fuel and of easy access. We may move tomorrow but I think within four or five days at the furthest. We are all in fine health and spirits and are glad to leave this do-nothing and ill-fated place and trust to see something better and less mud. Rec’d a paper with the little book from Mary, many thanks. It brought up old times, for it was one of the first things I noticed in my visit to B. I had hoped to have written you a good letter today, but there’s no settled rest for us at present and I have got things pretty much in order and want to be off, especially if I can meet Frank and Will. I keep the “Dew Drops” in my watch pocket. Pollyanthus can think of it, and I shall thus be reminded constantly of the dear ones at home. Shall expect to hear from you tonight, but we have to get our letters ready by 5 o’clock and mail don’t arrive till evening. I am very comfortably fixed for a move. A new pr. [pair] of pants and other things are all right besides, t’will soon be warmer and Spring with us will be along “right soon”. I long to hear the birds and gather some flowers of “Dixie”, and trust my “flowers” at home will not droop nor fade at my long journeys and absent so far from them, for I think of them constantly. Tell Mary and Hattie I will write them each some time when I can be very interesting. Wrote Abbie a day or two ago and ventured a note to Mr. Ellis, thanking him for his interest in my book affair and recalling the occasion at B. [Possibly Billerica], Mr. S’s ordination. Have had only [one] meal today but shall go about supper soon. Get along very well with two meals. I see by the “Register” that Mr. Chaffee is “settled” as Boston minister. He was at Billerica. Pardon this poor affair for this time. Wish it was more in the spirit of the day, but I do not forget some attention to it be it ever so busy. I send a letter of Henry P. that it might interest you. I think it does finely. A kiss for Lulu and love most abundantly from your affect. [affectionate] husband Jerome Write immediately on receipt of this 8th letter. Frank C. wishes to be remembered. 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 “Pollyanthus” (correctly spelled “Polyanthus”) is a herbaceous flowering plant which is a hybrid between the wild primrose and primulas. Although it is speculation, he might be referring to keeping some of these flowers (along with “Dew Drops” (possibly also referring to a flower)) in his watch pocket. It is conceivable that Allie and Lulu sent him these flowers in a previous letter. NOTE 3: The “Soldier’s Letter, etc.” notation on the envelope was written on the upper right-hand corner of the envelope, where a stamp would normally be affixed. Charles T. Canfield, who was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts, was the chaplain of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. The rubber-stamped note “Due 3” was apparently stamped over Canfield’s hand-written note by a post office official. An identical note written by Canfield (and also the “Due 3” note) appears on several of Jerome’s letters. Canfield (and Jerome) apparently believed that this notation would make it unnecessary to affix the three-cent stamp required for a letter at that time. However, it appears that they were mistaken. Whether or not the three cents postage due was actually collected from Allie could not be determined. It is interesting to note that in more recent times, U.S. service personnel in war zones have been allowed free franking privileges by writing “Free” or “Soldier’s Mail” in the area of the envelope where a stamp would normally be affixed. There is also a note on the envelope that reads “No Stamps”. NOTE 4: “Mr. Ellis” was Rev. George E. Ellis, the pastor of the church in Charlestown that the family attended before it moved to Orange, Massachusetts. 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 8, 1863 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 1863-02-08 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 6.7 X 4.55 6.35 X 9.37 11.31 X 9.39 6.43 X 9.48 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 #71 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Could not be determined, possibly Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2dc485e690a716d6cea52888080d4ab6.jpg 8b52588a424f12cd18ca603a1b2cd769 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4ec5a2d08caf37bd8172d0fc391f8fa0.jpg a197ec14f65fdfe2cf5e5e87b78561d3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7fc7280ed1bedd7ec899719c0159f834.jpg 4faf66bce7d2d7e90b4ccfa8589ab57b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5156e5f9108409aaeef5284a1519792f.jpg 775fedadfae76d8e30e18da9eaedf7e3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Near Blaine Cross Roads, Tenn. Sunday Morn 10 Jan 1864 My dearest Wife, A bitter cold morning and still quietly in camp. Have just finished inspection as usual, that is of arms and equipments, expecting every moment a visit from the Major and Dr. Prince to look at our quarters and I improve the moments in again addresing you. It seems quite like Sabbath morn. once more. All quiet and so like a New England morning - cold, and we keep close to the fire. Have no news to write you since last week, the last [Insert “letter”] with Ellens. Are you still in Boston and preparing or at church? Life is now busy but monotonous. Our time being taken up in cooking and getting fuel and stealing a few moments for reading and writing. No mail as we expected last eve. Some delay and we shall not probably receive any till next Tuesday. Nothing from Alonzo as yet by letter or person and I imagine he has turned back somewhere. Am sorry now that I ordered you to direct [Possibly insert “your letter”] to Lieut. Cross but [Possibly insert “it”] shall get there after awhile. Last eve. we had a ‘sit down’ in our little tent. Ben E. came in and we chatted over ‘Burns’, his life and work and he repeated “The Cotters Saturday Night”, a beautiful sweet thing, a picture of lowly life in Scotland. Just think of it! Here among the Clinch Mountains of East Tenn., so long after his death, two soldiers at such a theme! He has much of the gems of verse, sacred and secular on his “tongue’s end” and so we pass some of the hours in the wilds. In looking over your letters, I see you was quite particular to know who accompanied me on the journey here, my companions on the train etc. I was not aware that I was more full of particulars to others than to you, and soldiers are so common and differ so little out here that I did not probably mention much of individuals. Suffice it so say, that these various “squads” of “Comradesants” mostly whom they send off their Regts. as opportunity offers. Some of them are rough and deseased[???], while a few are very good men and always press on to their Regts. A Sergt. Perry of the 112th Ills. [Illinois] Mounted Infantry and a Major of 115th Ind. [Indiana], an educated man, a lawyer were the two for whom I shall entertain peculiar regard, good men and companionable. The first is with his Regt. and latter at the Commissary Dept., a six month man. Promised to renew the acquaintance when he got home and furnish me items of western news and movements etc., etc. Like men on a journey, meeting by chance a few we shall remember with special regard and causing us to look with greater respect on men in general and as far as my experience goes. I can say men do not appear as bad as some think, a very encouraging fact to me, for if there be any place where to show up human nature, it is here. Our own Regt. is now reduced to its fewest and best both moral “physique” and all goes on quietly and in order. Very little of the fret and worry of old and all indicating the maturest soldiers. If rations be short, we take it, and hope for more next time. Clothing is scarce and many are suffering much, but still it is accepted with little complaint. It is said clothing is on the way to us. Yesterday each company had (drew) a green hide just from the butchers to make moccasins of to wear over the feet. Expect to make ourselves. Don’t know when I shall have some. Many – everything is exceedingly scarce. Transportation is bad. Sutlers are scarce and only at Knoxville and at enormous high prices can anything be had. Diaries, stationery very high. So we have to be careful. I have a fair supply now but an envelope and sheet of paper will come in play occasionally. I sent you in my last [Insert “letter”] (Wedns.) a dollar for stamps. I fear our pay day is far off. The old Regts. who have reenlisted 21st Mass. [Infantry Regiment] and 8th Michn. [Michigan] are gone. What [Who] did not reenlist go into other regts. to serve their time out. Expect the 21st will have a grand reception in Worcester as it has seen some of the severest service. We shall soon begin to count the months when we shall go back. “Flow swift around the wheels of Time”, and I need not tell you how glad it seems to feel that there is one at home whose heart is constantly reaching out in response to those longings. How I wish I was with you and Lulu in place of these scenes which with our best efforts fall so far short of the good Sabbaths at home. I am much interested in all you speak of at home. Lulu’s progress and development and how much her feelings remind me of my own earliest remembered days when I too wondered why we done so often what we knew to be bad. Does not this show how much of good there is in our nature? How much better the heart is at times than the performance, but we must do the best we can and hope for the influence of all good angels to direct the final end. I have often told you how constantly my mind reverts to you and more than ever the longer I am absent and between you and the anticipation of Spring singing birds, my poor hands go thru their accustomed task. Received this morning my Sergeant’s Warrant dated Jan. 9th by Major Draper etc. and Lieut. Hodgkins gave me a congratulatory nudge as he came along with the rest to inspect our quarters. I hope the future will look a little more promising. If we could only get further North, where we could hear more regular and often, we could cheerfully undergo the cold and exposure for so desirable a change. But I forget for why should I complain? But I must close. If my poor and sometimes fretful seconds do not always meet your fondest wishes, consider my situation and not feel that I am really cold and heartless. I want much to hear from you since I came to the Regt. of my promotion etc. How is the winter with you? Much snow? Little here but so chilly and bitter cold! Quite equal mornings to what we have at home. Is Edw. Haynes still at home? Love to Ben. H’s family. I do not write them quite as often but I think of them equally so and Lucy too. Shall hope to hear from you again soon. Give love to all and tell Lulu that Papie loves her just the same, sends her a kiss always. She must be a good girl and love her Mama dearly as her best friend. My fireplace met with an accident last night and I must do a little repairing. Shall read before sleep. Jos. H. is well. As ever your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History: December 20, 1863 – April 6, 1864. The regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee, including in the Knoxville area, before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. During this time, the lack of adequate rations, clothing and equipment presented more challenges to the men than did the Confederates. In the Company Muster Roll for November – December 1863, Jerome Peirce was recorded as “Present.” In the following Company Muster Roll, i.e., for January – February 1864, Peirce was recorded as “Present” with the rank of “Sergt.” A notation indicated “Promoted from Corpl. Jan. 1, 1864.” That promotion increased his pay from $13.00 per month to $17.00 per month. It is interesting to note that the shortage of rations, clothing and equipment is mentioned in this letter. NOTE 2: The Dr. Prince mentioned in this letter was James P. Prince, from Lynn, Massachusetts, who enlisted at age 24 in the 22nd Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers in October 1861. He was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on August 13, 1862. He subsequently served as Surgeon in various units of the 9th Army Corps, and in 1865 he was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Volunteers. NOTE 3: The Lieut. Cross that Jerome refers to was First Lieutenant Robert M. Cross from Palmer, Massachusetts. NOTE 4: The Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) wrote the poem “The Cotter’s Saturday Night.” A "Cotter" in Burns' time was a poor peasant who was given the use of a Cot or Cottage by the property owner in exchange for labor as opposed to paying rent. This poem relates how the Cotter and his family take time to relax on a Saturday evening after their week's labor, knowing that Sunday is a day of rest. The eldest daughter, Jenny, who has by now left home, calls with her new boyfriend, and the family eat their peasant meal and join around the fireside to hear the father read from the Bible. NOTE 5: Cinch Mountain is a mountain ridge in Tennessee and Virginia, lying in the ridge-and-valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. From its southern terminus at Kitts Point, which lies at the intersection of Knox, Union and Grainger counties near Blaine, Tennessee, it runs in a generally east-northeasterly direction to Garden Mountain near Burke's Garden, Virginia. Jerome gives his location when this letter was written as “Blaine Cross Roads, Tennessee”. NOTE 6: The 21st Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized in Worcester, Massachusetts, and mustered into service on August 23, 1861. It participated in the Battle of Roanoke Island, the Battle of New Bern, the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Chantilly, in the Overland Campaign, and in the Siege of Petersburg. By the end of its three years of service, the 21st Massachusetts had been reduced from 1,000 men to fewer than 100. Of these losses, 152 were killed in action or died from wounds received in action, approximately 400 were discharged due to wounds, 69 were taken prisoner, and approximately 300 were discharged due to disease, resignation, or desertion. NOTE 7: William F. Draper, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted at age 21 as a Private in September 1861. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 12, 1861, and was promoted steadily thereafter, becoming a Major on July 31, 1863. He commanded the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from October 10, 1863, until August 10, 1864, except during a time when he was recovering from a severe wound he sustained in the Battle of the Wilderness in May of 1864. He was mustered out of the service on October 12, 1864, upon the expiration of his three years of service. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel and then Brevet Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers, for “gallant and meritorious services in the field during the war.” NOTE 8: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Private on July 23, 1862, at age 22. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant on October 17, 1863, and to Captain on May 6, 1864. He was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Major for “valuable and distinguished services at Fort Stedman, Virginia, on March 25, 1865.” NOTE 9: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was almost certainly Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 10: The fact that the men were very short of clothing and rations and made were forced to make moccasins for themselves because of the shortage of footwear is documented in the Unit History (Page 124). It reads, “Very few of our men had overcoats; indeed, they were poorly clothed in every respect. For the lack of shoes many were obliged to protect their feet with moccasins made of raw hides. Rations too were short. A few spoonfulls of flour were served out as the daily allowance, and, had it not been for the corn picked up here and there, sometimes where the mules were corralled, the men would have suffered severely.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 10, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Blaine's Cross Roads, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-01-10 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.38 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "4.93 X 7.82" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 7.82" - 3rd Scan "4.93 X 7.82" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #190 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Near Blaine's Cross Roads, TN Allie Blaine's Crossroads Jerome Peirce TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6a8529840409eb7f2ad7c2f99674faba.jpg adde78315e6ff8e8a0d93746220d3a48 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/15f043fd1cc2c1e5556a219222b2818b.jpg ec4816d39f3e88a9c4e6fa5f322c64f2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1175f4b6b71114e28b91a1610d9b13ce.jpg 99dbc2bf8bd660317d99fec2d512ad94 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/612665d83e08789ee330a56b700e90b6.jpg b9ed7f41950ffc6626cdd7d419856e6e 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 P.M. Jan 11, 1863 My very dear Wife, Yours of the 4 to 6th Jan. are before me and a few moments from a busy day (in little household terms) must be devoted to you. Eve. [Evening] this I presume you have mine by Foster’s which I trust will seem a little nearer than usual for it is a pleasant dream to me of their visit. I hope you will hear more. I am glad you felt more cheerful in your last. For the one written the 4th must have been in a “passing cloud,” and I trust they will all prove with a “silver lining”. I have little news to write. Everything remains here as I wrote last. Have been busy today washing a little, getting wood, meals, rations etc. etc. ‘till the thought that it is Sabbath Day seems almost fled, but I do not let it pass so, oh no, I shall yet make something of it. It rained badly yesterday. We have improved our tent, raised it and dug down to about a foot, making the coziest, warmest kind of a house, generally, but the rain got in a little but we soon repaired and all light again today. Have just written Bro. Haynes’ folks, and thus must close my writing for today. The “Service Call” was sounded a few moments ago but immediately came, “No service.” So, I hope to read a little before sleep. Your letter (of the 6th) and “Journal” came last eve. in the rain, and it seemed like an angel’s visit in the storm and darkness by a good fire and candle, to read the missives. The pencil was safe and I am writing with it, a very nice one. The suspenders also came safe and the stamps. I have quite a number and Foster will be sending me more soon. So you need not send any more for the present. And in regard to stamps, I have written a good many letters of late, those I felt a duty to. Notice for I write to as few as possible, hence, scarcity of stamps. I do hope you will not feel that I am careless about money matters. I dare say Frank will get along with less than I do. Many of the calls have been for necessities. By the way, you have not told me if you got all the money sent you from sale of my watch. I have sent you $9.00 ($1.00 in my last of Thursday last) which with the $5.00 from Pleasant Valley Md. makes $14.00 which I believe about balances accts., and for Government we must still wait. Business is good with both Foster and Joseph or I should not have taken a dollar, but they are willing to add a little to our camp diet. If you could see how we enjoy a little 3rd quality of critter on our “hard tack” with a little soft bread! Would do you good I think, but enough. Am glad you have heard from the “Six.” I wonder if they received my letters? Have not heard from them since New Years. Have you my picture as a soldier and do you like it? It was called a good likeness, of course, the facilities for taking them here are none of the best. You can have it copied. It took some two or three hours to get it and a long walk besides. Tell me all about it. Have not seen Alonzo R., don’t know as he is returned from W[ashington] yet, shall find out before I send this. I mailed three papers yesterday, for you and Sis, the Bowens I would save for her. The picture is very [much] like scenes on our march here aside from the little “Contraband” sitting on the carriage, which must have been touching indeed. I trust Gen. B. [Burnside] will “achieve greatness” in the South, while we, if must be, “stand in waiting” here. Have received, and will send the letter and photograph for safe keeping of Mr. Bowen, Hannah’s husband at Jamestown, quite a pleasant gentleman, I should judge. I have little more to say, and will leave till later for a word. While I think of it, don’t stick your stamps in the papers. I am always careful in opening letters. And tell me about you receiving the money. Your letters are not seen by anybody but me. Don’t allow yourself to get more discouraged than I do, and I feel better since the moves south. I do believe in Gen. Burnside. If I don’t have time to add more, give love to all and abundantly to self and our darling Lulu. Tell me if she knows my last picture. Jerome P.S. Tell Father watching Rebs is very much indeed like watching woodchucks! I prefer the latter decidedly!! P.S. 2nd Am closing this in Frank Croft’s tent. Added a P.S. to his letter to Lottie Wales. Willie Hull is just in. Sends regards to you. Alonzo R. is not returned, “sick” at Washington. A dodge to see Ellen, it is thought, Boys all well, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 2: The “visit” he refers to relates to the visit of his two brothers, Foster and Joseph Peirce, who both lived in Massachusetts and who visited him at the camp for about two days starting on January 4, 1863. (See Letter No. 57) NOTE 3: “Contraband” was a term commonly used during the Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped slaves or those who affiliated with Union forces. The Army (and the United States Congress) determined that the U.S. would not return escaped slaves who went to Union lines and classified them as contraband. They used many as laborers to support Union efforts and soon began to pay them wages. The former slaves set up camps near Union forces, and the Army helped support and educate both adults and children among the refugees. Thousands of men from these camps enlisted in the United States Colored Troops when recruitment started in 1863. At war's end, more than 100 contraband camps existed in the South. NOTE 4: 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 11, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Falmouth 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 1863-01-11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Peter Rainey Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 4 8.5 X 10 15 X 10 8.5 X 10.25 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 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 Falmouth VA Allie Falmouth VA Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1abc6cd13e9cd28f982d96c4cef31019.jpg 48d13e338696a2290bd0b1217406d5d3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f2883202f3d525b47bdfd39fe08524c0.jpg 197351ee5f728744bfa12163b22976e9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cf545688528255beff709bf9965fa318.jpg f92121183dac9dd3c9a368ef05f774a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/057cdc56c006fb5b8f231ed67054346b.jpg 1f9669c49ed4be04d58a8488b699057d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3e7ae4705f9a163bcc42774adb093df0.jpg 5d929c0e2a927e2038c3e2995d7cb409 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bc13fff61bae7345833ee2effa0bfe7f.jpg 2d74a97a830f0b38d58bd2041977137e 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 Thurs P.M. 15 Jan 1863 My dear Allie Here I am “cooped up” all alone in the tent. The Co [Company] off on picket and I have just laid aside my sewing! to chat with you awhile. What do you think my “sewing” is? Well, putting on some new chevrons on a new blouse that I have just drawn, and I find it a nice job altho’ shall make it look “pretty fair” for a man. I take the old ones and turn them so they look quite new and nice. We have curious weather today, a warm furious wind so that I had to put out my fire. The wind blows very hard and shakes up the tents fearfully, commenced last eve. I am sitting with or in my shirtsleeves and am very warm at that. No mail last eve, hope to get one before I mail this. It seems strange now not to receive a mail every day. The last letter from you was of the 6th Jan, so it seems some time since I heard from you. Recd three papers this Tues. which were very acceptable. It is exceedingly dull and monotonous here. Nothing but a repetition from day to day without any changes. The usual amount of rumors, newspaper talk etc. but we mind nothing about that. Alonzo had not returned yesterday, don’t understand it. Said to be unwell of a cold in W. [Washington]. It is a pretty serious thing to be absent over the furlough so there must be something. We have received the customary drills two hours a day and have part of our firewood brought in teams and dealt out as a “ration”, have to get some besides so we are not idle. Am still in excellent health, and so try not to make things any duller than possible tho’ it seems as tho’ we couldn’t be doing much good here, and seems like time wasted or at least misapplied, but we must make the best of it. I wish I could tell you something new and interesting but it has been unusually dull for the last few days, but I know you expect something often, so you must make the most of it. Have heard nothing from the brothers since their arrival home, perhaps you have. I see by one of the “Journals” that Captain Joslin of Worcester is promoted to Major of the 15th Regt. so he has some compensation for his sufferings. Don’t know where the Regt. is. Had two papers from Mr Bowen, Jamestown the other eve and ought to have a whole “batch” of letters, say from Lucy, Geo. Pratt, the Social Six. Don’t understand why I have not heard from them. Have been so busy that I have delayed writing to Abbie quite long but will soon. It is harder to write, but I think all the more, if possible, of home and friends and shall be glad if I ever see my way clear of this business. Shall be glad to hear from Mary Eliza[beth] for if we cannot write interesting always, to receive them is a great treat. Have not written Dr Wilies yet, have not felt like it but may soon perhaps. Heard from Frank, from himself. I believe I owe him a letter. He was getting along better as you mentioned. Where is my little Lulu? How much Papa wants to see her she little knows and it grieves me to think she may forget me before I see her but such is childhood. I can only trust she will be a good child and a comfort to you all and that we may again become to know each other by and by. Did you get the verses I sent to her, “The Wish” I believe and a little prose extract for yourself on “childhood, its love, faith, etc.”? I have many little pieces saved which I look over Sundays. Ellen P sent me the play of “Henry Fourth” the other day. Hattie I owe you I know, but you are always remembered. If we can only be permitted to join the Home Circle once more what an experience to think and talk over!! Will close by and by. Fri P.M. Waited for mail, recd letters from you 11th, Dr. Bickford and Lucy R., and this morn one from Abbie that got sent into another company. All well. It seems Foster got home on Thursday at midnight, a week ago. We have had a terrible wind for the last 48 hours and rain all last night but my tent was tight, scarcely any water got in, but my chimney smoked so I couldn’t live hardly and the consequence is I have some sore eyes today. It has cleared off but still windy, but the chimney behaved better as I have fixed it. Have had all sorts of stories about camp. Expected some to be “paid off” in a few days but instead I suppose we are to “move” tomorrow. The orders are received, don’t know in what direction, three days cooked rations and 60 rounds of cartridges. I don’t know as I can add anything to interest. Shall keep notes and send you word as often as possible, altho’ if there is really any keeping letters back, I can’t say when you will get this. I hope we shall do something this time and have fair play. The belief is that we shall cross the [Rappahannock] River at some point above or below [Fredericksburg] and we may not. I mentioned a reply to most things mentioned in your last in my last so I can think of little to say. I only hope you will bear up, for you certainly have my heart’s best love and sympathy altho’ I fear I have a poor way of expressing it, but you cannot feel more than I do at such times as these when all is so uncertain. I am so thankful that I am in such good health and well clothed. The weather is quite mild but still looks more than before like winter, that is southern winter, wind, rain, mud. But I must close for I cannot speak half I feel. To all friends give much love and I hope to hear from you ere long and trust all will be well with us all. Shall write to Abbie and Foster’s folks. Kiss little Lulu and tell her Papa has to take another walk, and he wishes it might be to her and Mama. With the love of your affect. husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 2: He was sewing new chevrons on his blouse (shirt) because he was promoted from corporal to sergeant on January 1, 1863, per his Service File in the U.S. National Archives. NOTE 3: Jerome’s question about the arrival home of his two brothers relates to the visit of Foster and Joseph Peirce who both lived in Massachusetts and who visited him at the camp for about two days starting on January 4, 1863. (See Letter No. 57) Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Falmouth 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 Servic 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 1863-01-15 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). 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Transcriber’s Note: See the below Transcriber’s Note 1 regarding a possible missing page of this letter, the probable location where it was written, and the missing salutation. Jan 17, 1864 …text was “In my Father’s House are many mansions.” J [Probably refers to John, the Apostle] The value of the human soul, of Heaven, hard to keep the former pure and win the latter. After the sermon he had a familiar “talk” with the men and it would do you good to see the men and officers draw near to him and listen. He spoke [of] trying to explain and reconcile these to the short fame and the general hardships of war. I cannot do justice to it. Spoke of the lovely country, that it was our mission to preserve from the pest of slavery to a higher order of civilization and gave all honor, as did Genl. Burnside the other day, to the “rank and file”, the common soldiers, the “ranks” for they are the heroes of the times, and I am more proud than ever to be [one] of them! And the country can never repay them. Now, Allie, for the first time since I have been out today I could see no mortal means to a dinner. Was speaking of it and one [of the men of] Co. B offered to give me some “sick wheat” as we call it, for it makes most all the men sick who eat it but does not affect me much and so I had four little flitters and a small stup of tough meat and a little coffee and so again I was “all right”. Was on duty this forenoon with a squad of men policing headquarters and with the little I had to do for myself got terribly hungry. But we hope soon to improve as good fare is promised. Reah[???] Fox, a messenger from Gov. Andrew, gave us a good word the other day. So we gave the Gov. three good cheers. Clothing has come and the boys are supplied partly and things look a little better. Weather is lovely and we are in a fine district of country, camped on high land with the beautiful plain between us and the Holstone River, about 13 miles from Knoxville. There is a blue outline of mountains far away and in the summer it must be one of the loveliest spots in all the land. As usual, axes are going and quarters [are] in progress. Don’t know as we should be here long, perhaps not a week. Had two kind letters from Orange same date as yours with four stamps. Do you receive the one with the money, $1.00, for some? Letter from Will spoke of going to B [Billerica?] soon and should see you, as you speak that he has, and took Lulu home etc. Am glad to know that some are coming up to the work. My particular respects to Ed Brown, and I wish him all success! We hear of some who have enlisted and it puts new life into the boys to know it. Let them come on and soon this cruel war will indeed be ended. Everything looks cheering now. The enemy are known to be well nigh used up in this Dept. and the boys are hoping and bearing everything patiently. Have looked once again [at] yours [your letter] of the 27th. What a happy scene with the little ones! I am sure little Lulu is not forgotten or considered all unworthy. Can you expect her to be without faults? Do not worry about her but feel that our best efforts will not go unpaid sometime. A short time more and we can hope to be again at home. Time flies rapidly and surely we can wait and hope on for awhile longer and I shall feel that my whole duty is done and you will be better satisfied with me and yourself for it. So don’t repine, for I am well and cheerful, notwithstanding all the little deprivations of the present. Am very glad you went to Finny’s. I think very much of them indeed and should have been glad to meet his brother again for I like him much. Glad my letter was read and shall be glad of the answer. Will answer Charles S’s soon. Tell them I am so fixed that I have constant interruptions or I could be more prompt in reply for their letters are fully appreciated. Paper and ink are almost impossible now and at a high price. Envelopes I need or shall soon very much. You speak of deaths. Mr. Whitford, E. Walker’s child and Mr. Draper of C [Charlestown?], Edwd. D, the brother of the Dr.’s girls? A great loss to them each and all. Mr. W must have been a great sufferer. My regards to Mary. Our friend Ben E is the same as ever, good and well. Saw him today. Of the others, remember me always joyful times in view may they be more in realization. Alonzo at home as I expected. My regards to him. Will write as soon as possible. Hodgkins is to be the Adjt [Adjutant] I believe. He’s acting at least already. Col. [Colonel] B has gone on to Genl. Foster’s staff “as they say” and rumor has it that Genl. Burnside’s coming back soon, etc., etc. Well, Dear Allie, I must close as the mail goes soon. I have tried to write something, but could you see how I am surrounded, noise, cooking, talking all around, you would forgive much. Have got to go clear to the river half a mile to get supper water. The Orange boys are well. Did you ever get a letter with some green leaves in it from “Cumberland Ford”? And have you got the glove band for Lulu? You did not tell me whether “Outward Bound” was pretty. You see, I catch you once in a while. My love to the friends one and all. I want to have the girls write occasionally. I miss Abbie’s letters much. As ever your Loving husband Jerome Love to Lucy. Will write her soon. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter apparently has one page, or possibly more pages, missing. The first page shows the notation “Jan. 17, 1864” written sideways on the margin on the top right section of the page. It is not clear whether or not Jerome wrote that date. The envelope includes the notation “Jan. 17, etc. 1864”. The postmark reads “KNOXVILLE TEN Jan 22 ‘64”. Based on the postmark and his locations for the letters written just before and just after this letter, he was in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area when this letter was written. Further information as to his exact location is obtained from the following excerpt of the Unit History (p. 125). It also mentions that the men had received new clothing and that they were building “houses.” “January 15th [1864] clothing arrived and was issued. Though the quantity was small, there was enough to be of much benefit to our shivering men. On the following day [January 16, 1864] the 45th Pennsylvania started home, its terms of service also having nearly expired. At ten o’clock we broke camp and marched to Strawberry Plains, about 16 miles north of Knoxville. It is at this place that the railroad crosses the Holston River. We went into camp and on the following day and built houses. But on the 17th there were rumors of an approach of the enemy, and we had orders to march the next morning at seven. When the morning came, these orders were countermanded, and we were then ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment’s notice. That night two or three inches of snow fell.” NOTE 2: The quotation in the first line of the letter is from John 14:2 of the Bible. NOTE 3: “Flitters” is probably a word used at the time to describe what are now called “fritters.” A fritter is a fried food, usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading, which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables or other ingredients. NOTE 4: The Holston River is a 136-mile river that flows from Kingsport, Tennessee, to Knoxville, Tennessee. Along with its three branches, it comprises a major river system that drains much of northeastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. The Holston's confluence with the French Broad River at Knoxville marks the beginning of the Tennessee River. NOTE 5: During the Civil War, a department was a geographical command within the Union's military organization, usually reporting directly to the War Department. Some of the Union's departments were named after rivers, such as the Department of the Potomac, Department of the Ohio, Department of the Susquehanna, and the Department of the Missouri. In this letter, he is most likely referring to the Department of the Tennessee. The geographical boundaries of such departments changed frequently, as did their names. As the armies became larger, Departments began to be subordinated to Military Divisions, and the Departments were often sub-divided into Districts. NOTE 6: In his advice to Allie “So don’t repine…” the word “repine” means “to be discontented or low in spirits” or “to complain or fret.” NOTE 7: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Private on July 23, 1862, at age 22. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant on October 17, 1863, and to Captain on May 6, 1864. He was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Major for “valuable and distinguished services at Fort Stedman, Virginia, on March 25, 1865.” NOTE 8: A military adjutant is an officer who assists the commanding officer with the unit’s administration. NOTE 9: The “Col. [Colonel] B” he refers to was Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who enlisted as a captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units and served at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. NOTE 10: John Watson Foster (1836 – 1917) was an American diplomat and military officer, as well as a lawyer and journalist. His highest public office was U.S. Secretary of State under President Benjamin Harrison. In 1861, Foster was commissioned as a major in the Union Army, and he rose to the rank of colonel, serving with several units. Foster's troops became the first to enter Knoxville, Tennessee, after the successful campaign there by General Ambrose Burnside. NOTE 11: Jerome sent flowers or leaves to Lulu on at least seven occasions, as evidenced by the dried remains of this foliage that were found in seven envelopes when they were received by the National Park Service. In this letter, he asks Allie about the leaves he sent while he was at Cumberland Ford in Kentucky. His letter Number 176 was written from Cumberland Gap, Kentucky, on November 15, 1863, and the envelope for that letter includes a notation that reads “Leaves from Cumberland Ford”. The dried leaves that were found with this letter are shown below, and they are obviously the ones he referred to in the letter transcribed above. The November 15, 1863, letter has stains that match exactly the leaves shown below. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 17, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Knoxville, TN Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-01-17 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.60 X 3.15" - 1st Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 2nd Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 3rd Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 4th Scan "10.03 X 8.05" - 5th Scan "5.05 X 8.05" - 6th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #191 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Knoxville, TN Allie Jerome Peirce Knoxville TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/432f211068337694778501219270d5b3.jpg 3bd2b8eaee75f0e45bafd926149041c1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/54e157d2eacd41f50ffd5a67db669922.jpg 0f6d0ac0e9b567013e116fd2784e5ba1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5231f04fb572e8ba594a840c94c29e46.jpg ad4b1586be78a0649ca268ce595cc5f6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7f64d6bc4caa0215ae48a112698e1496.jpg 31c6f1522f09c1078614c5aea5fdfac3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Near Fredericksburg Va 2nd Jan 1863 My dear Allie, What can I do but wish you a “Happy New Year”? Will it seem a mockery? From some unaccountable reason the mail for the 36th did not come to hand since last Sunday till last eve when we had a generous one, bundles and letters from a pair of boots to small letters. I had two letters from you (24th and 27th Dec) from Abbie and Miss Susan Waldo together and three “Journals” so I am supplied for now. And now before I forget it I will say that the stamps all came safely to hand but I have written quite a number of letters to Foster, Jamestown (Sarah), Geo. Pratt, Dr. Bickford and which took up the stamps, hence I send enclosed by the chaplain’s. I forgot the undershirt came last eve just the thing and as the weather is quite mild (with a snap once in a while) I am comfortably clothed (or shall be with the downs.) Well, what shall I talk about? It is P.M. This A.M. was only getting and eating breakfast and getting wood, reading the papers and now shall I say something of the War? I must refer to your letters. I think you seem in better spirits and am glad indeed of it but you refer to something as though I was homesick etc. I will tell you “honestly” that I am not, but since the battle having seen at a near view all the horrors of war. It gave me a heart sickening feeling that we should be compelled to engage against our own countrymen and I have not mentioned to you the ghastly sight in the garden (where I found the book) there were four corpses, terribly mangled too horrible for description and a few feet off soldiers of the N.H. Regt. were cooking their coffee and were unconcerned as could be, one a mere boy of fine countenance and features and what must have been the scene on the battlefield? Do you wonder I expressed some distaste at such things? No. I am in excellent health and spirits and as for ambition, what can I do but do my duty faithfully and fill my position with credit and honor till something better comes? This I do and you must know that promotion, better pay etc. are of slow growth here. Alonzo’s was an uncommon case. His penmanship, an item with an orderly sergeant which comes under the eye of the Col. every day, was the cause of his success and he is the style to suit the Col., who has just about such a style of men in his “field staff”. Alonzo has just left our tent, where he stopped for a few moments. We here with the rest are much “exercised” on the War. He says he has “stopped thinking” and pushes on about his duties. Let me tell you it is one thing to be in Mass. imagining the movements and quite another to be here an eyewitness. You have no conception of the thing, the immense work and what trifling causes will ruin a campaign. A [Alonzo] tells me they have given up moving from here now, which was contem[plated] as late as three days ago. A grand cavalry expedition has gone to hunt out and destroy Stuart’s Cavalry, whose “raids” have become so famous, with a determination to fix him. The feeling is now that we shall keep our position to block the Rebs for they will not venture to attack us, wish they would! And now see what the Emancipation “Proclamation” will do. It seems the black man to be made instrumental in carrying it out and I verily believe that it will do more to close the war, with the stir of feeling up North than any more bloody fights. I understand that Foster’s feeling very badly about the war. Alonzo expects to go to Washington on leave of absence for four days tomorrow. Trust his father and Foster will return here with him. I hope so, but it has been mentioned once so I don’t make acct. of it much. I am first to confess that things look dark, the wrangling at Washington, Investigative Committees etc. etc. all tend to embarrass affairs but I can’t believe we are all going to “eternal smash”, tho I also feel that mere fighting will not settle affairs for the Rebs as our equals in everything of that kind. The Army are deeply interested in the movements of public feeling at the North and wondering how we shall emerge from all this. But enough of this, the papers or the ‘Journal’ reports things concerning affairs about here, very correctly, so you can form your own judgments and I see you study the Transcriber’s Note: The word “the” is the last word at the bottom of Page 4. Therefore, it must be assumed that the rest of the letter, including its usual closing, is missing. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 2, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Pierce, Jerome Fredericksburg 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 1863-01-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus 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 4.25 7 X 8 12.5 X 8 6.75 X 7.75 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 #56 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 Fredericksburg VA. Allie Fredericksburg VA Jerome Peirce