14 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e85b3407f9098423804f05f930480005.jpg 6550cebed1feb4ebdb11302a0eee1a46 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e40099ae757356af91db7c93cd2aa870.jpg 56f8b9adbb78b9dfbb8ad6f7968e8ece https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55b1080a506cb757a2b53c0a3d7842e1.jpg 362867351e214dacaf1574072aa680d2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cfee2a8566999a21ae1e5a6179ebc5f3.jpg 6138d6098cf6cd7756ab4a65f719ea57 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd77ac70a9e5117ea09e23af99d0a360.jpg 43405b2d524378a0f88c2647c245a236 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/53079c59a41fd68c76bcba0d0f9ad38c.jpg 913214f458fac9702f0dcd4983efb107 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Rear of Vicksburg, Missi[ssippi] Fri[day] June 26th/ 63 My dearest Wife, Jos[eph] H. and I [are] sitting here in our tent. (He is reported back to the Regt. on acct. of our change of location.) The co[mpany] are off on picket and all seems so still that from duty and inclination we send a few words home. I wrote you last Monday and that P.M. moved to our present location half a mile or so to a level piece of grass land immediately on the road and inside of the rifle pits where we are quietly awaiting Gen’s Breckinridge and Johnston if they choose to call but which is exceedingly doubtful. Everything is very quiet and monotonous. Picket and guard duty in a small way and some digging, some throwing up defenses at various points on the road where the enemy may come. Every day firing more or less goes on at Vicksburg which we can distinctly hear. Yesterday P.M. ‘twas very fierce as we attacked and carried one of the chief works and today they are to mount more guns to bear on them. Some of our officers go to the city so we have news every day. Today the Adj’t and Dr. Bryant are there and passes are issued to “noncoms” and I may pay a visit yet. We are now having on the whole an easy time. The weather is very hot some of the time and the little insects and flies common to the climate are very troublesome, poisoning us badly and keep[ing] us worried a good deal. Am glad to tell you that my health and appetite are excellent but the weather is such that I cannot write but little, besides, we feel unsafe about letters. News came yesterday that the mail boat was sunk by rebel batteries on the river near where we were fired into. Our big back they say is safe and will reach us tomorrow. Hope so, as we feel shut out from the world pretty effectually and some have read no letters for almost three weeks but by good fortune yours directed to Louisville came to hand of which I have spoken before. This morn. have been fixing a woolen blanket (carrying only a part of one). Our tents are pitched here differently somewhat. We raise them some more than a foot from the ground and then fix some spring poles up from the ground and lay thin boards across and so there is a circulation of air and makes them cooler. This morning there is a cool breeze and it is quite pleasant, much like on days at home. Our Regt is divided, part of it on the other side of the road, so we “come and go”. Ben and I read, sleep, eat, travel for water “down the deep ravine”, listen and wonder what the news is etc. etc. Yesterday a startling news came by a St. Louis paper that Gen. Lee with a large army was invading Penn. and Gen. McClellan was in command to oppose him and if they’re smart they will destroy him ere he sees Va. again. I think it a severe pill but I must say I fear the North need something to wake them up. Of our movements in future, we as usual know nothing. The talk is as soon as V. [Vicksburg] falls we “go up the river” or East as far as Ky. [Kentucky] at least. So you see things are dull exceedingly. The Contrabands come and take our washing, chat a little and that is all that turns up. We have a surfeit of blackberries, in that respect we were highly favored and done us much good and there is little sickness. I am almost ashamed to send letters now, but you must have your lines but ‘tis the dullest time we ever saw to write about, and my friends must excuse [me] for the present and feel satisfied with the fact that I am well and doing the best I can to keep along in a warm climate at least till a mail comes. After dinner: Well Allie, at the above sentence Ben came to the tent and read me a nice long letter from a friend of his “of old” in Kansas who I mentioned once before. A true soldier and patriot who is with an Indian Regt, steward in the hospital and now near Fort Gibson. He gives a fearful picture of the cruel practices of the Rebels as experienced by some refugees from Texas who sought protection with them after untold perils and hardships. We chatted a long while and finally agreed to go berrying this P.M. and J.H. just paid 20¢ for a qt. [quart] of milk of a “darkie” and is now enjoying bread and milk while I feed on toasted hardtack soaked in coffee with molasses and some boiled pork with the same. How strange it seems to think I am so far from my dear ones. A beautiful day and as I look out ‘tis calm and delightful with the broken and wavy woods all around. “Not a gun is heard” to remind us of war, something that is seldom know here, but they’re preparing. Ben and I talk strongly of becoming land owners and cultivators of acres with a few nice young people after the war is over. What do you say? If I survive this present conflict, I feel it a serious question what I shall do. Can I settle down in a noisy city and sweat and strive for daily bread when there is such elbow room and inviting spots in the west? Well, well, do reply in a hurry, must talk and think. How are all the good friends and how do the babies come on? How much I would like to see you all. Love, love to all. Tell Foster’s folks I trust somewhat to the Adj’t now and Abbie that her Ben has not forgotten her. Little Lulu, tell her I saw the beautifulest red bird this morning and yesterday two nice grey squirrels frolicking on the trees nearby. No hunters to tease them here. A kiss for her. Hoping ere long to hear from you all. I remain Your loving husband Jerome P I enclose Miss W’s letter. My regards to her. Direct your letter to “Via Cairo, Ills.” Regt., Co. etc. as usual but leaving off “Burnside’s Dept.” 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: The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River; therefore, capturing it completed the second part of the Northern strategy, the Anaconda Plan. When two major assaults (May 19 and 22, 1863) against the Confederate fortifications were repulsed with heavy casualties, Grant decided to besiege the city beginning on May 25. After holding out for more than forty days, with their reinforcement and supplies nearly gone, the garrison finally surrendered on July 4. NOTE 3: Albert H. Bryant enlisted at age 25 from Natick, Massachusetts. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon for the 36th Massachusetts on August 29, 1862 and was promoted to Surgeon on May 4, 1865. Bryant was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1865. NOTE 4: “Contraband” was a term commonly used in the United States military during the Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped or freed slaves who affiliated with the 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. NOTE 5: The “Ben” referred to in the letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 6: The “Foster” referred to in the letter was Foster Peirce, one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 7: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 26, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Vicksburg, MS. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 3.8 6.25 X 8.6 10.65 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 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 #134 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rear of Vicksburg, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8a4f1f6a911682168ef43e4c209c744c.jpg dcb58732b17c05d7524b764ed5dc0522 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4fd88c25328a0d5ad1af196eb6dc29f2.jpg b7aea64e79eb51b766e2c5cb857b505a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/35f2da2926a8d0150bbf21652c5a4e39.jpg 06f233809fa457f2d5f5682a8964664c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f4d494d18025494f428b9f79045acee4.jpg a330929b4947b853df6807bab0afdc0f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cadc2d18e3232e8c4eafbbe159c58ba7.jpg eaa52e171aa19fd575937682d8609f89 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bbe5327139c14eef57ffdb8207c12a86.jpg e5e4b8436026c405304acc3e44526857 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION “Milldale” Rear of Vicksburg July 1st 63 My dearest Wife, Ben E. [Edmands] is here with me. Jos. H. left me this morn for the train once more. All to myself again, an airy, nice tent “all to myself, and a spare bed and board.” Ben and I have just taken cold coffee together, he writing to somebody. [I] have just finished a long letter to the friends at O. [Orange] (for Jos. H. and I). Mail closes very soon and I can only say a few words this time to acknowledge yours of the 14th ult. came yesterday, also a “Register” and can you imagine how good it seemed to receive it? Our big mail, they say, is close at hand at last and then what a treat! Ah, dear Allie, how much I’ve talked and thought of you! and all our dear home joys, our little Lulu too. How my heart reaches out to meet you both! No news, all quiet, and the Co. away on picket again. Am well excellently, and have been so busy improving my tent, and “policing” about, cleaning up all the chips and litter about it. It is called “policing”, and then I have seen and heard the mockingbird sing, to know him I mean for I have heard and wondered what it was, a slate colored, jolly fellow so full of songs and imitations, perfectly wild with joy all the time, and it seems as though he mocked and laughed at everything skimming from tree to tree, tho’ he hovers about a big tree near us, and the Adjt’s tent, chatted quite a while with him this morn. Alonzo is well. Did not receive letters yesterday and was quite disappointed. It seems so strange to be so long without a mail! but the letters directed [to] Louisville come thro’ but now you must direct them “via Cairo, Ills.” Mails come but I fear I shall have to close this before I receive it. P.M. No dear Allie, I gave up the idea of mailing this today for I did receive your letter of the 4th, or rather third, June, and I find so much that I must refer to, that I felt I must make out a passable letter to you. Ever loving and living for me! like a true dear wife that you are! Your birthday, the 4th. Ah yes, but as I said before I have lost the certainty whether it was the 4th or 6th. I remember mentioning as we were marching along, “This or the 6th is my wife’s birthday to one of the guards.” Oh, how my thoughts lingered over the past, even in that weary march, for all the tender memories “help” us so! Ben E. [Edmands] says (as I mentioned your age) that, if the memory of the oft coming birthdays had one unpleasant thought, it might console to know that his came the preceding day, the 3rd, and again the further we get on the nearer we are of an age for the good place of rest knows no difference of age. He always has some pleasant, cheering thought. And now let me enter here from my “diary” the record of that day. Thurs 4th. Mysterious movements. We usually have a bugle call as we fall in, but on that day no unnecessary noise was allowed which gave the impression of a retreat, hence “Mysterious movements”. Rapid march of the Brigade back to Columbia. Left about noon, arrived at C. [Columbia] about 9 P.M. (20 miles strong), fording the river by light of a lantern and wetting the lower limbs. Camped near the former headquarters (of the Gen’l.) Rumors afloat. Letters from wife and sister Abbie. Such was the day with me and how dear were the letters received and how eagerly read by the candle as I told you doubtless. I have often mentioned my appreciation of the kindness of your (and my) friends towards you. Tell them a soldier‘s heart is [as] large as his arm is strong. But your history of the Linen was funny indeed and Ben and I had a hearty laugh over it. No, we’ve seen but little, the poor fellows at Memphis you know. I mentioned the wounded all had white loose draws and frocks like and I doubt if any were among those. Ben got a nice package of letters from “His Amy,” Bro. Isaac and papers, Harper’s Magazine etc. and shares all with me. He sits here reading the papers now. Feel much, very much, interested for Frank and Will. I do trust Will will recover his wanted, and more than wanted, health. Of Frank, if he must come again, how gladly would I welcome him to “ours”, but I trust ‘twill seem fit for him to remain at home, altho I feel that it is the first duty of all that can come, and have we not left loved ones at home as dear as any to “rally round the flag” for one grand last effort, and then goes up the “All Hail and well done!!” And sweet peace and victory is ours. It must be so. Recd. a nice “Diary” from Alonzo the other day, and I am writing with the pencil of it, thick and slate colored. Shall send home my old one soon. But I close. When the mail is regulated and I can look for something often, how pleasant t’will be. Papers recd. are of the 20th. Vicksburg affairs are well told but let us hear soon of the utter destruction of Lee and his invading hosts of the North. ‘Tis the duty of our folks to do it. I’ve two more envelopes directed to Milk St., but they will be all right. I want to hear of your receiving all of my letters etc. Intended to have written Foster’s folks today, will tomorrow, or very soon. I hope my last month’s life will be deemed an excuse for silence, as long as they could know this [through] you of our movements, for I was indeed tired and worn down but I’m once more myself, so love to them and all and ever your devoted and loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 4: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 5: 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.” NOTE 6: The genealogy information found for the Jaquith family on ancestry.com shows that Allie (Albinia) had a brother by the name of Franklin, who also went by “Frank.” He was born in 1839 and died in 1922. In an 1864 letter Allie wrote, “I will be coming to Orange with my brother Frank.” 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, July 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Vicksburg, MS. Milldale, MS. 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 1863-07-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.10 6.05 X 8.75 10.85 X 8.75 5.9 X 8.75 5.9 X 8.75 5.9 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 #135 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Milldale, Rear of Vicksburg, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Milldale MS Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/397f134119ed8023408d38f6b32c92c8.jpg 5e000bb11f3adeb2855706a308010ed3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8ec58b0bd8f846bc89d61f78bc81778a.jpg 8d87825ea451c3a2482f224ff9b72694 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1432231bf320b95f257387eabe31f127.jpg cb32c7f6cf487e86434bb8e86d966e8b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b82c479908b9f0aef5d96f3f4c028588.jpg e7d26db79c6e14c46160f283f3b70ef7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e40e9c6c5b6b818acd7de5a6a6c56476.jpg d106309b7200232b5b774d3414dafab3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3c19dc25c3fa4f763e5830bdeaba0da4.jpg 96974bbaa28961480def622785833afc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Rear of Vicksburg, 5th July 1863 Dearest Allie mine, The heat, dust and numberless trials of “active movements” under a scorching sky will prevent me from sending such a missive as you merit and is my duty to send but I will commence something. But yesterday will forever be a day in our country’s calendar. The ever remembered Fourth: Vicksburg is fallen! and I have imagined with what tremblings of hope and caution our friends [in] the North will receive the tidings. But such is the fact, and some twenty thousand traitors marched out and stacked arms and I have talked with those who witnessed the scene. What a thrill of gratitude should fill every heart! I assure you campaigning out in the ‘So. West’ is not in Virginia! and our troops are now acting their part in a movement to destroy Johnston and his army. We moved yesterday from our camp “near Milldale” and we are now some twelve miles on the Jackson road and in a dense forest. Two divisions are here and it seems quite like old times in Va. last year. We seem to be placed to head off Johnston if he attempts to escape this way. A portion of Grant’s army made for him yesterday as soon as V. [Vicksburg] fell and as usual we are full of stories of camp. We expect to go back to Ky. [Kentucky] soon as the western troops are quite able to fix them here, [if] only we could perhaps “give them a lift.” Another mail, our long expected one, came yesterday and such a time! I rec’d eleven letters and papers, three of yours: 30th May, June 6th, (I believe) and one the 21st with Ellen’s of the same date. Also from Abbie, Frank, Jamestown, N.Y., Nelson Moore of Orange and Mary (sister M of O [Orange]). Alonzo had a large mail. The mail was distributed at night while in camp and candles were burning till towards morning reading them for we were so tired and dirty that we couldn’t sleep till we had some waking rest. I cannot say all I would like to in reply to yours but I am so glad you are well and cheerful and so pleasant prospect ahead for the summer. I can still go on [to] endure and suffer if need be a great deal for the sky is brightening indeed! We have “news” from the North whispering about camp today. A great victory in Penn[sylvania] and hosts of prisoners taken etc. etc. But we receive [news] with caution. May it all be true. Perhaps this vile wickedness is to end as soon or suddenly as it commenced. Let me say that you or “other friends” must be patient in regard to my writing for you have no idea of the wearing life we have now. ‘Tis terribly hot, so much so that today as I let my gun rest in the sand while halting, the brass on the butt was uncomfortably hot to my hand! We move slow and so manage to keep along but ‘tis a “tough one” for northern troops but they all bear it like heroes. Oh, I wish our friends could see “face to face” our brave boys as they struggle on. And then we suffer from little things, flies, and then we have to go from half mile to [a] mile and a half for water. This is universal as the season is dry and water can be got only in the deep ravines and wells on the plantations. And then the dust. Ankle deep and like flour, fine and choking and frequently so thick you cannot see ten feet ahead and then we sweat, our clothes woolen and all wringing wet, and you have an idea of what this campaigning is and then (once more) the water and heat causes a breaking out which itches fearfully, keeping us worried more or less. Now, I tell this not to tell tales but that you may know what we have to contend with, for we can live thru everything now for we see “the beginning of the end”. I am quite well, only some foot sore[s] as I am if I rest in camp long. Had a dear letter from mother, Mary, Hattie (a few words) and little Lulu darling! Hope you will receive mine enclosed to her from Memphis. How happy I feel that the child remembers me and sings “Marching Along”. She must be a true soldier’s daughter. How much I desire to see you all! Have seen little of the boys today. Have to “rest” all I can. Alonzo is well and happy with his letters. Ellen is a dear, good, brave-hearted girl and God grant we may all meet to live in another way, all this over again when peace once more smiles on our glorious country made doubly dear by these present afflictions. Express my regard to all the friends for their kind regard and care of your dear self. I should be a poor soldier indeed did I not try to “bear right onward” to defend such friends and I trust to endure to the end. I don’t think we shall meet the foe. It’s barely possible, but more likely we shall soon be on our way to “Kentuck” soon. ‘Tis almost dark and much I must leave for another time. I forgot to say I had letters from Eddie Haynes and his mother with the rest. Once more I must say adieu but with the entire love of your own Jerome Please mention the letters you receive from me. It has been a strange Sabbath! Mond[ay] morning. Dear Allie. Had a good rest last night. No alarm. I am sitting here under the canopy of trees on my blankets, quite early and the numerous bugles and drums are sounding the morning calls. Am looking over my mail etc. Recd the “Ploughman” from B. with the lozenges. Also, I had needles and thread and stamps. I cannot think of all these items always but I think I got everything. The Adjt. [Adjutant] has just been waking us up. No reveille. So we may move early. Also rec’d some Gazettes (S. [Sabbath] School) from C with Mr. Gerry’s poetry and shall think a great deal of reading them. Must pack up, so adieu. Jos. H. called last eve. Well but tired. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River; therefore, capturing it completed the second part of the Northern strategy, the Anaconda Plan. When two major assaults (May 19 and 22, 1863) against the Confederate fortifications were repulsed with heavy casualties, Grant decided to besiege the city beginning on May 25. After holding out for more than forty days, with their reinforcement and supplies nearly gone, the garrison finally surrendered on July 4. NOTE 2: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 3: Hattie was Allie’s younger sister. Her complete name was Harriet Walker Jaquith, and she was born in 1845. The information about her on ancestry.com indicates that she probably died in 1930. NOTE 4: Frank (Franklin) was one of Abbie’s brothers. He was born in 1839 and died in 1922. Franklin Jaquith also served in the Union Army. NOTE 5: 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 6: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 7: The “Massachusetts Ploughman” was a newspaper that he received fairly regularly in his mail according to his letters. It was published weekly from 1841 until 1866 by the New England Agricultural Society. NOTE 8: In mentioning the “great victory in Pennsylvania,” he was undoubtedly referring to Lee’s defeat at Gettysburg. 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, July 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Vicksburg, MS. 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 1863-07-05 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.1 X 3.8 6.1 X 8.75 11.3 X 8.75 6.15 X 8.75 6.15 X 8.75 6.15 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 #137 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rear of Vicksburg, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2491078cac50b99c48479e5b7d505a85.jpg 720cce26bbcaade5086e4df7e742505b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a96aec37ef1fec5c93a3933fafa7efea.jpg 779731d38f1977d390a1596072c3bd7b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0cd0ac4494cc94de10af814dc4c5ecf7.jpg 2ce951d4700fa8879ed3c6ddcf0d5e75 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2247fbbb4c42857ddb3e64e02620775b.jpg 429f8ca1398a641e1a1c59030950204c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Missi[ssippi] River above Fort Pillow Onboard steamer “Hiawatha”, Sunday Morning, 9th July 1863 My Dear Bro. Frank[lin], If we could only meet “face to face” what a talk we would have! As I have looked over the letters I have lately received from different ones, yours called up a soldier’s “fellow feeling.” What memories of campaigning would arise! and I thought Frank shall have a little memento of the Miss. River! You [are] now, I trust, safely and cozily fixed at home with a vocation to your taste but alas for Joe I feel deeply that he must go (as I expect he’ll have to) for he was so much to those [at] home, his taste and inclination both making him such a help. But as mother says, he must try and feel that all’s for the best and I wish I could share a tent with him in “ours”. Well brother mine, of late, you know we’ve had a hard time, hurry and fatigue have rendered it impossible for me to write to the friends as I would like to and now we are packed like herring on a river boat but like all times we make the best of it knowing we’re getting a little nearer home. It has been the severest trial we’ve ever had and the Corps will not be worth much for two months and we expect to go into camp somewhere in Ky. [Kentucky] and recruit both in health and numbers. Miss. [Mississippi] is a terribly hot dusty country and now that we begin to feel the northern breeze we realize fully what an oven we’ve been in and strength and cheerfulness are returning somewhat. The most outrageous conduct attended the whole Jackson Campaign from the 4th [of] July the morning after the fall of Vicksburg. We started to cut off Johnston and altho the fight at J. [Jackson] was not of the Virginia kind, we had to endure quarter rations, constant stir and fatigue and alarm. We’re under fire some twenty-four hours with no battery to protect us and but for the fact that the enemy could not find out our exact position we should have fared hard for we were right under a battery. But “Benjamin’s” and “Edward’s” got a position at last and pelted away savagely one morning (see my “diary” if it ever gets home. Directed to B. with a letter) and the Rebels who got the idea that we were short of artillery, soon found who was around and the battery was silent “right soon” and we marched to the rear under a fearful fire of shell from “B. and E.” The Ninth Corps done the principal business at ‘Jackson’ [Mississippi] and the 35th Mass. was the first to enter the city. There’s a “history” to be written of this whole affair! The western boys got the idea that the eastern troops couldn’t fight! but when we left that notion was pretty fully dispelled and Gen. Grant gave us great praise, as well as the ‘boys’, and they said it must be in officers, not the men, “for better soldiers are nowhere to be found.” The simple fact is the southern armies have not the standup to them that the armies of Va. possess and had we met any of the Genl’s of Lee’s army we should have had hard work. The fight and game is well knocked out of [the] ‘Secesh’ down here and altho there may be some jobs, the heavy work is done and Richmond, Charleston and Chattanooga remain. I was awful sorry that Lee got the “inside track” but Morgan and the rioters are quelled. Couldn’t I have given the latter “some”! Boston got great praise for the treatment of mobs. The boys here are fierce I tell you and would [have] liked the privilege of treating with them. Had a letter from Allie (July 30) and a paper from Will yesterday. Shall mail this at Cairo [Illinois] where we hope to be tomorrow. Shall soon pass Columbus and “Island No. 10”. I must add a word for Allie so will give you my best wishes and hope to hear from you as often as possible. Are Frank Whilford and Jimmy Hills going to the army? I saw their names among the draftees. As ever Bro. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Per the Unit History for July 5 – July 23, 1863, the regiment moved towards Jackson, Mississippi, pursuing the retreating Confederates, with relatively few losses on both sides. After an eight-day siege of the city, it was abandoned by the Confederates on July 18. The regiment moved on until it reached Milldale, Mississippi, on July 23. NOTE 2: Although Franklin is identified in the letter as a brother of Jerome, he was actually his brother-in-law and that Jerome used the word “brother” as a form of endearment since the Jaquith and Peirce families were very close. To identify Jerome Peirce’s ancestors, a detailed, well documented 283-page history of the Peirce family written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce was used. It is titled Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, which is now available on Google Books. It traces the Peirce family history back to John Pers in England, who was born in about 1588 and died in 1661. In that account, the entire Peirce family that Jerome was a part of is listed, and there is no Franklin shown among Jerome’s siblings. However, the genealogy information found for the Jaquith family on ancestry.com shows that Allie (Albinia) had a brother by the name of Franklin, who also went by “Frank.” He was born in 1839 and died in 1922. Furthermore, in an 1864 letter Allie wrote, “I will be coming to Orange with my brother Frank.” As indicated in this letter and as alluded to in other letters, Franklin Jaquith also served in the Union Army. There are several men named Franklin Jaquith listed in the National Park Service’s Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database, so that it is not possible to determine which unit he belonged to. NOTE 3: The Battle of Jackson, fought on May 14, 1863, in Jackson, Mississippi, was part of the Vicksburg Campaign. Union commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee defeated elements of the Confederate Department of the West, commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston, seizing the city, cutting supply lines, and opening the path to the west and the Siege of Vicksburg. This battle was fought prior to the date when this letter was written. After Vicksburg fell on July 4, 1863, the 36th Massachusetts moved to Jackson, Mississippi, a distance of approximately 46 miles. NOTE 4: The “Benjamin’s and Edward’s” (Or “B and D”) almost certainly refers to two artillery batteries commanded by two union officers (probably lieutenants) by those surnames who commanded those batteries. It was common to refer to units by the name of the commanding officer instead of by their official numerical and state/federal designations. Lt. Samuel N. Benjamin was in charge of Battery E, 2nd U.S. Artillery, 2nd Div., IX Army Corps. His name is mentioned once in the Unit History. Edwards’s name does not appear in the Unit History, which is not surprising because the artillery batteries were not part of the 36th Massachusetts. However, there are several men named “Edwards” in the National Park Service’s Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Database who served in artillery positions. Presumably the “Edwards” that Jerome referred to was one of them. 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 "Brother" Franklin Jaquith, July 9, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Jaquith, Franklin "Hiwatha" Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Brother" Franklin Jaquith (Actually Jerome's brother-in-law) 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 1863-07-09 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 4 6.15 X 8.8 11 X 8.8 5.9 X 8.8 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 #138 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On-board the steamer "Hiwatha" on the Mississippi River above Fort Pillow "Hiwatha" Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ebdd8a8331c4ed6a80915d89ff15074.jpg 44eb25c8bc902dc1a0db59e64e99e92f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0ef1e2a7839db506c7774ed0cbbf69d9.jpg e19b4e9de124a821248537db8b49abb8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8e65a47dbd447fecd06117e170a49755.jpg e38faca3f6d24e280a377be261dbfe59 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Sabbath morning 9th August [Corrected from July by Transcriber] 1863 “No news but good news” my dearest wife But it’s a lovely morning and altho crowded close, we’ve made a shade with our tents cloths and I’ve room to sit on my knapsack and so prepare another ‘word’ for you. Arrived at Memphis Tenn. yesterday at 10 o’clk A.M. where my first letter was mailed. Went on shore at the old place when I wrote you when Ben sent his letter where we remained four or five hours which was passed in bathing, cooking, etc. Had a fine late dinner of beans and I boiled some juices of ham. We’ve plenty to eat now! Well, Allie, I continue to feel finely and amuse myself reading and thinking of some quiet camp where we can recruit up once more and finally of one day seeing home. Oh, I forgot to mention that your letter of the 3rd July met me [at] M. [Memphis] with the pictures of Maria and Nellie P. I am ever so much obliged and will write them as soon as I can. It was very kind in them to remember me so. Maria looks changed of course but it is still our friend “Maria” and Nellie looks a little sober but very acceptable. Ah, how much I wish we could all meet the Pruitt family, with Albert and Maria I mean, and chat over old times. For there’s something very pleasant as I look back upon it for all we did not quite “see” everything as now. I have a deep and abiding regard for the P’s [Pruitts] for I know they were my true friends. Will, it seems, is in Worcester. Good fortune altered him and his. He’s chosen a pleasant spot to locate. Shall write him soon. You spoke of Lieut. Ward’s death by his surgery. I don’t know who you mean. Was it not Howe? Did you ever hear that young Baker [is] mentioned? It is said he was killed at Antietam. I never could hear anything definite about him. He mustered men at Worcester for the 15th and went with them, joined that Reg’t and so fell so we heard. Col. Joslyn would know. We heard he, J. [Joslyn], was wounded again, but since contradicted. Col. Ward being killed. I suppose Joslyn is Col. Are you having a quiet pleasant Sabbath at home with darling Lulu? What a different scene here. Deck full of men reading, sewing and other things. Not Sabbath like, while the deck bell has just [announced] “stop sounding” (as they’ve been “heaving the lead”) and we’re running close to the shore. Could throw a cracker on land. Read the 2nd and 3rd Epistle St. John and a Psalm early this morning. How many short verses that would [be] for brief messages home! For instance, 5th verse 2nd Epistle “And now I beseech thee Lady” and how glad when I can write you the 12th verse of the same. P.M. Was interrupted and have been to see Ben and chat awhile. Always has a kindly message for you. Is very well. Have some papers I will mail with this which are interesting showing the Rebel view of affairs. You speak of my remembering the Orange boys. I do and are more or less with them every day. All are well but Harrison Goddard and Hiram Woodward. I think the change of climate is what is wanted more than anything else. It is very warm today with a gentle breeze to offset the effect of the steam heat. I still have the books and shall try and send them home from Cairo or Kentucky. Did not have time to send by Col. Norton who is at home by this time. Col. (Ex) Bowman is on board. One man died today of our Regt., Co. G I believe. Sick were not left at M. [Memphis]. By the way, two of your letters, 8th and 9th, are behind somewhere. No doubt will turn up after awhile. Shall enclose to Frank by this [letter] so you can exchange. I desire to know of Joe’s movements and how father is to get along. I suppose Uncle Munik can assist them. And how is Aunt Pamelia too? Does Lulu go to see her often? Remember me to them. Wish I could take a lounge in the armchair and enjoy the shade and quiet for awhile. But I must close. Hope you receive all my scrawls. Love to all. Why don’t Polly write? Shall make inquiries sometime if she neglects me too much. Love abundantly to all and to yourself first. From your own. Jerome Direct [letters] to Cincinnati, Ohio again. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: July 9th in 1863 fell on a Thursday instead of on a Sunday (Sabbath). However, that date did fall on a Sunday in August of that year. Based on that fact and based on a review of the contents of the letters Jerome wrote just prior to and after this letter, there is no doubt that Jerome made a mistake regarding the month when he wrote this letter. In other words, he wrote it on August 9, 1863, instead of on July 9, 1863. NOTE 2: “Heaving the lead” is a nautical term for when depths are measured with a lead and a line. https://classicsailor.com/2018/04/heaving-the-lead-2/ NOTE 3: The Epistles of Saint John are three of seven universal letters written to the overall church rather than specific communities. The reference to lady refers to a specific community. The Epistles are in addition to the Gospel of John. The fifth verse of the 2nd Epistle is “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing a new commandment to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.” The twelve verse of the 2nd Epistle is “Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you, and speak face to face: that your joy may be full.” http://biblescripture.net/2John.html NOTE 4: According to the Unit History, Lieutenant Howe died on July 7, 1863, of smallpox contracted at a hospital. NOTE 5: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. 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, July 9, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Memphis, 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 1863-08-09 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.9 X 8.8 10.7 X 8.8 6 X 8.8 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 #139 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Probably Memphis, TN. Allie Jerome Peirce Memphis TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/483a09cbe4a8839366d813faac9008a9.jpg d59c84361c9fe08871e4db5c8a03f5b8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6a7dcbc3673047fb7fd591298373d2fc.jpg cb8199019f29f9a6d01c11e2798b9513 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0509bb29d9f8069c17a6c815b64b1638.jpg e399e8631f20516dc8a3a0edc6b8a59a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5736dffb79763014c0314501bb7127f8.jpg 933f1d51df52aeb61526067c52c03e2f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Sunday Eve 12th July 1863 Ever dear Allie, Here we are in the woods near the insane asylum, a fine building about two miles from the city of Jackson, which you know is the capital of Mississippi. I cannot relate in full the events of the past week. My last letter was written last Sunday just the other side of the Big Black River. We crossed on Tues[day] and advanced to this place suffering from the heat and marching but reached here on Fri[day] the P.M. of which we formed in line of battle and skirmished some two or three miles (in two divisions) forming a grand sight thru cornfields, woods, hills, etc. etc., quite surprised at not meeting the enemy before. Finally halted near the asylum for the night in a cornfield. Saturday, yesterday morning early, we moved forward cautiously feeling the enemy toward the city and soon rested in a pleasant wood but we soon discovered we were near a Reb battery, which thundered away at us with grape, solid shot and shell and killed two in the 27th Mich[igan] Regiment of our Brigade who rested below us but none of us were hurt here. But not so with the skirmishers [of] Co. F, mostly Milford men. [They] were the first to furnish victims, two from M. [Milford] were killed, Ellis and Hoyt, and some six wounded, mostly slightly. So far the 36th [has] done splendidly and ‘twas something to lay under the fire of yesterday in the woods hugging the ground like moles and no batteries in position to cover us, and what a relief this morning when two of ours opened on them. Such a rout and screaming of shot and shell for a few moments! Well thanks to [the] good giver, I am so far preserved from harm and feel hearty and well and trust in the same good Being to keep us to the end. The work is hardly yet begun and great events probably await us as the enemy are cornered and desperate, and several days will pass before it closes, but victory is sure in the end. The “Boys” are in fine spirits. Official news is received today of the fall of Port Hudson and defeat of General Lee in Pennsylvania. Trust all is true. Of the future, I know not. We are constantly ready to move and so long letters and words are impossible. (Rainy and I must close as I am outdoors.) Monday A. M. Still laying and safely waiting for “developments”. The batteries on our left, working a little. Went to the asylum grounds to see a few of the company who are ill from the effects of hard marching and heat, fatigue, lack of appetite, etc. All seem to think things are going well. Prisoners taken yesterday express the opinion that they cannot hold out long altho they mean to trouble us all they can. We seem to be feeling out their batteries and waiting to get [into] position. A large detail from “ours” last night working on fortifications nearby. Company H with the rest [have] not come in yet. Cloudy and spits of rain this morning and we are resting nicely this morning. Our mission seems to be to hold this position, to repel rather than attack. All talk and information seem to indicate a capture of the entire force here eventually and down goes the house with it! Only one of the Orange Boys are ill, W. H. Goddard, but not seriously. All [of] us [are] comfortable under a shelter on the Common or “Park” in front of the asylum. A delightful spot. Dear Allie, I have scratched off these few lines, not knowing when this will reach you, but you must possess your souls in patience and hope, for the work will surely close soon now and I am still sanguine that we shall meet again, and how much I shall have to relate that I cannot put on paper! Love as ever to all. I enclose some myrtle leaves and blossom, gathered in the grounds and a house where our line advanced. Our chaplain “fell out” some four or five miles back so I don’t know who looks out for the mail. No mail since last Sabbath. Alonzo well. Near Jackson, Miss., but very busy. As ever your loving Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following note was written on the inside of the flap of the envelope: Later reports this morning point to a regular siege of the place. If so, we may remain some time. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: According to the Unit History, on July 5, 1863, the 36th Massachusetts moved towards Jackson, Mississippi, pursuing the retreating Confederates, with relatively few losses on both sides. After an eight-day siege of the city, it was abandoned by the Confederates on July 18. The regiment moved on until it reached Milldale, Mississippi, on July 23. NOTE 2: The Big Black River is a river in Mississippi and a tributary of the Mississippi River. Its origin is in Webster County near the town of Eupora in the north central part of the state. From there it flows 330 miles in a generally southwest direction until it merges with the Mississippi River 25 miles south of the city of Vicksburg. The Battle of Big Black River Bridge, fought May 17, 1863, was part of the Vicksburg Campaign. Union commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee pursued the retreating Confederate Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton following the Battle of Champion Hill, in the final battle before the Siege of Vicksburg. NOTE 3: The following information appears in the Unit History about the two men from Company F who were killed as mentioned in this letter. As always, this information agrees perfectly with what Jerome wrote. George H. Ellis was 23 years old when he enlisted on August 4, 1862. He was killed in action on July 11, 1863, the day prior to the date of this letter. Ames Hoyt was 20 years old when he enlisted on August 6, 1862. He was also killed in action on July 11, 1863. NOTE 4: The Siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana (May 22 – July 9, 1863), was the final engagement in the Union campaign to recapture the Mississippi River. While Union General Ulysses Grant was besieging Vicksburg upriver, General Nathaniel Banks was ordered to capture the Confederate stronghold of Port Hudson, in order to go to Grant's aid. When his assault failed, Banks settled into a 48-day siege, the longest in U.S. military history. A second attack also failed, and it was only after the fall of Vicksburg that the Confederate commander, General Franklin Gardner, surrendered the port. Consequently, the Union gained control of the Mississippi River and navigation from the Gulf of Mexico through the Deep South and to the river's upper reaches. NOTE 5: In writing about the “defeat of General Lee in Pennsylvania,” he was referring to the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which resulted in a decisive Union victory on July 3, 1863. NOTE 6: William H. Goodard enlisted from Orange at age 21 with Jerome on August 4, 1862. He died of disease on August 17, 1863, a little over a month after this letter was written, at Louisville, Kentucky, NOTE 7: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, July 12, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Jackson, MS. 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 1863-07-12 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Bard Davidson (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 4 X 6.4 6 X 8.75 11 X 9 6.15 X 9 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #140 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 Jackson, MS. Allie Jackson MS Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4dc6b9fb466ac2251dbe1095db1ac684.jpg 7384b6aa3a9d13c1199e659c7622d81a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/70d12f3df9ab83205d88da47210bdcf0.jpg e2d5446e400d71222e44a26a1db32107 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0cb504826b6419897c2c85cd6e11b7b4.jpg d71652771a4b9661275a067a313de6bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6edd976687f50a2ffad00c054f21d2f8.jpg d36de81cdf5f5a9f3d172289f76a3d95 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fb758fe8bb0a1060d94e97c8b9939494.jpg 2951d0a7f329c36e2c9a418af3b8d6a6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7366b1788a8e92fb7d8e0ada780ef53.jpg 7123c4490dd9ef5021ccedafb3a0a02d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0afeb5bef0a1a208e4f916a3a5e0bdaa.jpg 901a8f0bfcf8bbd4a58147ac56fda6ad https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d73a95dd4a3bd2f6d31f473988e37748.jpg 7b3c63186f319f3461408862b80aa1bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/add11f0c3bfe12e8be49ca3e92738f0c.jpg f0496cd7c33a2ef06cfc536074f63a9e 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 morning, 25th Jan 1863 My ever dear wife, It is getting along in the forenoon. Have just been doing up my work, washing dishes, cups, etc., and putting things in order in the tent. Jos. H. went on picket yesterday and has not yet returned. Expect him soon. Have put on some water to heat for his tea when he comes. Also, my largest cup sits in the fire in which I a boiling some pork, so we manage to keep ahead a little on victuals. So you can imagine me thus commencing Sunday on the Rappahannock [River]. Have just read again yours of the 21st received last eve., and how good it seemed to get one Sat. eve. You did not think to number your last two. I forgot to [number] my last but I have no doubt we get all the letters now, for I expect they have “looked after them” between N.Y. [New York] and Washington of late. But the mails are often delayed a little between here and W. [Washington] on acct. [account] of the immense amount of mater. [materiel], often bringing part at a time, as it takes whole teams to bring it, but of late, letters have come promptly. You will hear before you get this how the movements of the Army have been delayed by the storm. It has not fairly cleared off yet. We are now seeing the Virginia winter and I do not believe we can do anything for the present. I went out a short distance last Friday to see the troops (Franklin’s Corps) returning to their camp and it was a sight. They had to come back 8 miles to get rations. Near us, the going was so bad teams could not get to them. The plan was to mass the whole army except our Corps on the Right, we supporting the batteries here in front and acting on the Centre, at the favorable moment, and so compel them to move their Right and Center to the Left. This plan made a long march for Franklin’s troops. But’s “all up” for now at least and everything is quiet and muddy enough. Folks at home can form no idea of the thousand difficulties the weather alone makes for us, and together with the vigilance and advantage of position of the enemy so far, they must be patient. I used to think things didn’t move fast enough, but I have seen what it is to rush ahead at the call of the people, and like Gen. Butler, I have had some of my opinions “corrected.” I know there is much to make us weary and almost despair of the Country Government and all. But I cannot believe the vast upheaving is all in vain, and as I think it over, as I have deeply of late, I can see but one course. “Conquer or be Conquered,” for I now think if the South separate, our troubles are but first begun. For I think the South have deeper designs than mere slavery to preserve, and in fact, that will fade into insignificance if they could only worry us to an acknowledgement of their independence. They are [a] daring brave, enduring race and have a great “Southern Empire” in view, Mexico included. And I believe the French see this, by their attempts in Mexico, intend to checkmate or share with them in case of a possible separation. The people are discouraged and the Army much so and full of indifference, owing to not being paid, and the various hardships and defeats, so I cannot tell what is to come. I shall endeavor to do my duty till the end, whatever it may be. I enjoy your letters very much, always, and don’t wonder you feel discouraged, because you cannot see all there is to delay and trouble us, and am fully aware of the villainy. But still I say with Gen. B. [Burnside], “Be of good cheer.” We are in possession of more territory by far than a year ago. I hope for something more cheering and shall as long as life lasts. You spoke in one of your letters of sending the Capt[ain] a book. I discouraged you because I had sent for one and it had not come. It came last eve. with your letter. You may think I done wrong to buy it, but could you know how much, how very much comfort I shall take with it, you will not feel I am forgetful. I thought you could have $9.00 of the watch money and I would keep $3.00, so I sent for a copy of Shakespeare, a little, snug, fine-printed, beautiful copy, smaller than mine at home. And I fairly clapped my hands as the “Orderly” (the sergeant who gets the letters) handed me it. I got it of Crosby and Nicholas of Boston, who had to send to Philadelphia for it. Lippincott & Co. Edition. Cost $2.00, hence the delay in getting it. Mr. Ellis saw my letter to “C & N” [Crosby & Nichols], so Abbie wrote, and perhaps he gave me a lift. I shall take a great deal of comfort with it, besides contributing some to others, for there are others who appreciate such things and it will tend to elevate the tone of manners in the Company. It is the impression, true to a great extent, that we grow coarse and depraved here and some will imagine their friends much changed, but for myself (to you), I have much to try my temper in my tent, too. (That’s private and things are improving.) but I never fought myself so hard and honestly in my life, and above all, I never clung to or enjoyed the memories of the past, the refining influences of home, reading, etc., etc. as I do here. And profanity and low talk never shocked me as it does now and how often, yes, every moment, as it were, the faces of those dearest to me, each look and manner, comes to mind! I have spoken thus at length, that you might know that I am trying to, “Keep the heart with all diligence,” and many, many are the hours I spend here in the tent looking into the fire and dream of home and of the dear faces there. And the Scriptures are dearer, far dearer than ever, by the way. Called at Frank Craft’s tent the other day and a young man by the name of Hyde gave me a beautiful copy of “Proverbs” in [a] red linen cover, got up for the Army, very small, as he had several sent him. So I look with so much comfort upon my library! Testament, Proverbs (I often wish I had brought a small copy of the whole Bible.) for I miss only the glorious Prophets, those beautiful verses of “Isaiah” in particular. Have got the “Register” for today, too. Have not heard only by Henry from the folks at Boston or from Alonzo since I wrote. Am very anxious for him. I would not attempt to send the book to Capt. S. He has ample chances for reading matter and would not expect [it]. Feel it my duty to look to my own comfort first, and that’s the motto here. There’s an appropriation made and we hope to be paid off before a great while. This one thing will destroy the efficiency of the Army if not attended to soon, and government thinks so, I imagine. The note in reply to the photographs was very neat, but I should like to hear from them by letter. Have had more letters from Jamestown and expect a letter from Sarah. Heard she had written. Enclosed was a “Delta” from New Orleans sent by Ed Haynes to them. Glad of the news from Frank and Will. Have written them. Jos. H. has come and all is confusion. Will add a word by and by to close. After dinner. Jos. H. is laying down to get a little rest. Says he will write you sometime. He is getting to like Shakespeare’s plays. Don’t know as I can add anything more but love to all friends. Hope Mary will be entirely well. I received the paper and yarn. Am going to cut off the tops and ravel out for yarn. One pair that are worn out. I wear two pair this season. Have three pair good ones now. As ever your husband, Jerome Note appearing above the date and salutation on Page 1: “No.3. No.2 mailed last Friday.” Note written on margins: “I send you an advertisement from a Baltimore paper. You see slaves are like any other commodity.” TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Jack Phend and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from where this 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 “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 3: The storm and its aftermath referenced in the letter resulted in what has been called the Mud March. General Burnside, after the disastrous defeat at Fredericksburg in December 1862, hoped to cross the Rappahannock River and hit Lee’s flank. The march began on January 20th but it began raining hard for four days, and the offensive was called off on January 23rd, the date this letter was written. NOTE 4: “Franklin’s Corps” was the VI Corps of the Army of the Potomac, commanded by Gen. William Franklin. NOTE 5: Below is a copy of the newspaper advertisement clipping he mentions in the letter and which he enclosed. The name of the newspaper from which it was taken or the date it was published is not known, but presumably the date was on or shortly before this letter was written. NOTE 6: The “’Delta’ from New Orleans” almost certainly refers to the New Orleans newspaper “The Daily Delta.” 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 25, 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 1863-01-25 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend 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 5.54 X 3.23 5.82 X 7.14 11.58 X 7.12 5.82 X 7.14 8.02 X 4.99 8.02 X 9.95 8.02 X 4.99 3.89 X 3.78 3.89 X 3.78 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 #64 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 Newspaper clippings https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/604254f05d237ae72eecf7fb48d3e55a.jpg cafadf8862c026a077db6182b1deb25f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/364c520d80ed1b2bd5985ae0c4ce160e.jpg f342b1104fb5cfa7e67d46b56e0268b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/77b21b48e36aa7a62babffbc9f58468f.jpg ff4f0b26e791610c1f961dc4ee7a7c43 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e869af8b74d8d3520b976c22abeabde3.jpg 94fbd9c952a3130992a7c577fd3ec2ba 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 Jan 28th (Wednes) 1863 My ever dear ones, Jos H. and I are curling over a warm fire while outdoors the elements are combined to make a most uncomfortable day. We have seen the sun but for a short time for a week, the Southern winter having fairly set in. It commenced raining again last eve. and this morning it turned to snow, and it’s terribly muddy and forbidding outside so that “movements” even for necessary purposes are well-nigh prevented. Have been reading the “Atlantic”, singing and trying to be a little merry perhaps and dinner is just over. So, I must devote a few lines to you. I suppose the papers have given you the items of the last few days – the resignation of Gen. Burnside, Sumner and Franklin. So we hear, and none but Gen. Hooker left and he [is] not in the confidence and respect of the Army, if report is true, and it even goes so far as to say he will not accept the trust, and add to this Gen. Porter cashiered, and it looks as though we were drifting on into accumulated disaster and ruin that nothing but a Devine hand can prevent, and for once things look dark, dark. Well, I have hope and a dear spot towards the North Star to turn to, where I call to mind the warm hearts and dear faces and me thinks I see you all, and hear voices and the little patting feet of our dear little Lulu, and if it is such a day as it is here with you, I can imagine you two, sitting near the fire and perhaps talking or thinking of those away! But what shall I say? Have received some letters since my last (of Sunday) from Mrs. Ellis (Walpole), Ellen P. and Will C. It seems Alonzo is recovering slowly tho he has been very sick. Said she had a “comforting” letter from you. I will send you her and Mrs. E.’s letter. Have answered both. I have a letter from Dr. Bickford. Would you like me to send it sometime? Nothing particularly new from Will and Frank. All well and W. was “Corporal” and not quite as much exposed to some hardships, for which I am very glad. It is a quiet, dull day in camp, all amusing themselves indoors with cards, checkers, to singing or reading. Had a long “confab” with Ben Edmonds yesterday P.M. Chatted over old times to a great rate, and reading matter in particular, a very congenial spirit and not a little of a poetical turn. His nephew tents with him and has a copy of Byron, a present which introduced much matter for talk. I send you also a little gem cut from the “Register” which Ben copied off, for he is a collector of gems of the kind. What shall I say to Lulu? I wish I had the faculty of talking to her, for I do want her to remember me. Oh what a “benediction” would a child’s face be here! What a world it would be without them! And out here how fearfully we realize it too, where it is a constant struggle with our coarser nature but we are not left defenseless if we but improve the means even here provided. How are you all and what doing? What do people think of things now? By the way had a pretty note from Lottie Waldo the other day in a letter to F. Croft. I added a word to her in one of his [letters] awhile ago. Full of friendly interest and literacy of course. Have written Lucy within a few days, so by and by I must have a few letters, hope one from you tonight. Trust you are all well. Lulu must write to Papa again for he wants to see her very much. Can she sew yet? Has she ever walked on the snow yet? Do the snow-birds come to see her? Heard a robin (and saw it too) sing the other day while chopping and how glad a sound but I fear he’s fled again now, so wet and cold. Hope Mary is well and may heaven keep you all for a meeting sometime. With love as ever 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 “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Ellen was one of Jerome’s nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Charles Brewer (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 5.48 X 3.1 5.02 X 8.07 9.94 X 8.07 6.71 X 9.42 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 #65 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 Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b06fe33fa1295b5090229dfc715e4e69.jpg a36cd7e9eeb1d28c6d01063837bfce03 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/489b70a2cc12c51fa423ee422ccaebba.jpg 0c900e5dd3e0ecce02a0773f616d5b8a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d38692b5d047f38a5510bdb7a6a0ebc3.jpg 04d0d448917f9ebc9bfd77812ddbac7d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/08dbf01a879bbddddcdf98e7293f59c5.jpg a1247e90b7a8b167013a8c0c83c11d4e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday Feb 1st 1863 My dear wife, It is a way along in the P.M. and have just got down to answer yours [your letter] of 25 Jan. I have received all the letters I think and I believe this is the 5th since I began to number mine. Yesterday and today were very busy days. Had hardy got my breakfast down when I was wanted to help chop wood the co. on picket So I got detailed for work nearer the camp, as they can’t compel me to go on picket, but I don’t object to work and I assure you I am quite formidable with an axe. Worked till noon, with a “squad” of men and came home and fixed up tent, improving it, little shelves made from bread boxes for dishes and various trays that we want handy [for] books, writing utensils, sewing [supplies], etc., dug out the fireplace some. This morning washed out two or three little articles, fixed shirt, put a collar on one of the worn ones and succeeded nicely. I prefer them to the others if I can have collars on them. You will ask what I made the collars of, of one of the swaitches [swatches]. I left them off sometime since [I] like it much better without them. The weather is fair again, quite windy today, no inspection, service or anything else, but a real Sabbath. And what shall I say? No news, only talk of furloughs and ten thousand rumors which made me think of “Heavenly” letter to the “Journal” from the old Sixth which Abbie sends me and without the fortifications or work on them would apply to the Thirty Sixth. I don’t understand about Abbie’s letter containing mine “of last Sunday”. Did I enclose one [letter] to you by mistake? Had a letter from Abbie yesterday. Received papers from you with wafers “all right”. Can find no proper stamps (one cents) and if I don’t reach you. I was sorry Lulu could not have the little paper I sent. She must take a kiss from Papa for her nice letter and wish I could give it myself. Had another call on Ben Edmonds the other eve (P.M.). You gave him the “Cider” poetry, pretty good. Told him to paste it up in his tent. Sent his regards to you. We have some good times. “We” I mean I do in Co. “B”, for I pass more really “congenial” moments there than I do in this Co. A fine set of fellows with Crofts and Ben E. here, no disorder but coarse and intensely selfish (private) with one or two exceptions, and by the way, an incident. We have a James E. Hills in our Co. who appears to be a cousin of she that was Cecilia Hills, who lives in Burlington [???] Merriam or Marrion as J.E. calls it. He had a letter from her in which she mentions me “who was a cousin of some neighbors of hers”, doubtless the Walkers. Mr. Shakespeare has made quite a stir with two or three in the Co., Hills one of them and W. L. Howe, two fine fellows. The latter was at Amherst Col [College] when he enlisted and we expected him for 2nd Lieut. But some “Hokus Pokus” and disappointed. There have been no new developments in regard to the Army, War, etc. and it seems to be taken for granted that we are in quarters and should be for some weeks. I hope so for the mind is fearful and our tents are “cosey” and I don’t see how we can accomplish much unless it is to come North and put down some of the treason springing up nearer home. What do you think? Am glad you have such pleasant times at the neighbors. My regards to all the good friends. Shall be glad to get Adam’s letters or “Burke” either. Abbie is going to send something in book kind I believe. Wish I had a pocket edition of Cowper’s “Task” same size, perhaps a little larger than Adamses [???] and a great favorite of mine. Have got to go for wood, so must close. Tell Lulu I hear some sweet little birds when among the trees and wish she could see them, tho I suppose you have the snow birds. The ‘boys’ all well and wish to be remembered to you. Shall look into the Register and Testament before I sleep, and so with love to all I am as ever yours Jerome Wrote you last Wedns. [Wednesday] Had a letter from Ed Peirce. I send you Henry’s and Dr. B’s. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one, in addition to information contained in the Unit History, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped at Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia. NOTE 2: The Task: A Poem, in Six Books is a poem in blank verse by William Cowper published in 1785. William Cowper (1731 – 1800) was an English poet and hymnodist. One of the most popular poets of his time, Cowper changed the direction of 18th century nature poetry by writing of everyday life and scenes of the English countryside. 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 1, 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 1863-02-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.66 X 4.49 6.47 X 9.38 11.15 X 9.27 6.46 X 9.34 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 #66 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/37086cf362ca8d084594b29abdfe7501.jpg b5d7b40c7af9eb74a039a61bada5a1ee https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d3d2de3616644a39a0ff9f7def37f3f3.jpg d11c0ee6907f39e551695fa5642421bc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7fe59652495835ea260911d0d90b44c4.jpg f881307f710d676e6c3b3fce78957420 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4525f148a16d99a863eceddaadd77020.jpg 5cf76cedf353ce42c8d07317d4c839a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cc4910b17cc4459b64b8bbd9f203f089.jpg 3b4f645a953e4a20aebfb0d0a18b336e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/008c193c82c7eb5e7f6dd900baa7dd9b.jpg 5a87287455cdb53a37a5324078b11864 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 Tuesday 3rd Feb 1863 My ever dear Allie and Lulu, Here we are writing once more, J.H. to O [Orange], and your letter of the 28th is before me and I have read it over and over and it done me a great deal of good and many things came right home to the heart. The subject and interesting matter and the spirit too was in it, forgive me the expression, and if I even insinuate a difference in your letters for I know they all come from loving faithful wife but we all feel in different moods at times but sense here you seemed more like the maiden days of old in it and did not admit quite so much of care and trouble into it, perhaps, besides you had much that was particularly interesting to communicate. And now I propose, if not interrupted, to write you a long letter in return and how shall I begin? Well, I’ll take yours for a guide and I do indeed reciprocate your wish that the present separation may turn our hearts to the days of [???] when we spoke in most tender and loving words and how much we should cherish them! And for my own part, the life here so far from searing over the heart only causes me to recall and cling to the sweet and tender memories of the past and however poorly I may express myself, it is nevertheless true that I feel more like myself as I was at C [Charlestown] since I came here then when I was at O [Orange]! This may sound too strange to believe and I might not seem to you so, but I feel so. There is much to call out the quiet meditative tendencies than you would think and as Sister A [probably Abbie] says “If I live to see home and peace again this experience will not be in vain” etc. You spoke of the contrast in my pictures and of shedding tears. I do not chide you nor wonder at it. I used to feel myself that I have changed and felt it too more than I could express, however I might have seemed to belie it in my conduct but you know time makes its changes in outward appearances but if we can keep the heart young, pure and loving, all is well and since I have been deprived of the quiet home joys, they come back upon me with tenfold hallowdness and I live as it were, upon them. I was glad to hear that they knew my book had come so that they might not be at trouble about it and that you viewed it as you did too for I have enjoyed so much already! And all such things tend to keep grosser things out of mind. Jos. H. and some friends in a neighboring tent have become much interested in Shakespeare. You would have been amused to see us reading “What you will” (“Twelfth Night”) the other day. I read it mostly aloud to J.H. yesterday P.M. Some of it is very funny and some very poetical and beautiful, a great favorite of mine and we read more or less every day so you see a soldier’s life is not all dire and bloody, but here in this camp I assure you I have lived some of my best moments and trust to many more if we remain. Was on guard duty last night about half a mile from here with three men in a pine woods, somewhat trimmed out. I walked a beat of an hour at midnight, clear beautiful moonlight, the wind gently sighing thru the trees and need I tell you how my thoughts turned to all that is dearest to me? I thought of the past, how you looked and Lulu tried to hear her prattle and your voice too as of old and I asked shall I even embrace them again in this world? Oh Allie dear, this was one of my best hours and the pine wood near F g [Fredericksburg] will not soon be forgotten, although surrounded as I was by all the uncouth trumpery of forage stores (for it was the supply headquarters for the forage trains) but “I looked up” and the clear calm starlight with moon and sky was shining on you and me alike and all grosser things were for the time forgotten. But of the ordination, it must have been exceedingly interesting and if honored names and impressive services will serve to seal and hallow a pastoral connection. I do trust that the people of B [Billerica] will fully appreciate the time and occasion and may it prove a harbinger of good works in the future and I trust the new pastor will find a home and hearty support such as one should have coming as he does enclosed by the grand pillars: Peabody, Hale, Ellis etc. How much would I liked to have been there. Surely it must have been an “occasion” in old B [Billerica] and I shall think of it and of you all with a deeper regard, if possible, than ever. It does seem as if there was material there, and to feel that you have a minister! Tell me all you can about it from time to time and above all take part and keep interested for so you will keep the darker and more anxious hours illuminated by social intercourse and nothing gives me more comfort than to know that as far as you can dutifully you are enjoying yourself socially. And now a word for our doings here. We have been in the [???] since yesterday morn for a “Grand Inspection” or looking over by Gen. Sedgwick, our new Corps Commander and so had to keep near camp, part of the time with equipments on, ready to “fall in” not daring to set about anything in particular when away in the P.M. we were mustered to sign the payrolls which looks like being paid off till 1st Nov. 62. So the day ended and this morning “Inspection” again and that wound up by a Battalion Drill of more than an hour in a cold wind and over rough ground but we got warmed up and no pay yet. Another item I hardly dare to mention, so you must not hope too much. The “Army of the Potomac” are being furloughed! One corporal leaves here from our Co[mpany] tomorrow if his papers get safely through. Every ten days first one goes, then two. I filed my application yesterday morn, stand somewhere about the 7th or 8th. So possibly I may see home sometime in Mch. [March] or Apr. but the following things may defeat it. A movement of the Army, drawing lots for chances as some of the Co’s etc., which might put off my chances longer. There is considerable feeling in the Co. because the Capt. don’t let the Co. draw lots but he told me he was acting according to instructions and I should be remembered. I am happy to state to you that I am on excellent terms with him as well as the Lieut. (J. Gird) from a consciousness of endeavoring to do right and my whole duty which I think they appreciate. And here I may add that my literary taste and the style of our visitors of late (Bros. [Brothers] F [Franklin] and J [Joseph]) have had their effect at headquarters (the Chaplain’s tent I mean) and I feel that they have a respect and confidence in me which I shall endeavor to deserve and retain. We confidently expect to be paid within a few days to Nov. 1st last. If so I shall retain enough to carry me home without delay, 10 days is the time allowed. I pay my own fare both ways but of this more in [the] future. Don’t think too much of it now. I gave Lulu’s message to the Capt. and yours. He always returns the compliment to you in regards and kind wishes or the same of the boys from O [Orange]. By the way, they have had a levee at O[Orange] (North) and heard by a letter from them (J and Mary) they took [in] some over a hundred dollars for the benefit of the soldiers, quite a thing for old O [Orange]! Had another letter from Henry Peirce this morn as I came in. I am delighted that the youngsters remember me and he is a fair little writer as you can see for I enclosed one if his [letters] in my last [letter]. Must get wood and mail this by 5 P.M., so must close. Recvd. two “Journals”. Will you send ma toothbrush and a little more black linen thread. Am so glad you recvd. the paper. Hope Lulu will be choice of her little pictures and things from Papa, as one of these days she will have quite a collection, which case, for a playhouse or box. Little darling, does she know I want her to remember and love me or my memory if Heaven wills it! Leaves etc. are much withered here but will send as I can. Love to uncle, his folks, I mean a word to all always. I will try and write all who write As ever Jerome Transcriber’s Notes: Note in margin at the top of Page 1 which indicates a serial number he assigned to his letters at times: No. 6th The envelope contained two small pieces of paper with the following texts. Piece of paper Number 1: I tell you Allie, you can really know the good mission to me if such reading as Shakespeare, Cowpers, [???] Milton, Scott’s “Lady of the Lake” and “Marmion” if I could get pocket editions. There is so much in the scenery and [???] to give a vividness and pleasure such as makes the cost mean in comparisons and all these small copies. I could manage to keep by me, for the present at least. Tell me if you get the… Piece of paper Number 2: …few days [???] Tell me if you can read this easily. My ink is poor. I have tried to write plain tho fine. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES 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 “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 3: When Jerome mentions “the style of our visitors of late (Bros. [Brothers] F [Franklin] and J [Joseph]) have had their effect at headquarters” he is referring to a visit by his brothers Franklin and Joseph Peirce who visited him at his camp near Falmouth, Virginia, for about two days starting on January 4, 1863. According to his letters, they made an excellent impression on Jerome’s superior officers. (See Letters No. 57 and No. 58.) NOTE 4: William Shakespeare’s only play with an alternate title is titled “Twelfth Night” or “What you Will.” NOTE 5: The “Lady of the Lake” is a narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832), first published in 1810. Set in the Trossachs region of Scotland, it is composed of six cantos, each of which concerns the action of a single day. NOTE 6: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 7: Lieut. Joseph W. Gird enlisted from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at age 22 as a Private in Company F of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteers on October 4, 1861. On August 11, 1862, he was appointed First Lieutenant of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment but resigned on May 18, 1863. He was appointed Second Lieutenant in the 57th Massachusetts Volunteers on November 3, 1863, and was promoted in that regiment to Captain on December 31, 1863. Lieut. Gird was killed in action on May 6, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, just a few days before Jerome was killed. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, February 3, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-02-03 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 6.84 X 4.48 6.3 X 9.41 11.07 X 9.28 6.43 X 9.28 6.12 X 3.97 6.2 X 3.9 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #67 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 Lulu