15 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/f41bd216ac37b8edc71c77a76bf7a046.jpg cc31fa06d07497bf3b5409306b6f81d8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a76f55250f8cbcbb224b322cad229d1a.jpg 972969660b454c20db4f04e77f91b0b7 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 Lulu’s Letter Near Vicksburg Missi[ssippi] 22nd June 1863 My dear little daughter I wrote you a nice long letter a few days ago. Would you like a word now? Have written to Mama and thought I must tell you what happened while Uncle Ben, the same one I spoke of in my last [letter], was sitting under the trees in the shade the other day. As we were talking, we noticed a little bird fluttering in the grass and pretty soon we saw another bird coming. First it came and lit in a tree stopping a moment to see all [was] safe and then down it went to the little bird and gave it something to eat. So pretty. The little one opened its bill! Several times while we sat there it came. Was not its Mama kind to see it fed so pretty? So you see our good Father in heaven learns the little birds how to feed and take care of their little ones. I wish you could see and hear the birds here. Some are very bright in color and many sing different from the Northern birds altho we love them at home. I suppose you have seen them in the big trees at Grandpa’s. Papa has had lots of plums and blackberries lately, and delicious fruit will soon be ripe but little Lulu must take kisses instead of these things now. Is Grandpa and Ma [Grandma] and Uncle Frank well? Will write them by and by. I sent you a butterfly and some wings of another color as a specimen of what we see here and some “hanging moss” that grows on trees here and looks very beautiful. You must make a little cabinet to keep the little things I send you in. Are you making your little scrap book yet of pictures and pretty pieces? Love to all and a kiss from Papie Write me soon. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) After Jerome enlisted, Allie and Lulu moved in with her parents (Grandpa and Grandma). Frank (Franklin) Jaquith was Allie’s younger brother. He was born in 1839 and died in 1922, and he also served in the Civil War. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Lulu, June 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Lulu Vicksburg, MS. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to 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 1863-06-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Group, Jim Bois (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 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 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 #133 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 Vicksburg, MS. Jerome Peirce Lulu Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3bc77cdd114f7726125c5a5760ba1b16.jpg 136aa330b76391b632c96e7c97c3fee9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0ba7f3769cec1a5b125df2cbc11d95c2.jpg bcc17ca6278816c12816d4b00c573361 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5e9df0144181b7557b96fc5a1a329f63.jpg 081ca0015dec021b8a0dab92c82ada3b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0084d991361e724957f97ef167a21b01.jpg 6032db2aad26831e8ee14ea7979c5159 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2edf58b0990a3ce1cb92f86f5d70c995.jpg 8711949992ba50897c1d566550155943 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/066f550ba1c3fba23702f6cea0ceb184.jpg ea25e2fdb2e76c51310946e4df9b1396 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, Miss 22nd June 1863 My ever dear wife, Have just finished breakfast and the “orderly” just handed me yours of the 10th and last Friday after I had mailed one to you. I received yours of the 7th and a nice letter from Miss Walker in reply to mine written while on the “Morgan Scout”. There must be a back mail as your last before these was May 26th. They came via Louisville while our regular mail must be at Cincinnati. Well, dear Allie, we have moved a little ways again since my last on Friday, about three miles further towards V. [Vicksburg] and where we can hear a fearful booming of the guns when they choose to do so. Sat. [Saturday] was a fearful day and the night before, but since that time it, has been rather quiet although they pound away in the night some. They are completely cut off and a vast army, of which we are a part, [is] waiting to meet any reinforcements which may attempt to reach them and it is only a question of time. I wish you could just peep in and see our tent and I think you would feel that we could find a pleasant nook. It is pitched in a little shady spot among locust trees of small growth while the whole country is teeming with blackberries and wild plums of which we have feasted abundantly and they do us good and not hurt. We are to relieve a Western Regt. (Ills. [Illinois]) and expect in the course of the day to move a little way and into rifle pits which command the approaches in every direction. We are now on the regular road to V. [Vicksburg] and about 10 miles from it. I made a mistake in my last in saying So. East. I meant No. East of V. [Vicksburg]. I can hardly describe the country. The soil is very soft and deep. Consequently, heavy rains from the most fantastic and frightful gullies cutting through and forming deep cuts from ten to fifty and even a hundred feet deep while the deep dells and gorges where the water courses are filled with a wild gigantic growth of timber. In one of these we have to descend to get water a mile and a half strong from camp. Water, indeed, is the hardest thing to obtain, such a contrast to Ky. [Kentucky] for [what we] got is not so good as the former but we have learned not to be fastidious. The weather is variable, one day exceedingly hot and burdensome causing a scarcity of clothing which is quite amusing and then cooling as this morning which is quite delightful. So that we adapt ourselves to all weathers. I sport for a load of contents of knapsack as follows: half a woolen blanket, two pieces of tent, rubber blanket, two shirts (one on me), ditto socks, a little bag with my Shakespeare, etc., sewing tools, a piece or two of cloth, brush and hairbrush, a very small hatchet (bought at Cairo and invaluable in camp and writing material making a very little pack. Canteen and haversack being the worst part of our load, now adding, of course, gun and equipments, “40 rounds”. Am so happy to tell you that I am well and fully myself again having to all appearances recovered from the effects of the journey from Ky. [Kentucky] and having no duty, only when the Regt. moves. I am favored and find much time for precious thoughts, reading, etc., etc. I was glad to receive the letter from Miss Walker. Said you had promised to visit her with Lulu. Little darling hope you’ll get the letter with the one I wrote her. Will add a little in this. Have some rare precious hours with our “rare” Ben E. strolled away yesterday P.M. [Ate] blackberries and related personal histories and experiences and ours have been wonderfully alike in some things. I never can be too thankful for such a friend meeting as he does my inmost wants and tempering my thoughts and actions in many ways. He always sends a kindly word for you. Let me tell you [how] happy I am that you are enjoying life so well. Express my gratitude to the friends for all their kindness and tell them I can endure to the end if I am but remembered and my loved ones are cared for. My thoughts often revert to the Pratts. I appreciate fully their thoughts of me and am quite content to still be remembered as one of their boys for those were precious hours, those delightful evenings at their house in C [Charlestown]. Shall we ever forget them? I enclose a little more of the “hanging moss” which you can share with the friends. The magnolia leaves discolor badly. I wish you could see them in their beauty. I want to hear more about Frank’s getting home. Is he well? No news from the East for a long time. Have not seen Alonzo for a day or two. The feeling here is that with Vicksburg down, goes the Rebel “House”, so might it be! Will add a word which you may send to Lu with the butterfly and wings which we, “Ben and I”, captured yesterday. Col. Bowman is “C.B.” (Commanding Brigade). We see little of him now. Col. Norton commands the Regt. He is very pleasant and so is Col. B. [Bowman], some talk to the contrary not withstanding. Say as little about officers as possible. This for you. Remember to friends, Phipps, Smith (C.F.) and all and believe me as ever your loving husband Jerome P. I send a “Passion flower”, very beautiful growing. P.S. Direct [letters] as follows: 36th Mass. Vols. 9th “A. C” [Army Corps] Leave off “Burnside’s” Dept. via Cincinnati TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Unit History summarizes the movements of the Regiment from June 10, 1863, until July 4, 1863, as follows. “The steamer “Meteor” carried the 36th Massachusetts Regiment from Cairo by way of Columbus, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Helena, Arkansas; and Columbus, Arkansas, to Snyder’s Bluff, where it disembarked. On June 20, it went into camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi, as part of the Union’s siege of that city.” The regiment consisted of approximately 760 officers and men at that time. The Confederates surrendered the city on July 4, 1863, marking an important turning point in the Civil War. In the Company Muster Roll for May – June 1863, Peirce was recorded as “Present.” Below is pictured the only Civil War monument that could be found that honors the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Known as the Massachusetts State Memorial, it is located on Grant Avenue at Grant Circle on the Vicksburg Battlefield and was the first state memorial erected within the Vicksburg National Military Park. The monument cost $4,500 and was dedicated on November 14, 1903. The statue of a Union soldier, sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, is mounted on a 15-ton boulder from Massachusetts. The inscription on the bronze plaque on the base reads MASSACHUSETTS TRIBUTE TO THE 29th, 35th AND 36th REGIMENTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 9th ARMY CORPS 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: The “Ben E.” 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 4: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in this letter was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 5: Col. Bowman was Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who enlisted as a Captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units, including at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. NOTE 6: John B. Norton enlisted at age 39 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a First Lieutenant. He was promoted to Captain on July 8, 1861, and was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. Shortly thereafter, on August 28, 1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded the Regiment only from June 1, 1863, until July 30, 1863, which included the date that this letter was written. For reasons not specified in the Unit History, he resigned on July 30, 1863. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 22, 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 1863-06-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.35 X 4 6.35 X 8.65 10.7 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 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 #132 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/1d80979e4771acaba92c5f6a9f7e356d.jpg dc38ad34b720f0df6bcd3bd5e30de316 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cbb319282d58aa21ff355ea939ee6449.jpg 8ac7a19a959ed0de588f94fda52a01ed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/44ae090cc30d711da9fef882727d1dd0.jpg 60accce1a90e49b9ee8318cf6f14748d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b30b90c466e4cbdf11e17f3e0e5dd55f.jpg cbad666033f84de93d478bbb1846db46 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7eb195be9a2d849a3be92a4bdb67ba6.jpg 91acefc8e0a0c4f66db52a391481340d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cc5cfd7a4e8e2077347e068633d6cd23.jpg 386f06e19a7a48f0ab7fa0d1fb208018 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f4690140a6ee3826ab6871e61232d7cb.jpg c46d6a3ac0954037c077d42db6720837 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Camp four miles from “Synders Landing” Miss. 17th June 1863 My dearest Wife, Once more in camp, in the “old Mississippi State!” Mail arrangements being completed. I sit me down for a chat with you, with a “right smart chance” of being interrupted. My last was mailed at Lake Providence (Tues eve. 16th) and I can do no better to begin with you, than to give a few notes from my diary. After mailing your last Tues 16th, low flat country, ruins of plantations continually. Wedns 17th. 88th Anniversary of “Bunker Hill”, off before daylight, cool and cloudy. 9 A.M. Passed “Milliken’s Bend”, “My Wife‘s Island.” Cannonading at Vicksburg heard distinctly P.M. A short stop at “Young’s Point” (at the mouth of the Yazoo [River]), where a large number of troops are assembled up the “Dark Yazoo,” true to the way the shore being thickly wooded to the water’s edge. To “Snyder’s Landing,” (or “Bluff”) we landed and marched some four miles to the present camp. Vast number of troops, and formidable earthworks, and rifle pits for miles, it being one of the roads where Johnston is expected to attempt a reinforcement. Very bluffy and great position to defend. Rough scenery but wild and of tropical luxuriance, the “gum tree” magnolia, fig, and oaks, and host of others with “oceans” of blackberries forming still another changing scene. Our camp rests on a ridge, just room for a single row of tents each side of the path, while there are deep ravines, each side. Some magnificent, gigantic trees completely covered with running vines, while the magnolia seems, with its deep rich green and reddish tints, the monarch of the forest Thurs 18th Pitched tent over again, alone, high and airy, A.M. Blk [Black] berrying with Corpl. Ben E. [Edmands], warm but obtained a goodly mess for dinner with sugar, fried pork and toasted “Hard Tack,” and nice coffee, made a fine treat. Returned to camp a little past noon, when found them packing for a change of camp. Eve. No move yet, berrying again, a new place, and such a feast!! Dark as we came in, Picket caught us, no serious result, pronounced dangerous to wander far from camp, but such temptation! after a week’s journey on a close steamer, with bad stomachs and as bad rations!! Had a nice “sit down” with B. E. [Ben Edmands] at coffee. Retired quite late, to recall the scenery of the day. Very warm, but health improving rapidly, appetite excellent, while the birds charm anyone to health. No firing heard, of consequence. Fri 19th Noon Still in Camp. Nice breakfast with berries. B.E. woke me early, and we went for water and to wash. A.M. busy “fixing”, sewing, washing a little, and getting things snug in my knapsack. Gathered some of the “hanging moss,” which adorns the trees, and forms one of the most beautiful features of the woods. Also gathered a magnolia leaf or two to send home. Received a little call and a word from the Adjt. yesterday and today. No mail yet. Div. P.M. [Post Master] expected sometime. J.E. Hills of our Co. appointed P.M. [Post Master] to the Brigade, and a mail promised every day. There, my dear wife, what can I add to this, for I have improved the record a little, and I believe anticipated any questions you will ask. We know not where or when we may move to but not far till V. [Vicksburg] falls. They “pound away” every day a little, but take their time, as they feel confident of success and do not choose to sacrifice lives by assaults. We form a portion of the troops to look out for Joe Johnston who is in the neighborhood of the “Big Black” with 35,000 or so, so report says today. It is said there are nearly 200,000 troops about here, and the rescue of Vicksburg is impossible by anything the rebs can bring, that Grant is determined Western troops shall have the honor of its capture etc. Banks is near Port Hudson and we may yet join him etc., etc. We are So. East of V. [Vicksburg] about 10 miles by road, 4 from the Yazoo River. I hope you have maps that you can follow us. My health improves daily and the little march here from the boat done me good. I forgot to mention some big guns I saw at the landing, left by the Rebels. The carriages were burned by our men, for fear they might be retaken. They were at work repairing them for further use. The country, as I have mentioned, is hilly, or short, sharp, steep declivities, and at one point near the river was a grand view thru the valley of the “Yazoo”, which is clear and winding. Saw two beautiful red birds, and a number of lizards this morning, which reminds us of the tropical region. Peaches and apples next month. The Bk [Black] Berries have done us much good and you may be sure we shall live “within the limits of becoming prudence” for awhile. I must speak again of the moss I send. They use it for stuffing mattresses, letting it rot there as a fine black hair, which you can hardly tell from curled horsehair. You will see what a silvery look it has. I wish you could see it hanging from these great trees! Beautiful. I send one matured magnolia leaf such as surrounds the blossom which is white and resembles the (I don’t know the spelling) Chaponica. I will try and sketch it. The thing is a poor imitation. The small leaves are young and not from the flower but the tree. I will send more of the large ones sometime, for I think they [are] elegant, and I hope you will be able to keep them green by putting them in water and someway. I wish you could see the tree, so rich. The moss lives on air. Am sorry to bend the leaf, but hope you can press it out, so as to hide the marks. No news from the North since we were at Memphis and it seems as tho’ we are out of the world. A few wood colored hamlets only denoting living beings about here, and those black mostly. Once more, tell the friends my writing must be limited. So hot. It takes us all the time to take care of ourselves, washing, meals, and resting. I spoke in a former letter of looking up the Wymans. Don’t know as I shall ever get any nearer Yazoo City, but I may possibly run upon some reb prisoners who may know of them. Saw some on my way to camp but could not stop to speak with them. Deserters are coming in constantly. Some think we shall return to Ky. [Kentucky] as soon as V. [Vicksburg] falls, others that we shall push on to the Gulf eventually. Am quite happy at the return of my strength and usual health again, and again I am thankful. No more signs of battle or danger than before as we can see. Let me again hope dear ones that tho’ distant, you are in health as I know you are in the same good keeping. Trust you will get all my letters from Cairo, Memphis, Lake P. [Providence]. Direct still to Cincinnati as the destination of the Corps is still uncertain. Boys all well. Shall tent with the Woodward of O. [Orange]. Love to each and all friends, and hoping soon to hear from the same. Accept the entire love of your husband, Jerome Boys all well. Leaves of the Canebrake [tree] which is a feature here. [These are] the top leaves which tips the peaks. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Snyder’s Landing is not a name of a town today in the Vicksburg, Mississippi, area and probably wasn’t at the time of the Civil War either. Most likely, the 36th Massachusetts was camped on land owned by a Mr. Snyder which had a landing on the Mississippi River. NOTE 2: The “chaponia” he referred to is the Camellia Japonica shrub. It is known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, or Tsubaki in Japanese, and is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. Sometimes called La Peppermint or the Rose of Winter. It is the official state flower of Alabama. NOTE 3: Ben (Benjamin) B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: James E. Hills enlisted at age 20 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 7, 1862, three days after Jerome enlisted. He was discharged on June 8, 1865. upon his expiration of service. NOTE 5: Philip G. Woodward enlisted as a sergeant in Company H at age 25 from Orange, Massachusetts. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 26, 1863, and to First Lieutenant on May 15, 1864. Shortly thereafter, he was wounded in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia, on June 3, 1864. His last promotion was to Captain on October 11, 1864. Woodward was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 17-19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Snyders Landing, 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 1863-06-17-19 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 6.1 X 3.9 6.1 X 8.7 10.65 X 8.7 5.8 X 8.7 5.8 X 8.7 10.7 X 8.7 5.85 X 8.7 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 #131 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 four miles from Snyders Landing, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce MS. Snyders Landing https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ed362d1d969b7e2b358a23ef91f7773.jpg e4eefb1431109db4dfaeffc6e75634e6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/27107b88783276b0c054eec3fb69a70d.jpg 5f0f34027a5d2d5182ca407a2fbd58bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c94f3a51af1fe4ae49cd0eeffde72233.jpg b14256db29b2cdb1751ad86ddcc92e23 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cd5ad4d53937e39e1ed48c4b0d4d10c3.jpg c186815b42fd3085c1851e17d159ccc2 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 Steamer “Meteor” Miss. River Tues. P.M. 16th June 1863 Ever dear Wife, Just after dinner and I have taken a seat in the saloon and altho there is a great deal of confusion and stir, yet I felt I must commence something to you. Wrote you Sunday with a letter to Lulu and one from prior w. Ben. E. enclosed. Hope you’ll receive it safely. We had a “big bag full” of mail on the boat just before we left Mo. [Missouri] but from some unaccountable reason, not a thing save one newspaper for the 36th and we were sadly disappointed. Left Memphis Sunday P.M. and we are still working down the river for some point near Vicksburg, don’t know exactly where. Life is quite the same from day to day till last eve. and this a.m. when we begin to realize that we are nearing a hostile country. While the music and the jokes were passing last eve., our alarm came from the shore from our pickets firing and for a few moments there was a stir, but soon all subsided. (I forgot to mention that the boat’s six in our fleet. All “haul in” shore at night and start early in the morning.) This morning we are going along under convoy of two gunboats when just before dawn an attack took place from the Ark. [Arkansas] shore (some ways below, Napoleon) and we were soon ready with loaded pieces and one guard on deck popped away in reply, while the gunboat shot ahead and commenced shelling the woods. No one was hit and but few, if any, struck the boat, so it proved bloodless and rather exciting that fearful. For some, who have not quite learned “to keep cool”, flew round deck quite lively. The attack took place in a big bend in the river where the boat has to hug the shore and covered with thick woods. The [gun]boats remained behind and shelled the place severely while we slacked up a little while, but we are now moving on again all right and the usual scene cards, reading, chatting, etc., etc. Have experienced some of unpleasant effects of the climate and water but nothing to alarm. We have little variety of food and the water “tells” but shall come out all right. There is a cool breeze and ‘tis quite pleasant although the officers are the noisiest folks we have on board. (I just whisper this.) Have finished “Great Expectations” and don’t think much of it. If the ‘boys” would save the books, we should have a large library (of light reading) in camp, although we may be too busy to read much, but it helps pass time very pleasantly and not harmfully. Have not played a game of cards on board yet. Looked over two of your letters this a.m. and trust you are still well and as happy as can be in the premises for I know you will feel more as distance grows between us. No news from “below” since we left Mo. [Missouri]. Expect to leave the boat tomorrow and Thurs. [Thursday]. The weather affects me in inducing indolence and summer weakness. So tell the friends not to expect much writing from me and on board steamer everything is coal smut and neatness [is] impossible. Have not seen the Adjutant since he was on deck w. a gun etc., to get a pop at the rebs. this A.M. About 7 P.M. Lake Providence. Just arrived and a mail closing coming. Say good bye. A surreal sight and the first genuine plantation scenes, slaves by scores, and such female structures. Am feeling nicely this eve. No further trouble from guerillas. As ever with love to all, your Jerome We have a mail but not yet assorted. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Ben E.” 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 “Napoleon” cannon, officially known as the 12-pounder bronze gun model 1857, was a smooth-bore cannon that fired a twelve-pound cannon ball. The gun weighed 1,200 pounds but was considered a light gun. This cannon could fire either an explosive shell or solid shot up to a mile in distance. It could also accurately fire canister shot up to 300 yards. Both the North and the South used “Napoleon” cannons because of their firepower and reliability. The Union military manufactured the cannon in great numbers during the course of the war. The South basically copied the Union gun so it was slightly different, but it still fired the same 12-pound shell. It was first used during the Tudor period and was commonly used during the Napoleonic Wars, 1799-1815. It was named after Napoleon III. NOTE 3: “Great Expectations” is a novel written by Charles Dickens in 1861. NOTE 4: “Lake Providence” was then, and is still today, a small community and the name of a lake just on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River approximately 50 miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Battle of Lake Providence was fought near there on June 9, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign, just a few days before this letter was written. 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 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie "Meteor" 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 1863-06-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.65 X 3.15 5.16 X 7.98 10.26 X 7.98 5.16 X 7.98 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 #130 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On the steamer "Meteor" on the Mississippi River (Lake Providence, LA.) "Meteor" Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/937976d485b7f60669bb4eaa4601aa80.jpg fb8c32b328cf8705cc49275312eabba2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7865c331182ee660e338c52b150cbb4.jpg 32bd737a5d8c1fc8ed2fe66be207b878 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/668cbd3911674ea99370dca5fc113e04.jpg d85807c5b8015b87efe9ca73595f7438 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 Charlestown Jun 15th 1863 Friend Jerome. I take your hint about writing and send you a note in Franks box. I can’t think of you as a soldier, you must be entirely out of your element. You with your intellectual tastes and love of quiet home joys. I agree with you in your love of books. They are the best of friends. Good books are my delight. We can with them have a circle of choice minds ever about us and select them according to our moods, how we are thrilled with the noble thoughts of the writers, or charmed and fascinated with his fancies. What a world of good books there are. This winter I heard in Danvers a beautiful Lecture on “Dickens” from my Prince of Lecturers. Gen[eral] W Curtis, in it he said, “No novel writer could really portray a lovely, beautiful, woman, bring her before you, as a living creature , he thought beauty was like an aroma indescribable!! After the Lecture, I had the pleasure of riding to Salem, with Curtis and talking delightfully, with him. He is so genial. I took up his idea of Woman. He said “you know what I mean. ‘Shakespeare”, stands alone in describing woman, but Shelly said a pretty thing, once in trying to describe a beautiful woman after using the adjectives in vain. So give his idea, he ended by saying “she was one of Shakespeare’s women” Now I have told you all this to tell you of this pretty tale of your favorites Shelly in this lecture, Curtis spoke beautifully of Shelly. Oh you would have been charmed with this Lecture. Curtis gave as a glorious Lecture on “American Liberty.” T’was full of beauty, it was thrilling, as he described. The great army of freedom throughout the world moving steadily on with is to be on guard – its rear and flanks – its pickets – all steadily – slowly moving. With Christ as the great Capt[ain] and Leader of all – the solemn closing “when God would cry in our ears – where is thy brother Abel” Last Sunday, for a wander I went to the “Music Hall” and heard a most beautiful sermon from Mr. Cuming from the text “No man careth for my soul” and that was the[i]r cry ever surging up from society. The hunger and thirst of the soul of humanity for help and sympathy and our souls should so overflow with love and purity and sympathy, that underneath the conventionalities and the merriment of life we should hear that cry and answer it. We could only save our own souls, by saving others. I can give [?]idea of it with pen and paper. His illustrations and similes were beautiful. But what a strange motley irreverent audience that is many men there, and that day at least they heard high holy [things???] and [???] Truths that ought to make them better, truer, [fuller???] I must close. Tis so dark. I can’t see. My sisters join me in regards to you. Ever your friend C. L. Waldo 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 C. L. Waldo (Friend) to Jerome, June 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Waldo, C. L. Peirce, Jerome Charlestown, MA. Description An account of the resource From C. L. Waldo (Friend) to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource C. L. Waldo Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Luisa Dispenzirie (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 3.82 X 6.34 7.49 X 6.34 3.82 X 6.34 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 #129 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Charlestown, MA. C. L. Waldo Charlestown MA Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/92915bdeba7d9b84d24ac09228ace2c0.jpg 3340ce8d67ac345b1756bb26a521b3e8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f87847142ddb3f9427decf87d7100ec7.jpg 0451f879704dcb27829d9e08d6baca9f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f56fd33edbc34ccd50ea9aa092f72af7.jpg c834c5b148a615c7d8bccde26b635d8f 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 Memphis Tenn. 14th June 1863 My ever dear little Lulu, What do you think of your Papie that he has not written one letter to his little daughter? You will not think he forgets you, will you? For he has sent some little flower or token often because you could feel of it and carry it about with you and he thought it better than anything he could say to you. Well, what do you think made Papie try and write you now? Yesterday as I was sitting on the steamboat which we live in now (Aunt Mary or Hattie will tell you what a steamboat is.) a little girl on the next boat called out to a soldier near me, “Mr., what do you think my name is?” Well, he couldn’t tell, of course, so the little girl said, “My name is Ar-lie.” I thought of your dear Mama’s name and I asked the little girl what she thought my little girl’s name was as I have one at home. She said, “Her name is Katie.” I suppose she liked the name, it is pretty. I told her if she would come over and see me I would show her Lulu’s picture for I then told her your name. [She] said she couldn’t swim and so could not come to me. I should liked to have seen more of her and told more about you but I couldn’t go to her and her mother called her in. She had black eyes and hair cut short and was very bright and talkative. Now I suppose seeing this little girl made me feel like writing my little darling. Papa has taken a good many long walks since he left you and been very tired sometimes but he never forgets his dear little Lulu and her Mama, but he sees very few little children and perhaps that makes it so hard to talk to you. Do you ever look at the little boxes and pictures Papa sent you a long while ago? I know you do and you must never forget Papa and think he does not love you altho he is so far away. I know a good many who have left little girls at home and see them looking at their pictures as I do yours. The pleasant summer is come and I expect you will happy times running about picking flowers and hearing the birds sing. How much Papa wants to lead you by the hand in some of the pretty walks but he cannot yet but there is a Good Being who takes care of Papa, Mama and little Lulu and all people alike. Papie got your letter with the kiss. You must take a great many for Papa. I have a good friend sitting beside me who gave me an orange to eat for little Lulu the other day. You must send him a kiss and thank him just as much as tho you had it, for you know I could not send it in a letter. Now have I not written you a good long letter. Grandma will read it so you can know what Papa says. I hope Lulu is well and a good little girl as I know you are. Does Grandpa ever take you out to see the [???] at the barn? I must bid you “good by[e]” now. Mama will read this first as I send it in her letter. You must write Papa often for he loves to hear from his little daughter. Give love to all the good friends at home, Grandpa and [Grand]ma and all and accept with a kiss from “Papa” P.S. The friend who gave me the orange for you you may call “Uncle Ben” and [he] loves little children dearly although he has none of his own. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Lucy (“Lulu”) Peirce was Jerome and Abbie’s second child. (Their first child, Charles Jerome Peirce, was born on July 10, 1858, but he died the same day.) Lucy was born on December 26, 1859, and she died on August 8, 1946, at age 86. After Lucy grew up, she attended Howe High School in Billerica, Massachusetts, and earned a degree from Salem Normal School (now Salem State University) in Salem, Massachusetts. She never married and taught English and history in several high schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire for virtually the rest of her working life. She passed away on August 8, 1946, at age 86. NOTE 2: Jerome sent flowers or leaves to Lulu somewhat regularly as mentioned in his letters. Seven of those mementos have survived and were enclosed in the envelopes with letters received by the National Park Service. The first of these is dated November 30, 1862, and the last is dated May 1, 1864, just a few days before he was killed. NOTE 3: “Aunt Mary” was Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Lulu, June 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Lulu Memphis, TN. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to 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 1863-06-14 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 4.99 X 8.13 10.16 X 8.13 4.99 X 8.13 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #128 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Memphis, TN. Allie Jerome Peirce Memphis TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/96ca47b9982140c83176358229c1f848.jpg 769af913e6536dc77eb9b9e2bd9a4db6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b381faf00079f283cc8bc5c9b3ff6fff.jpg f85090223fed83d2088a9eeef8d900c6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e00b040509df1c55de9eb628ad79daba.jpg 7bd9f993313e8d238ef796839cde58a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1dc045299926b5214f038e872225e26f.jpg cd698463e1b0f46cec5467210609a8e9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b80b9e0d7e902702809bfcc5eef7c0ca.jpg 32523a937bbf01ed0fe52e4550bf7bad https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e04265194e496550a85ac854dfba06fa.jpg 5231de166213ba5993863e5d6cac8592 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4104c6820830634d82d34cefc4709651.jpg b4fceed8c0ffad490151e8302e9d8db3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2886b3658298fcbc98333458ca3ae2e0.jpg 0c664856fee754ec5836efbcaa658891 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 Memphis Tenn. 13th June 1863 Ever dear wife, Still at the levee at M. [Memphis] and no move or indications of any. I am seated on the upper deck of the boat, comparatively quiet and now what shall I say to your dear self for my thoughts are constantly with you and I try constantly to see something to interest and cheer you now that I am so far from home. It is nearly dark and quite cool and but for the obstructions I should have a beautiful scene before me but alas for war! This P.M. a large steamer arrived from Vicksburg full of wounded soldiers and I have been having a long chat with the poor fellows and they are now being conveyed to the hospitals of this city, four hundred of them and we treated many of them to lemonade and such things as were acceptable from the vendors who swarm on the boat. They are a noble set of men from Wisconsin and Ind’a [Indiana] regts. and are from the battle at “Cha[m]pion Hill” the 16th of May. It is remarkable how cheerful and resigned these wounded are for the most part, thinking more of what was accomplished than their hurts. Surely, what should we think if we did not feel that some great good was to come of it all. I have thus spoken of this sad scene freely hoping that we shall yet be spared the dread ordeal of a like scene, but trusting it must come, we can be resigned. It certainly gives me fresh courage to witness such cheerfulness and bravery, added to the two months of wearisome waiting and marching which all declare is worse than actual conflict. It has been a stirring day. A little before noon we were marched off on the levee, waited over an hour to enable them to cleanse the boat, a thing badly needed and it looked nice to be once more on a clean deck. Had a nice bath in the river while out and having a new suit, pants and shirt you may judge I feel ‘huge’. A “halt” for tonight, Allie, and I must tell you how a man with an empty sleeve in citizens dress came up and says “Where you from?” as we replied “from Mass [Massachusetts]” “What! Still further back still.” He is a fine wide-awake son of Erin from Ills. [Illinois] and lost his arm at Lexington, Missouri, when Col. Muligan fought so bravely. A chat ensued and a shake of his other hand. Owns a fine place in Olney, Ills. [Illinois], where we stopped on the [???]. Just now, Ben E. came up and ‘tis growing dark, so will close by telling you I eat bread and molasses and coffee with Ben tonight. Will mail tomorrow. Good night. Sunday morning 6 o’clk. Ben and I have just finished our “toilet”. He brought his “traps” up last eve. and are now quartered together as his place below was by the engine and not so clean and pleasant. Geo. E. is on the other side of me. Sabbath morning and how difficult our situations! Don’t know as I shall attempt to go ashore for I like to move about as little as possible catching all the rest I can. I have plenty of good reading. Had a long chat with Ben before we got to sleep about our marches and his life in Kansas etc. etc. He will [send] a letter to you in this which will compensate for my shortcomings and no doubt you appreciate it. In the mean time I am going to write a letter to darling little Lulu. Dear little thing. I feel rebuked when I think that I have not tried harder to say something to her but I always try to send some[thing] she can touch and handle as a token and that after all is what children remember by. There appears to be little news this morn. Mailed you a St. Louis paper yesterday, will send you the Memphis Bulletin today. Have been to breakfast and the sun is stealing to “our side” and I must close for this time. Another boat is in this morn. from V [Vicksburg]. They think we will go to the Yazoo River and say there is more troops at V [Vicksburg] than can land. If we go to the Yazoo district, I shall try and find out something about the Wymans. All accounts agree that Vicksburg is all right. Noon. Incidents multiply. Had finished your letter and the order came to go ashore and the boat soon moved up about half a mile to an island thickly wooded with the cottonwood. They grow up very tall and symmetrical and resemble the poplar or popple and they emit a strong odor much like tobacco. I send you a leaf or two from the tree in maturity. I carry a whole tent and Ben and I occupy it and both writing. Had a nice bath and the scene is quite pleasant, quite a Sabbath picnic. Nice just to let the men shake themselves. The U.S. Mail Boat is just in and we hope for news from home. Shall wait awhile before mailing this. Shall be here a few hours and then return to our old quarters and still “wait for orders”. Dear Allie, Ben has just read his letter to you and I am so pleased that you can have a little of the funny! I am sadly deficient you know in that line. We do enjoy so much and you may judge when I tell you we are beginning to share letters somewhat. I hope you will [???] his suggestion to call at his father’s and by all means not be jealous at anything he has written. It is becoming exceedingly warm now and our “arousing” in the form of a tent is a timely institution. You will, of course, read and “deliver” Lulu’s letter. In future I shall try and write her more frequently. Has Abbie returned to C. [Charlestown] and is she well? Am so eager for a mail. And now as Ben is writing to “his Amy” I shall attempt reading. Ever remaining your loving Jerome No instructions yet about directing letters so you will send to Cin’ti [Cincinnati] (instead of Louisville). All accounts agree that the negroes are splendid fighters and vast numbers. Have written to Billerica and Foster’s folks. No mail yet since last Sunday at Lebanon, Ky. Hope to receive one soon. Remember me to Albert and family and friends and love abundantly from your loving husband Jerome Transcriber’s Note: This letter also included a pass that Jerome had received earlier. It consists of a piece of blue paper with the following text. On the front side: Camp Dick Robinson, Ky. April 16th 1863 Color Corp. Jerome Peirce has permission to be absent from camp until 4 P.M. C. Sawyer, Capt. Co. H. 36 M. [Massachusetts] Vol. [Volunteers] Granted Henry Bowman, Col. Transcriber’s Note: On the reverse side (in Jerome’s handwriting): Allie. To show how we get out. The Col.’s autograph and Capt. S.’s. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Battle of Champion Hill, fought May 16, 1863, was the pivotal battle in the Vicksburg Campaign. Union Army commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee pursued the retreating Confederate States Army, under Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton and defeated his army twenty miles to the east of Vicksburg, Mississippi, leading inevitably to the Siege of Vicksburg and the surrender by the Confederate Army on July 4, 1863. NOTE 2: The Ben E. 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 3: 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 4: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 13, 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 1863-06-13 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 6.81 X 4.45 6.24 X 9.31 11.21 X 9.32 6.23 X 9.21 6.25 X 9.15 6.18 X 9.18 9.05 X 6.35 8.91 X 6.19 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #127 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Memphis, TN. Allie Jerome Peirce Memphis TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d98769a2b5a79441133e746bf2cbfb73.jpg 0e4d867b0f5690918a6e2638724ec352 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6343426836cdf887be5fd5e17651c59b.jpg 63b70db53e416be7ad3eec3e3a356c31 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e015d3ec96a141b12fd94640c8f8a9ca.jpg f91ab582e0c8696320f6ffc4ad38ac44 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fdff0f5bffd0976e89b0797553f5a47c.jpg a2e60ba37c377ca9f9c0f7fa59460c65 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/de5a869d8abd3b2a15f6f7cdf0a7e782.jpg d4656fc47fc4e52e9bce771e6f469f7e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f0cf304503fa1577540c8f2f8eec64ee.jpg b93f93c59e74b8b9e38183fe15432b9d 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 Cairo Ills. [Illinois] Wedns Morn 10 June/63 Ninth A. C. [Army Corps] 1st Brigade 36th M. [Massachusetts] Vols. [Volunteers] Arrived here from Louisville about midnight last night 9th. Remained in the [railroad] cars till about 2 o’clk when we were ordered off for the boat. Went on board and after looking in vain for anything like a covering, sought the upper deck where wrapped in tents and blankets, fell asleep, not however till the rain began to fall and daylight revealed a wet spot or so. Looked about awhile and made a cup of coffee in the furnace and had a kind of breakfast. Wrote to wife and went to the P. O. Had a walk however on the street and made a few purchases, clothing, reading matter, etc. A muddy, sunken, miserable looking place as we had expected. A landlocked bay with thick woods and little appearance of the mouth of the great Ohio, or its greater “father” the Mississippi, but all will be revealed in time. No signs of starting, delay on acct [account] of baggage and rations. Signs of clearing off. Our trip here was one continual ovation, Ind. [Indiana] and Ills. [Illinois]. A fine country and many flourishing towns. Seymour, Washington, Salem, Clay City, Centralia, Flora and others, Du Quoin, in each of which there was a general turnout and old and young seemed bent upon the most generous attention and hospitality, while “good things”, bouquets, billets, etc. etc. etc. were showered into the cars. The prairies are very striking, such vast fields with scarcely a tree, but fine feed, corn, wheat, and stock of cattle, horses and hogs, while every house seemed to have its dozen more of less of the human species making altogether a flourishing scene and presages some support and care of the Union when the troubled times are over. God grant us a more thorough nationality! Have almost “skipped” Louisville Ky., a flourishing and beautiful city. Marched thru some of the finest streets at daylight and admired the broad streets, fine warehouses, churches and hotels. It looks pretty from the river. Jeffersonville, on the Ind. [Indiana] side of the river where we take cars for C. [Cairo] is decidedly a “one horse” place. Mississippi River Near Memphis Tenn. Thurs P.M. June 11 1863 My dearest Wife, Alonzo tells me he shall make an effort to mail letters at M. [Memphis] and so I add a few lines to this, which I began yesterday morn. after coming on board the boat. I have little to add as steamboat travelling is very monotonous. My impressions of the great river are not fully realized. ‘Tis not so vast as I expected in width, but when we think of its length and the vast floods it receives from the whole country, ‘tis a mighty stream. The banks are generally low and covered with thick woods, cottonwoods and others of greater size. We have seen Columbus and “Island No. 10” famous as Rebel strongholds, the first on a fine bluff and looks formidable. We were “brought to” by a shot across the bow at C. [Cairo] which of course made a little stir but we only had to report! Fort Pillow passed a short time ago. Expect to reach M. [Memphis] this eve. where the boat will stop awhile but we go to Vicksburg and of course I cannot tell what is before us. Today we met a boat [that] reported heavy fighting there and a great battle last Sunday at Haynes Bluff near V. [Vicksburg]. We expect the “Ninth” [Ninth Army Corps] has work before it and I can only commend you to the “good being” who sees even a sparrow’s fall, as has some end in view for good. I am feeling as well as ever again and trust you are in [good] health. The boat is much crowded and weather has been showery and altho somewhat exposed I seem to escape colds and as yet perceive not bad effects from the change of climate. Amuse ourselves mostly in reading. Have begun Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and most every man has something of the kind, or writing. Don’t know when we shall receive mail. Desire one very much. We are now approaching a hostile country and everything is quite uncertain, but trust all will end for the best. Mailed a letter from Cairo. Hope you will receive it. I need not tell you that I wander about deck and think much, oh how much, of you, Lulu and the dear ones at home and a thousand loved scenes come to mind and what the end is to be. I think I can say I have no sinking [feeling] but rather feel more resolute and calm in view of the great blessing to one land which a victory and proper settlement will bring and as the magnitude of the times present themselves, I am proud to bear a humble part and I have full faith that whatever my part or fate may be, my dear ones will not be forgotten. Do not think [too] seriously of what I say but you would deem it strange in me if I was not impressed somewhat with the sense of the future and you will receive these words accordingly. The “boys” are all well and in good spirits, very quiet and orderly and altho general liberty of the town was allowed at C. [Cairo], our Regt. behaved exceedingly well. I enclose a rose from a bouquet given us on the road in Ills. [Illinois] as a little memento. Will mail you Lulu’s paper thrown into the [railroad] cars also. I am writing this in the saloon of the boat where officers and men are in common, writing, playing cards, etc. etc. Have amused myself a little while today in sewing together my “Shakespeare” in pamphlet form. It is now in “4 vols.” as the binding broke from rough usage in knapsack, writing paper for covers, making it very pretty to handle and lighter. I mention these little things that you may form an idea of how time passes. I have written a mixed letter putting my thoughts as they come and here they are not apt to flow in order. Cannot tell when I can mail again. Will not fail at every opportunity. To friends, as ever, and your own loving husband. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: Fort Pillow is best remembered for the Battle of Fort Pillow. That battle, also known as the Fort Pillow massacre, was fought on April 12, 1864, at Fort Pillow on the Mississippi River in Henning, Tennessee. The battle ended with the massacre of African-American Union troops and their white officers attempting to surrender, by soldiers under the command of Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest. NOTE 3: Charles Dickens’ novel “Great Expectations” was written in 1861. 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 10-11, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Cairo, IL. Memphis, TN. 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 1863-06-10 1863-06-11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.85 X 4.47 6.41 X 9.25 11.43 X 9.44 6.59 X 9.41 6.23 X 9.15 11.14 X 9.22 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 #126 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cairo, IL. near Memphis, TN. Allie Cairo IL Jerome Peirce Memphis TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/318cb0527ba078ed122b94ec52b63112.jpg 9aaaa5f6a99546995c6247781b45267e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/99efdec66e7b7d9bc1cf581f203977fb.jpg 4c5ae0e1e0f8e3c3d73bb365fc1fa8ec https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/adeb3dca71762815eb287dee5330f624.jpg 8eedd7b07fa543adc93b3773f8a779bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/42b39977f7c2ea2761f203671dfb9bb7.jpg 2dd73d388c5ae2387e3040cabb686b64 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 Cairo Ill. Wedns 10 June /63 My ever dear Allie, Early morning on board a crowded dirty steamboat, all noise. I am crowded behind a door on a knapsack and so send a message to you. My last [letter was] from Louisville in the depot. Left there about 9 o’clk a.m. Monday. Arrived here last night and laid in the cars till about 2 o’clk and have slept on the upper deck and in the rain but rubber blankets have saved me and I am happy to tell you I am very well and improving being relieved from marching. Expect we are going to Memphis, Miss., as Bragg is threatening it and we may go to Vicksburg. This is all I can divine or learn. Expect to be on board till Sunday. Oh, for a quiet repose in a good camp for a few days! Distance grows between us, dear wife, but Heaven keeps all and so let us trust, if I can only keep well, I have no fears and I shall do my very best. Should like to give you an account of our journey through the country, so different from Ken’y [Kentucky]. ‘Twas a perfect ovation. Everybody old and young came to see and welcome us and all sorts of good things freely given and “good speeds” from everybody. One gentleman says “Our folks here have fallen quite in love with you Eastern troops. One kind lady, as I mentioned our life in Ky., says, tears coming to her eyes and choking up, “My poor son died in Ky. They didn’t treat him very well!” Another lost a husband at Murfreesboro. All reminds one of the dreadful scourge upon us. I don’t know about mailing this. Shall enclose a sum, as much as I can. Wish I could more but we’re a good ways from home. Our Regt. is on board the “Meteor” and the “hands” say she is going to Memphis. Went on to the street and bought one nice flannel shirt, cost $2.00, much like the ones you made, a pencil, a nice one, and a little reading matter. Made me a cup of coffee in the furnace and feel nicely. Excuse this poor fumbled affair but I can hardly keep my thoughts, so much confusion and din, but my thoughts are ever with you and the dear friends at home and so tell them. Have a little paper for Lulu, will send now or some future time, some pretty little pictures just to keep her in mind of her Papa. Tell her I saw a great many little girls on the way and gave them some sugar plums for her sake. Alonzo is well and busy all the time and his is a hard duty when we are thus moving. Shall not write much till we arrive in camp but tell the friends for the present. Don’t know when I shall hear from you. Am afraid not till we arrive in camp. Corpl. Whipple of Worcester, a good friend, is closing a letter and we will go to the office together, as the boat is waiting for baggage. As ever your loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Although the letter clearly mentions Memphis, Mississippi, Jerome might have meant Memphis, Tennessee, the site of a significant naval battle on June 6, 1862. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in some of his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: Albert B. Whipple enlisted as a Corporal from Worcester, Massachusetts, at age 27. He was promoted to Sergeant on May 12, 1864. He was severely wounded in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864, and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps (V.R.C.) on December 19, 1864, as the result of the wounds he had received. 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 10, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Cairo, IL. 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 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 1863-06-10 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.54 X 4.4 6.02 X 8.71 10.48 X 8.86 6.05 X 8.76 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 #125 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cairo, IL. Allie Cairo IL Jerome Peirce