15 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/52f432003d3a53c293ba52773a41566f.jpg 9792db2616c31bc66e8f085cc3c2d327 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6c3233d5af2545b3a3eef66368eaa5b2.jpg 442b7fbb73e0769e451d4330947d8f90 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7654591e951311f004464e650322808.jpg ff3fdcc966f3071bd9bd22077911ee0b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8b81791016f705fd32aadee12a663a59.jpg f34f3841e6a1fe4a15513d8047cf5bf8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2a4c5ddcc0290dd2dc42cfd5b2066bcb.jpg 7a6f5de8edb492b2cde93c1ea354f993 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/58b13f114a245918c8281ad51d69a198.jpg 3b809fd02815f2de1327756ce1862451 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/947538fbb44ab215a2cff5b2503b55df.jpg 657603148a4e962fed60fa74ad05f043 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9c0f7e87c090fbcb7e6bcd7a349f134f.jpg 1fc135fc7da04412ed878ae6e85550e7 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 Central R. Road, 8 miles from Jackson, Sunday Morning 19 July 1863 My dearest Allie, Since my last another change, and move, and I send a few lines altho’ don’t know when it will be mailed. I wrote you last, last Wedns. that night about 10 o’clk and all the men remaining in camp able to do duty were detailed for Picket duty. “Color Guard” and all, so we remained about a mile from Camp till dark Thurs Eve. I was on the “Reserve”, and did nothing but act as one of an “escort” to Col. Lasine who came by to visit his Brigade on the extreme left of our lines. Another incident, while we were gone, the rebs threw 32 lb. solid shot into our Camp so you see the protecting hand over me. Fri. morning. Great cheering on the Right! and behold, Jackson is evacuated!! The Rebs have skedaddled, and our boys are in the City, and ransacking and even burning a portion of the City and dense columns of smoke roll up and the boys come pouring into Camp with various trophies, and sugar, any amount. Well, it is the state of the Arch Traitor himself, and no mercy, altho’ the guards try to protect, as much as possible. I did not leave Camp, as I never do, or very seldom. Pack up and start is the word and about 11 o’clk, we moved off for “Grant’s Ford” on the Pearl River to intercept the rebs. Marched some ten miles and rested while the Pioneers went forward to build a bridge. But soon came the order (Sat. morn) to move, and we went “across [???]” at this point where we arrived last eve just before dark, some ten miles from yesterday morning’s Camp. It is expected we leave today for somewhere, we hope “up the river.” From all accounts the Rebel Army is demoralized and dispersed, and news keeps coming of successes, which we receive with caution. This morning, “they say,” Charleston, S.C. is ours! Well, my Allie, can you realize what a tiresome, busy time we’re having? Our stop near J.[Jackson???] gave me an opportunity of [???] up as I had lacked appetite for some days before, but altho’ “hard tack” is scarce (we’ve been on “half rations” since we came here) we have an abundance of fresh meat, (as they drive the cattle along and butcher every night), and we manage to procure plenty of corn, and roast or boil it, and a few potatoes. The change proved an excellent thing for me, and I am feeling as well as I have at any time. We are now camped beside the railroad, on a level plain with thick grass and woods on the rear. It is cloudy and cool and very comfortable. Now there are many questions I ought to answer. I have written to Dan P.[,] Jamestown. Had a letter from Bowen a few days since. Said it had been received but they couldn’t make him (Dan) write his friends. Did not speak very encouraging[ly] of him (D). Had a nice letter from Charles Smith on Fri. when we got in from Picket. Tell him I got the “Liberator” (Garrison‘s Papers) while on the Morgan scout in Ky. I have every reason to believe I receive, “after a while”, all my mail matter and what a comfort. But, now we are constantly on the move, and get very tired and cannot write all I desire to. You will readily see the state of the [???]. Jos. H. came to see me yesterday. He is well, but has been “driven to death” of late is driving for the 79th N.Y. Regt. 3rd Brigade (we’re the 1st). Said he had had no time to write home for many days. I try, and do write his folks as often as I can. He is all right and well and more manly than ever. Wrote to Billerica on a day or two ago. I write them regularly. Shall write to Foster’s family again soon, wrote them just before we crossed the “Big Black.” Am delighted with the photographs of Kate and Ellen, excellent. Wish I had your own. Of Alonzo, he is well, and bears his work finely and I see him almost every hour. So, his friends can consider him as well, up and doing and rides a fine “bay” horse, and yesterday had a pretty “bouquet” hanging to his sword hilt, where obtained I know not. Well, Allie, I must close for now for I want to wash up and get some water for our canteen, so to be ready. Here is a sketch of my shelter this morning. Here you see me, rubber blanket pitched with guns and sticks and so with you a Kiss adieu Jerome P.S. There are some pretty flowers here. Prairie flowers. The purple fade[s] out if I attempt to press them. I enclose some pink, very pretty, as they look in the field. Hope they reach you in good condition. J[Jerome] We think it a good joke feeding on Jeff’s Corn. P.S. 2nd Noon The men have come in and we go to Jackson this P.M. Have just got hold of a book by Mary Howitt for children which I shall try and send home to Lulu, a pretty book with pictures. ‘Twas got at Jackson. Don’t say much for I may have to leave it. Had boiled corn, peach sauce and meat for dinner. Rumor says, five of Johnson’s Regts. came in and gave themselves up today. A mail is awaiting us at J. [Jackson]. Very hot today. Transcriber’s Note: This is the end of page 6. The text does not seem to follow. Perhaps some text is missing. The following is the start of page 7. And Capt. S. is hardly expected to recover. Oh, it is a sad time, but as you said in yours, before this, I am in the hands of the good father and so far have been spared marvelously, for I am quite, yes, very well indeed, only a little weak, and languid from the heat, but appetite is good. I rode on teams [of horses], and had my things carried the last two days. Did not allow myself to get fatigued. Now, I hope we will soon be further North and I shall take a furlough the first favorable chance. Dear little Lulu. I thought she was in perfect health! Do take care of her, perhaps the salt water air will be good for her. I send her some little pictures from the “S.[Sabbath] School Gazette”. Allie, this is a poor scrawl but have got much to attend to today, for we are all in a poor condition. after the long, dusty marches. I have often told you not to be alarmed at my long silence, so I trust you have not been so. I have always tried to keep my letters to you often and regular but it was impossible to do differently this time. Thanks to sister Abbie for the contents of her letter. Yours, once more, and ever Jerome P.S. Ben E. [Edmands] has come in, and brought some ripe figs! Delicious! I wish you could taste! Says he hopes he will not do anything to influence me to your grief. Sends regards. 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 19, 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 1863-07-19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 7 X 4.25 6 X 9 11.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #142 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Eight miles from Jackson, MS. Allie Jackson MS Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/72e38511dd391074cccf43aa7919ee53.jpg cc464a58185a898b84f0a85fdf7a4abe https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e8b1633dbea89117cce7689c80d6f3ae.jpg 05708a8f4e3baca9213928f0b02ff832 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 Wedns 22nd [July 1863] My dear Allie, Early morning. No chance to mail this so I add a line. A hot tiresome march from the R [Rail] Road to the old camp and then on Monday morn. and Tuesday to this place, Big Black River, on our way to Vicksburg where we expect to take transfers for the North at some point on the Ohio [River]. A sad, terrible march for the men, many dying on the way of exhaustion and dysentery, but I am still preserved in excellent health. Obtained a little help by a ride on J.H.’s team yesterday P.M. and expect to jog on early today. I need not tell you how welcome your letter of the 6th July from Billerica, reading as while halting for dinner and everything seems more and more to the crushing out of the rebellion “right soon”. The North seems at last awake and things this way are decidedly “all up” for the rebels and their cause and the prisoners taken all curse the whole thing and wish an end. ‘Twas a Mass. [Massachusetts] Regt. [Regiment] that planted the flag at Jackson [Mississippi]. The 35th [Massachusetts] Regt. made a charge into the city. No more now. Shall mail this the first opportunity. A thousand thanks for Frank’s photograph! Fri. 24th Dear Allie, At the old camp scene Milldale! and no opportunity to mail this and just now it is announced that no more mail can go yet as I expect we leave for the transports to go up the river. We may rest a day or two. I cannot tell you half I wish to but I keep writing a little that it may reach you sometime. This morn. yours of the 9th July came, also Abbie’s of the same date and a “Register”. We long to get home and settle near together with other young friends of ours. No, Allie, give me dear Old Mass. We’ve had a terrible sad time in this Jackson [Mississippi] campaign, and I cannot write you the scenes of marching. Young Bliss of Orange is now lying dead a little way from me to be buried today. Died last night from brain fever. I saw him in the eve. and how I felt for his friends! He was a faithful soldier and a good boy and will find rest. He was [a] brother, you know, to Maria Bliss, the teacher. We have lost two others from our Co. [Company]… TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter is apparently not complete, with a section or page missing at the end. NOTE 2: The “J.H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: Augustus E. Bliss enlisted on August 4, 1862, at age 18 from Orange, Massachusetts. The Unit History confirms that he died from disease on July 24, 1863, at Milldale, Mississippi. The 1860 U.S. Census shows that Maria was a sister of Augustus, two years older than he, and that their father was a farmer in Orange. Augustus Bliss and Jerome enlisted on the same day and likely were friends even before they enlisted. 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 22-24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie 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 1863-07-22-24 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 6.45 X 9.25 6.45 X 9.25 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #142A Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Big Black River, Camp at Milldale, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Milldale MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8ec5374cb32e77e61a61b732ab8004ba.jpg 467561889cfbb4a8d50af5a37c2fa42c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7f7eff54ce7270f36b8521b3b23403e.jpg 4ab7bbd713b67493fbdc3dd5fa803eb3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f83360ad990f60fc2950b816fce2de56.jpg a6d0fb125ee19e99c0b98132f30add7d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2e3451e12a9156a55cc4ccd70bc21205.jpg 1509f4a4518559822092def27570af74 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0ce21af20e37b2bf5f1702592f739ed5.jpg 3dd7dc9153b39535429eec5b95d833b9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3f6c0bf56db20cf141d946fe03208b5a.jpg c0d66a37758d8b995eff4d58b122ab15 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6b8ec50b5ec7596122cf9e246cef86f4.jpg a45b01cae41f442ff09dacbe74cd33f1 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 New Milldale, Missi[ssippi] Sunday P.M. July 26th 1863 My ever dear Wife, How shall I tell you the relief I feel to be again quietly in camp and to get breath that is not tainted with either dust or gunpowder? We left here the P.M. of the 4th and ever since it has been one incessant strain on the strength and you will receive some hasty account of it perchance taken at different places. We went for work in light marching order. “Ruf and ready” was the word every moment. Well, it is another Sabbath, a lovely one, quite warm this A.M., but now P.M., we are having a gentle cooling shower. Fri[day] I had just closed your last letter and marked a headboard for poor Buxton when the order came, “Detailed for the Varioloid Hospital!” I trust you will not be alarmed at this for I am in good health and constantly in the open air with plenty of means to bathe and take every precaution and I have no fears, but shall try and do my best for the poor fellows. I tell you just how things are and we must trust to the same good hand that has led me so far in health and safety. Capt. Hastings of Co[mpany] ‘I’ is the chief, having just recovered from a light case. A most excellent, genial and Christian man. H.C. Woodward is the other and we three are the “attendants”. The ‘Hospital’ is nothing more or less than our shelter tents pitched high up from the ground and about fifty rods from the camp near the woods, a very pleasant spot. Yesterday the patients, fifteen in number, were removed and [the] orders came to cleanse and clean up so P.M. was a busy time. Expected the regt. was to move (Dr. Tyler is here talking) but, lo, this noon came a fresh case from Co. ‘C’ and when the thing will end we don’t know. We are having an easy time at present and yesterday got our “Descriptive List”, a doc[ument] which enables us to draw our pay wherever we may be and what all detailed men receive. On the whole, after such a road-weary time as I have had of late, I feel quite as well off and yet we all desire first and last to get back north. But we must wait, wait patiently, for the end and am I not having an experience? How much I could tell you if I could only be with you, that I cannot even think of. I think of much when on the march or when in my tent abed and I think I will surely speak of that in my next [letter] and then when duties come, all’s gone. Abbie tells me, and you too mentioned it, that Aunt Wyman has passed on. Well she is at rest. I fear I shall never have any opportunity to see any of her relatives about Yazoo City as we shall doubtless leave here as soon as the case will allow and [as] for the Rebels in this state, they seem to be scattered to the four winds. It is a strange scene here at Jackson. I mentioned how the soldiers “foraged”, “confiscated” ([in] polite terms!). All along the country you see books among other things. A man will take them a little ways and get tired and away it goes for the next one. Fine libraries seem to be the great thing with the first classes here, and choice books are easily obtained. I am now writing on a copy of Mrs. Hemans poems, same edition that sister Kate has. Shall try and get it home but hardly expect to. Got Lulu’s book in the same way. We have a stray vol[ume] of the Waverly Novels, fine large edition. Also Sparks’ “American Biography” and so on. Account books, letters, Masonic records, etc. etc. without number, [are] scattered through the camps. And such is war! May I never participate in another! But what of home and all the dear ones there? And what of the public affairs? We have had glowing accounts of the fighting in Penn[sylvania] and a victory over Lee and then comes a “modification”. How we pray that he may be totally destroyed and an end come to this most wicked affair. To stand at the graves of our boys and think of it, the heart aches. Poor [Augustus] Bliss. I seldom or never felt so sad towards one who was not a relative. He was beautiful in death, fair as marble but, oh, the aching hearts at home. He was always dutiful and prompt and kept clear of the vices of Army life but his work is nobly done and it is well. He lies nearby at the edge of the woods where the birds are singing and noble trees wavering over him. We have one of our Co. down with the varioloid, a severe case, Corpl. Sawin of Westminster, another fine fellow. But I was talking about home and I need not tell you how much my mind dwells there and if we remain quietly here by the sick how eagerly the mail will be watched. No excitement of the march, nothing but frailty for companions, as the men don’t come here any more than possible, of course. I was much surprised and grieved at Dr. Willis’ death and he must be a great loss to the community and we feel as tho a friend had gone. The funeral services here are necessarily simple and brief. A rough box is all for a coffin. The chaplain recited an appropriate Psalm and prayer and slowly the ‘boys’ move back to camp and all of earth is closed with the weary soldier boy! But I am growing tired and perhaps sad. I have spoken freely, Allie, because I know you will wish to know the truth and will have the fortitude to bear all. War and its horrors are a family theme now and many shadows are abroad all over our land, and we must look at and keep a hopeful spirit. I feel that I am being schooled, for what I cannot tell. I hope to receive another mail before we leave here. Shall feel very anxious to hear from you and about Lulu. Give her a kiss for Papa. Tell her I shook hands with a little Mississippi girl the other day. She was very pretty. We were resting beside the road at “Cameron’s Plantation” (the last halt) and she came out with her father, for she looked like him. Could not quite understand her name but it sounded like On-lulu. Told her she had shaken the hand of a Mass. man and her father said the one she loved best, next, of course, to her parents, was a Mass. lady from Fall River, who was her teacher but [she] returned home when the war commenced. Told [her] of my little Lulu but she went bounding off after her papa. I sent you in my last (of last Fri[day] 24th) Mr. Gerry’s poem in dialogs between mother and child with some little cuts from the same paper. Tell Abbie and other friends I will write soon. Excuse the looks. Campaigning is hard on writing materials. Ben E. is well. Shall not see much of him for the present. Now, Allie, keep up good heart and don’t let imagination add perils. Danger in some form is our lot and I have become used to it. Shall take the best care of myself possible and write as often as I can. Give love to all. Have not seen Alonzo for two days. Accept with the entire love of your husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The following excerpt from the Unit History (Page 71) describes the conditions in the Regiment toward the end of July 1863. “On July 23rd at eleven o’clock AM, after a match of fourteen miles, [we] arrived at the old camp at Milldale. The condition of the regiment at this time was miserable indeed. Sixteen cases of small-pox and varioloid, three being officers, were under treatment, and the regimental hospital was filled with sick. The adjutant’s morning report of July 24th was as follows: 6 offices and 98 men present sick, 63 men absent in hospitals, and 25 officers and 343 men present for duty. It was a season of general depression among all, and the only thing to relieve the gloom was the prospect of a speedy departure for the North, an event most anxiously awaited and desired.” NOTE 2: In reference to Jerome making a headboard for “poor Buxton,” the Unit History states that Charles W. Buxton died of disease on July 23, 1863. He had enlisted at age 18 from Phillipston, Massachusetts, as a Private and was assigned to Company H, the same company that Jerome served with. NOTE 3: The term “varioloid” was a common 19th century name for smallpox, but in the following century, the term would be used more specifically to describe milder forms of the disease that occurred in previously vaccinated individuals. Smallpox was a devastating disease. On average, three out of every ten people who contracted it died. Those who survived were usually left with scars, which were sometimes severe, and some were left blind. The basis for vaccination began in 1796 when an English doctor, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had gotten cowpox did not show any symptoms of smallpox. However, widespread vaccinations did not occur until considerably later. During the Civil War, it was standard practice to physically separate the men who had contracted the disease in an area away from the main part of the camp to prevent its spread. NOTE 4: According to the Unit History, both of the other two “attendants” who worked with Jerome in the “Varioloid Hospital” died from illnesses not long after this letter was written. The exact causes of death are not specified in the Unit History; however, it is possible that they contracted smallpox while caring for the smallpox victims as described in this letter. “Capt. Hastings” was Christopher S. Hastings. He joined the Union Army at the relatively advanced age of 48 from Berlin, Massachusetts, on August 22. 1862. He died at the Mound City, Illinois, General Hospital on Sept. 8, 1863. According to the Unit History, “He was the senior officer, in years, in the regiment, and was universally respected. His age exempted him from military service, but he obeyed the instincts of patriotism and yielded his life at his country’s call. His fellow citizens bestowed upon him important trusts, which he fulfilled with rare fidelity. He was a brave, cheerful, patriotic man, winning the affection of men, who regarded him as a father.” “H.C. Woodward” was Hiram C. Woodward. He also enlisted at a relatively old age, i.e., 40, on July 31, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, and served in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, as did Jerome. He died on August 10, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. NOTE 5: The “Dr. Tyler” mentioned in this letter was Warren Tyler, who joined the Union Army from North Brookfield, Massachusetts, on August 21, 1862, as an Assistant Surgeon of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment. He resigned on October 20, 1863. He was subsequently appointed as an Assistant Surgeon in the 57th Massachusetts Volunteers Regiment, but he declined the commission. NOTE 6: Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793 - 1835) was an English poet. Her works appeared in nineteen books during her lifetime. After her death, they were republished widely, usually as collections of individual lyrics and not the longer, annotated works and integrated series that made up her books. NOTE 7: In writing about the “glowing accounts of the fighting in Pennsylvania and a victory over Lee,” he was referring to the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which resulted in a decisive Union victory on July 3, 1863. NOTE 8: Augustus E. Bliss enlisted as a Private at age 18 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease on July 24, 1863, at Milldale, Mississippi. NOTE 9: Harrison P. Sawin enlisted from Westminster, Massachusetts, at age 21. He died of disease on November 24, 1862, at Knoxville, Maryland. NOTE 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 26, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie New 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 1863-07-26 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 6.45 X 4.1 6.45 X 9.25 11.25 X 9.45 6.25 X 9.45 6.25 X 9.45 11.75 X 9.45 6.75 X 9.45 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #143 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New Milldale, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce New Milldale MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c54e39109aba35007eb83c257cc3e458.jpg 245de1c1280448f124cbc545b512479c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b899a4df7ca23785edd86f640595f4ac.jpg 3dd1a0b393982e72cb32ab36e86fd81a 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 Monday morning July 27th [1863] Last eve. after I closed yours, yours of 13th with one from Billerica came to hand and I was of course much interested in all your moves. Lulu is certainly a prize and I hope she will be as good a girl as she seems attractive. I think, as I before mentioned, that I have all your letters. The mail is sometimes delayed but it comes at last. I receive the “Register” regularly. I know the draft is making a stir but if the people expect to save and have a country, they must meet it, for those in the field are becoming weary and worn while others have remained with their loved ones at home and have we not such? I wish with all my heart that we were keeping house and could have cousin Lottie with us but it don’t seem so ordered but I trust she will find some pleasant and easy lot. My love to her. I suppose you have heard ere this the news from Orange. David Miller was shot dead at Port Hudson on picket. Dan’l. Mayo is crazy from [???]. Sad times. Jos. H. came to see me last eve. Had a drenching rain after I closed my letter last eve. and wet everything thru as my tent blew away. Your letter came thru in eight days being directed to Cairo. It seemed good to hear so lately. Must close as I am a little short of paper just now. Am not [sure] where I can buy any. (have plenty of money), but I shall get some by and by. Shall send with this my “diary”. Am keeping another which Alonzo gave me. [‘Tis] dirty and worn but you will see a little (what with my letters) I’ve been doing. Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The year that this letter was written is not indicated on the letter. However, a review of the calendars for 1862 through 1864 for which Mondays fell on May 27 shows that it must have been written in 1863. That conclusion is confirmed by a comparison of the contents of this letter versus the contents of the letters written before and after this one. 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. 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 27, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie New 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 1863-07-27 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 6.75 X 9.45 6.75 X 9.45 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #144 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 New Milldale, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce New Milldale MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/42ac80ca0d7c828457a401bd1b6f6cb4.jpg 93b55b59807941a7bfb674c7203c117d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f7884079befefe0005a947de04df0b5f.jpg 7e34b89f7f791f8fc1030c951be1d21a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/500e5a47d62da39aef72ef5a8c36d4d4.jpg 931fb949e3ae1a9b6eb8e256a9c16f9c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9643e995e8939db4641cd2dacd384bf7.jpg 3e6090f62a7829fae3234ebb778e0983 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 New Milldale, Miss. 30th July 1863 Ever dear Wife I must send you a few lines if not of interest or news except that I am well and having the quietest idlest possible time. Still at the hospital, but no new cases and the one remaining a light case and doing nicely. We hope the disease is permanently stayed and that we shall soon be relieved and on our way out of this land of heat and small afflictions, such as fleas, mosquitoes and flies which keep us fretting day and night. I am sitting at the door of my teak and mahogany table top resting on four sticks securing for a desk, your four last letters pressed under “Mrs. Hemans Poems” with writing paper, case of memorandum books, a tin plate etc. etc., making a shabby looking office. Woodward (Hiram) is lying down behind me. Nothing but the murmur of the camp and the twittering of birds serves to indicate the habitation of living things. ’Tis about 2 o’clk P.M. and all is silent enough. Still waiting for transports and today they say word has come by telegraph that they will be at the landing by tomorrow eve or Sat. morn. I only hope ‘twill prove true for we are entirely ready to leave this country where everything breathes of lassitude and silence. I think the sick generally are doing pretty very well. Capt. Sawyer has a fever. Can’t hear much about him but expect he too is gaining. He is a very nervous, excitable man which of course is not well for sickness. You spoke once that I did not say much about him of late. Well, my situation leaves me very little to do with the Co. having no duty only when the Regt moves, and I see but little of him when in such movements as of late having more to do with Capt. Smith of the Color Co. and the rest I will not speak of here, not but what we are entirely friendly as I don’t allow myself to be any other way, if possible with any of the officers but you know all men will not wear well or retain the nearest place for any long period. We’ve no officers of our own now Capt. S[mith] sick. Lieut. Howe dead. Lieut. Chipman of Co. A is commanding the Co. and Lieut. Sibley is second. My thoughts visit you in Billerica where I trust you are enjoying yourselves and in [good] health. Would I not fly to meet you if possible! No papers. Yes, I receive the Register, but no late papers and all news comes by hearsay or in letters, and it seems like being out of the world. Took a stroll out of camp more than a mile the other day. Got a few green apples for a fry that went nicely yesterday. Woodward got some corn, so we had boiled corn that was a treat. We lay here, read, chat, cook, write etc., so time goes. Heavy showers of lately and quite a cool breeze today. Suppose you’ve heard all about the sad times in Orange (No. [North]) David Miller’s death, Mayo’s insanity. Sad times! and then the draft. But let us hope for an early and peace and sunshine once more after a season. I do hope Joe will escape for he is so needed at home. Frank’s last letter is before me and this must serve for all as I am hard up somewhat for stationery, but if he must come, I trust some way will be provided and that they will be resigned, but I pray daily for a close and no trust, honor, commission would induce me to remain a day longer. Col. Bowman has resigned and returned with us. Had command of the brigade but I suspect a [???] took place somewhere in the Jackson expedition. What shall we say of those who escape by paying the draft? What do they think its effect on those in the field, throwing the work on the poor, hardy men who have house and dear ones as well as they? Some I can see some excuse for perhaps, but what can the volunteers think about it? I suppose everybody is off for the country. White, Hill etc. etc. Shall write Foster’s folks ere long. Have not seen Alonzo for a week. You must excuse this paper. It came out of an old record book and I found it in the woods, wet and soiled but ‘twill do for this time. Hope soon to be where I can purchase ink and paper, so I ventured Ink this time. If we move up the river don’t know when we shall receive a mail. Rec’d yours of the 13th with Mrs. Ellis’ and have answered it. Don’t say any more about going West, you take matters too seriously altogether. Your last came in eight days to C. Have been reading Lulu’s book and Mrs. Heman’s today. Shall try hard to send them home for her sometime. Love to each and all and as ever, Your own loving, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The mention of him being in the hospital refers to the fact that he had temporarily been assigned as a hospital steward to take care of smallpox patients according to a previous letter. NOTE 2: The following excerpt from the Unit History (Page 71) describes the conditions in the Regiment toward the end of July 1863. “On July 23rd at eleven o’clock AM, after a match of fourteen miles, [we] arrived at the old camp at Milldale. The condition of the regiment at this time was miserable indeed. Sixteen cases of small-pox and varioloid (See below), three being officers, were under treatment, and the regimental hospital was filled with sick. The adjutant’s morning report of July 24th was as follows: 6 officers and 98 men present sick, 63 men absent in hospitals, and 25 officers and 343 men present for duty. It was a season of general depression among all, and the only thing to relieve the gloom was the prospect of a speedy departure for the North, an event most anxiously awaited and desired.” NOTE 3: The term “varioloid” was a common 19th century name for smallpox, but in the following century, the term would be used more specifically to describe milder forms of the disease that occurred in previously vaccinated individuals. Smallpox was a devastating disease. On average, three out of every ten people who contracted it died. Those who survived were usually left with scars, which were sometimes severe, and some were left blind. The basis for vaccination began in 1796 when an English doctor, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had gotten cowpox did not show any symptoms of smallpox. However, widespread vaccinations did not occur until considerably later. During the Civil War, it was standard practice to physically separate the men who had contracted the disease in an area away from the main part of the camp to prevent its spread. NOTE 4: Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793 - 1835) was an English poet. Her works appeared in nineteen books during her lifetime. After her death, they were republished widely, usually as collections of individual lyrics and not the longer, annotated works and integrated series that made up her books. NOTE 5: Second Lieutenant Hiram C. Woodward enlisted at a relatively old age of 40 on July 31, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, and served in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, as did Jerome. He died on August 10, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, a few days before Jerome wrote this letter. He had been assigned temporarily with Jerome to work in the small smallpox hospital at an earlier camp. The “hospital” consisted of a regular tent physically located some distance away from the main camp to help minimize the spread of infection. NOTE 6: James B. Smith enlisted at age 23 from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was appointed Captain, Company K, on August 22, 1862. Smith was wounded at the Battle of Pegram Farm in Virginia on September 30, 1864, but was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864, as a Major. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel for “gallant and meritorious service.” NOTE 7: William L. Howe enlisted as a Private from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on January 30, 1863. Howe died of disease at Milldale, Mississippi, om July 7, 1863. NOTE 8: George L. Chipman enlisted at age 28 as a Second Lieutenant from Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on August 22, 1862, and served as Acting Adjutant from September 7, 1862, until December 10, 1862. Chipman resigned on October 23, 1863. NOTE 9: Frederick H. Sibley enlisted from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at age 24 as a Sergeant in the 15th Massachusetts Regiment on July 12, 1861, and was transferred as a Second Lieutenant to Company I of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. He was subsequently promoted to First Lieutenant on August 2, 1863. Sibley died in the U.S. General Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, of disease contracted during the Mississippi campaign on August 12, 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, July 30, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie New 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 1863-07-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Peter Rainey (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6 X 3.75 8 X 9 14.25 X 9 8 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 #145 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New Milldale, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce New Milldale 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/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/7cf87d4ff4f1cf44aca81845e65a7602.jpg 0873fa1c1b0b768dfc8d10706870413e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fe92e142f9095665170b665d2b863996.jpg b2f9a62c87834758a8ee369e0d857562 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0518df8d720d9cf5a6d553839439fca8.jpg 897e377da12fd7c4e4d5d6aab1a335c1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1e1085d13735220629d420489e5e9722.jpg e220c11c3c4d18d3c51ef52586fdb490 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Camp at Columbia June 1st, 1863 My dearest Wife, Once more quietly in camp! And how sweet it seems, after what has transpired for the last few days, to be quietly in my tent and send you another messenger. My last was written at our halt at Breedingsville. The first halt where I commenced the “Morgan Expedition” was Cadysville. It is quite hard to tell where you are here, the people have such a queer way of giving information. We remained at C. [Cadysville] till about 4 P.M. Sat., when the order came to march for our camp, at C. [Columbia], distance some 14 to 17 miles and we started off by a different road and at a rapid rate. Had not gone far when the distant thunder and sharp lightening denoted a shower approaching. We pushed on faster than ever, and while in the dense woods it broke upon us fearfully, and soon wetting us to the skin, almost in spite of our rubber blankets, and the roads must be seen to be appreciated! Mud deep and slippery, and with the stony unevenness made the most fatiguing affair we ever experienced. Halted about 7 o’clk to make coffee in an opening in the woods where a solitary log house received the officers, while we, in the wet. Continued to start a fire and soon had a steaming cup of what is to us the very elixir of life! Started off again in an hour, quite refreshed. A little more rain and finally it came out moonlight, and we pushed on, on through mud, up hill and down, stopping two or three times, till we reached the river near our camp, when we dashed in almost knee deep, and crept on under the rocky ledge, till we came to the road and the lights in camp told of hot coffee again! You folks at home can hardly realize the scene of that night thru the forest, two regiments and a battery of artillery, struggling thru the mud and over the breakneck road. Well, we finally got dried off a little and asleep. Yesterday, felt tired and lame but kept busy about little things, mending, a little washing. Towards eve. got a new pair of pants and fixed up, and called on the Adjt. [Adjutant] Alonzo, who stood all this bravely and seems improving on the work and in this case he had a hard time for ‘twas almost impossible for a horse to keep his feet, and a fall in his case, would have been very serious, but he is true metal and has a career before him. You should see his “Monthly Report,” [he was] making up last eve., neat and fine in every part. He is in fine spirits, and like all who have been absent, glad to be again with his Regt. There are indications that we will move towards “Cumberland Gap” before long, and we are ready any moment. An alarm was made last night about twelve, and pickets thrown out creating quite a stir in camp. Some Rebel spies running the pickets. Had a chat with some of Morgan’s gang our cavalry having captured eight while we were out at “Breedings[ville]”. They were merry fellows, well fed, and dressed in light or Kentucky brick colored fabric and most superbly mounted on stolen horses, which were of course taken from them and they [were] marched off to Gen. Welsh’s headquarters at C. [Columbia]. The 11th and 12th Ken. [Kentucky] Cavalry, with “Woolfert’s Rangers” are an institution here, and pick up a great many, as they come over the River (the Cumberland) to “forage.” They give us the name of being the fastest marchers that ever they saw and we are on the best of terms. Your letter with Mary’s and Mother’s done me much good, and I trust you will remain well and happy as possible. I am exceedingly glad that you are so “young” etc. and take my absence so well. I understand you, and so do the friends, so don’t put on any gloomy faces that folks may credit you with more feeling for your absent partner, for I am well and in good spirits, and that you are the same is a subject of rejoicing. It is very warm this morning but we [are] under great trees that would do you good to look on and a fine stream nearby for bathing, and this morning we had boiled ham for breakfast, a great treat. Pepper too is now a regular ration, and you would have been amused to see me making some “cunning” little bags to hold it, so I have a bag of black and red pepper, and a bottle of salt. Perhaps I have told you this many times. Had a nice chat with Ben E. [Edmands] last eve. and he left my tent, as I commenced this to write “his.” He was quite interested, as I was, in your little adventure with the good Irish Woman. Surely she has much to be thankful for, if a son of hers is still alive in the “Seventh”, a fighting regt. of the smartest kind. ‘Tis a sad thing of Aunt W’s grandsons but such is war. It seems to be thought here that Vicksburg is taken. The Col. had papers last eve. that seemed to leave no doubt of its capture. According to that [paper] five bloody battles were fought between Jackson, Miss. and V. [Vicksburg], when Pemberton surrendered unconditionally, with some 30,000 prisoners and 100 pieces of canon. But we’ve learned to temper our hopes, and “wait,” but I trust ‘tis true and “out West” you know they “go in to win.” Rec’d. papers yesterday, the Journal from Hattie with some pipe stem candy and confectionery is a treat here. You know I didn’t used to think much of it at home but like other things, it is a craving here. Don’t get much however. We are expecting to be paid off soon, and that is what brought us to camp I expect. Well Allie, how do you do? I can imagine you quite at home and happy at Albert’s. My best regards to them. How I would like to see my school day friend Maria and her two jewels! Surely, “time,” thou workest wonders! I fondly hope we shall be together by and by with the little ones together also, and then will we not have somewhat to speak of! Am quite recovered from the effects of the march. Shall write Billerica soon. Hope for a mail today and, if so, will add a word. A word to the friends as ever. A kiss and most affectionately your husband Jerome There is an endless variety of green leaves here but few flowers. I send a few to Maria. Those in the paper band are beech and black walnut. The others, I don’t know. Have just pinned a big “Beetle Bee” of most splendid golden hue. Shall go to Ben E. with it. He is “great” on natural curiosities of all sorts. My inkstand is a beauty. Came done up in a Program of Exercises of the Sabbath School Anniv’y [Anniversary] with Murray’s handwriting on it. Was it the one you sent? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Columbia, Kentucky, is located approximately 90 miles south-southwest of Lexington, Kentucky. Breedingsville and Cadysville, Kentucky, do not appear on today’s map of Kentucky. NOTE 2: Morgan's Raid (or Expedition) was a diversionary incursion by Confederate cavalry into the northern U.S. states of Indiana and Ohio during the Civil War. The raid took place from June 11–July 26, 1863, and is named for the commander of the Confederates, Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan. Although it caused temporary alarm in the North, the raid was ultimately classed as a failure. The raid covered more than 1,000 miles, beginning in Tennessee and ending in northern Ohio. It coincided with the Vicksburg Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign, and it was meant to draw U.S. troops away from these fronts by frightening the North into demanding their troops return home. Despite his initial successes, Morgan was thwarted in his attempts to re-cross the Ohio River and eventually was forced to surrender what remained of his command in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border. Morgan and other senior officers were kept in the Ohio state penitentiary, but they tunneled their way out and took a train to Cincinnati, where they crossed the Ohio River to safety. The activity described in this letter pertaining to Morgan’s “expedition” preceded what is now considered to be the timeframe of the main raid, i.e., June and July 1863, which Jerome would not have known about, of course, when he wrote this letter on June 1, 1863. The Unit History notes on Page 45 that at the end of May and in early June, “It was understood that we were in pursuit of Morgan’s guerillas.” NOTE 3: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 4: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. NOTE 5: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 6: The news of the surrender of Vicksburg by the Confederate army was premature, since the Confederates actually surrendered on July 4, 1863. Soon after this letter was written, the 36th Massachusetts moved to Vicksburg in support of the siege of that city. NOTE 7: Hattie was Allie’s younger sister. Her complete name was Harriet Walker Jaquith, and she was born in 1845. The information about her on ancestry.com indicates that she probably died in 1930. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.15 6 X 9 10.75 X 9 6 X 9 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #119 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/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