16 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/96ca47b9982140c83176358229c1f848.jpg 769af913e6536dc77eb9b9e2bd9a4db6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b381faf00079f283cc8bc5c9b3ff6fff.jpg f85090223fed83d2088a9eeef8d900c6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e00b040509df1c55de9eb628ad79daba.jpg 7bd9f993313e8d238ef796839cde58a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1dc045299926b5214f038e872225e26f.jpg cd698463e1b0f46cec5467210609a8e9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b80b9e0d7e902702809bfcc5eef7c0ca.jpg 32523a937bbf01ed0fe52e4550bf7bad https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e04265194e496550a85ac854dfba06fa.jpg 5231de166213ba5993863e5d6cac8592 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4104c6820830634d82d34cefc4709651.jpg b4fceed8c0ffad490151e8302e9d8db3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2886b3658298fcbc98333458ca3ae2e0.jpg 0c664856fee754ec5836efbcaa658891 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Memphis Tenn. 13th June 1863 Ever dear wife, Still at the levee at M. [Memphis] and no move or indications of any. I am seated on the upper deck of the boat, comparatively quiet and now what shall I say to your dear self for my thoughts are constantly with you and I try constantly to see something to interest and cheer you now that I am so far from home. It is nearly dark and quite cool and but for the obstructions I should have a beautiful scene before me but alas for war! This P.M. a large steamer arrived from Vicksburg full of wounded soldiers and I have been having a long chat with the poor fellows and they are now being conveyed to the hospitals of this city, four hundred of them and we treated many of them to lemonade and such things as were acceptable from the vendors who swarm on the boat. They are a noble set of men from Wisconsin and Ind’a [Indiana] regts. and are from the battle at “Cha[m]pion Hill” the 16th of May. It is remarkable how cheerful and resigned these wounded are for the most part, thinking more of what was accomplished than their hurts. Surely, what should we think if we did not feel that some great good was to come of it all. I have thus spoken of this sad scene freely hoping that we shall yet be spared the dread ordeal of a like scene, but trusting it must come, we can be resigned. It certainly gives me fresh courage to witness such cheerfulness and bravery, added to the two months of wearisome waiting and marching which all declare is worse than actual conflict. It has been a stirring day. A little before noon we were marched off on the levee, waited over an hour to enable them to cleanse the boat, a thing badly needed and it looked nice to be once more on a clean deck. Had a nice bath in the river while out and having a new suit, pants and shirt you may judge I feel ‘huge’. A “halt” for tonight, Allie, and I must tell you how a man with an empty sleeve in citizens dress came up and says “Where you from?” as we replied “from Mass [Massachusetts]” “What! Still further back still.” He is a fine wide-awake son of Erin from Ills. [Illinois] and lost his arm at Lexington, Missouri, when Col. Muligan fought so bravely. A chat ensued and a shake of his other hand. Owns a fine place in Olney, Ills. [Illinois], where we stopped on the [???]. Just now, Ben E. came up and ‘tis growing dark, so will close by telling you I eat bread and molasses and coffee with Ben tonight. Will mail tomorrow. Good night. Sunday morning 6 o’clk. Ben and I have just finished our “toilet”. He brought his “traps” up last eve. and are now quartered together as his place below was by the engine and not so clean and pleasant. Geo. E. is on the other side of me. Sabbath morning and how difficult our situations! Don’t know as I shall attempt to go ashore for I like to move about as little as possible catching all the rest I can. I have plenty of good reading. Had a long chat with Ben before we got to sleep about our marches and his life in Kansas etc. etc. He will [send] a letter to you in this which will compensate for my shortcomings and no doubt you appreciate it. In the mean time I am going to write a letter to darling little Lulu. Dear little thing. I feel rebuked when I think that I have not tried harder to say something to her but I always try to send some[thing] she can touch and handle as a token and that after all is what children remember by. There appears to be little news this morn. Mailed you a St. Louis paper yesterday, will send you the Memphis Bulletin today. Have been to breakfast and the sun is stealing to “our side” and I must close for this time. Another boat is in this morn. from V [Vicksburg]. They think we will go to the Yazoo River and say there is more troops at V [Vicksburg] than can land. If we go to the Yazoo district, I shall try and find out something about the Wymans. All accounts agree that Vicksburg is all right. Noon. Incidents multiply. Had finished your letter and the order came to go ashore and the boat soon moved up about half a mile to an island thickly wooded with the cottonwood. They grow up very tall and symmetrical and resemble the poplar or popple and they emit a strong odor much like tobacco. I send you a leaf or two from the tree in maturity. I carry a whole tent and Ben and I occupy it and both writing. Had a nice bath and the scene is quite pleasant, quite a Sabbath picnic. Nice just to let the men shake themselves. The U.S. Mail Boat is just in and we hope for news from home. Shall wait awhile before mailing this. Shall be here a few hours and then return to our old quarters and still “wait for orders”. Dear Allie, Ben has just read his letter to you and I am so pleased that you can have a little of the funny! I am sadly deficient you know in that line. We do enjoy so much and you may judge when I tell you we are beginning to share letters somewhat. I hope you will [???] his suggestion to call at his father’s and by all means not be jealous at anything he has written. It is becoming exceedingly warm now and our “arousing” in the form of a tent is a timely institution. You will, of course, read and “deliver” Lulu’s letter. In future I shall try and write her more frequently. Has Abbie returned to C. [Charlestown] and is she well? Am so eager for a mail. And now as Ben is writing to “his Amy” I shall attempt reading. Ever remaining your loving Jerome No instructions yet about directing letters so you will send to Cin’ti [Cincinnati] (instead of Louisville). All accounts agree that the negroes are splendid fighters and vast numbers. Have written to Billerica and Foster’s folks. No mail yet since last Sunday at Lebanon, Ky. Hope to receive one soon. Remember me to Albert and family and friends and love abundantly from your loving husband Jerome Transcriber’s Note: This letter also included a pass that Jerome had received earlier. It consists of a piece of blue paper with the following text. On the front side: Camp Dick Robinson, Ky. April 16th 1863 Color Corp. Jerome Peirce has permission to be absent from camp until 4 P.M. C. Sawyer, Capt. Co. H. 36 M. [Massachusetts] Vol. [Volunteers] Granted Henry Bowman, Col. Transcriber’s Note: On the reverse side (in Jerome’s handwriting): Allie. To show how we get out. The Col.’s autograph and Capt. S.’s. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Battle of Champion Hill, fought May 16, 1863, was the pivotal battle in the Vicksburg Campaign. Union Army commander Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and the Army of the Tennessee pursued the retreating Confederate States Army, under Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton and defeated his army twenty miles to the east of Vicksburg, Mississippi, leading inevitably to the Siege of Vicksburg and the surrender by the Confederate Army on July 4, 1863. NOTE 2: The Ben E. referred to in the letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 3: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 4: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Memphis, TN. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-13 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.81 X 4.45 6.24 X 9.31 11.21 X 9.32 6.23 X 9.21 6.25 X 9.15 6.18 X 9.18 9.05 X 6.35 8.91 X 6.19 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #127 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Memphis, TN. Allie Jerome Peirce Memphis TN https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ed362d1d969b7e2b358a23ef91f7773.jpg e4eefb1431109db4dfaeffc6e75634e6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/27107b88783276b0c054eec3fb69a70d.jpg 5f0f34027a5d2d5182ca407a2fbd58bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c94f3a51af1fe4ae49cd0eeffde72233.jpg b14256db29b2cdb1751ad86ddcc92e23 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cd5ad4d53937e39e1ed48c4b0d4d10c3.jpg c186815b42fd3085c1851e17d159ccc2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Steamer “Meteor” Miss. River Tues. P.M. 16th June 1863 Ever dear Wife, Just after dinner and I have taken a seat in the saloon and altho there is a great deal of confusion and stir, yet I felt I must commence something to you. Wrote you Sunday with a letter to Lulu and one from prior w. Ben. E. enclosed. Hope you’ll receive it safely. We had a “big bag full” of mail on the boat just before we left Mo. [Missouri] but from some unaccountable reason, not a thing save one newspaper for the 36th and we were sadly disappointed. Left Memphis Sunday P.M. and we are still working down the river for some point near Vicksburg, don’t know exactly where. Life is quite the same from day to day till last eve. and this a.m. when we begin to realize that we are nearing a hostile country. While the music and the jokes were passing last eve., our alarm came from the shore from our pickets firing and for a few moments there was a stir, but soon all subsided. (I forgot to mention that the boat’s six in our fleet. All “haul in” shore at night and start early in the morning.) This morning we are going along under convoy of two gunboats when just before dawn an attack took place from the Ark. [Arkansas] shore (some ways below, Napoleon) and we were soon ready with loaded pieces and one guard on deck popped away in reply, while the gunboat shot ahead and commenced shelling the woods. No one was hit and but few, if any, struck the boat, so it proved bloodless and rather exciting that fearful. For some, who have not quite learned “to keep cool”, flew round deck quite lively. The attack took place in a big bend in the river where the boat has to hug the shore and covered with thick woods. The [gun]boats remained behind and shelled the place severely while we slacked up a little while, but we are now moving on again all right and the usual scene cards, reading, chatting, etc., etc. Have experienced some of unpleasant effects of the climate and water but nothing to alarm. We have little variety of food and the water “tells” but shall come out all right. There is a cool breeze and ‘tis quite pleasant although the officers are the noisiest folks we have on board. (I just whisper this.) Have finished “Great Expectations” and don’t think much of it. If the ‘boys” would save the books, we should have a large library (of light reading) in camp, although we may be too busy to read much, but it helps pass time very pleasantly and not harmfully. Have not played a game of cards on board yet. Looked over two of your letters this a.m. and trust you are still well and as happy as can be in the premises for I know you will feel more as distance grows between us. No news from “below” since we left Mo. [Missouri]. Expect to leave the boat tomorrow and Thurs. [Thursday]. The weather affects me in inducing indolence and summer weakness. So tell the friends not to expect much writing from me and on board steamer everything is coal smut and neatness [is] impossible. Have not seen the Adjutant since he was on deck w. a gun etc., to get a pop at the rebs. this A.M. About 7 P.M. Lake Providence. Just arrived and a mail closing coming. Say good bye. A surreal sight and the first genuine plantation scenes, slaves by scores, and such female structures. Am feeling nicely this eve. No further trouble from guerillas. As ever with love to all, your Jerome We have a mail but not yet assorted. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Ben E.” was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 2: The “Napoleon” cannon, officially known as the 12-pounder bronze gun model 1857, was a smooth-bore cannon that fired a twelve-pound cannon ball. The gun weighed 1,200 pounds but was considered a light gun. This cannon could fire either an explosive shell or solid shot up to a mile in distance. It could also accurately fire canister shot up to 300 yards. Both the North and the South used “Napoleon” cannons because of their firepower and reliability. The Union military manufactured the cannon in great numbers during the course of the war. The South basically copied the Union gun so it was slightly different, but it still fired the same 12-pound shell. It was first used during the Tudor period and was commonly used during the Napoleonic Wars, 1799-1815. It was named after Napoleon III. NOTE 3: “Great Expectations” is a novel written by Charles Dickens in 1861. NOTE 4: “Lake Providence” was then, and is still today, a small community and the name of a lake just on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River approximately 50 miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Battle of Lake Providence was fought near there on June 9, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign, just a few days before this letter was written. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie "Meteor" Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.65 X 3.15 5.16 X 7.98 10.26 X 7.98 5.16 X 7.98 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #130 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On the steamer "Meteor" on the Mississippi River (Lake Providence, LA.) "Meteor" Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1d80979e4771acaba92c5f6a9f7e356d.jpg dc38ad34b720f0df6bcd3bd5e30de316 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cbb319282d58aa21ff355ea939ee6449.jpg 8ac7a19a959ed0de588f94fda52a01ed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/44ae090cc30d711da9fef882727d1dd0.jpg 60accce1a90e49b9ee8318cf6f14748d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b30b90c466e4cbdf11e17f3e0e5dd55f.jpg cbad666033f84de93d478bbb1846db46 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7eb195be9a2d849a3be92a4bdb67ba6.jpg 91acefc8e0a0c4f66db52a391481340d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cc5cfd7a4e8e2077347e068633d6cd23.jpg 386f06e19a7a48f0ab7fa0d1fb208018 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f4690140a6ee3826ab6871e61232d7cb.jpg c46d6a3ac0954037c077d42db6720837 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Camp four miles from “Synders Landing” Miss. 17th June 1863 My dearest Wife, Once more in camp, in the “old Mississippi State!” Mail arrangements being completed. I sit me down for a chat with you, with a “right smart chance” of being interrupted. My last was mailed at Lake Providence (Tues eve. 16th) and I can do no better to begin with you, than to give a few notes from my diary. After mailing your last Tues 16th, low flat country, ruins of plantations continually. Wedns 17th. 88th Anniversary of “Bunker Hill”, off before daylight, cool and cloudy. 9 A.M. Passed “Milliken’s Bend”, “My Wife‘s Island.” Cannonading at Vicksburg heard distinctly P.M. A short stop at “Young’s Point” (at the mouth of the Yazoo [River]), where a large number of troops are assembled up the “Dark Yazoo,” true to the way the shore being thickly wooded to the water’s edge. To “Snyder’s Landing,” (or “Bluff”) we landed and marched some four miles to the present camp. Vast number of troops, and formidable earthworks, and rifle pits for miles, it being one of the roads where Johnston is expected to attempt a reinforcement. Very bluffy and great position to defend. Rough scenery but wild and of tropical luxuriance, the “gum tree” magnolia, fig, and oaks, and host of others with “oceans” of blackberries forming still another changing scene. Our camp rests on a ridge, just room for a single row of tents each side of the path, while there are deep ravines, each side. Some magnificent, gigantic trees completely covered with running vines, while the magnolia seems, with its deep rich green and reddish tints, the monarch of the forest Thurs 18th Pitched tent over again, alone, high and airy, A.M. Blk [Black] berrying with Corpl. Ben E. [Edmands], warm but obtained a goodly mess for dinner with sugar, fried pork and toasted “Hard Tack,” and nice coffee, made a fine treat. Returned to camp a little past noon, when found them packing for a change of camp. Eve. No move yet, berrying again, a new place, and such a feast!! Dark as we came in, Picket caught us, no serious result, pronounced dangerous to wander far from camp, but such temptation! after a week’s journey on a close steamer, with bad stomachs and as bad rations!! Had a nice “sit down” with B. E. [Ben Edmands] at coffee. Retired quite late, to recall the scenery of the day. Very warm, but health improving rapidly, appetite excellent, while the birds charm anyone to health. No firing heard, of consequence. Fri 19th Noon Still in Camp. Nice breakfast with berries. B.E. woke me early, and we went for water and to wash. A.M. busy “fixing”, sewing, washing a little, and getting things snug in my knapsack. Gathered some of the “hanging moss,” which adorns the trees, and forms one of the most beautiful features of the woods. Also gathered a magnolia leaf or two to send home. Received a little call and a word from the Adjt. yesterday and today. No mail yet. Div. P.M. [Post Master] expected sometime. J.E. Hills of our Co. appointed P.M. [Post Master] to the Brigade, and a mail promised every day. There, my dear wife, what can I add to this, for I have improved the record a little, and I believe anticipated any questions you will ask. We know not where or when we may move to but not far till V. [Vicksburg] falls. They “pound away” every day a little, but take their time, as they feel confident of success and do not choose to sacrifice lives by assaults. We form a portion of the troops to look out for Joe Johnston who is in the neighborhood of the “Big Black” with 35,000 or so, so report says today. It is said there are nearly 200,000 troops about here, and the rescue of Vicksburg is impossible by anything the rebs can bring, that Grant is determined Western troops shall have the honor of its capture etc. Banks is near Port Hudson and we may yet join him etc., etc. We are So. East of V. [Vicksburg] about 10 miles by road, 4 from the Yazoo River. I hope you have maps that you can follow us. My health improves daily and the little march here from the boat done me good. I forgot to mention some big guns I saw at the landing, left by the Rebels. The carriages were burned by our men, for fear they might be retaken. They were at work repairing them for further use. The country, as I have mentioned, is hilly, or short, sharp, steep declivities, and at one point near the river was a grand view thru the valley of the “Yazoo”, which is clear and winding. Saw two beautiful red birds, and a number of lizards this morning, which reminds us of the tropical region. Peaches and apples next month. The Bk [Black] Berries have done us much good and you may be sure we shall live “within the limits of becoming prudence” for awhile. I must speak again of the moss I send. They use it for stuffing mattresses, letting it rot there as a fine black hair, which you can hardly tell from curled horsehair. You will see what a silvery look it has. I wish you could see it hanging from these great trees! Beautiful. I send one matured magnolia leaf such as surrounds the blossom which is white and resembles the (I don’t know the spelling) Chaponica. I will try and sketch it. The thing is a poor imitation. The small leaves are young and not from the flower but the tree. I will send more of the large ones sometime, for I think they [are] elegant, and I hope you will be able to keep them green by putting them in water and someway. I wish you could see the tree, so rich. The moss lives on air. Am sorry to bend the leaf, but hope you can press it out, so as to hide the marks. No news from the North since we were at Memphis and it seems as tho’ we are out of the world. A few wood colored hamlets only denoting living beings about here, and those black mostly. Once more, tell the friends my writing must be limited. So hot. It takes us all the time to take care of ourselves, washing, meals, and resting. I spoke in a former letter of looking up the Wymans. Don’t know as I shall ever get any nearer Yazoo City, but I may possibly run upon some reb prisoners who may know of them. Saw some on my way to camp but could not stop to speak with them. Deserters are coming in constantly. Some think we shall return to Ky. [Kentucky] as soon as V. [Vicksburg] falls, others that we shall push on to the Gulf eventually. Am quite happy at the return of my strength and usual health again, and again I am thankful. No more signs of battle or danger than before as we can see. Let me again hope dear ones that tho’ distant, you are in health as I know you are in the same good keeping. Trust you will get all my letters from Cairo, Memphis, Lake P. [Providence]. Direct still to Cincinnati as the destination of the Corps is still uncertain. Boys all well. Shall tent with the Woodward of O. [Orange]. Love to each and all friends, and hoping soon to hear from the same. Accept the entire love of your husband, Jerome Boys all well. Leaves of the Canebrake [tree] which is a feature here. [These are] the top leaves which tips the peaks. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Snyder’s Landing is not a name of a town today in the Vicksburg, Mississippi, area and probably wasn’t at the time of the Civil War either. Most likely, the 36th Massachusetts was camped on land owned by a Mr. Snyder which had a landing on the Mississippi River. NOTE 2: The “chaponia” he referred to is the Camellia Japonica shrub. It is known as common camellia, Japanese camellia, or Tsubaki in Japanese, and is one of the best known species of the genus Camellia. Sometimes called La Peppermint or the Rose of Winter. It is the official state flower of Alabama. NOTE 3: Ben (Benjamin) B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: James E. Hills enlisted at age 20 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 7, 1862, three days after Jerome enlisted. He was discharged on June 8, 1865. upon his expiration of service. NOTE 5: Philip G. Woodward enlisted as a sergeant in Company H at age 25 from Orange, Massachusetts. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 26, 1863, and to First Lieutenant on May 15, 1864. Shortly thereafter, he was wounded in action at Cold Harbor, Virginia, on June 3, 1864. His last promotion was to Captain on October 11, 1864. Woodward was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 17-19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Snyders Landing, MS. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-17-19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.1 X 3.9 6.1 X 8.7 10.65 X 8.7 5.8 X 8.7 5.8 X 8.7 10.7 X 8.7 5.85 X 8.7 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #131 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp four miles from Snyders Landing, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce MS. Snyders Landing https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3bc77cdd114f7726125c5a5760ba1b16.jpg 136aa330b76391b632c96e7c97c3fee9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0ba7f3769cec1a5b125df2cbc11d95c2.jpg bcc17ca6278816c12816d4b00c573361 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5e9df0144181b7557b96fc5a1a329f63.jpg 081ca0015dec021b8a0dab92c82ada3b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0084d991361e724957f97ef167a21b01.jpg 6032db2aad26831e8ee14ea7979c5159 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2edf58b0990a3ce1cb92f86f5d70c995.jpg 8711949992ba50897c1d566550155943 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/066f550ba1c3fba23702f6cea0ceb184.jpg ea25e2fdb2e76c51310946e4df9b1396 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Rear of Vicksburg, Miss 22nd June 1863 My ever dear wife, Have just finished breakfast and the “orderly” just handed me yours of the 10th and last Friday after I had mailed one to you. I received yours of the 7th and a nice letter from Miss Walker in reply to mine written while on the “Morgan Scout”. There must be a back mail as your last before these was May 26th. They came via Louisville while our regular mail must be at Cincinnati. Well, dear Allie, we have moved a little ways again since my last on Friday, about three miles further towards V. [Vicksburg] and where we can hear a fearful booming of the guns when they choose to do so. Sat. [Saturday] was a fearful day and the night before, but since that time it, has been rather quiet although they pound away in the night some. They are completely cut off and a vast army, of which we are a part, [is] waiting to meet any reinforcements which may attempt to reach them and it is only a question of time. I wish you could just peep in and see our tent and I think you would feel that we could find a pleasant nook. It is pitched in a little shady spot among locust trees of small growth while the whole country is teeming with blackberries and wild plums of which we have feasted abundantly and they do us good and not hurt. We are to relieve a Western Regt. (Ills. [Illinois]) and expect in the course of the day to move a little way and into rifle pits which command the approaches in every direction. We are now on the regular road to V. [Vicksburg] and about 10 miles from it. I made a mistake in my last in saying So. East. I meant No. East of V. [Vicksburg]. I can hardly describe the country. The soil is very soft and deep. Consequently, heavy rains from the most fantastic and frightful gullies cutting through and forming deep cuts from ten to fifty and even a hundred feet deep while the deep dells and gorges where the water courses are filled with a wild gigantic growth of timber. In one of these we have to descend to get water a mile and a half strong from camp. Water, indeed, is the hardest thing to obtain, such a contrast to Ky. [Kentucky] for [what we] got is not so good as the former but we have learned not to be fastidious. The weather is variable, one day exceedingly hot and burdensome causing a scarcity of clothing which is quite amusing and then cooling as this morning which is quite delightful. So that we adapt ourselves to all weathers. I sport for a load of contents of knapsack as follows: half a woolen blanket, two pieces of tent, rubber blanket, two shirts (one on me), ditto socks, a little bag with my Shakespeare, etc., sewing tools, a piece or two of cloth, brush and hairbrush, a very small hatchet (bought at Cairo and invaluable in camp and writing material making a very little pack. Canteen and haversack being the worst part of our load, now adding, of course, gun and equipments, “40 rounds”. Am so happy to tell you that I am well and fully myself again having to all appearances recovered from the effects of the journey from Ky. [Kentucky] and having no duty, only when the Regt. moves. I am favored and find much time for precious thoughts, reading, etc., etc. I was glad to receive the letter from Miss Walker. Said you had promised to visit her with Lulu. Little darling hope you’ll get the letter with the one I wrote her. Will add a little in this. Have some rare precious hours with our “rare” Ben E. strolled away yesterday P.M. [Ate] blackberries and related personal histories and experiences and ours have been wonderfully alike in some things. I never can be too thankful for such a friend meeting as he does my inmost wants and tempering my thoughts and actions in many ways. He always sends a kindly word for you. Let me tell you [how] happy I am that you are enjoying life so well. Express my gratitude to the friends for all their kindness and tell them I can endure to the end if I am but remembered and my loved ones are cared for. My thoughts often revert to the Pratts. I appreciate fully their thoughts of me and am quite content to still be remembered as one of their boys for those were precious hours, those delightful evenings at their house in C [Charlestown]. Shall we ever forget them? I enclose a little more of the “hanging moss” which you can share with the friends. The magnolia leaves discolor badly. I wish you could see them in their beauty. I want to hear more about Frank’s getting home. Is he well? No news from the East for a long time. Have not seen Alonzo for a day or two. The feeling here is that with Vicksburg down, goes the Rebel “House”, so might it be! Will add a word which you may send to Lu with the butterfly and wings which we, “Ben and I”, captured yesterday. Col. Bowman is “C.B.” (Commanding Brigade). We see little of him now. Col. Norton commands the Regt. He is very pleasant and so is Col. B. [Bowman], some talk to the contrary not withstanding. Say as little about officers as possible. This for you. Remember to friends, Phipps, Smith (C.F.) and all and believe me as ever your loving husband Jerome P. I send a “Passion flower”, very beautiful growing. P.S. Direct [letters] as follows: 36th Mass. Vols. 9th “A. C” [Army Corps] Leave off “Burnside’s” Dept. via Cincinnati TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Unit History summarizes the movements of the Regiment from June 10, 1863, until July 4, 1863, as follows. “The steamer “Meteor” carried the 36th Massachusetts Regiment from Cairo by way of Columbus, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Helena, Arkansas; and Columbus, Arkansas, to Snyder’s Bluff, where it disembarked. On June 20, it went into camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi, as part of the Union’s siege of that city.” The regiment consisted of approximately 760 officers and men at that time. The Confederates surrendered the city on July 4, 1863, marking an important turning point in the Civil War. In the Company Muster Roll for May – June 1863, Peirce was recorded as “Present.” Below is pictured the only Civil War monument that could be found that honors the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Known as the Massachusetts State Memorial, it is located on Grant Avenue at Grant Circle on the Vicksburg Battlefield and was the first state memorial erected within the Vicksburg National Military Park. The monument cost $4,500 and was dedicated on November 14, 1903. The statue of a Union soldier, sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, is mounted on a 15-ton boulder from Massachusetts. The inscription on the bronze plaque on the base reads MASSACHUSETTS TRIBUTE TO THE 29th, 35th AND 36th REGIMENTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 9th ARMY CORPS NOTE 2: The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River; therefore, capturing it completed the second part of the Northern strategy, the Anaconda Plan. When two major assaults (May 19 and 22, 1863) against the Confederate fortifications were repulsed with heavy casualties, Grant decided to besiege the city beginning on May 25. After holding out for more than forty days, with their reinforcement and supplies nearly gone, the garrison finally surrendered on July 4. NOTE 3: The “Ben E.” referred to in the letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in this letter was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 5: Col. Bowman was Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who enlisted as a Captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units, including at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. NOTE 6: John B. Norton enlisted at age 39 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a First Lieutenant. He was promoted to Captain on July 8, 1861, and was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. Shortly thereafter, on August 28, 1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded the Regiment only from June 1, 1863, until July 30, 1863, which included the date that this letter was written. For reasons not specified in the Unit History, he resigned on July 30, 1863. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Vicksburg, MS. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.35 X 4 6.35 X 8.65 10.7 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 5.9 X 8.65 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #132 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rear of Vicksburg, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e85b3407f9098423804f05f930480005.jpg 6550cebed1feb4ebdb11302a0eee1a46 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e40099ae757356af91db7c93cd2aa870.jpg 56f8b9adbb78b9dfbb8ad6f7968e8ece https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55b1080a506cb757a2b53c0a3d7842e1.jpg 362867351e214dacaf1574072aa680d2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cfee2a8566999a21ae1e5a6179ebc5f3.jpg 6138d6098cf6cd7756ab4a65f719ea57 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd77ac70a9e5117ea09e23af99d0a360.jpg 43405b2d524378a0f88c2647c245a236 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/53079c59a41fd68c76bcba0d0f9ad38c.jpg 913214f458fac9702f0dcd4983efb107 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Rear of Vicksburg, Missi[ssippi] Fri[day] June 26th/ 63 My dearest Wife, Jos[eph] H. and I [are] sitting here in our tent. (He is reported back to the Regt. on acct. of our change of location.) The co[mpany] are off on picket and all seems so still that from duty and inclination we send a few words home. I wrote you last Monday and that P.M. moved to our present location half a mile or so to a level piece of grass land immediately on the road and inside of the rifle pits where we are quietly awaiting Gen’s Breckinridge and Johnston if they choose to call but which is exceedingly doubtful. Everything is very quiet and monotonous. Picket and guard duty in a small way and some digging, some throwing up defenses at various points on the road where the enemy may come. Every day firing more or less goes on at Vicksburg which we can distinctly hear. Yesterday P.M. ‘twas very fierce as we attacked and carried one of the chief works and today they are to mount more guns to bear on them. Some of our officers go to the city so we have news every day. Today the Adj’t and Dr. Bryant are there and passes are issued to “noncoms” and I may pay a visit yet. We are now having on the whole an easy time. The weather is very hot some of the time and the little insects and flies common to the climate are very troublesome, poisoning us badly and keep[ing] us worried a good deal. Am glad to tell you that my health and appetite are excellent but the weather is such that I cannot write but little, besides, we feel unsafe about letters. News came yesterday that the mail boat was sunk by rebel batteries on the river near where we were fired into. Our big back they say is safe and will reach us tomorrow. Hope so, as we feel shut out from the world pretty effectually and some have read no letters for almost three weeks but by good fortune yours directed to Louisville came to hand of which I have spoken before. This morn. have been fixing a woolen blanket (carrying only a part of one). Our tents are pitched here differently somewhat. We raise them some more than a foot from the ground and then fix some spring poles up from the ground and lay thin boards across and so there is a circulation of air and makes them cooler. This morning there is a cool breeze and it is quite pleasant, much like on days at home. Our Regt is divided, part of it on the other side of the road, so we “come and go”. Ben and I read, sleep, eat, travel for water “down the deep ravine”, listen and wonder what the news is etc. etc. Yesterday a startling news came by a St. Louis paper that Gen. Lee with a large army was invading Penn. and Gen. McClellan was in command to oppose him and if they’re smart they will destroy him ere he sees Va. again. I think it a severe pill but I must say I fear the North need something to wake them up. Of our movements in future, we as usual know nothing. The talk is as soon as V. [Vicksburg] falls we “go up the river” or East as far as Ky. [Kentucky] at least. So you see things are dull exceedingly. The Contrabands come and take our washing, chat a little and that is all that turns up. We have a surfeit of blackberries, in that respect we were highly favored and done us much good and there is little sickness. I am almost ashamed to send letters now, but you must have your lines but ‘tis the dullest time we ever saw to write about, and my friends must excuse [me] for the present and feel satisfied with the fact that I am well and doing the best I can to keep along in a warm climate at least till a mail comes. After dinner: Well Allie, at the above sentence Ben came to the tent and read me a nice long letter from a friend of his “of old” in Kansas who I mentioned once before. A true soldier and patriot who is with an Indian Regt, steward in the hospital and now near Fort Gibson. He gives a fearful picture of the cruel practices of the Rebels as experienced by some refugees from Texas who sought protection with them after untold perils and hardships. We chatted a long while and finally agreed to go berrying this P.M. and J.H. just paid 20¢ for a qt. [quart] of milk of a “darkie” and is now enjoying bread and milk while I feed on toasted hardtack soaked in coffee with molasses and some boiled pork with the same. How strange it seems to think I am so far from my dear ones. A beautiful day and as I look out ‘tis calm and delightful with the broken and wavy woods all around. “Not a gun is heard” to remind us of war, something that is seldom know here, but they’re preparing. Ben and I talk strongly of becoming land owners and cultivators of acres with a few nice young people after the war is over. What do you say? If I survive this present conflict, I feel it a serious question what I shall do. Can I settle down in a noisy city and sweat and strive for daily bread when there is such elbow room and inviting spots in the west? Well, well, do reply in a hurry, must talk and think. How are all the good friends and how do the babies come on? How much I would like to see you all. Love, love to all. Tell Foster’s folks I trust somewhat to the Adj’t now and Abbie that her Ben has not forgotten her. Little Lulu, tell her I saw the beautifulest red bird this morning and yesterday two nice grey squirrels frolicking on the trees nearby. No hunters to tease them here. A kiss for her. Hoping ere long to hear from you all. I remain Your loving husband Jerome P I enclose Miss W’s letter. My regards to her. Direct your letter to “Via Cairo, Ills.” Regt., Co. etc. as usual but leaving off “Burnside’s Dept.” TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES [Josef Rokus] NOTE 1: The “Jos. H.” or J.H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 2: The Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) was the final major military action in the Vicksburg Campaign of the Civil War. In a series of maneuvers, Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee crossed the Mississippi River and drove the Confederate Army of Mississippi, led by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, into the defensive lines surrounding the fortress city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River; therefore, capturing it completed the second part of the Northern strategy, the Anaconda Plan. When two major assaults (May 19 and 22, 1863) against the Confederate fortifications were repulsed with heavy casualties, Grant decided to besiege the city beginning on May 25. After holding out for more than forty days, with their reinforcement and supplies nearly gone, the garrison finally surrendered on July 4. NOTE 3: Albert H. Bryant enlisted at age 25 from Natick, Massachusetts. He was appointed Assistant Surgeon for the 36th Massachusetts on August 29, 1862 and was promoted to Surgeon on May 4, 1865. Bryant was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1865. NOTE 4: “Contraband” was a term commonly used in the United States military during the Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped or freed slaves who affiliated with the Union forces. The Army (and the United States Congress) determined that the U.S. would not return escaped slaves who went to Union lines and classified them as contraband. They used many as laborers to support Union efforts and soon began to pay them wages. The former slaves set up camps near Union forces, and the Army helped support and educate both adults and children among the refugees. NOTE 5: The “Ben” referred to in the letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 6: The “Foster” referred to in the letter was Foster Peirce, one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 7: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 26, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Vicksburg, MS. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 3.8 6.25 X 8.6 10.65 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 5.95 X 8.6 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #134 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Rear of Vicksburg, MS. Allie Jerome Peirce Vicksburg MS https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/98266cf5361e5440ab42862d744af409.jpg 5b4c0f0f12850e3450c6f7a48d235f20 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/25982cc533543c293642586f8f6866d0.jpg 83cc027b49ffba269b5a381c1285eb6c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2847564881f5516f60c98565ff041ff0.jpg 20a9a39d0ebe33e2f22ca43fae2b76da https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/daf1e854ce9559ea8b8051a817eb57c5.jpg 69a5d91ea835389c7b42afd6f8ce0a5e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/55788cbd3db359f373676aee4e3016a2.jpg abe14e238115696f14ac53ada86e0f14 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1b5424803d47bdc5388a07427fa7a629.jpg cb45732adfa8152c45910c629dcea876 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION 4 o’clk A.M. Columbia KY, Fri morn 5th June /63 Ever dear Wife, Hard and constant moving for the past few days, will prevent my writing much, but I must send you just a line to tell you how happy [I was about] the arrival of two letters last night on our reaching here. Intended to have written you yesterday or before but have been constantly on the “qui vive.” My last was mailed from this place just as we were starting for Jamestown as it poured. Marched at ½ past 3 P.M. Monday, and moved all night, arriving at J. [Jamestown] early Tues. morn, tired and worn as you may believe. Hardly got our guns stacked when, crack! crack! from the woods and bushes about the village and in came our pickets and cavalry pursued by Rebel Cavalry. We formed in line of battle and moved to the field in front to receive what all supposed was a force, the rest of the brigade, 17th, 27th Mich. and battery (45th Penn), but it only proved a small body, intent upon a “raid” which our prompt arrival prevented, so all correct. They turned and a citizen captured one “reb” and two rifles were brought in. So ended this “affair.” Soon laid down in our blankets and got rest. Then came tents. Had one of my own, a cozy little affair which I had hoped to enjoy a little while, but, alas, not so. Yesterday morn, mysterious hints began to be afloat of a quiet departure of our whole force etc. and at ½ past 11 A.M. were prepared. Soon left, on the retreat it looked like. Rumors of “raids”, capture of our team mail, etc. and we pressed on, arriving here about 9 o’clk last eve. And now the story is we are to report at Louisville as soon as possible. Shall march at 6 o’clk for Lebanon which is 40 miles and connected by rail with L. [Louisville]. Your letter and Abbie‘s were dated 24th. Have no time to “talk with you”, but to say that I am bearing the fatigues very well indeed, and hope to be equal to what is to come, 20 miles a day I expect, western fashion. Wrote to Billerica friends Wedns. at J. [Jamestown]. Adjt. Ranlett is very well indeed, bearing himself bravely and well and our relations are very pleasant. Spoke to me twice on the march. “How do you stand it?” and it is mutual, and I am surprised to see how he bears it, for it has been the hardest time since our life in the Army. The weather is fair this morn. and we shall have a good road. Don’t know when this will go, but hope today. Recvd. a paper “Journal” last eve. Don’t speak of neglecting me, or the appearance of letters. You are everything a good, dear wife can be, and Heaven keep that we can meet again. Love to friends. More in future. Much writing will be out of the question, but you will be remembered. As ever your own Jerome P.M. Dear Allie Stirring times. Orders just issued to be ready with 8 days rations, 3 in haversacks and rest in knapsacks. Shall turn over my own dress coat to Quartermaster. Rumor says, we’re changed into the 1st Brigade, and Col. B. is to be Acting Brigadier Genl. Have been busy for the last hour or two, extra shoes, etc., etc. Expect we’re going to Cumberland Gap as mentioned. May march tonight. Officers are to live in shelter tents and have knapsacks, just like the men, so I hope something is to be done. Will write you as often as possible, journalize etc., but can’t promise much to some of my friends. Please see that Lulu has these verses from the Register. Intended to have written her a letter, but you must tell [her] about my long walks in the woods, birds, etc. etc. As ever Jerome P.S. Received some letter paper yesterday by Hattie. Have no envelopes. Paper enough for the present, but please send envelopes in your letters. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History, “We remained at Jamestown until Thursday, June 4th, when at noon, to the surprise of all, we received orders to proceed at once to Lebanon, which was sixty miles away, our nearest railroad connection with the North. Although we had had little or no rest for a week, in forty-eight consecutive hours, including halts and sleep, we made the sixty miles, arriving at Lebanon at noon, June 6th. And this long journey was accomplished in heavy marching order, under a scorching sun, and in dust which was almost insufferable.” NOTE 2: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 3: The “Adjt. Ranlett” referred to in this letter was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 4: “Col. B.” was Henry Bowman, who enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Clinton, Massachusetts. He joined the 36th Massachusetts as the colonel commanding the Regiment on August 22, 1862. Bowman commanded the First Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army Cops starting on June 1, 1863, as alluded to this letter. However, he resigned on July 27, 1863, for reasons not stated in the Unit History. Bowman was recommissioned in October of 1863 and rejoined the 36th Massachusetts at Blain’s Cross Roads, Tennessee, on December 26, 1863. NOTE 5: Hattie was Allie’s younger sister. Her complete name was Harriet Walker Jaquith, and she was born in 1845. The information about her on ancestry.com indicates that she probably died in 1930. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, June 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Columbia, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washingotn Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-05 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.75 X 4 6 X 8.75 10.75 X 8.75 6.3 X 9 6.3 X 9 6.3 X 9 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #121 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Columbia, KY. Allie Columbia KY Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b61fa7647c8da05f781f0af8ca14c671.jpg f42f1651dfb78d70f0a64157f21e9a15 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a1da1b314f38975ee95746a6065dd8f.jpg c0c6d89d21aae693298ecc74d3e7e668 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c292e52ad330caef40a1b7172a55b63b.jpg 146258f66f69f039de167dfe44b8e2dd 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 Lebanon Ky Sat P.M. 6th June /63 Dearest Wife, You will see that we keep moving. I wrote you from Columbia Fri, yesterday morn., at 4 a.m. Well, I have nothing to tell you only that we have had some terrible marching, some 60 miles in two days and of course the men are badly used up, myself included but rest will make all right again. Came on to Campbellsville 20 miles yesterday with my knapsack excepting the last 3 miles when the Adjt. [Adjutant] (Alonzo) kindly took it on his horse behind him. Today we came tho to this place, 18 miles. Started at 4 o’clk a.m. I am obliged to resign my knapsack and rode most of the way in an ambulance for the first time, but life is the first consideration. Some many of the best, pluckiest men gave in and a train of wagons met us by the way and took all the knapsacks of the Brigade that we might be sure and arrive here today. So here we are in the sun in an open corn field, but there is a gentle breeze blowing which makes it bearable. Our tents spread as our awning in “most any way” to make a shade. Everything is surmise and confusion. We don’t know where we are going but we expect back somewhere in Virginia or East somewhere. Alonzo thinks so. We have seen the hardest time since leaving Middlebury that we ever experienced and we feel perfectly willing to move eastward. The troops here are all mounted and ‘tis hard work to follow them in a way to be any aid. Some talk of Vicksburg as our destination but I don’t see it. Yours of the 27th met me here. Am glad your friends are so attentive and hope you may glean all the happiness possible. God only knows how much I would be to return to you but duty seems to point a different way, and so we must still wait and hope on. I cannot write you as I would but you will know how near to my heart and thoughts you are and in these weary marches how much the thoughts of the loved ones have kept me up. We shall now have several days of riding on the R R [railroad] and hope to be once more as of old. The paymaster is here and we are to be paid off today or before morning and then for our destination. I see by the “Journal” (read at Columbia) that the 6th is soon to be at home, but I am content that it is as it is with me for there will be a conscription, and a second parting would be worse than the first but I trust Frank will not need to go again. News we have none. Everything is so uncertain and contradictory that we pay little attention to papers. Don’t know when I shall be able to mail another letter. Shall take notes and mail every opportunity as I did when we came out. As I went to wash up today (we got here about 1 o’clk) I saw Ben Edmands sitting in the shade reading letters from home. He has got along nicely and always returns you his kindest wishes. You should have seen us in my cozy little tent at Jamestown reading an article from Dr. Dewey on the war etc. We, as I often say, enjoy so much when we stop anywhere. They are now calling to sign the payrolls, so I must close. Take my poor scrawls as they [are]. (must “fall in”!) 3 minutes later. Have signed the payroll, so we are to be paid off! Met Jos. H. here. Is well. Will have to report to his Co. [Company} again for the present as the whole concern will be turned over to the Department. I must spread my blankets and get a little rest. Don’t know about directions to [address] letters just yet. Will inform [you] as soon as possible. Your envelopes and paper came all right you see. Every other letter will do to send them and will keep me supplied. Love to Albert and Marion and all friends. And as ever your loving husband Jerome The latest say is that we are going to Washington. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Unit History summarizes the movements of the 36th in the first few days of June 1863 as follows. “Remained at Jamestown, Kentucky, until June 4. That day received orders to proceed to Lebanon, Kentucky, 60 miles away, the nearest railroad connection. Arrived at Lebanon at noon on June 6. There the men learned that the destination of the Regiment was Vicksburg, Mississippi, where Gen. Grant needed reinforcements. On the afternoon of June 7, took railroad cars for Louisville, Kentucky, and from there went to Cairo, Illinois, arriving here on June 9.” As in other letters, Jerome’s description of the movements of the Regiment agree perfectly with those described in the Unit History. 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 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: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: 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. 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 6, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lebanon, 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 1863-06-06 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 X 8.45 11 X 8.5 6 X 8.5 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 #122 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lebanon, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lebanon KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/89e60ec3778613a363defaba6b6cdefd.jpg 652c0e9f75fa0d08c11cddb1d2b6928f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a164a7d4f40ccb2369c0aafe62524ae8.jpg 0096847e36a9ba6bcc8a3ab22e1bac2b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c1433f1261a952a32e0e9270ac9641d4.jpg 48a2149990634c17631f24abe7b7f58b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/326798e9d2e228beded549fa5e9ad9bc.jpg b2d4478a8b1fbfa66423f73db4d9322b 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 Louisville KY, Sunday Eve., 7th June /63 And such a Sunday eve!! ½ past 10 o’clk and I am standing under a gas light in the depot, and our regt. lying about on the floor seeking such rest as they can and each company waiting its turn to be paid off. Co. “C.” is now being paid, our turn will come in an hour more, and so I scribble a few lines to you. Under such circumstances you will not expect much of a letter, but I knew you would feel anxious to hear from me as you will probably receive letters from me from Columbia and Lebanon (mailed this morning). We left L. [Lebanon] this P.M. about 3 o’clk P.M. and arrived here about 7. We are being paid in the depot, and proceed across the river, sometime between this and morning, and by rail to Cairo, Ill. as it now comes out, the great key of the North West where, some have it, we are to remain and have some rest from our tedious life of late while the troops that were stationed there go to Vicksburg, and others still say we go to V. [Vicksburg.] I don’t yet believe that I am told that people at home call us the “first chapter in Geography!”, and are we not a wandering Corps? Now here, now there. Who would have thought I should have wandered over these scenes that I have so often wished I might as my eyes traced the course on the map. I don’t speak like this from a contented absence from those I love, but as my duty as a soldier calls me to roam, I am glad that I can obtain a glimpse of these regions. Don’t expect to see much of this city as it is night. Passed this A.M. at Lebanon resting up and I am happy to tell you I am feeling more like myself again. Had the most refreshing sleep in the [railroad] cars, on some hay, head on my knapsack, coming here that I have got for some time so I am feeling refreshed. I don’t take cold, so I shall keep up I think very well, as we shall not march again for some time. Have an excellent appetite and plenty of rations. Ham, coffee and soft bread are to be dealt to us after paying off in the “Soldiers’ Home” nearby. You will see by this, what we soldiers sometimes have for a Sabbath, but the church bells at Lebanon reminded me of home, for it has been a long time since we have heard them, but I was too tired and lame to answer them, as Ben E. [Edmands] did both A.M. and P.M. he told me. I intended to have mentioned your birthday. I did not remember whether it was the 4th or 6th. I was having a wearisome march from Jamestown to Columbia that day as you will see by [my] letters. Be sure and mention the letters you receive, or some item so I can know you get them. Have written you quite often of late and no one else, but a note to J. H.’s last to O. [Orange]. Mary was writing you the other day. I shall enclose something in this for you, but being so far from home shall need to keep some by me, but I can purchase some things, thus relieving you from doing so and the trouble and risk of sending. Shall probably obtain a pr. [pair] of shirts by and by altho’ I am not suffering, and am amply supplied with everything I need. I hope you will seek every way of keeping up the “bright side”. Don’t worry about me, you shall hear as often as possible. The farther I go from home, the nearer to the heart you seem to me, and I look with great comfort on the pictures I have of you and Lulu. Tell Abbie to be patient. I will write her [as] soon as a pause and rest will allow time. Willie Hall leaves for home on a furlough. I was just going on board the [railroad] cars at L. [Lebanon] and could only send love. Don’t think about you not sending anything by Alonzo. I knew some good reason prevented [it]. Tell me if Miss Wilkes rec’d my letter from the “Beech Woods.” I presume I shall forget to mention many things. Have read the “Register” by Dr. Dewey with great enjoyment. I only feel one regret and that is, I fear the people of the North are not yet fully awake to the fearful struggle we are engaged in. The Rebels are sacrificing everything and the news from Vicksburg today is fearful, such a destruction of life all by the terrible earnestness of the enemy and the North must send her sons freely, if we are to be victorious. Alonzo is well but pretty tired and sleepy tonight. Good night from your loving husband Jerome P.S. Not quite safe to send money tonight. Will forward soon. J TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Ben E.” was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 2: Allie was born on June 4, 1834. NOTE 3: 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 4: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 5: 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 several of 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, June 7, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Louisville, 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 1863-06-07 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 6.1 X 8.75 12 X 9.25 6.5 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 #123 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Louisville, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Louisville KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2d1f844894639cc2151a597448066579.jpg e967b37403262d324002db4e7531e440 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dd3b111645a38e5d1337e6f117f65bda.jpg 441a3e306e62e6603acb46ca6cea20c1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/007b5d80e6e370e945ca9e26ef295623.jpg 07b1ef76e7d8dc564a54f9e186cacfdd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ebc6251ea101dcf87118bd588d84d93c.jpg 5dcd24391d827e360fcb245952ab3afa Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Newport News. Sunday Mch 1st 1863 My dearest wife, It is almost noon and we have been busy at inspection cleaning up our quarters and for downtime I have been reading the Register and your last letters and now I will commence a return. Yesterday cloudy and cold with some rain, but just now it is clearing off and the sun is out, and the inside of the tent is light and warm. You can imagine things laying about me, a testament, papers, your letters, my cup, a little bag of books made of the pillow you made me, while next to me, on my left, is our tent mate, Mr. Foster, who is also reading his letters over, and beyond him is J.H. writing or looking over his letters and thus you have a picture of our Sunday morning. I find it hard work to write this morning for I am thinking of our own dear NE [New England] Sabbaths and I wish I was with you to talk over matters, but it is quite near dinner time and perhaps I should feel better, as I am quite hungry, if I had a good dinner. This may sound strange and it is seldom I am thus troubled. I am keeping a brief “diary” that I may have subject matter and not forgot many little items. I wrote you last Thurs. and about the previous [letter] etc. Moro [Tomorrow] we shall be very busy at drills and leaving much less time for other things and already we have to snatch moments when we can and I cannot always be sure of the usual quiet for reasons you can guess and I wish just here to say that if I am dull and cold sometimes, it is owing to influences which I cannot always overcome sufficient to be what I should to my [Illegible word or words due to ink blot] friends. But it is still and quiet now and [Illegible word or words due to ink blot] I ought not to speak as I have perhaps. I have read over your letters again and as I think of it, let me tell you not to try to talk upon matters only as “the spirit moves”! For I often feel out of mood or unsettled in thought and so make sad work as I do today, but I felt I ought to remember you if only by a few words. The truth is I have a slight cold, just enough to make me feel dull. Shall soon rally. The weather is quite changeable. After dinner took a walk to the river to fill my canteens and take the air a little. We are to have religious services this P.M. at ½ past 3 and I shall give you but a poor letter for there is but little that is inspiring in services here in camp, although I think the Chaplain tries all he can to make the most of it. But I am sorry to say that I fear the officers as a whole give him but little help but there are a few among the ranks that assist least all they can. I enjoy your letters and Abbie’s far more for religious want than all I hear here and I only wish I felt more like speaking freely today. I wrote to Will C. on Friday about my attempt to see him, and eve. was with Ben Edwards. Also recd. letters from Bro [Brother] and Sister Haynes. Ed Haynes also. He has a fine situation in the Custom House at N.O. [Possibly North Orange] Clearing Clerk. He seems very happy there and likes [it] very much. Recd. three papers from you and some tea all right and many thanks. I should send the little box today or tomorrow so you may look out for it. Also the wristers that Miss Waldo sent me for I don’t need them now and they are too pretty to lose as I have those Ellen sent me. We are continually stirred up in some way and it is almost impossible to keep little things. Yesterday we were “mustered in” and expect to be paid off again soon, when I hope to send you something. Wrote to Abbie and C. F. Smith yesterday. Will send you Miss Waldo’s letter after I have answered it. I shall send you from time to time, unless you object, some of your and Abbie’s letters to keep as a part of the history of these times for Lulu if she should live. I don’t like to think that my letters alone are being kept and if we feel by and by that she had better not recd. [some] we can then dispose of them. I think much of you and her and feel for you all that a husband and father can. I have spoken to Abbie about keeping little pieces for her to make a little scrapbook as one of the tokens of me, yes all of us. I imagine you listening to your good pastor and wish so much I was with you. Something sends my thoughts home today with peculiar force. I don’t know what, for I have usually met the stern fact that “I must stay here” and kept my thoughts from anything like longing, but now I would be at home. I see they are preparing for active work at Vicksburg and Charleston and I hope soon to hear of decided successes. Martha in her letter said she had heard from Lucy lately and that L [Lucy] was expecting you to visit her soon. Are you going? Lottie and O. Emerson have sent their pictures, photographs to Orange friends in “fine style”. I begin to think my Stoneham friends are little concerned about us here. Have not heard from Geo. Prute since I wrote him. I wonder if Mr. Emerson is not sort of a peace man? Am going to send the Register and a magazine to Frank and Will. Will…[Rest of sentence cannot be deciphered due to a fold in the stationery.] Joe H. inquired if you had sent Aunt Sarah’s letter to him to Orange friends? I mentioned it in a letter containing hers. He is quite desirous I think they should have it. I received another letter from Mr. Mayo requesting me to write to the S. [Sunday] School. Don’t know when I can comply for we have so much that jars on the mind, too hard writing. I will close after service. Do pardon this disjointed affair for I shall feel better sometime. Have recvd. [???] and will [???] the chapters and texts you mention. The 12 1st Cor. is beautiful. Am reading St. John for Abbie. Dear Abbie, we’ve had services and Dress Parade and now supper call, so I close abruptly. I hope Capt. S’s note will make amends for my poor letter. I have read it. The little book is for Lulu from him. Keep it as a note of these times to be prized in the future. Will send the box tomorrow. As ever, your loving husband, Jerome I send you letters to keep. Will send more of Abbie’s and yours. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (James Lloyd and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: “Wristers” are a warm knitted covering for the wrist. NOTE 2: 1 Corinthians 12 concerning Spiritual Gifts begins as follows: “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” NOTE 3: Abbie (Abigail) 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. Therefore, when this letter was written, Abbie was 27 years old, and Allie was 29. NOTE 4: The “Capt. S.” referred to in the letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. He enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 5: 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. 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, March 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-03-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Lloyd (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 4.43 X 2.91 5.17 X 8.06 10.27 X 80.06 5.17 X 8.06 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #78 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News, VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e40b8acdcc3f1f1369d9cd3bfd6d21c5.jpg 22716671295a9f612986d3afc6e18e14 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f41c8e1a431c13985b015f7e7c0e978e.jpg 52ff3fbc27426d15b1b21b0de8746382 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1f734ab8c528d56c5e7f1c25852d3f2e.jpg db24cee965fd56404cfead72b67adc15 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/171b58738dd1fadef9787de09c474ccd.jpg 21d3f0ff5123634e5af040fef738b62a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fcdad41822400f0d577fe410c62b4baa.jpg cda96e4e0813f6abb7cbffc995fa0d55 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c7de1a2676d22e8321e8b8f11c01841c.jpg 83b548b4ae2e14525132031160edb3df 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 N. [Newport] News Va 10th Mch 1863 My dearest Allie, Do you ever rejoice to have it rain? Well I do this morn. The call had sounded for morning drill when it commenced to rain. (Oh miserable pencil! Can you send me another by and by. See that the lead is black, not too soft). Send me a dime and I will have ink and try and write with it once more, don’t seem more than 10 c [cents]. Well, I have gone thru the usual morning exercises, viz. shaking blankets, washing and combing hair, blacking boots ready for drill, using toothbrush so that my teeth are much as of old. Our food don’t foul the mouth as at home, and I think you would think you have quite a good looking “soldier boy” yet! You see my conceit is not quite dispelled but here in the Army self esteem is a “big thing”. Jesting aside, I have read over your last letter of 4th Mch. [March] and I just mentioned it in my last of Sunday. You must, I should think, have had a nice time at Mr. Judkins. How pleasant it is to see aged people like Mrs. F. for I know she enjoyed it and has her faculties sufficient to appreciate it all. I wish you would always remember me to her, for we think over all the pleasant times here, etc. often call to mind my walks and calls about “Pleasant Valley” and you know what I think of quite young and old people. Allie, do you keep any kind of diary, even a short note of the passing time? I am sorry to hear you speak of working so hard and you must humor yourself all you can but if you could just keep something to recall your doings I think ‘twould be a good thing. When I get my little book full, shall send it home although ‘twill be nothing new as I believe I have told you the various moves of camp life. Sun. eve. Last was particularly pleasant to me. ‘twas warm and took a stroll after “tea”. By the way, Co. B “get up” some nice baked beans, like home, so went there Sund. eve. and had a few by the politeness of Geo. Edmunds, a nephew of Ben, so had coffee and beans with baker’s bread and butter and then came the walk till “Tatoo”. Heard the band play, sat by the side of the river chatting of things past and present and we both feel more patriotic as we view the beautiful country and noble views and a thousand assertions and resolve that it must be one Union and people. Geo. E. is a son of Edward Edmonds who is dead some years ago. Geo. is about 21. I pass most of my time in his and Ben’s tent. Ben is older and tents with another ‘set’. Geo. has my Shakespeare now and will enjoy it this foul day. Yesterday the Col. took his place again on his fine grey horse that was presented him at Falmouth and we moved. I assure you and then P.M. came the Brigade Drill which takes the three Regts., in all about 15 hundred men, and makes quite a show. We go thru the movements as in battle in changing positions, marching, etc. but not firing. Col. Leasure of the Penn. 100th is Acting Brigadier Gen. and his manner makes a good deal of sport although he is a pleasant man but he’ll bring out his aides shout Orrrrder Arrrms! in a fine and hoarse voice. He is quite considerate of the men and that we imagine troubles the Col. some and so amuses us for he loves to ‘rush’ things when on drill. We have a great deal to amuse us here. Last eve. a lot of us had a general squabble, pushing etc. in the street and finally Sergeants Perley and Woodward, the latter of Orange, with Jos. H. and self had a fun game of eucher in our tent in which the Peirces were ahead. I have thus given you a little notion of camp life. Each day passes much the same and on the whole we enjoy life here quite, yes, very well and as our tents turn water we have no trouble about that. Think ours will not ‘tip up’ again just yet. Had a paper from you yesterday of Mch 3. Don’t see as they how got quite ready yet but I’m confident that we’ll be all right by and by. The people must make one more “pull altogether’ and the Rebellion will end, for we have evidence that they can’t hold out much longer as things are in an awful state at the South. Our camp is full of “Contrabands” who peddle all sorts of things and some poor families reside here close by and some of the little “nigs” look quite cunning as they dance and hop about at the band music for you know they are born full of music of some sort. We expect an event today or tomorrow. Capt. Draper’s wife of Milford, Mass., is to visit her husband, one of our youngest, finest captains and who has drilled us in the absence of the Col. and who we would like for Col. They are wealthy people of Milford and he has been out in the 25th Regt I believe, and was attached to the Signal Corps awhile. His father came to N.N. [Newport News] when we did to visit him. As mail don’t close till P.M. will leave room for a word if I have any mail. Am going to send the Register and ‘Trumpet’ to Frank. A little later. Looking over a religious [???] found the following which is beautiful and can we not both appreciate it. It is from Victor Hugo, the great French author. “The pupil dilates in the night and at last finds Day in it, even as the soul dilates in misfortune and at last finds God in it.” I congratulate Hattie on the book “A Talk with My Pupils”. Have seen a notice of it and it must be one of the best. Will is a thoroughly noble fellow and how I wish I could see them. It seems “Haverill” was up here a while ago. I expect he is chaplain of the 6th. Wish I could have met him. Have written to Abbie. No mail yet, so adieu Jerome 7th letter I believe from here TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Unit History includes the following summary regarding February and March of 1863. The 36th Massachusetts moved to Newport News, Virginia, on February 10, 1863, where it remained in camp until March 22, 1863. On March 23 through March 29, 1863, the men of the 36th Regiment went by steamer to Baltimore and then by train freight cars, outfitted with rough board seats, to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and then again by steamer to Cincinnati, Ohio, and on to Lexington, Kentucky. They remained there, except for a short assignment back to Cincinnati to deal with possible riots during an election. Those riots never materialized. NOTE 2: A tattoo is a military performance of music or display of armed forces in general. The term comes from an early 17th century Dutch phrase doe den tap toe ("turn off the tap"), a signal sounded by drummers or trumpeters to instruct innkeepers near military garrisons to stop serving beer and for soldiers to return to their barracks. It was commonly used in the Civil War to signal “Lights Out.” NOTE 3: William F. Draper, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted at age 21 as a Private in September 1861. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on October 12, 1861, and was promoted steadily thereafter, becoming a Major on July 31, 1863. For a time, he was on detached duty with the U.S. Signal Corps. He commanded the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment from October 10, 1863, until August 10, 1864, except during a time when he was recovering from a severe wound he sustained in the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. He was mustered out of the service on October 12, 1864, upon the expiration of his three years of service. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel and then Brevet Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers, for “gallant and meritorious services in the field during the war.” NOTE 4: 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 5: “Contraband” was a term commonly used in the United States military during the Civil War to describe a new status for certain escaped or freed slaves who affiliated with the Union forces. The Army (and the United States Congress) determined that the U.S. would not return escaped slaves who went to Union lines and classified them as contraband. They used many as laborers to support Union efforts and soon began to pay them wages. The former slaves set up camps near Union forces, and the Army helped support and educate both adults and children among the refugees. Thousands of men from these camps enlisted in the United States Colored Troops when recruitment started in 1863. At war's end, more than 100 contraband camps existed in the South, including the Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island, where 3,500 former slaves worked to develop a self-sufficient community. NOTE 6: The book “A Talk with my Pupils” was written by Mrs. Charles Sedgwick in 1862 and published in 1863. Reprints are still available today. 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, March 10, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Newport News, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-03-10 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 4.65 X 2.90 4.93 X 8.23 9.96 X 8.23 4.93 X 8.23 5.24 X 7.85 5.24 X 7.85 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 #83 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Newport News VA.