18 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a9a2aa5a38c44ee9745462268bb7f609.jpg 21dea82d7ae687bfc78afd8a3fa862b7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bbef2a4fe8ee400aae870aec29f5d84d.jpg 60dadf1f801fc3ad56e4aebe7070bd7f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/68e05e09bcbcf980b4470bb511b39964.jpg 97450f01e66c22cd095b2423a6dd3571 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ac81948d72eb4871b49ac5ec33ac0b3.jpg f0dcfb896282aee4230005d118bc7327 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d1e33a55751890365f034e46e19b4c8b.jpg a2605f81ff228325e3e9c13e210da4d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/735427f0446318217c1366544e49cc99.jpg 3c359e6b8013a739f81be45d9c3e957b 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 “Dick Robinson”, Ky Fri 24th Apr 1863 My dearest wife, My last [letter] of Tues. eve. closed by informing you of our departure for an expedition, etc. We reached camp again last eve. about 8 o’clk, one day’s return sooner than expected. It rained all night Tues. and morning found our camp “all afloat”. Called up at 3 a.m. and coffee served and started at 5, still raining. Took a cross road, a short distance from here, and such tedious marching. Stones, mud and all the wrenching inconveniences of bad highways but about 4 P.M. found us a Harrodsburg about 18 miles south east of this place. It is, or has been, a violent Sech place and we took a look through it, doing some splendier marching as we moved thru the streets and “I reckon” gave them a sight of “Yankee soldiering”. Finally camped about a mile out of the village in a pleasant spot among the trees. The “Color Guard” messed together and some merry times we have on such occasions around the campfire and taking our coffee, comparing ills such as lame and blistered feet, but always concluding “we are good for more miles tomorrow”. Well, about 9 o’clk Thurs. morn. left for camp via Danville 10 miles east. A beautiful country and a fine marching day, being cloudy and raining enough to keep the dust down. ‘Tis a fine place with a large “Female Institute” before mentioned as we had a call from some of the ladies and their teachers. Stopped long enough for coffee and started for camp and arrived as mentioned somewhat lame as I marched in shoes for the first time this season but we are doing well and tonight we (the whole Regt.) “appear out” in white gloves on Dress Parade. We are not aware as yet the character of our mission. Expect it was to let the ‘Secesh’ know how Yankees could appear and to initiate Burnside’s order, which is to “silence” all demonstrations in favor of Rebels in his department. The Col. was very kind and considerate of our comfort on this trip and he has removed some unfavorable impressions and we gave him the hearty cheers which made the camp sing and I trust he will appreciate it for the Regt, gained many encomiums for fine appearance, drill, etc. for we found some Union men and the others were very respectful and quiet. There are some magnificent scenes about here on ‘Dix Run’ which we crossed a narrow foot bridge twice. Such rocky scenes, hundreds of feet high and swelling out like the fronts of houses in the cities while the winding course of the river affords some fine views in these springtime budding and leafing out of the trees. Jos. H. it seems after I left wrote you and I feared would alarm you so I send you this brief scrawl. He told about firing heard, wouldn’t be back for a week, etc. but I felt you would know him well enough not to be much frightened. ‘Twas a perfect secret and only two persons knew where we went and no one on the errand. We had a pleasant trip and never was farther from any danger. In my last I sent you my picture in my fatigue camp dress also $2.00 in money yours returned. I hope ere this you have received the check etc. Had a nice letter from Mr. Murray waiting me. Will reply soon. Hope this will bring one from you as I’m anxious to know if you receive my late letters for have written often quite. I trust you are in good health, which Mr. Murray spoke of in particular. Transcriber’s Note: Several lines of text have been heavily crossed out with what appears to have been by black pencil, presumably by Jerome, making them totally illegible. I believe in a happy union by and by. I have written this past hastily that you might know of my health and safety. Have directed the last [letter] to Billerica. ‘Tis warm and pleasant today. Love to all friends and as ever your affectionate, Jerome Transcriber’s Note: Two small pieces of stationery, approximately one-third the size of a regular piece of stationery, with the following partial texts were included with the above letter in the same envelope. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …on the conduct of the war…. Day the account of the disgraceful sneak from Charleston and laying the blame on the poor Ironclads! Let commodore Farragut go there and see then what will take place! These things stirred my temper and I fear the sun went down on my wrath… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… … our Regt. made … appearance at Dress Parade this eve and we had many lookers on. I wish it could be justly done in “Harper’s Weekly” for your benefit. The ‘Color Guard’ is full 12 in all the flower of the regt. and I address you as the stars and stripes float… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Transcriber’s Note: The text apparently continues on regular-sized stationery as follows. over us and on the soil of “Kentuck” and makes me proud of the ‘Old Bay State” and I feel “taller and stronger” to “do and dare” for our Union. The boys of Co. B sing finely on our March and the new song “Rally around the flag Boys” rings out in telling tones and sends a thrill through the “Left” if not the whole Regt. We are having an addition to the Drum Corps, fifes and a brass drum. Music is potent in the Army and the “Thirty Sixth” will not be behind. I mention these things for they interest us and will you for our sake. Please see Abbie and Miss Waldo and tend my heart thanks for the letters. I feel very happy if my letters are such a satisfaction to my friends. They are certainly my experience and as long as health is so good I have no business to be anything but cheerful and brave. Spring comes on and the country looks more lovely every day and the birds are delightful. Please show this with your friend Charles. I mean should like to write him tonight but have been resting up all day and want to see Ben and show him his letter. I hope in your next [letter] you will tell me of the safe arrival of the ‘check’ etc. and soon of my picture etc. Good night and good angels Keep you for your loving Jerome P.S. My congratulations to Albert and S. and tell Charles I have thought over old times. Age levied on them thru some strange scenes. Especially at Fredericksburg! My love to them all. I may have miss dated this. It is Friday. Col. Norton looked nicely this eve. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. NOTE 3: 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 4: The "Battle Cry of Freedom", also known as "Rally 'Round the Flag", is a song written in 1862 by American composer George Frederick Root (1820–1895) during the Civil War. A patriotic song advocating the causes of Unionism and abolitionism, it became so popular that composer H. L. Schreiner and lyricist W. H. Barnes adapted it for the Confederacy. A modified Union version was used as the campaign song for the Lincoln-Johnson ticket in the 1864 presidential election, as well as in elections after the war, such as for Garfield in the 1880 U.S. presidential election. The song was so popular that the music publisher had 14 printing presses going at one time and still could not keep up with demand. It is estimated that over 700,000 copies of this song were put in circulation. NOTE 5: Col. John B. Norton enlisted at age 39 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a First Lieutenant in the 5th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. He was transferred as a Captain to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. Norton was promoted to Lt. Col. on August 28, 1862, and he commanded the Regiment from June 1, 1863, until July 30, 1863. He resigned on July 30, 1863, the reason for his resignation not being specified in the Unit History. 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, April 24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, 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 1863-04-24 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 3.75 6.8 X 7.8 12.35 X 8.85 6.75 X 8 12 X 8.25 12.35 X 8.15 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 #106 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c3631bd9f01ebd6499bdb77b531f1721.jpg 2213543189f9eb90445ec9b61bd56e79 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a90743d26e89ea4fca6ee0c67109baca.jpg 5ab70312c4af21689c4b3d2895bce9b8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0dd08c5f854fb12f3b94369327932885.jpg dfbbc4af7515d680db4c7c0d38379752 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 “Dick Robinson” Ky Sabbath [April] 19th 1863 Dear friends all, It is a rainy day and in the morning I expected to have a quiet day with a few lines to dear ones at home, but somewhat confused so far and I fear you will have a poor affair but now that Allie is not with you felt I must send you a line if nothing more, with my love and a kiss to my little Lulu. Everything is moving along as usual in camp. The signs of an advance but still waiting among the big trees for weeks. Received your and Mother’s letter in due time for which I expressed my thanks in one of Allie’s letters. I suppose you send hers to her. I was sorry that she thought it best to leave you and had hoped a year would unite us again and she could keep together that time but I suppose all is for the best. Have been very well and have recovered from the effects of the late march. The weather is becoming hot and we are lessening our clothing considerably. Have had but little to do thus far but ‘rest up’ and that we have done as much as possible. Last Thurs. P.M. had a pass out of camp and took a three hour stroll. A delightful time. ‘Tis a fine country about here and some beautiful scenery on the Kentucky or a tributary. Found a few flowers. Have sent Allie some. Will find some more perhaps. There are about 2500 troops in this immediate neighborhood and a great many more ahead of us but when we shall move I cannot divine. Our camp is very pleasant and the grass is out finely and the birds “make melody” all the day. Yesterday P.M. a large coach full of ladies from the Danville Institute with their teacher paid us a visit and quite a sensation was the consequence. The officers were very gallant. There were some quite pretty, and one from Charlestown, as was the principal, Mr. Bickford. He kept the Somerville High School some years ago. Was formerly in a store and worked his way thru “Harvard” by his own energies. The country hereabouts is the picture of pastoral comfort and wealth. Fine fields and plantations. Of course many slaves but it is in the milder form. On our stroll the other day called at a house and had some custard pie and a tumbler of fresh milk. The people are very hospitable but about half and half Union and Secesh I expect. Have had sixteen letters since a week ago last Sat[urday] eve but three weeks elapsed before I had any. Heard from Frank and Will and with them, Abbie writes me they are probably moving on the “Blackwater” [River]. The country and general appearance of things is more cheerful here than in the Eastern Department and I trust there’ll be an end sometime. Tell little Lulu she must be a good little girl and Papa and Mama are thinking of her every day. Her picture and mother’s are a great comfort to me. Letters come thru in four days so it don’t seem so very far from home, only when you think of the journey. Must write a line to Orange and must close. Write me as often as possible. Love to each and all. As ever from your affec[tionate], Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. 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. 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 "Friends all", April 19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends all Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Friends all" 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 1863-04-19 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 5.75 X 7.75 10.75 X 8.65 5.5 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 #105 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Friends all Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/de81bf316d2c9a0beebff7477ba9f933.jpg 0fb2dbe01f9665e565cfc1ef7bebeeca https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a9410e90c15922d74a7d7618ad38d67.jpg 124b226e465a20652d24c543ba6d12ed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c89b79826186287465f78b7051f436c4.jpg 0fecf7852fd18fdc9ce43475a02be568 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 April 18, 1863 I have met with a sad loss, Allie. My memorandum book with your and Lulu’s picture is gone and I feel almost alone! Have tried to find it and may yet. Can’t account for it for I have taken so much pain to keep it safe. I despair of keeping anything precious here but in memory they will live. Will write the friends as I can. I mailed you a letter at Cincin… …soon. I shall be anxious to hear of your movements. Thurs. P.M. Took a stroll out of camp with Ben E. and had a delightful time and got some pie and milk and saw a pretty lady. Also gathered some flowers which I enclose. I have scribbled this in great haste for the morning mail. Give… TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) It appears that that the rest of this letter is missing. 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, April 18, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, 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 Washinton Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-18 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 6.10 X 3.75 6.25 X 3.55 6.25 X 3.55 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 #104 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location not indicated. Almost certainly Camp Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bf9d42dc58502a26dd84d2115a1bd0cc.jpg cbc51b434d33b4b8e33f00c97ee1d5fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f9ef2d3f134c236d84248dd7656a9afe.jpg 2b1b2ff9016aec42bce16918921e04d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/db7d79b1d588c311bbaa15488cb53d79.jpg 7559bea71d463f76f2df36a850082ab5 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 April 16/63 Friend Jerome, Your last letter from Kentucky interested me very much and I felt sad as is the war that calls you there. You would much enjoy this new experience of seeing so much more of our glorious country. I did not know you had visited the West before. Harper’s Ferry must indeed of itself well repay a visit there and though your heart must be pained at the desolations of War, still you are doubtless storing your memory with beautiful history never to be forgotten, and if as I hope and trust you are spared for many years to look back upon this fearful struggle amid the many regrets it will ever [???] there will be mingled a true pride that much as slavery had corrupted us, we were yet strong and courageous enough to rise in our strength. I trample it under foot when it dared to put its sacrilegious hands on our government. I have a class in school studying our Constitution and as I feel the farseeing wisdom of those who framed it, I wonder how the wicked adherents of slavery have ever been able to pervert its liberty loving policy and my whole nature is roused to protest against it ever again shedding its baneful influence over our land. We have gained, we are gaining much and ere very long I believe this most wicked rebellion that was ever known (for there never was so good a government before known) must [???] have our land the better for the fearful storm that has swept over it, just as a fearful thunder shower clears the air and makes everything brighten and [???] before it. I returned a week ago yesterday from a visit to Brooklyn, N.Y. and while there I heard from Rev Mr. Flaplly a very fine discussion on unconditional loyalty as a religious duty for every one of us. His arguments were convincing and I enjoyed it very much. He seemed to have great faith in the power of the two civilizations of the North and South if once fully pitched (as a peaceful struggle) against each other to settle this matter. Freedom must be better if her sons and daughters are but true and enduring. They were talking of having a Union [???] and having every man to sign it. Ever since President Lincoln fully pledged himself to freedom by his proclamation, I have felt sure however much of struggle, trial or defeat ever there may be before us, we are sure of victory at last. I do not understand President Lincoln’s policy, but I do not believe he will ever take a step backward and boldly steer the ship forward, putting his trust in Him who will make the path clear and straight before us. For you, Jerome, and your noble brothers in the field my hearty thanks with grateful emotions that you could have your dear ones in God’s hands and go forth to defend our dear land and I daily pray that your efforts may be a blessing to our whole land. Rev. Mr. Everett says he feels only the good results from this war will be the awakening throughout our whole land a deeper truer patriotism than has ever been felt here before, that the children will now [???] in a deeper love of liberty than ever. I was much gratified by your last letter and the “holly” you gathered to put in it. When you have time, shall be glad to hear from you again. Sisters join in kind regard, As ever, your friend S. A. Waldo TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) There are several references to letters from “Miss Waldo” or “S. A. Waldo” or the Waldo family in Jerome’s letters. In addition, there are some letters from her to “Friend Jerome” in this collection of letters. 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 S. A. Waldo to Jerome, April 16, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Waldo, S. A. Peirce, Jerome Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From S. A. Waldo (friend) to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource S. A. Waldo Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-16 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5 X 7.75 9.5 X 8 5.15 X 7.75 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #103 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location not indicated. Almost certainly Camp Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce S. A. Waldo https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1fe4f0c1afdaa758d78d9b6a33181163.jpg ae5bf4ea42f04248b508aa5499f8571a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2684e13c3446924a9aaac64ada3b0901.jpg 5f82bc9ef33d3b51936cd77db3505119 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d8ac540db9bdc86db3baeda6449936a6.jpg 8a2896bd866ba14c2fa361a2313e11cd 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 “Dick Robinson”, Ky 15th Apr. 1863 My very dear wife, It is a cool drizzly morning and we keep to our tents. Have been quite busy mending, fastening buttons. No letters since last Sat. and we begin to feel impatient. We shall remain quietly in camp and have nicely recovered from the effects of the march, and nature is putting on her finest carpet of green. They have taken great pains clearing the grounds and the grass is putting forth beautifully and the birds are singing and it seems indeed like spring. It is really pleasant and I wish you could be nicely fixed in this neighborhood till the campaign was over for there are cozy nice looking old farm houses near our grounds which look homelike. Have been looking at your pictures and it almost seems as though I could hear you and Lulu as you move about. I suppose you are once more at B [Billerica]. I hope things will work in some way to favor you. There is quite a change in affairs in our tent. Jos. H. is going on the supply train again learning. Also one other of our tent fellows and still another is trying for a chance. Hope J. H. will succeed for I think [he] can do better there if he tries. The season will be better, and far better roads than in Va. Of course I can tell you no news but I love to send you a few words to keep you company as sort of pocket companions. Have written Bowen and Phillips. Hope I shall hear from some of them ere long. I can’t understand why our mail is so long arriving. A letter or two comes nearly every day but no large amount as there should be. Saw B. Edmands as usual yesterday. His wife is having good success at Wheeling. A little later as I finished the last sentence, Ben E. peeped in but is on duty and could not stay. Was with him last eve. laughing over “Merry Wives of Windsor” (Shakespeare). Jos. H. came in, been off to attend to his teams. Has bought him a revolver. Folks sometimes ask about accouterments in camp. Here ball playing is the great game. There are also cannon balls here from some old army stores and they practice throwing and rolling them a good deal. Capt. S. is about as smart as any. I do not play a great altho [I] used to pitch “quoits” some at Newport News. Newspaper news is quite uncertain and doubtful. Saw papers of Apr. 8th at B. E.’s tent last eve. Hope the work is progressing favorably at Charleston, S.C. See no signs of our moving yet awhile. Does it look like spring yet? Any work begun yet? How much I would like to be with the folks and try farming a little. Mary, I ought to have something interesting for you for your last [letter]. But ‘tis all one story here, bugles and drums most of the time. I rove about thinking of dear friends at home being “on the Colors”. Have nothing to do in camp but to keep up my health and strength. By the way, we ‘Color Guard’ are to have an additional badge on our sleeve. Imagine me sprouting the following, the star being recently added as in the old Regts [Regiments]. Shall I ever have two on the shoulders? Mary, when your scholars march, they must start with the left foot! and when turning, turn to the right, this is military. What’s Miss Hattie doing? Do I owe her a letter? My recent rambles have put me out of all account of letters received. Jos. H. wishes to remind you, Allie, that you owe him a letter, although he knows you have much to think of. Tell Lulu I am watching to find some flowers to send her but have seen none as yet. There are lots of little frogs tho running about here and some that are not so little. Jos. H. and another brought in some twenty dollars worth of stuff from a store nearby the other P.M. and sold all in a few moments to the boys Cheese, candy, cigars, bread, etc., etc., etc. Payday makes things lively. I don’t know as I can add anything more to this. Hope we shall have a mail before night. Hope you receive all my letters. Mailed one Sunday with $42.00. My sleeve stars have just come and I must be putting them on. Love to friends and as ever to your dear self from Your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: 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 for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 4: The “Capt. S” referred to in the letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. Sawyer 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. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 5: Quoits is a game in which flat rings of iron or rope are pitched at a stake, with points awarded for encircling it. 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, April 13, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, 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 1863-04-13 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 9 X 10.75 16.45 X 10.5 8.65 X 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 #102 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ea556f430b71a41301e0f9eba002519f.jpg 888368c4421c0917249e16f179f9dcc1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7352b113e90926c9203febe85e4f7148.jpg b353bd170018999364e190024f78dba8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7ffd422eeb8634bef1539d532b7cf80b.jpg 850743b60b163a84f301721d1102d95b 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 Lexington, Ky Sunday Morn 5th April 1863 Have just been to breakfast and I thought I would send a few lines as it is uncertain how long we remain here. Yesterday P.M. orders came to furnish three days of rations and of course all sorts of rumors are afloat. The most probable idea is that we (the 36th) are going a few miles down the railroad to guard it from a threatened raid by the Rebels. They had a fight a few days ago at Somerset and some 500 rebel prisoners were brought to this city, a sorry looking set I was told. I have not been to town yet. Did think I should attempt to attend church today at the city but it is doubtful whether I can obtain a pass if we are likely to move. Did not get a mail yet and of course we feel a long ways from home. Don’t understand it but I hope you receive all of mine. Have written you three times last week, also to Abbie and Foster’s family. We have had severe weather here and frosty nights and most all of us have colds again, but this morning the sun is out very bright and warm and I hope for one real warm day. ‘Tis the first Sabbath of the month and how I wish I could join you at the Lord’s table and renew and refresh my worn soul within the sacred circle and so dismiss from the mind, if not from memory, forever the scenes of the field and camp. We are as pleasantly fixed as we ever were and yet I wish all was ended for the general good and we could be permitted to return to the home of our hearts. War in its best phase is a direful and corrupting engine and I trust we may never see another one. You must not think by the above that I am “low spirited” but these reflections will come to any thoughtful mind and often while we are endeavoring to make the best of it. Have no particular news. Fri. eve. [I] passed with the Capt. in his tent and had a nice time. He is always cheerful and full of stories of old school days and while he was a teacher, etc. and a great joker, so we often have pleasant time together. He is becoming exceedingly popular with the soldiers and the line officers. Such is the way true manhood makes itself felt after a while. Yesterday quite a “bevy” of ladies and some gentlemen paid us a visit, guests of the officers and we had a Battalion Drill. And as it is not customary on Sats. [Saturdays] I conclude it was for their benefit. The Col. and others looked quite gay escorting the fair Kentuckians about the grounds. Shall endeavor to have some good reading today and shall think much of you all at home. I hope we shall not move today. “Guard Mounting” is first coming off and I suppose the usual Sunday morn. inspection at 10 o’clk. Will add more by and by. Shall probably have services by the chaplain. P.M. A beautiful day, sitting here with the warm sun just laying my tent. No immediate begin of moving although no one of our Regt. [is] allowed to leave camp. Passed some time with Ben Edmands after I ceased writing. Came to our street nearly noon and saw a gathering in the rear of the Captn.’s tent and found it to be a meeting and the chaplain gathered about him. Two or three spoke and some good singing. The chaplain takes his meals and some of them with Capt. S, who is attentive to him. Have just had dinner and chatted with Geo. Edwards, who has been in here. The “orderly” tells me that regimental services will take place at ¼ of 3 o’clk. It seems so good to hear the bells ring at church time as we do here. If we were only near enough for you to come and visit us! 4 P.M. Ordered off. Rumor says Cincinnati. Adieu with the love of your husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Battle of Somerset (or Dutton's Hill) was fought on March 31, 1863. In early 1863 Confederate General John Pegram led a cavalry raid into Kentucky in the vicinity of Lexington. By the time the Union forces responded, Pegram's cavalry had rounded up several hundred head of cattle. Union General Quincy A. Gillmore's force caught up with Pegram outside Somerset, Kentucky, approximately 75 miles south of Lexington, and drove Pegram's skirmishers up Dutton's Hill where the Confederates made a stand. Making no headway at first, Union artillery was brought forward. When the 45th Ohio Infantry made a successful charge against the hill, the Confederates were forced to fall back. Pegram retreated south of the Cumberland River leaving behind horses and many of his confiscated cattle. Casualties amounted to 10 killed and 25 wounded on the Union side, while the Confederate losses came to 200 in total. It appears that the 500 prisoners allegedly taken by the Union army as mentioned in the letter was an exaggerated number. NOTE 3: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) Jaquith was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 4: 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 5: “Capt. S.” 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 6: The chaplain for the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment at the time this letter was written was Charles T. Canfield. He was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts. Canfield served in that capacity from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. NOTE 7: 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, April 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, 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 1863-04-05 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 5.35 X 3.45 8.5 X 10.75 16.45 X 10.75 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #101 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/301671b0cb85606cf64c0755b07cca2c.jpg e38837e9cabfa2712e4108757ed60e9a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f57ac29c7ede756213cd9409de2bd78f.jpg 461b7dd48a4943f294a389277ce0a591 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Sunday morning [April 12, 1863] Thought I would add a word this morn [morning]. I understand we are to be paid every two months. Perhaps I will send home more by and by. I said I should keep $10.00. I have twelve with the sale I mentioned but got me a pr. of shoes which cost $1.50 so with one or two other things will have me about $10.00. Shall be very careful and will send enough for stamps if I can’t get them here. Speaking of promotion, I should like a commission and would apply if I could see my way clear. What do the friends say? If I left this Regt. [Regiment] should have to be regularly discharged and there is little show here. I have won a good reputation so far and influence goes a great ways. I am not indifferent but shall make the most of my lot here, but the way to come at it where there is so much rivalry. Am feeling nicely this morn [morning], a beautiful spring morn. I hope you will enjoy much this day and receive strength, spiritually and bodily. Found these peach blossoms on the ground as I came from washing. As ever your Jerome Am weighing 135 pounds and started from Cin. [Cincinnati] with a total load of 58 lbs! just as I march. Of course ‘tis much reduced now. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Although this letter does not explicitly indicate the date on which it was written nor the location from where it was written, based on the text, date and location of the previous letter (No. 99) and the text of this letter, this letter was written on April 12, 1863, while Jerome was at Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. NOTE 2: Regarding the “sale” referred to in this letter, he was probably referring to the sale of his watch a few weeks earlier because in his letter of February 11, 1863, to Allie (Letter No. 59) he wrote, “Have not told me if you got all the money from the sale of my watch.” 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, April 12, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, 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 1863-04-12 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 6.15 X 9 5.75 X 8.75 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #100 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/43584678595e18ae090ae24dcb0eb274.jpg 06d7d280fde5a7226facc92bec2ea280 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/428a75c4455ae29a54db0ba1a0b173bf.jpg f7ecb97d5ea3a19e14f9c7b0e1a3fb78 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cfce9cb878e89a6b8aad6f51fd3a6ef5.jpg c3c8a82110768fad01bd6e677bf276d1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/46b2a7b606a5f1b3e8bba916524056ff.jpg 8b7491a47d9e4d346fdcf4a0760b20ed https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e1851efa6bec87e3bd72fb220b41c28d.jpg 7e9ab2d7f8d2310b6fc3e0c01d4f2886 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ccad35d142525c91bd27e5c2c1bd3d85.jpg 9095086d055ebf8aa58f53648492e36d 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 “Dick Robinson” Ky. Sat Eve. April 11th, 1863 My dearest Allie, Events have multiplied today, and as my tent-mates are out, and all quiet, I will send a line. We received a generous mail today and I had some twelve letters, yours of Mch 25 - 27, a note in Henry’s and another from Chelsea. The wind blows and my candle burns out very fast, but I feel that every favorable moment must be improved. Ben E. is come in and I will stop awhile. Almost “Tattoo” (9 o’clk). All still again, a shower, but now starlight. Have been out this eve. getting some small bills, change etc. And now about money matters. I enclose in this a “check” on Worcester Bank but it is good at any bank or store in Mass. and you can turn it into money and I thought it the safest way to send it, for it is good only to you and if lost can be replaced and being so far from home thought I would do [it] this way and it is creditable to the Regt. to see the amount which is large, very, that is sent home in this way. I enclose $2.00 in bills also and trust it will reach you safely and be some help to you, and but that I am so far from home, would gladly send you more. I shall have $10.00, having sold the boots that were in a box that came up from Leesboro. And now let me say that I mentioned that the money came safely and Lulu’s picture, the little one of yourself also came today and the money, for which many thanks and a kiss. I am delighted with the picture and am glad you are looking so well and had a cheerful expression on purpose for me. Keep it my dear Allie and I fondly trust we shall meet and be happy yet. Ben E. said we should have to ask some explanation how it is our wives look so well in our absence! He and I enjoy much together, and we pass hours together daily. I wrote you yesterday and cannot say all I would like to, but I wanted to acknowledge yours, for it has been such a jubilee in camp and now a violin is playing Money Musk in the next tent, and you would think we had merry times, but there is one that does not forget his home. It makes me full of courage if my friends will remember me and believe that I have acted from the highest motives, as Heaven knows I have and only ask to press forward and do the best to bring this wicked war to a close. There is much that is interesting and awakening in this country and things look more encouraging from the fact that people seem in earnest, and the officers of this Department are thorough-going. One word about my health. I was not aware that I write in sentiment any different than I do to you, altho’ I may express myself differently. I have tried to be very truthful to you for I know full well that you would feel better to know the truth. Mrs. Hall said me and you know what she said. I am better than then. Altho’ this march, in the spring and first and on roads as hard as rock, it cut us up terribly as I wrote you yesterday, but I am doing nicely, am some stiff in the joints but feet are healing rapidly. Have a nice pair of army shoes so I shall do well enough now. Why Allie, I make it a conscientious study to take care of myself and the moment I feel that I am broken or seriously disabled, I shall try and get home and not die here from overwork for then I consider my duty done. As I look over our grand country I feel like defending it to the last and so I shall with a good Providence to help and sustain. Ah, Allie, the true soldier is not uncompensated here! To hear the clear bugle notes ring out among these grand old forest trees night and morning as it rouses us to duty and then follows the sweet birds, I never appreciated them as much before! All these things help to keep up the Man! Had a letter from Ellen. They don’t say that Alonzo has given up the idea of returning to the Army, altho’ I heard by one of Co. B’s men that he had. Was pleased that you had such a pleasant time at Chelsea etc. I think they all [are] doing well for the times, and trust much joy will come of the little things. I received a letter from Bowen at Jamestown. They too have a boy! Born in March and he was quite funny about it. Will send you it sometime. Phipps too remembered me, also two from Abbie and Jos H. had eleven letters. What I meant by surprising the North, I imagined we were to be stationed at or near Baltimore and Washington to guard elections but we were at Cincinnati instead. I fondly trust that if it must be, you will find some pleasant way [of] occupying yourself and where you will find surroundings that will help cheer you. Received a letter from Mary and Mother, thank them ever so kindly for it and particularly for this sentence in Mother’s letter, “The thought that you are performing your duty to your Country to the best of your ability must give you comfort and support”. Ah, Allie to think that there are those who would make you sad by saying I mistook my high duty in these fearful times, and when I never thought over a matter so deeply and solemnly before, the circumstances of the final enlistment are no sign of haste. No, I felt that far more than personal interest and family ties were at stake, and I have had more and more to convince me that I done right, and I trust and believe that we shall one day have a country worth living for. Allie, ‘tis a fiery trial we are passing through. It is getting late and I must close. There has been confusion in the tent some of the time and this is a poor Sat. night letter, but I feared we might march tomorrow and then comes uncertainty, dust and fatigue but I learn that we shall probably remain here for another day. Our Brigade are once more together. The 45th Penn came up today. Tell Mary I take great comfort with the little daily text book she sent me and a precious little reminder of her it is. I wish her much pleasure in her old school, and how is Hattie and Joe? Had a letter from Will and Frank, March 30. All well. Write immediately on receipt of this and I hope to get an answer to letters from Lexington soon. And now my dearest wife, remember the same good being watches over us as we lay us down to sleep, I in my blankets in my tent with the stars peeping in, you to your softer couch. May your slumbers be comforting and sweet and little Lulu darling, a good night kiss from Papa and to you from your ever loving husband Jerome Co. Regt. Corps Burnside’s Dept. Via Cincinnati Ohio You understand this “Check” is good at any bank in Mass. or the same as a Bank Note anywhere. We rec’d four month’s pay to Mch 1st Stamps rec’d all right TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. 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: Money Musk is the name of a tune and a dance that has been popular for many years and is still heard and danced to today. The tune for Money Musk originated in Scotland in 1776 and the first dance instructions appeared in 1785. By 1792, the tune and dance had made it to North America, and both spread rapidly. Many of today's dancers first encountered the phrase Money Musk when they were children, reading Little House in the Big Woods. It was a tune that Laura's Pa played on his fiddle. See YouTube for examples of the tune being played and dances being performed to it. NOTE 4: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. 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: 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 6: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 7: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834. 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, April 11, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Bryantsville, KY. Camp Dick Robinson 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 1863-04-11 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 X 8.75 11 X 9 5.45 X 8.45 5.45 X 8.45 11 X 8.75 5.65 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 #99 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a85212ea75a5c0912edeab08f6c4a1a0.jpg add0aee275af84924d979017e440d43b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0b9626102f58435f48b75bc334019d53.jpg 7d11caa21d7870f2172bf5c722a96273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/32c906e9eeb5a271860b59ee8539055e.jpg 96dc9891accc6175279b3b0ca91e3fc4 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 Walpole Jan 18th/63 My dear friend, I have been wishing to write you, but have not known how to direct a letter. Thinking Mr. Murray may know your address, I shall send it to him. I often search the paper for some account of the 36th Regiment, and within a day or two have seen it mentioned where it is located. How do you like military life? I trust you are well and bearing patiently the trials of the camp. Your friend will often think of you doing your duty to your country. Knowing your patriotism, I was not surprised to hear of your determination to “fight for the flag”, yet I knew it would cost you a pang to leave home and friends. I hope you hear often from your wife and little Lucy and that they are well. We are going on as usual. Mother has been quite well during the winter, but is now suffering from a cold. We have had very little snow, consequently not much sleighing, of which I am very fond. You are probably enjoying mild, pleasant weather, quite in contrast with our New England winter. I saw your wife’s sister at C [Likely Charlestown] made a call, introduced myself so that I might hear from you. It was soon after your Regiment left home. I have not been at C to make a visit this winter, my domestic cares keeping me at home. I think I wrote you that the teacher of our Private School was a member of our family. He still remains with us, and the school is in a prosperous condition. It adds to care, but it is pleasant to have him with us, for he is a good, pleasant person in a family. We had the usual Christmas Festival in the Church. The trimming was tastefully put up, the tree lighted by Chinese Lanterns, with an abundance of useful, pretty gifts. There were quite persons enough present to make it comfortable, but I wish you could have heard the singing by the Scholars. It was the first time they have sung with the organ, and it had a fine effect. My cousins Louisa and Sarah are well and at home. My uncle Mory is in London. He and Aunt went there in the autumn for his health but he has been very ill since. It is hardly to be expected that he will return. Our minister at C is well, and working as usual. I must tell you that we are soon to have a wedding in our family. Mr. Ellis’ bachelor brother is to be married to a young lady at Newton, a second cousin of mine. Some people may say that we helped along the affair if we did so. I hope it will result well. Old bachelors need a little jogging to set them in the right way. They will live in the old mansion house at N. [Newton] and it will be very pleasant to go there. I wish I could think of some great event to write you but there is no topic of public interest but the war, and you probably know more of that than I do. I thought of you on Communion Sunday, the first in the year, so far from home and knew your thoughts would be with kindred and friends. The Company which contains the most of those who went from Walpole is Co K, 44th Regiment at Newbern. [Should probably be New Bern, North Carolina.] Cannot you write sometime? We shall be so glad to hear from you. I can read pencil marks yet. I cannot report any great amount of books read this winter. The last was Ida Pheiffer’s (I think I have not spelled it right) Travels in Madagascar. The days are so short that domestic duties consume most of the time. We have recently had a photograph of Father taken, and it is excellent. Did you have any before you left home? I wish I had one. You will think there is no end to my writing, so hoping for a speedy return of peace to this distracted country and a safe return to home and friends, I must say good night. Yours truly, Lucy TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The Battle of New Berne was fought on March 14, 1862, near the city of New Bern, North Carolina, as part of the Burnside Expedition. The US Army's Coast Division, led by Brigadier General Ambrose Burnside and accompanied by armed vessels from the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, were opposed by an undermanned and badly trained Confederate force of North Carolina soldiers and militia led by Brigadier General Lawrence O'B. Branch. Although the defenders fought behind breastworks that had been set up before the battle, their line had a weak spot in its center that was exploited by the attacking Federal soldiers. When the center of the line was penetrated, many of the militia broke, forcing a general retreat of the entire Confederate force. General Branch was unable to regain control of his troops until they had retreated to Kinston, more than 30 miles away. New Bern came under Federal control, and remained so for the rest of the war. NOTE 2: Ida Laura Pfeiffer (1797 – 1858) was an Austrian traveler and travel book author. She was one of the first female explorers, whose popular books were translated into seven languages. In May 1857 she set out to explore Madagascar, where at first she was cordially received by the queen Ranavalona I. She unwittingly allowed herself to be involved in a plot to overthrow the government together with a few other Europeans in apparent collaboration with crown prince Rakoto (the future king Radama II). Upon learning of the attempted coup, the queen executed the Malagasy involved but spared the Europeans, whom she expelled from the country in July 1857. On the way back, Pfeiffer contracted a disease (likely malaria) and never fully recovered. She died in Vienna a year later in 1858, likely from malaria complications. A travelogue describing her final voyage, Reise nach Madagaskar (“Trip to Madagascar”), was published in Vienna in 1861 in two volumes and included a biography written by her son Oskar Pfeiffer. 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 Lucy to Jerome, January 18, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Ellis, Lucy M. Peirce, Jerome Walpole, MA. Description An account of the resource From Lucy to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lucy M. Ellis Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-18 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 5 X 7.82 9.84 X 7.79 5 X 7.82 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 #61 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Walpole MA. Friend Jerome Peirce Lucy M. Ellis Walpole MA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1abc6cd13e9cd28f982d96c4cef31019.jpg 48d13e338696a2290bd0b1217406d5d3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f2883202f3d525b47bdfd39fe08524c0.jpg 197351ee5f728744bfa12163b22976e9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cf545688528255beff709bf9965fa318.jpg f92121183dac9dd3c9a368ef05f774a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/057cdc56c006fb5b8f231ed67054346b.jpg 1f9669c49ed4be04d58a8488b699057d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3e7ae4705f9a163bcc42774adb093df0.jpg 5d929c0e2a927e2038c3e2995d7cb409 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bc13fff61bae7345833ee2effa0bfe7f.jpg 2d74a97a830f0b38d58bd2041977137e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Thurs P.M. 15 Jan 1863 My dear Allie Here I am “cooped up” all alone in the tent. The Co [Company] off on picket and I have just laid aside my sewing! to chat with you awhile. What do you think my “sewing” is? Well, putting on some new chevrons on a new blouse that I have just drawn, and I find it a nice job altho’ shall make it look “pretty fair” for a man. I take the old ones and turn them so they look quite new and nice. We have curious weather today, a warm furious wind so that I had to put out my fire. The wind blows very hard and shakes up the tents fearfully, commenced last eve. I am sitting with or in my shirtsleeves and am very warm at that. No mail last eve, hope to get one before I mail this. It seems strange now not to receive a mail every day. The last letter from you was of the 6th Jan, so it seems some time since I heard from you. Recd three papers this Tues. which were very acceptable. It is exceedingly dull and monotonous here. Nothing but a repetition from day to day without any changes. The usual amount of rumors, newspaper talk etc. but we mind nothing about that. Alonzo had not returned yesterday, don’t understand it. Said to be unwell of a cold in W. [Washington]. It is a pretty serious thing to be absent over the furlough so there must be something. We have received the customary drills two hours a day and have part of our firewood brought in teams and dealt out as a “ration”, have to get some besides so we are not idle. Am still in excellent health, and so try not to make things any duller than possible tho’ it seems as tho’ we couldn’t be doing much good here, and seems like time wasted or at least misapplied, but we must make the best of it. I wish I could tell you something new and interesting but it has been unusually dull for the last few days, but I know you expect something often, so you must make the most of it. Have heard nothing from the brothers since their arrival home, perhaps you have. I see by one of the “Journals” that Captain Joslin of Worcester is promoted to Major of the 15th Regt. so he has some compensation for his sufferings. Don’t know where the Regt. is. Had two papers from Mr Bowen, Jamestown the other eve and ought to have a whole “batch” of letters, say from Lucy, Geo. Pratt, the Social Six. Don’t understand why I have not heard from them. Have been so busy that I have delayed writing to Abbie quite long but will soon. It is harder to write, but I think all the more, if possible, of home and friends and shall be glad if I ever see my way clear of this business. Shall be glad to hear from Mary Eliza[beth] for if we cannot write interesting always, to receive them is a great treat. Have not written Dr Wilies yet, have not felt like it but may soon perhaps. Heard from Frank, from himself. I believe I owe him a letter. He was getting along better as you mentioned. Where is my little Lulu? How much Papa wants to see her she little knows and it grieves me to think she may forget me before I see her but such is childhood. I can only trust she will be a good child and a comfort to you all and that we may again become to know each other by and by. Did you get the verses I sent to her, “The Wish” I believe and a little prose extract for yourself on “childhood, its love, faith, etc.”? I have many little pieces saved which I look over Sundays. Ellen P sent me the play of “Henry Fourth” the other day. Hattie I owe you I know, but you are always remembered. If we can only be permitted to join the Home Circle once more what an experience to think and talk over!! Will close by and by. Fri P.M. Waited for mail, recd letters from you 11th, Dr. Bickford and Lucy R., and this morn one from Abbie that got sent into another company. All well. It seems Foster got home on Thursday at midnight, a week ago. We have had a terrible wind for the last 48 hours and rain all last night but my tent was tight, scarcely any water got in, but my chimney smoked so I couldn’t live hardly and the consequence is I have some sore eyes today. It has cleared off but still windy, but the chimney behaved better as I have fixed it. Have had all sorts of stories about camp. Expected some to be “paid off” in a few days but instead I suppose we are to “move” tomorrow. The orders are received, don’t know in what direction, three days cooked rations and 60 rounds of cartridges. I don’t know as I can add anything to interest. Shall keep notes and send you word as often as possible, altho’ if there is really any keeping letters back, I can’t say when you will get this. I hope we shall do something this time and have fair play. The belief is that we shall cross the [Rappahannock] River at some point above or below [Fredericksburg] and we may not. I mentioned a reply to most things mentioned in your last in my last so I can think of little to say. I only hope you will bear up, for you certainly have my heart’s best love and sympathy altho’ I fear I have a poor way of expressing it, but you cannot feel more than I do at such times as these when all is so uncertain. I am so thankful that I am in such good health and well clothed. The weather is quite mild but still looks more than before like winter, that is southern winter, wind, rain, mud. But I must close for I cannot speak half I feel. To all friends give much love and I hope to hear from you ere long and trust all will be well with us all. Shall write to Abbie and Foster’s folks. Kiss little Lulu and tell her Papa has to take another walk, and he wishes it might be to her and Mama. With the love of your affect. husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 2: He was sewing new chevrons on his blouse (shirt) because he was promoted from corporal to sergeant on January 1, 1863, per his Service File in the U.S. National Archives. NOTE 3: Jerome’s question about the arrival home of his two brothers relates to the visit of Foster and Joseph Peirce who both lived in Massachusetts and who visited him at the camp for about two days starting on January 4, 1863. (See Letter No. 57) Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, January 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Falmouth VA Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Servic Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6 X 4 7 X 8 12.10 X 7.65 6.75 X 7.75 6.75 X 8 7 X 8 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #60 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Falmouth VA Allie Falmouth VA Jerome Peirce