2 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a29308f9172ff2186d31554fa5378e2.jpg 89180f0b34d5a70d6e4321a3b53b0619 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/39c7f19626a644c58f28d99a5af29c58.jpg 8b0eb16d0c34dd04d45ba7704617c6b4 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 Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tuesday Evening My very dear Sister, Happy, most truly so, were we to hear from you today. How eagerly have I waited for your coming letter, for I felt that it would announce to us much satisfaction in regard to yourself. Something within has whispered that you too were feeling the guiding influence of Divine wisdom: was turning your gaze upward, looking for strength where it alone can be found. You speak of your need of more personal counsel and sympathy. It is, indeed, what we all desire, and yet remember, that the greater obstacles you encounter and overcome, the greater the victory won. Amid uncongenial influences your own faith may spring up, and from the fires of opposition and depression through which it passes, be made to endure beyond all time. Continue then, my dear Sister, in the path which you have chosen, abounding steadfast, and unmoveable. We are free to act and think as we please, and let our minds but be made up with what appears to us as right in the sight of the All Wise, and that then, will it matter if man may turn aside, and reject our belief. But I dare to say Mr. E. [Ellis] ably counseled you on this, as well as on many other points of duty. I long to hear of “what he speaks.” You are particularly blessed in respect to having a faithful Minister to guide and direct your heart. This, I think, would supply many other deficiencies. Should I not rejoice to be with you when you are listening to Mr. E’s [Ellis’] counsel. I have not seen Mr. C. [Chaffee] to have an interview since I wrote, though there are many things which yet linger in my mind that I would know better. I shall always respect him for the kindness he has shown me, and hope that the aid he rendered may be such as will help me to aid myself. That is what we need, and a feat we must strive for, self sought wisdom. Not what others may do, but our own exertions will create, with God’s permission, clean hearts. A life, too, must not be regarded too great a sacrifice, in His service. Last Sunday I attended church all day. Mr. C. [Chaffee] spoke of the power and wealth of thought in the morning; in the afternoon, of the exalted state of man, “being made little lower than the angels.” I remained at Sunday School and three little boys were placed under my charge. I think I shall enjoy the season of instruction much, if I am permitted to continue with it; and hope too, to derive much good discipline from it. How very glad I am that you are coming home, only it is none too soon, but I will try what patience can do and be contented. I do not think it will be possible for me to come down, though I should be very happy to do so. The Home School closes next Friday, and then Mr. Grant will take his final leave. There is to be a quiet gathering in the evening. I wish very much you were going to be here. E. Judkins came home last Saturday, and today I was invited there to tea, as Willie A. and his mother were expected. A note came while I was there saying W. was not as well and they had left Bedford for further medical advice. I should think his chance of life here was very small. I expect Mrs. Bickford, and the little folks started yesterday. They were here last Saturday to bid us good bye. Little Hattie was better, though looking very feeble. Haddie Berry was here Saturday afternoon and we had many callers. Our sewing circle meets tomorrow at Miss Norton’s. She called here the other evening to invite us. Aunt P’s sister, Mrs. Parker is up. Write again very soon, and the particulars of Mr. E’s [Ellis’] conversation. I wish again to see Mr. E. [Ellis] and hope an opportunity will soon be offered. Let us “watch and pray,” and press onward for good, now, and eternally. Mother says if she could write as fast as she can think she should say much. Write soon. Love to all from Abbie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) No date is indicated on this letter. However, based on the contents of the previous letters and the postmark of the envelope that accompanied these letters, this letter was probably written in July 1855. 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 Abbie to Allie, July 1855 Subject The topic of the resource Abbie Allie Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Abbie to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abbie 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 No date indicated 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). 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 #231 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant No date indicated but probably Billerica, MA. Abbie Allie Billerica MA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/476fb71720a55145d9a8e62a363bb3c4.jpg 6d8398eba02878868ee25339cfb1fb44 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4a125b6c05cb45ac6463b66776ffde4d.jpg 05654a0b8d1dfb2fcce5344c30dee7ad https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9c8f5a0622531578fb9a1e045c7bf57b.jpg 73acb72fbb95ba68ac566150583588e6 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Billerica, May 22nd, 1864 Dear Mrs. Peirce, Your very painful but kind letter was received yesterday and Allie desires me to reply in her stead. We had heard nothing of the sad intelligence of which you wrote. The papers have been most carefully searched, the names of wounded and killed particularly read. We saw among them James Peirce of Co. H 36th Regt. killed, and I believe about the date we should affix to dear Jerome if the report be true. It startled us some at the time but circumstances overcame the feeling, it would have to arose from mistake in the name, was without his Seargt’s title prefixed to it and Allie believed there were others by the name of Peirce in that company. Do you know if it was so? You were very kind to send to Allie as you did – indeed you have ever been and your frequent communications of late have given her so much gratitude as her mind has been so distracted by the anxiety of this fearful time. She is sadly, sadly grieved and we hardly know what words of comfort to offer. We can only wait, leaning on that Omnipotent from above able to bear up the broken hearted. We do still cling to shadow of hope that rumor may have deceived us and that ere long more cheering tidings will come to us. How can we best ascertain facts? What does Mr. Peirce think as best course to pursue? We sent a letter at once to Boston hoping some effectual step for action might arise in the mind of your brother there or that Alonzo R. could suggest some known means for communications. Hope we shall hear soon. Allie received a letter from Mrs. Richardson of Stoneham a few days since expressive of much concern for the dear ones exposed to the sad ordeal of battle. Dear Mrs. Peirce, we most truly feel with you for the suffering and cruel return to danger of Jos. [Joseph] H. [Peirce]. How hard for him thus to be sent forth in all his weakness. We have felt much anxiety for him since we saw the account of his illness in the paper. Allie wrote to him as soon as she got your letter telling of his location in the Hospital, thinking it might seem good in his loneliness to hear from friends. Perhaps the letter never reached him if he was so soon sent forth. Let us know of him when you hear. Are not hearts drawn very closely by sympathy at this time? Surely a wail of sorrow must arise from your town. How has Orange suffered in this cause. It seems as though it must be almost draped with mourning but let us “be still and know the Lord reigns.” With many regards. I remain your friend Abbie Jaquith Afternoon. Mrs. Stebbins and Mrs. Richardson, Jerome’s sisters, have just left here. They had heard nothing of what you wrote but wished to know what was true in regard to tidings. Our whole town is under much excitement here today. A lady of much refinement and greatly beloved who has recently been suffering from mental depression since the death of her husband by consumption was this morning found missing from her home. She put her three children to bed last night and this morning they saw a light still burning but no trace of her in the house. A hoopskirt was found on the banks of the river and fears are entertained that she is drowned. They are dragging the river and search is being made in every direction. She has lived for a few years past in Springfield but returned to town as her father lived here. It is a singular coincidence that she was living in the same house in which her parents lived when she was young and from which her mother wandered away and made an attempt to drown herself but courage failed. There is a general gloom over the whole place. We dread the discovery. How many ways for sorrow? Abbie Monday morn. The body of that lady was recovered from the river last night drowned. Allie’s and our remembrance to Mr. Mayo’s family. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Abbie Jaquith was Allie’s sister. NOTE 2: According to the roster of men in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Volunteers Regiment contained in the Unit History, there was no James Peirce in that company, but Jerome Peirce is, of course, listed in the roster. The comments after his name read as follows: “Enlisted at age 31, from Orange, Mass. Mustered into service Aug. 4, 1862, Promoted Sergt. Killed in action at Spotsylvania, Va., May 12, ’64.” Therefore, the newspaper account referenced in the letter mistakenly identified Jerome as James. It is interesting to note that in the roster in the Unit History Jerome’s last name is spelled “Pierce” instead of the correct “Peirce.” NOTE 3: How and when Abbie first learned that Jerome had been killed has been an unanswered question. Based on this letter she was, very sadly, informed indirectly on or about May 21, 1864, from an article in a local newspaper that listed the names of men who had been killed or wounded in recent battles. Even then, she could not be absolutely certain that she would never see Jerome again because of the incorrect reporting of the first name. The fact that she received no more letters from Jerome after the one he wrote to her on May 1, 1864, must have been the deciding factor to convince her that the worst had happened. Quite often, official notifications of the next of kin did not take place for some time after the battle because the commanding officers were severely pressed for time as the regiments were compelled to move to the next battlefield. That was definitely the case for the Union army in May of 1864. Per Jerome’s Pension File, it was not until sometime in June 1864 that Abbie received an official notification that Jerome had fallen at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864. She used that document as part of her application for a widow’s pension. 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 Abbie to Mrs. Joseph Peirce, May 22, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Abbie Mrs. Joseph Peirce Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Abbie to Mrs. Joseph Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Abbie Jaquith 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 1864-05-22 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). 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 #218 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Abbie Billerica MA. Mrs. Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6751743fa9e9bfd8de273ba0298c9675.jpg bbf447fd72ea049778380381d7fa15ae https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c7a4b1c7f94c7311590f89efb1610452.jpg f295bcf9b09794d17a2b2a387d580923 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 Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday Eve. My dear Joseph, What a good boy you are to write me two notes so lately and as I have spent the most of the day in writing to those gone to war, and those families who are feeling lonely in the absence of their loved ones, you should be remembered. I am very glad you have such a nice camping ground. Jerome gave me quite a description with a drawing of the street. How much I wish I could come in and see you, but my purse is not full enough to admit any such thing and I must be content to remain at home and I do wish I could have letters oftener. I only had one from Jerome last week written a week ago Sat[urday], unless he made a mistake in the date. Joseph, do you write to that young lady in Athol yet. When I was at Orange, I heard she was feeling quite badly because she did not hear from you. You must excuse it if I am too inquisitive. I suppose you are quite busy drilling etc. You must not get low spirited as the cause you have gone for is as good now as it ever was. And I think you will yet whip the rebels into submission but we have got to be patient. First, you cannot do it in a moment. Try and be as contented as you can under the circumstances and you will feel happier in so doing. We have a few secesh here, but not many. Most of the people here believe we are doing all we can and as fast as we can. And many are working hard to aid the soldiers. Write me often. Lulu is well and talks much about Cousin Jasy. Receive the love of, Aunt Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Joseph” that Allie addressed this letter to was almost definitely 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. Joseph H. Peirce, or “J.H.”, is mentioned in many of Jerome’s letters. NOTE 2: Allie does not include the date on which she wrote this letter. But based on the letter’s contents, it was obviously written during the time that Jerome served with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment. Furthermore, the two sentences “I am very glad you have such a nice camping ground. Jerome gave me quite a description with a drawing of the street.” provide another good clue. On February 21, 1863, Jerome wrote a letter from Newport News, Virginia, in which he described the street in their camp, AND he included a sketch. (Letter No. 76) In that letter, Jerome also mentioned that he and “J.H.” (Joseph H. Peirce) had played euchre the evening before he wrote the letter, i.e., on February 20, 1863. Below is a section of that letter, including the sketch. The date of the postmark on the envelope that contained this letter is Feb. 23. Therefore, Allie probably received this letter towards the end of February 1863. Therefore, it is highly likely that she wrote the above letter sometime after February 1863 and possibly not long after she received Jerome’s letter of February 21, 1863, that included the sketch. EXCERPT FROM LETTER NO. 76, WRITTEN BY JEROME ON FEBRUARY 21, 1863, AT NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA Wedns and Thurs were severe days, rain and all that could make camp life disagreeable, excepting mud, sand instead, but a change has come. Thursday eve the tents came, all new and while they hold five but as yet we have only four in ours. The streets are all laid out uniform, 8 tents on a side, 27 feet wide (the street), sidewalks and the street rolling just as they do at home in the cities. At the foot the cooks are building a log tent. Will do the cooking in future. A little farther down is the Capt.’s tent, with the orderly Sargt.’s tent beside him. And still farther in the rear in the centre of the Regt. is the colonel’s quarters and “staff”, six tents facing each other for surgeon, chaplain, adjutant, and sergeant major, quartermaster and the Col. in the center. On the end thus, trees set by little marks and when all completed will be a very handsome and comfortable camp. Such as I should like to welcome you to. Our tents we can stand up in and keep neat. 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 Allie to Joseph, Unknown Date Subject The topic of the resource Allie Pierce, Joseph Description An account of the resource From Allie to Joseph Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 Unknown Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (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). 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 #256 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown Allie Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d43e5986d27533df9a630758d107f17e.jpg 9d3fec9c5bfeb5e9ebb07f9ff60ec64b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6627a24787ed9c5857deada322fe432b.jpg 77f9f4b3c9f4a559bb1b5f82d3d03052 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d3f900924ab733dc8d6d956875031715.jpg d6a950026139997fb6c8c019ae3c0888 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1863 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday, Feb 15th 1863 Billerica My dearest Jerome, It is Sabbath morn and while I am quietly seated in the sitting room, I wonder where you are. How much would I give if I could only look upon you if only for a few moments. I received your letter written last Sunday [on] Friday morn and the money was all safe. Let me thank [you] for it. Be sure and not send me any if you need it yourself. I cannot tell you how much good your letter did me. When I received yours stating you were to move, I almost felt that I never should have another letter from your dear self. Joseph had been up to the office. When he came in I asked him if he had anything for me. He said, yes, a letter from Jerome. I barely pressed the document to my lips. It seems as though you yourself was there. Everyone marked the change in myself and asked what did Jerome say to calm your spirits so much. The prospect of seeing Frank and Will, I know it will do you as well as them good and the folks have sent the boys a large box of things (eatables) and they hope so much that you will have a taste of them. Would it not seem like home to eat some of Mother's pie and some of Mary's cake? Lulu helped to pack the box, as busy as a bee. You would have laughed to have seen her. I often wish I could set her in your tent for a short time. What do you think she would say? She talks so much about you and says, "Mama, I won't go away and leave you if Papa did and if you wait, he will come home and live with you in your house". “Sweet little comforter” is she not? Sunday eve. Again my dearest Jerome do I take pen to address you. I was interrupted this morning. Mother, Father and Joseph went this morning. When they came home [they] said that Mr. Livermore preached. We almost concluded not to go out this afternoon, but finally Mother and myself went, and well paid was I for going. Mr. L. read from the fourteenth Chapt. of Romans. His text was the eighth verse. He gave a fine description of Paul [???] that in his teachings he wish[ed] to remind us we were subject to the government of God however we might try to get away from it, still God holds us in his power. He liken[ed] the search unto a man that was trying [to] shake off the teachings of our Savior and the commands of God although they try and said they had nothing to do with it, that did not free them from it and although the South had tried not and said they were not under our government, that did not make them so. He said he had tended three funerals lately, one, an infant of three months, an old lady over eighty, the other a fair maiden who was on the verge of womanhood. The infant was born a sufferer and knew nothing else, its recollections of this world (and he believed that in passing onto another world we do have recollections of this world) would be of suffering but after a time that would pass away as we had no suffering there. I cannot begin to tell you all but it was beautiful, his thoughts were. Then came the old lady. Although she had not any children of her own, yet she loved and was deeply loved by others and was a mother to many. She had passed an active life in doing good for others. As life advanced instead of caring for others and doing for others, she had to have others do for her and became as a little child. As she passed on, her recollections would be the kindness she had felt for others and what she had received. The young lady had begun to feel the responsibility of life but ill health overtook her. She became beautifully calm and quiet, first would only do a little light work then not anything. Finally, became entirely dependent for care upon the kindness of her parents, brothers and sisters. Her affections had expanded to those around her and was met and returned, and finally it had stood out as it did prominent in man and woman, [???] an interesting time and was returned by one who was in their Army and with love for all around her and one dearer than other, she passed on. Her recollections of this world would be that she was happy here in her love for others and theirs in return. My dear Jerome I cannot tell to you as I would like to. It sent a calmness through my heart that I had not felt for several days. I can hear his voice now, and the singing sounded very sweet, and the day will close by my conveying some of my thoughts to yourself. Never do I feel more calm and happy than I do when conversing with your dear self. My thoughts turned today of our first meeting and as time moved on to our love. What is more sacred and holy in this world, that a true love and that being [???] by our love and trust of our Heavenly Parent. Here vividly comes in my mind your face as I first saw it, talking to the class of boys you had around you. I never shall forget the smile that wreathed your countenance, and my first visit to C [Charlestown] after our engagement, your uniting with the church. We have been separated several months and does not all the happy hours we have passed together come to mind. I am living them all over and are constantly reminded of you in our little Lu [Lulu]. She is a living picture of yourself. I cannot tell you what a comfort to me it is that she looks so much like you. If we are permitted to meet again in this world, let our love be so strong that nothing will separate us. Oh! How I wish you could come home. Sometimes when I think how long the time has seemed since you went away and how much longer you have to stay, it seems as though my heart would break, that my trial was more than I could bear. But, I feel that I still can hear from you by your own pen and that I can converse with you in the same way and I try to be patient and feel thankful that I can hear from you and write to you. Mary came home Friday night and Miss Aradine Brown, where she boards, came home with her, a very pleasant young lady. She said give my love to your husband. She says she feels the greatest respect for those who have gone in the Army. Do you remember the young man that was so social with Mary at the dance we went to year ago Thanksgiving, Mr. Buffan? He was on board the vessel that was later at Charleston, S.C. His parents do not know his fate – if he is killed or alive. They feel shockingly, the suspense is dreadful. He is an only child. I think Mary’s school wears upon her. She was not looking very well. She sends ever so much love to you and J.H. She says she wishes she could see you both. Yesterday afternoon Emily Drew came here. She is an adopted daughter to one of Mr. Ranlett’s sisters. They had heard from Alonzo. The fever has turned upon his lungs and he was troubled with a cough, a bad one. She thought he was not to have a furlough, that they did not grant a sick soldier furloughs, as they were apt to be sick again when they return to service. I have not heard from Ellen for some time. Mary has written to her and I am to add a note. It is eight o’clock. Hattie is writing to Will, Mother to Frank, [???] in the rocking chair, Joseph reading the newspaper, our darling asleep. Am glad you wrote to Dr. E. I believe he is away from home now, however. I am glad your books afford you so much pleasure. Have you got the stockings and book? I have sent you a toothbrush and some thread in papers. Hope you will get them. My love to all. You read Capt. S. [Sawyer] note, and if you think best to give it to him, you can. If not, burn it. Receive the truest love of your own wife, Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, his nephew. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” 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 is mentioned in this letter was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 3: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 4: Allie and Lulu moved in with her parents after Jerome enlisted. Several of the Jaquith family members are mentioned in this letter. As best as could be ascertained from several Jaquith family trees on ancestry.com, the Jaquith family consisted of the following members: Father: Franklin Jaquith (1800 - ) Mother: Lucy Walker Jaquith (1807 - ) Albinia’s (Allie’s) siblings: Ellen Jaquith (1832 - ) Abigail (Abbie) Jaquith (1836 - 1915) Lucy Jaquith (1838 - 1841) Franklin Jaquith, Jr. (1839 - 1922) Mary Frances Jaquith (1841 - ) Joseph Jaquith (1842 - ) Harriet (Hattie) Jaquith (1845 - 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 Allie to Jerome, September 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1863-09-15 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 6.25 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 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 #73 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7e48a6b0e401e423053ece334d9e45d5.jpg 6296c321136edfdff19daf919abfb749 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4ad9e258f49476942363f284919e8f81.jpg e26cd8c0c9adf33803ddd12e733c8e43 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e4eab52535aceb54aa94ce081409f964.jpg 1e5d23828459dd9f0e041cdc01af6531 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/244b4584a6b402389510761a5a908259.jpg d4af565d7f5f76e9eebffbaba6669b34 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 Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Monday After tea Aug 9th 1858 I have come to my room to say a few words to you, my dearest husband, with my pen as I can not have your dear self to talk to. I am wondering where you are, I hope with some of your kind friends enjoying the evening very much. Did you have a pleasant ride to the City? Father and A. reached home in safety. The folks have been very busy washing and are now in the sitting room but myself. I have done various things to keep busy. Went outdoors at noon. Bought some white yarn for your socks, have spent $2 [and] 30 cents for yarn, 8 for whale bones. Tuesday Morn. I have again come to my room to say a few words, as Joseph talks of going up to the office and we have to watch our chance as schools does [???] [???] keep. Will you please bring me a little bottle of ink when you come? Be careful and not get it on anything when you bring it. How are you this morning, dear Jerry? You do not know how much I missed you last eve. I hardly know what to do with myself or how to act. I sleep with Abby in her room, and when I woke in the night would almost say Jerome to her, before I would think where I was. Where did you get your supper and breakfast? And how did you rest? You do not know how much I think about you. I get along very well until about the time for you to come home. Be sure and not stay alone much. I have seen no one out of the family but Mr. Pudkins, he passed here yesterday. I felt pretty well this morning. Have ironed some things of your dear self. There is not any news this morning, only we have a rainy day today that is so rare that I must tell you. Shall probably have to stay in today but that will not trouble me as I have no inclination to go anywhere or to see strange faces. Will now close if Joseph does not go up in town. Will add a word tonight. Your most devoted and loving wife, Allie Tuesday night. My dear Jerry, Brother is going up in town and will take this. What have you been doing today? I am making Frank a shirt. Have felt pretty well today. Mary sends best love, etc. All send love to all. Give my love to all of Foster’s folks. Mother gives love to you. Father says mine too. Abby has just come in, sends love and says I behave very well. I suppose you have got home. Where are you, oh dear? Wish you could come in and see us. I have written a note to Mrs. Hanscomb. Hope I shall hear tomorrow. In haste, Yours, Allie P.S. There is nothing in the [???] downstairs that you will need. It is all upstairs. We are going to have fish for breakfast. The boys went fishing today. Had good luck. A. 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 Allie to Jerome, August 9, 1858 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1858-08-09 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Bois (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 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 #241 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant No location indicated. Most likely Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5f89aea2e60272e14268c3566fbe5390.jpg 12d43f8a65fb26c0780b18e6951c0ab9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c0de239a5d3916a2075c741896c7cf0f.jpg c483d78a5939cb493610ee62a04363c0 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Billerica May 8th 1864 My own dear husband, It is Sunday eve. We have just got through tea and here I am in the summer sitting room. I cannot write as I would like, my anxiety is so great. I saw by last night’s papers that Burnside’s Corps were ordered up. I can hardly contain myself today. I went to church this afternoon but did not find much comfort. I rather be alone when I feel as I now do. All I can do for you is to commit you to our Heavenly Father for protection, and I know He will care for and watch over you. To be here at home and not know what befallen you is hard to bear. The suspense is dreadful. I do hope before many days to hear directly from you. Yesterday your letter written a week ago today came. I was so glad to get it, but it seems as though your anticipated chat we were to have together when the mail runs every day. Disappointments are the lot of man. I wrote you last Sunday. Monday noon Hattie came. Will went to Lowell with Jos. We did not wash as they were coming and I was not well. Mary commenced her school and came home at night to see Hattie and Will. Tuesday it rained very fast so the folks did not go home, staid here. I put a [???] in Jos. shirt. Wednesday we washed. Thursday we ironed. Friday and Sat. cleaned house. Abby Faulkner and one of her aunts called Thursday, very pleasant call. Saturday Dr. Bundy and his wife called. The Dr. looked at your picture and he says he has seen you somewhere. Wants me to ask you if he has not. He has always lived in Boston. His name is Frank Bundy, M.D. The little flowers you sent are beautiful and I send you a few in return. Freddy gathered them near Suckers Brook, and I have tied them together for you. It seems quite pleasant to get into this room again and the next time we move into it I shall be thinking only a few months and you will come home. O, will you be spared to return to me. I can not think any other way and how earnestly are my petitions sent upward and I know if it is right, they will be answered. Mrs. Dr Barns spoke to me, inquired after you. She sends you a New York Tribune when I can get it. She is very kind. Mr. Stone preached for us today. I do not like him very much. Frank was quite pleased with his letter from you and I believe he is writing to you. I cannot write a long letter tonight. I am too much excited but will write again soon. Lulu is upstairs with Abby. Good night dearest. From your own Allie Transcriber’s Note: A note, written sideways on the bottom of page 4, reads Got this coming from church. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter was written on Sunday evening, May 8, 1864, and was likely mailed on May 9. In view of the time it would have taken Allie’s letters to reach Jerome based on the transit time of other letters and considering the conditions on the battlefield at Spotsylvania Court House at the time, this letter would not have reached Jerome before he was killed early in the morning of May 12, 1864. It is very likely that it was returned to Allie with Jerome’s personal effects that were sent to her sometime after Jerome was killed. NOTE 2: This is the last letter from Allie in the collection addressed to Jerome before he was killed on May 12, 1864, and might be the last one she wrote to him. Based on other letters, the family learned of Jerome’s death sometime around May 20. How they found out could not be determined. It is likely that someone from his regiment sent Allie a letter at the first opportunity after the fighting at Spotsylvania had died down, and if so, it might have been Joseph H. Peirce, Jerome’s nephew. It is also likely that they saw it in one of the local newspapers. Those papers, such as the Boston Globe, invariably had reporters close to the fighting, and they reported the results of the battles, including a list of casualties of men from their area, very promptly, primarily because they were allowed to file their reports using the Union army’s telegraph system. NOTE 3: The “letter written a week ago” refers to the letter Jerome wrote on May 1, 1864, from Cattlets Station. Virginia. It is Letter No. 215 in this collection. NOTE 4: Hattie was Allie’s youngest sister Harriet (1845 – 1930?). NOTE 5: The pages of letter have brown stains on them which are the outline of the flowers she included, per her letter. Similar brown stains are found on one other letter, this one written by Jerome, which included flowers he sent to Lulu. That letter is Letter No. 191 in this collection. NOTE 6: “Suckers Brook” is also mentioned in the letter written by Jerome on April 20, 1864, from Annapolis, Maryland. He wrote, “We have some sweet singing birds here and as soon as the flowers spring, I will send her (Lulu) some. She must send me some of the first violets that grow by Suckers Brook.” That letter is Letter No. 210 in the collection. 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 Allie to Jerome, May 8, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1864-05-08 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). 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 #216 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ebeefff3377b22face81568af83f9e21.jpg 023e1ed0479c19e199f1e6d260fb3a24 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b95759713af33016ff7eaca905c34e78.jpg 8ada9411fbb8e6ceffa80fb45bb5b2bf 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Billerica Sunday May 15th, 1864 My ever dear husband, I have written you every Sunday but I suppose you have not received many letters of late, I am very very anxious to hear from you. The time seems very long since I have heard from you and it seems doubly long my anxiety has been so great. O my dear husband how much the pour [sic] [poor] tired suffering soldiers have my sympathy and gladly would I flee to their assistance if I could or would bear their suffering for them. I have watch the papers very closely and find we are pushing hard upon Lee. I am very much cheered by the good news as are all the people if [sic] such victories without so many made to suffer, but they have the satisfaction to feel that they are suffering in a grand cause. I see by the papers that JH was sunstruck. I am anxious to hear how he is. I did want very much to go and take care of him and Nelson Smith – wounded in the side. I hope not bad. I have prayed so earnestly for your and others safety. The question cimes [sic] [seems] will my prayers be answered. Mr. Judkins sends me his paper every morning, the Post, and Mrs. Dr. Bowers sends me the Journal so I get the news. I hope you will be permitted to send a letter to me soon. It is Sunday afternoon. The folks have just got home from church. It is a very unpleasant day. Only the boys and Brother have been in church. Mr. Galloway preached. He sent word he shall be down this very same day this week. Jos said their [sic] [there] was great inquiry after you if we had heard from you. They saw J.H. news [???] and thought it was you. Lulu is quite busy with Abbie today and tod[d]les very fast. She woke up the other night and asked me where I thought Papie was. I thought she must have been dreaming about. Mr. Clark from Chelsea with his two youngest sons were here last night. They are going to remain for this week to work upon their farm. Frank and Jos has been in Boston this week to work for Mr. Clarke. They cannot earn as much you could in Boston painting. Marie Elizie was here last night and Mr. Gould. He has a brother in these battles. Freddie gathered these flowers for you. I have much sympathy for him, he has had much pain taken with him at home. I cannot write any long letters until I hear from you. I shall go to Orange as soon as I hear good news from you. All send love. Your ever loving wife, Allie TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Per the Unit History: May 13 – May 21, 1864, at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House: Following days of virtually continuous rain and a final unsuccessful attack by Gen. Grant on the Confederate lines on May 18, Grant decided to shift his forces and move south again toward Richmond. The 36th Regiment left the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield on May 21, 1864. NOTE 2: This letter was written by Allie three days after Jerome was killed on May 12, 1864, a fact she obviously did not know when she wrote this letter. He was buried on the battlefield soon after he fell. His remains were re-interred in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery when it was established. The letter was apparently returned to Allie with Jerome’s personal effects which would have been sent to her by his commanding officer at a later time. 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 Allie to Jerome, May 15, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1864-05-15 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus, Luisa Dispenzirie and Donald Pfanz (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). 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 #217 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica MA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/05b87a8707a2f8a3453f912edd68af59.jpg 013febd0297d2f6b43bcb6e3f1e941e4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4be4a159098da16e24ef95ed44d5fcab.jpg b6a8b35b8434633c9195d8d8fb608013 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 1864 Letter Collection 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 Billerica June 9th 1864 Sister Mary, Your letter came last Tuesday. [June 7, 1864] I have been very unwell, or I should have written before. I have not heard from Boston people since Jos. was down. I heard he was in B. [Probably “Boston”] and expected him up here, but it seems he did not stay only one night. I will send you Jerome’s last letter to me and the one he wrote my sister Hattie and her husband. Mr. Ballou will know what to say. He has had letters from him. You may let him have the letters I send in this. In a letter written before this, he says in writing of the coming campaign “but you will think of the future now as we move towards the enemy. It is natural but we can only rely on the same good Power who has thus far led me on. I feel no sad presentments but on the contrary, hopeful, so thankful my health is so much better.” It was eight years last Sunday since he united with Dr. Ellis’s church in Charlestown. Jerome was 33 years the 11th day of last Nov. If it is pleasant I shall come to Orange next week Thursday [June 16, 1864] be at Athol [Massachusetts] at 11 o’clock. My brother Frank [Franklin] will come with me as I am not able to come alone with Lulu. He will stay until Monday [June 20, 1864]. I shall remain for a time. The rest of the family will not be able to come to leave home as long as they would have to. I am not well so cannot write more now. If you must know anything more, you must write. The family all send love. Yours with love, Allie Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: When she wrote this letter, Allie had obviously recently learned about Jerome’s death on the battlefield at Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864, almost four weeks earlier. Exactly how and when she received this tragic news has not been determined yet. According to the records in her Pension File at the National Archives, she did not receive official notification from the commanding officer of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment of Jerome’s death until she received a document dated July 3, 1864. Also, in a letter addressed to Allie written by 1st Lt. Philip G. Woodward, commanding officer of Company H, 36th Massachusetts Infantry, on July 4, 1864, Lt. Woodward stated “I did not see him fall as we were falling back under a cover of a fence, the enemy coming down on us and occupying the ground on which he fell… Consequently, his body was in the enemy’s hands for about 15 minutes. When we charged forward and not only took the ground we lost but a great deal more. Jerome’s body lay in a very exposed position [and] it was impossible to move it. But I went to him and took his Memorandum Book for I felt as though I ought to make an effort to secure some memento. The Book I gave to J.H. His body had to remain until after dark when we buried it the best that circumstances would permit. He was killed at about 7 o.c. [o’clock] AM… I also found the bullet that killed him. I took it from his left breast… He must have died instantly. His grave is in a Pine Grove - well marked.” This letter is among the Jerome Peirce Letters in this collection (No. 226). (The “J.H.” who received Jerome’s Memorandum Book was Joseph H. Peirce, who was Jerome’s nephew. He and Jerome enlisted on the same date, August 4, 1862, in Orange, Massachusetts. J.H. was 18 years old at the time, while Jerome was 31.) Based on what she wrote in this letter, Allie very likely attended the funeral service held June 19, 1864, in Orange since she was planning to go there from Billerica a few days prior to that date. NOTE 2: A Jaquith family tree found on ancestry.com shows that Allies’s parents, Franklin and Lucy Walker Jaquith, had eight children as follows. (The years of death for several children are missing in this family tree.) Ellen (1832 – ) [Ellen is mentioned in several letters.] Albinia (Allie) (1834 – 1920) Abigail (Abbie) (1836 – 1915) [Abbie is mentioned in many letters.] Lucy (1838 – 1841?) Franklin (Frank) (1839 – 1922) [Franklin (Frank) is mentioned in this and in several other letters. Abbie lived with her parents and later with Franklin’s family after Jerome’s death.] Mary (1841 – ) [Mary is the recipient of this letter.] Joseph (1842 – ) [Joseph (Jos.) is mentioned in this and in several other letters.] Harriet (Hattie) (1845 – ) [Hattie is mentioned in this and in a few other letters.] NOTE 3: The quotation that Allie cites in this letter was written by Jerome in a letter dated April 27, 1864, while he was stationed at Bristoe Station, Virginia. It is Letter No. 214 and was likely the second to last letter he wrote, which Allie also alludes to. The following is the transcription of a section of that letter, which matches word-for-word the quotation in this letter. “But you will think of the future now as we move towards the enemy. It is natural, but we can only rely on the same good Power who has thus far led me on. I feel no sad resentments but on the contrary hopeful, so thankful that my health is so much better.” NOTE 4: Rev. Levi Ballou gave the sermon at the funeral service sermon held for Jerome, ten days after this letter was written, on Sunday, June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent.” Rev. Ballou made reference to several letters that Abbie had shared with him. The following is an excerpt from that sermon. “Again, he writes his companion [his wife, Albinia or Allie], only 12 days before he fell, and after describing the place where he then was, as reminding him much of certain localities where they had in former days conversed and strolled together. He adds that by the movements of the army, “It looks like a fearful future for some.” He asks, “Shall we be spared the last fearful conflict?” “We hope all will be for the best.” He then speaks of his darling child to whom he sends some flowers which he had culled for her to keep to remember Papa and in closing says, ‘I hope to see you again soon.’” This collection of letters also includes two letters sent by friends of Jerome and Allie to Rev. Ballou in early June of 1864 that were read at the funeral service. Rev. Ballou’s sermon was obtained with the help of the current minister at the First Congregational Parish Church in Orange from the Rare Books Department of the Hesburgh Library of the University of Notre Dane, Notre Dame, Indiana, which has all of Rev. Ballou’s papers. NOTE 5: By the time Allie wrote this letter on June 9, 1864, the 36th Massachusetts Regiment had moved south from the bloody battlefield at Spotsylvania Court House on May 21, 1864, as part of Gen. Grant’s Overland Campaign strategy to capture Richmond. From May 31, 1864, until June 12, 1864, Union and Confederate troops faced each other at Cold Harbor, Virginia. The regiment was heavily involved in that battle, generally considered to have resulted in a Confederate victory. According to the Unit History, the Battle of Cold Harbor “was the most destructive battle in which the regiment ever engaged.” It lost 8 men killed and 49 wounded at Cold Harbor, including 10 who were mortally wounded. 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 Allie to Sister Mary, June 9, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Billerica, MA. Jaquith, Mary Frances Description An account of the resource From Allie to Sister Mary Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1864-06-09 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). 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 #222 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica MA. Mary Frances Jaquith https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1476fd823cc734dea088e033d182e0ce.jpg a9cf2067257460b21b208f5474617da7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a1b7770f9ca4d2249243db37003c2124.jpg c348b4c8b7887b0bb93077707c146ec8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3a25754de48d68c7babdfc8e0ac0a27d.jpg cbf199bb6a61b0d7b83b23fa3e96772c 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 Miscellaneous 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 Billerica Jan 30th 1856 Dear friend, I arrived safely home yesterday afternoon, meeting my Father at the depot in expectance of my coming. All were well here, and I found home a welcome place after my long visit in C. [Charlestown]. Safely waiting for me, was a letter, shall I say from whom! A perusal served to quicken some of the memories of the immediate past, and remembering the promise, I hasten thus early to reply. By this you will rightly infer that the wish you expressed for a correspondence met with no obstacles in reference to those whose wise counsel I sought both from the dictates of my own heart, and the expressed desire of yours. The succession of snow storms has rendered the traveling very bad. I think I never saw so much snow, the country looks as though it was clothed in one large white sheet as we can hardly see the tips of fences. Although the weather with out is not very inviting, it seems very pleasant to be quietly seated at home. We are not at loss to find subject matter for conversations, and so time passes very rapidly and pleasantly. Father is ready to go to the office and I must close, trusting you will pardon the briefness of this. Your humble friend Albinia Jaquith TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) The “friend” to whom this letter is addressed was Jerome, based on the address on the envelope, which reads Mr. Jerome Peirce, Charlestown, Mass. Albinia (Allie) Jaquith and Jerome Peirce were married on September 10, 1857. So, they apparently knew each other for a while before they were married. 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 Allie to Jerome, January 30, 1856 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Billerica, MA. Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie 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 1856-01-30 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). 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 #233 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/aaca131a53e7318795578dbaad439ab6.jpg c4cd9d5d24d11bfac677bb793f1df2fb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8e94ff512a309698555d49c9ec95f23e.jpg f35199e10aa5b4891366459a17f53ee3 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 Billerica Nov. 29th, 1863 My ever dear husband, Again it is Sunday eve. and I am seated at your writing desk to hold a little converse [conversation] with you. Did you think when you got the desk that your wife would write so many letters upon it and send them to you in the Army? How little one knows what is before them and is it not well? I remember very well when I wrote the first letter upon this. My heart was so happy. I look around upon our little home at Peyron Place and saw the comfort we were surrounded with and felt that I was truly blessed. Could I have then looked forward six short years and seen the change, my heart would have been saddened, would not yours? And this turns my thoughts back to the time I first met you all the way through the first time I saw you at Sunday School, the boys around you, the smiles you had for them, and then you coming in the shop with Charles, the call with Albert, your first visit at Billerica to see Daniel Preston’s family, my visit to Charlestown, going to lecture with and the invitation given at Mr. Pratt’s, your call at Aunt Zaschiek’s, the Sunday eve. at Wymans, the letter that was waiting my arrival home, your first visit here, your staying at the depot one night, my being introduced to your friends, [???] sickness and death, our fixing up our little home, our wedding, the arrival home, Mary’s first fortnight with us, our being left alone in the quietness of our little home, our first visit home, the first Thanksgiving and Christmas at home (at [???]) and so on to the birth of our little boy, our disappointment, my summer at home, George and Inez being with us, Inez being married, my summer at home in the pleasant shade of summer under the old trees, our quiet days at home, Hannah S. coming on from Ohio, our quiet Thanksgiving at home, Mary Eliza being with us, the Christmas present of our little girl, our packing up and moving to Orange, our life there although much was unpleasant there, was much that was pleasant, the war, you enlisting, my stay at Worcester, my visit at Boston and Orange, settling here for the winter, your coming home after a year’s absence, your return. All this rushes into mind faster than I can pen it down. My dear husband, I hope your married life was not unpleasant to you, it certainly has been very far from that to me. When I look through all this and think how much has transpired in the time we first met, what will be the coming years? I dare not look into the future but I live on from day to day thinking “one day nearer to God and thee”. Our lives here are but short and I feel that those days ought to be spent together. Jerome, our being separated these years will be a lifelong lesson, will it not? I hope you will come home soon, and that our home may be reopened and our happy days continued, and surely if we keep on pushing the Rebs, we shall soon have them all in our control. We have had glorious news lately, and is it wrong when I think I am glad my own dear husband is not in this battle? We hear Grant is having victories. Meade is pushing Lee, has him out of his entrenchments. We have taken C. I dare not tell how many prisoners, all of which my heart swells with joy. We are having spirited war meetings here and some are enlisting. Among the first was Edward Adams. He made the most spirited speech and enrolled his name. Last night he called a meeting and was to speak. Capt. Ranlett and Alonzo were there. Capt. R. was president. Alonzo spoke but no Edward appeared, has caused much talk. There is to be another one tomorrow eve. Branle wants to go but the folks are feeling so bad that I hardly think he will. I stayed at home from church this morning. Went this afternoon and I took Lulu. She did better than I expected. She wanted me to tell you of it. I received the letter written at Cumberland Gap Friday and truly glad was I to get it. It was a nice letter. Last Sunday after writing your letter Branle and I went down to Mr. Whitfords and Mr. Deans. I did the washing as mother was busy with butter. Tuesday I cleaned my chamber, wish you could see it and cleaned tins. Hattie went to Chelsea. Wednesday it rained. Had a letter from Ellen. She wants me to go and sew for her as she expects to be married this winter. I guess Alonzo will not go back to the regiment. Thursday was Thanksgiving day. I cooked the dinner so Mother went to church. In the afternoon Mr. Salloway called. He had a splendid sermon. He gave me his photograph. Only think, one more Thanksgiving and then you will come home. I am counting the months, shall soon begin to count the weeks. Friday I sewed upon Lulu’s clothes to get her ready to go to Boston. I forgot Thanksgiving. Dr. H. and wife called and Mary Eliza with two young men spent the evening. Saturday it stormed all day. We heard the bells in Lowell and guns from Lowell and Boston. Hope it was good news. Tell Joseph H. that I got his letter and will answer soon. I shall go to Boston Wednesday, weather permitting. Love to brother Benj. My love to Henry Nelson and Mr. Stevens. Love and a kiss from your own little Wife Allie. Keep this. It done me good to read it. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: The “Joseph H.” that Allie 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 Allie to Jerome, November 29, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Allie Peirce, Jerome Billerica, MA Description An account of the resource From Allie to Jerome Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Allie Pierce 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 1863-11-29 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens, Nathan Varnold (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 "5.03 X 8.03" - 1st Scan "10.05 X 8.03" - 2nd Scan "5.03 X 8.03" - 3rd Scan (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 #181 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Billerica, MA. Allie Billerica Jerome Peirce MA