21 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d681748fa0db4ca900846eace69bb7fe.jpg 9bdcd530e6bd33af7f17f5b3936d7982 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2907008169e2afd9ccc3732e23d16fab.jpg 10ac4cb8618f865bcdac3dff56f22f60 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b8eefba7bbe9d9eb7c0adac1816a60bc.jpg c03ba311edb86505364c165dcb5902d5 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 1862 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 “Pine Wood Camp,” Near Fred[e]ricksburg Va. 27th Nov/62 My dear friends, Wife and Sister, It’s Thanksgiving in dear old Mass. and I must first send a word of Remembrance & greetings. It has been one of the loveliest of the lovely days here, and a busy one. And I must tell you how I have spent it thus far. Early in the morn, filled the “Canteens” with water. about Eight Oclk. Came our breakfast—beans Cooked with special referance [sic] to the day, and we relished them I assure you, as much as we have sometime the best dinner at home. Passed the A.M. in chopping, and getting up wood[.] have to back it about quarter of a mile. Then came collecting Cedar boughs for our tents, and just got ready for dinner, when lo, order[s] to “fall in” change of Camp! Good! for we were in a low damp place. Moved about have [sic: half] a mile—in a very pleasant spot from the old place, among the little pines—elevated ground, grassy & a fine view out between woods across the river, towards the City and giving a very different poise to the spirits. Have just got nicely settled, and this will end the day. You may judge we have been lively, but how much I’ve tho’t of you all at home. Just as I mailed my letter to you Allie, day before yesterday P.M. a mail came—letter of the 16th, a Hdkf all right also Sumner’s Speech and the Register from Abbie. There are letters not recd yet. Allie, have recd $1.50 in all[.] it seems 50 c[ents] has not Come. have not got, but a $1.00 at one time and 50 c once. It may be along yet, as I get letters dated back some days sometimes. Speaking of writing, I average twice a week to you alone[.] I wrote the 11th[,] my birth day, also the 15, and so on, once “on the march to F”. It is my pleasantest work in camp. it will not be strange if some letters are lost or miscarried for it is an immense work to follow the army with it. It looks like a stop here for some time, but still I dare not encourage you to send anything, for there is any amount of stuff that will probably never reach here laying about. Winter quarters must come by and by, and then will talk of it. I receive the tea, and it is a great luxury, as Coffee. don’t agree with me always. Expected to have had a quiet “set down” this P.M. and to have written several letters, but have been stirred up, but felt that I must have a word home, and I have imagined the scene there, and wished to let you know we’ve a fine day here, are well, and in excellent spirits, and there are rumors, that there is a Ceasessation [sic] of hostilities, for awhile &c &c[.] at any rate, we feel that fighting is about over with, that some other way will lead to a settlement and we trust such will be the case. Let us all look on the bright side and trust that another Thanksgiving will unite us all once more. (Poor Rabbits! The boys are chasing a poor fellow thro’ the trees, and they frequently have a meal. game is quite plenty if we had “time and permission”.) But I must close. There is Confusion and talking all around, and I must bid adieu. Allie, and Lulu dear, I live with you in thought Constantly and write almost every day. Don’t let the thought of weather or Conflicts trouble you, or the newspapers. The weather is very different here. We had a little snow once—rain some—but we learn to weather it, make our tents Comfortable and the change today, will make a vast difference, in our Comfort, so cheer up. eat an apple and mince pie for me once in a while, and whether absent or present I am ever the same. Camp life makes me cling more tenderly to old loves and associations, and I battle daily with everything that would make me different from old times. Love to Abbie. Am eager for her accustomed letter[.] Many[?] a pleasant school, and winter to you. expect you will make a scholar of Lulu by the time I get home. Tell Joe we have some heavy logs to carry sometimes. Does he have any to split? Excuse blots. Camp accidents, you know. J.H. has written home, and I will add a word. (The name of the Camp is my own) As ever your loving Jerome I forgot to mention the Review yesterday. Waited three hours. Gen Sumner, a venerable, but lively looking man, with a keen eye, our commander. [Marginal notes] [Page 2] Breakfast of Fried pork and hard bread and pan cakes. J. H. [was] Cook. [Pages 2-3] Saw Dr Lyon from Charlestown, in Camp today. Fri morn. All well. Dreamed of being at home, last night. All very natural. 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, wife, and sister, November 27, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends, wife, and sister Pine Wood Camp, Near Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Friends, wife, and sister 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 1862-11-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (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 6.5 X 4.25 - 1st Scan 6.5 X 9 - 2nd Scan 11 X 9 - 3rd Scan 6.5 X 9 - 4th Scan 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 #40 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fredericksburg, VA. Fredericksburg Friends wife and sister Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5bcf72b400fdf8d30b9e235d3725dafb.jpg 8e554e157a5c4e9590cfdb10d2ee1cbc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e690042aeb0b29c1c4f2ff2f4185c1e3.jpg 11553f9087f4a237776a322b85ade426 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7b4a7d5cf15ea3deb798ef273a3247a2.jpg a439a1b1f8615dd15e5fb6fee63cab44 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a83a16091bb243780140543ea23c4c0.jpg 6b4dc256d273cb130e1b21d61b639262 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 Lexington Ky., Apr. 3, ‘63 My Dearest Wife, No mail yet. Two weeks tomorrow and I assure you it seems a long time, so I resort to a few words with you once more knowing full well that they will be welcome and find an answer sometime. Well, we are still here in our very pleasant camp and the usual routine of duties are renewed, guard duty and drill and by the way, day before yesterday I obtained an entire release from guard duty as the Color Corps are exempt, but owing to a misunderstanding, I have served when the rest did not but now it’s all right and so I escape being out nights which is an object and I must tell you too what a change has taken place. Yesterday four new Corpls, were appointed and one promoted to Sergeant and my name is now first of the Corpls. Nelson Smith is one of the new ones, also Joshua Rich of O [Orange]. So Orange is quite well represented for Howe has his commission as 2nd Lieut[enant] and he is a fine drill officer. I must tell you too that on our journey which lasted just a week, Co. H carried off the palm in behavior, not a man reported for misconduct and the only Co[mpany] in the Regt! So much for a temperance Captain! And we are reaping “golden opinions” from all the officers. This is all the more pleasing as the Capt. has been “snubbed” sometimes because of his strict adherence to temperance etc. So much for Co. gossip which I knew would gratify you. You know we soldiers are not in the habit of saying much of Co[mpany] matters. So you may observe the same rule unless it be to correct errors. Life here is much as at all camps. I think the boys are quite as happy as at any place before. They play ball a great deal. Everything but the weather has tended to promote pleasure. It has been very chilly and cold for this country. We have high winds and as I write, ‘tis quite blustering but soon warm weather will fairly come and ‘twill be quite pleasant. We have the usual camp stories but I see no more signs of a collision with the Rebs than before altho “they say” they are to make a desperate attempt in Ky [Kentucky] to prevent them from starvation but the place is being formidably fortified so that we shall have their advantage this time so I see no more reason for anxiety for the friends at home for us than formerly. There is a strong force hereabouts and facilities for rapid combinations so I think there is small fear of disaster. We rise as usual at 6 o’clck, a nice wash from a sweet clean running brook, breakfast at little before 7. And I am feeling in excellent health. My cold is quite well. Had quite a “scene” last eve. Some ladies from the asylum nearby came to the wall bounding our camp next to the road when a grand rush was made by Co. B and some others to chat with them and it was quite pleasant. You know the south and western people are more “free” and less ceremonious. They were strong Union. Ben Edmands and I concluded ‘twas no place for “such as we” and kept at a respectful distance, so you see how considerate your lords are! Spent the eve in B. E.’s [Ben Edmand’s] tent reading Shakespeare aloud, taking turns from Hamlet, Twelfth Night and ‘twas fine times I assure you. There is an Englishman Lamont in the tent and he is very intelligent and a lover of the muses. So you may be assured “we three” have nice times. And so goes life here. How is it at home? How much I want to hear from you and to see a Boston paper. Hope for a mail today. The Chaplain and Captain went to town this a.m. What of my little Lulu? And all the dear friends? Please let my letters to you suffice for all just now. What of Alonzo and Ellen? Expect I shall hear ‘ever so much’ news when the mail comes! May it all be good. Have you received all my letters? The new direction is “Burnside’s Department” via Cincinnati O[hio], Co., Regt. etc. as before. P.M. After the above we [were] called into line to receive Gen. Burnside who is in town but not arrived yet. Expect him sometime this P.M. Fair weather and sunny, warm. Love to all and as ever, your Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The following information about the men who were promoted and mentioned in this letter was taken from the Unit History. William Nelson Smith enlisted at age 20 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted, and he attained the rank of Corporal. He was discharged for disability on December 23, 1864. Joshua Rich enlisted at age 32 as a Private on August 5, 1862. Rich was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. William L. Howe enlisted at age 23 in Company H as a Private from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, also the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease at Milldale, Mississippi, on July 7, 1863, not long after this letter was written and his promotion to Second Lieutenant. NOTE 2: Regarding Jerome’s promotions, in several letters he mentions that he might be being considered for a promotion to Second Lieutenant, but that promotion never happened. However, he was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1864, according to his Service File in the National Archives. NOTE 3: The Captain Jerome refers to in this letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. He enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 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: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 6: The “new direction” in this letter refers to how Allie should address her letters to Jerome following the recent move of the Regiment. 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 3, 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 1863-04-03 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Peter Rainey (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.25 6.75 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 #96 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/d640b828a390cc0b27670e7bf16e04d0.jpg a6c1f1dcc38ae74e4e3a2a90f02c7d59 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b2929fe90b583964c9cee0b6116b3adf.jpg 2a776abd16f0df9c0ce37f1c0f487aab https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd0c7f245fc309bb87a23239714f665b.jpg 5b8842a745e96f7a0c6f7600ef0fc66b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5586b8c1e27d3367285a4e55fc9c9100.jpg da4111355c85289650a001334c8f3d72 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/46ff4cc9abee2b0b83e90a3feb25060a.jpg 69293deead7b8b0dbd15362dd443f39d 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 Bristoes Station, VA 27 Apr /64 My very dear Wife, Have just heard that a mail will leave for home tomorrow morning so I begin something. My last was from our camp near Alexandria. We’ve marched two days, passing thru Fairfax Court House, Centreville, Bull Run and over all the famous Battle Grounds of former and ill-fated times. All along are to be seen marks of the same. Arrived here before dark yesterday in excellent condition and last Eve. a mail came bringing yours and Abbie’s letters of 22? and 24 inst. Am sorry to hear of your terrible headaches and trust this will find you well as possible. It did me as much good to receive the letters for we fear we should not hear from home again soon as it was talked that the movements would prevent it but we cannot see it. Our movement is very grand, for miles the long dark columns fill the fields and roads as I have before tried to describe and the 9th Corps is in the most perfect condition. As far as we can know we are moving down to form the left wing of Meade’s Army or Reserve to watch his flank. It is said that when we reach our destination the Army will be more than a hundred thousand larger than ever before and it is believed that short work will be made of the enemy this time. And so we talk for I’ve little else to write. If you have one of Harpers Weekly maybe you can watch our march. Expect to bring up at Culpepper. I’m sitting back to the pleasant morning down on my knapsack. George E. had a letter from Ben. At home [???] sent me Mr. Bristol’s sermon on the death of Mr. King. The unspotted life is a beautiful thing, read it before I went to bed. To give you a more vivid idea of our march, I will say that we move easy than when in Tenn., halting about a quarter of an hour out of each hour. I am reading Dicken’s “Bleak House”. Found it in the camp at A. [probably Alexandria]. You will see officers and men reading on the march every spare moment while others run after water, nibble “Hard Tack” while some stretch out and can hardly speak or move from fatigue. Had a letter from Ed Haynes, from his father in answer to my Recommendations. Saw Gov. [Governor] A. [Almost certainly referring to John Albion Andrew, governor of Massachusetts from 1861 until 1866] and all is being done that can be. The Gov. was much pleased and would have given me appointment in one of the old Returned Regt’s [Regiments] had I been a little sooner but I have not neglected it. Others are ahead, and I must be patient. Have given the letter (Ed’s) to the Major this morning. 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. Have reduced baggage and carry as little as possible and as the weather is coming warm it is favorable. Am glad so much of the needful had reached you safely and trust the whole $75.00 is at hand by this time. We should be mustered again soon and I hope to send you more before long. It looks a little as tho we should remain here today and I will finish by and by – Eve. and by candle light! This morning after falling in soon after I wrote and expecting to march all day, the order came to halt. Waited and waited, made coffee but soon, forward again and the result so far is that we are nicely in camp laid out in streets etc. some more than a mile from the old spot and the troops that were here have gone on and we almost feel that our dream is about to be realized and we are to have what the boys of the Army call “a soft thing”. We’re right on the R. Road [Railroad] and our Corps are said to be scattered all along as the ‘Reserve Corps’ to the Army of the Potomac – as the Washington folks said we were to be on. But we’ve seen too much hardship to flatter ourselves very much. Have been very busy of course in pitching tent. Am with another of the boys “Billy Gurrell” who came to the Co [Company] yesterday on the march. Was left in Memphis Miss. sick for some time etc. Five of us in a shelter tent is the most comfortable way we are allowed to live in the field. The country here is a vast level or valley, covered at intervals with pine woods. Here was a good deal of fighting not long since. I said level, there is a circular ridge but not high, where the rebel artillery done so much mischief and finally was captured some eight pieces by our forces. Remains of limited quarters of logs and fortifications with graves are scattered all around. It has been a delightful day and I have thought so much about you and how anxious you were probably feeling if the papers had got our movements. If mail arrangements are perfected I hope we shall chat often. And so the day closes. So different from what I expected but I expect we shall be busy with picket duty drill etc. but we can well afford to do that. ‘Billy’ is writing for he is a lover of letters and writes them often and remembers home. Co “B” boys are singing and a distant bugle is sounding the ‘Tattoo’ and I close with my last thought of you from my quiet tent and for once not tired out marching. A kiss for Lulu. Tell her the violets are springing beautifully and look like those at home. Also the “innocents” and everything tells of Spring. Love to all and ever from your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Per the Unit History: April 27, 1864 – May 2, 1864. Although they had expected to go on a coastal expedition, possibly to North Carolina, the men of the Ninth Corps were instead assigned to guard the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. They, therefore, started their march toward the Rappahannock River on April 27, passing through Fairfax Court House, Centerville, Bristow Station, and Manassas, Virginia. The 36th was assigned to a camp at Catlett’s Station. 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 27, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Bristoes Station, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-04-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Robert Johnson (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 #214 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Bristoes [Bristow’s] Station, VA. Allie Bristoes Station VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f99693faeddf85d2bd53b5c1085b0a3a.jpg 2e06b99992bd7196a3d9ada03a8c4e25 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/892573e3dba231c0d6fdc34bdf35dc51.jpg 4c879060b1f91f66b3fd8a7b3e0e0cf7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a408b753f3a03e93aa6319381fff84a3.jpg 590c377841e684bc090a3bbcf40fb862 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 Picket Post. Near “Catletts Station”, Va. Sunday PM May 1st, 1864 My [own ???] dear Wife and Lulu. This beautiful Sabbath afternoon, may it be as pleasant with you – from this novel situation as Sergt. of the Picket, I send you a word of greeting. How little did I think one week ago that we should be so snugly fixed in this situation! Expected to have been on the Rapidan with Gen. Meade ere this, but we [fairly???] find ourselves living in log houses with cloth roofs and taking life easy guarding R Road [Railroad] from guerrillas which have infested the neighborhood. Mailed letters from near Alexandria and by our Sutler yesterday written from Bristoe’s [also spelled Bristow’s] Station where we camped for one night. Friday morning struck tents again and marched down the R Road some five miles when two Co’s H and G came down here, or a mile from here, where we relieved two Co’s. of the 14th Regulars and it seems the [???] for the present we scattered along this R Road as guard. The country reminds me some of the ground between town (at B [Billerica???]) and where Judkins’ [???] lived, rather skirted with woods. Where we are was a thick growth of oaks now much thinned out, the R Road ten rods perhaps on front with slight embankments. And some six or eight workmen are repairing while the sentinel paces his beat with fixed bayonet and ball cartridges. Trains pass frequently otherwise tis very quiet especially after such a long time at the front or with the hum of Camp life all about us. Have guard and Picket duty quite often of course but we shall rest up. The Regiment is nearby toward A. [probably Auburn, Virginia] while our quarters are towards Catlett’s opposite. Just breeze enough to be agreeable and reminds me so much of the dear old days at Pleasant Valley! If we could take a stroll together and hear a good sermon from [???] I do hope you are well and having some refreshment body and soul! Is it so? We soon expect to send and receive mail daily and then what chats we can have. Can you realize that your wandering boy is leading such a quiet life as near home? Let us make the most of it? A whole Brigade of heavy Artillery as Infantry passed us this A.M. for the front right from N.Y. harbor and many others are constantly going forward so it looks like something. A fearful future for some. Shall we be spared the last conflict? How these questions come up and we hope everything will be for the best. Are you all well? Can tell you nothing particularly interesting but I know a word will be axceptable [sic]. J. Henry is with the Co. [???] and is quartered with us eight in a house so far. Don’t know what the reason is that he came to the Co. All the boys from the Regt. are reported back. Will have a chance again soon perhaps. Is quite happy and boyish in his jollity. Another little incident. A playmate of Eddie Peirce’s is in our Co. belongs to the 29th Mass. (those who didn’t enlist are in our Regt.) and by chance I found him out. Geo. Woodbury I remember his name. Had a long chat last Eve. about old times in C [Charlestown?]. Younger of course than I am but as a mate of E’s [Eddie’s?] I was interested. A pleasant fellow and good soldier. How strange we meet folks in this world. Where’s my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days. And then I will answer all her questions. What would she ask me first. Think? Am very well indeed. Read a Psalm and a chapter from Ep [Epistle] St. John after got ready on duty – perhaps I ought to before. Mustered again this morning as accounted for for Pay. Shall return to quarters about 10 o’clock tomorrow morning and hope you will get this promptly. Love to all and Ever yours Entirely Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter was almost certainly the last letter that Jerome Peirce sent to his wife and daughter. A note added by someone on the first page of the letter indicates affirmatively that it was. It reads “last letter form (should be “from”) J.S.P”. NOTE 2: Rev. Levi Ballou in the funeral service sermon for Jerome Peirce that he gave on June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome Peirce had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent” made reference to several letters that Albinia had shared with him. The following is an excerpt from this letter that he used in 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.’” NOTE 3: The article titled “Hopeful Words Written in a Brutal Spring” in the Boston Globe edition of May 29, 1994, also includes the following excerpt from this letter. “Where is my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days and then I will answer all your questions. What would she ask me first, I think?...Read a Psalm, a chapter from the Epistle of St. John after I got ready on duty.” This article mentions that this letter is dated May 1, 1864, and that it may have been the last letter he wrote. This letter is also referenced in the May 1994 issue of Reader’s Digest as being “cheerful and upbeat.” Likewise, the fact that he sent flowers with this letter is also mentioned in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star article of May 29, 2001. NOTE 4: The following is a summary from the Unit History that describes the activities of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment around May 1, 1864. “On the 30th [of April, 1864] it became necessary to make another change, and our "Regulation Camp" was abandoned to others. We marched at half-past five o'clock in the morning, crossed Kettle Run at noon, and relieved the Seventeenth Regular Infantry, of the Fifth Corps, taking possession of the splendid camp near Catlett's Station, which they had occupied during the winter. Captain Morse, with Co. C, was sent forward to Catlett's, to guard the station and water tanks, while the remainder of the regiment went into camp. The larger portion of the regiment was accommodated in the barracks of the Seventeenth Regulars, but the three left companies were obliged to occupy their shelter-tents. Upon reaching this place, it being the last day of the month, the regular monthly return of the regiment was made up and forwarded to headquarters. As being the inventory of the effective strength with which we entered the campaign it may be interesting to include a synopsis of the report. At that date we had present for duty fourteen commissioned officers, and four hundred and twenty-six enlisted men, belonging to the regiment, including ninety-one men transferred from the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, or four hundred and forty in all. 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 and Lulu, May 1, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Picket Post, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-05-01 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 #215 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Picket Post, near “Catletts Station”, VA. Allie Catletts Sation VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu Picket Post VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/07500b2a7f537b4eadbbc9442950dd47.jpg 78ecc0f3540fcf91cb617ba601abe948 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f74ae5ea7022777ec9ef785b388a6b26.jpg 608a24c4b353759553927ec758e3195b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/804db4062a7714611af68f2133a6dc7d.jpg 2fc5396f8b64848acc3120388e6637fc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a790306b37a8d80be1bc4947b949d9d1.jpg 0c3c5a4e16dfb9682f5f62589f0d20c8 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 1862 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 Nov 30eth 1862 (At Falmouth, near Fredericksburg) My ever dear Wife and Lulu, Last Eve was a jubilee in Camp. A large back mail arrived, yours of the 7th 9th & 11th Nov Came to hand also a letter from sister Kate, such as does the heart good and one from Abbie, Eddie Peirce[, and] two Registers. was that not enough to rejoice over. I had received one later than any from you before, but to know all was safe was gratifying. the other 50. c arrived safely, and with part of it, I got some Candles so part of the letters were read by Candle light in my tent as we don’t draw Candles regularly and none at all of late, so we have to procure them of the sutler. a whole long Candle costs only 60 Cents, so you may know how precious they are. The mittens also came safe and will be of great service these cool mornings and evenings. You remember Albert Smith gave me a fine pair of buckskin gloves, so I am well supplied now. When you write the Orange friends thank them for me. I should mention a letter received yesterday A.M from Bro Joseph, and I am glad to feel a little different; for it was a heart letter such as I never before received from him, and in[?] on to J.H. at the same time. he mentions you in a way that will be gratefully remembered hereafter, and I shall write him soon. I add something to J.H’s letters now often. You spoke in one of your letters of the kindness of my family to you, and the friends all. I think you have much to “cheer and make glad” notwithstanding our present trials and separation, and I do hope you will bear up bravely, for it is painful to know you have so many lonely and desponding hours. We must all bear our part, and it is such a help to me to know you are so kindly Cared for, and you must add a cheerful and brave spirit, for you must remember little Lulu will notice, and imbibe the sad spirit more or less, so don’t pray sadden her little heart but strive to make all things as bright and sunny to her as possible[.]] I speak of this not to chide but from the Continued sad tone of your letters. Abbie and all my friends find so much Comfort in religion and the hopes of a better future, that I always feel sustained by their letters--a better future, I say, for the Country and our children, I mean. Do not feel that your letters are less dear to me—far from it. You are apt to imagine more suffering than we have. it is only occasionally that we suffer intensely, such as continued marching, or storms, but we get usual [sic] to life here. Our cheerful Camp fire, tents, and Continued good health, is so much that I have very little heart to Complain. I intended to have written several letters, but alas no rest “to speak of” on Sunday. At 10 Oclk this A.M. Came Brigade Review by Gen LaLure[?] then Reg inspection, which with preparing our meals kept us moving the A.M. This P.M. at 1 Oclk. Came Brigade services, which Continued nearly two hou[r]s, and Dress Parade is yet to Come, so I must be excused from being interesting. Our Chaplain spoke on the “state of the Country and the times in which we live[.]” The great p[r]ivilige [sic], of placing our names besides the Revolutionary heroes, and all the champions of the Right &c.. Very good. A Pennsylvania Chaplain spoke of the sins of the nation &c. and rebuked the sin of profanity, in the Army, which was needed fully. Would it Could be of good to those addressed. I will enclose Kate’s letter in back of my own. Will send you Ellen’s sometime. Had some tea this morning[.] Kate sent some—also yours. Please send me a few pins. I am almost out. Capt. S. and I exchange reading matter, so I am quite favored. I wrote to Frank and Will yesterday. Shall write Abbie very soon. Also Kate. The Cars run regularly now to this place, so hope to get letters promptly. Write when you hear of the little box sent to Foster. J.H. is well. Love as ever from your Jerome [Marginal note] [Page 4] a sprig from my bed. Falmouth, it seems, is the name of this place. 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 and Lulu, November 30, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Falmouth, Near Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-11-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 3.75 - 1st Scan 5.5 X 8 - 2nd Scan 10.25 X 8 - 3rd Scan 5.75 X 8.25 - 4th 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 #41 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Falmouth, VA. Allie and Lulu Falmouth Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3b2be2f921541b513103edf5f269c5b3.jpg ea1a23ccdfe23992289b54373339b127 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/623684031d46d66b812027eb53444131.jpg f1b6fb319c87f21100bdeb7faf7cfba5 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/70b1c739a6f8f91ceb2a97d98b232468.jpg 598d791a3ea18415ca370add3bbe36f9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2da7b066da2ae1cb710e42f996e0c852.jpg 43ed8bf8c5193ac421fcfbcd8ebbc3cc 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 1862 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 Camp near Fred[e]ricksburg Va Tues morn 2d Dec/62 My dear Sister Abbie, It is now more than two weeks since I have written you, and Sat Eve. came a mail which had been detained and brought several back letters, and yours of the 11th Nov. Did you think it was my birth-day? My thoughts are so much with my dear friends, at home, that it takes real duties, sometimes, to realize the present, and serves to lighten and cheer up the realities of the present. I have obtained a look at some home papers lately and see they c[h]ronicle the movements hereabouts but still our Corps and Reg are seldome [sic] mentioned. We have done some laborious marching since the middle of Nov. It will be a fortnight tomorrow, since our arrival here, where we were miserably accommod[a]ted at first for a Camp, but a few days since we changed, and now are pleasantly fixed “among the pines,” on elevated ground, and a view through the woods to the river and Rebel city of F. Batteries are erected on both sides, and gunboats are said to be in the river, and still all is silence, and apparently inactive, but I think only apparently, for we are singularly favored in the weather, and I don’t think it is passing unimproved. But the great event is the change of Commanders. Burnside is at the head. It is well. I think I saw for the first time, last Eve Gen Halleck’s statement, in regard to the supplies for the army and so forth. As far as the 36th were Concerned, we were all able to move from Pleasant Valley long before we did. some were in need of shoes it is true, but it was only till we crossed the River on that fearful stormy Sunday, when we were wet, and cold, that we saw any ragged men to speak of, which was caused by the[ir] carelessness, for many burnt their clothing at the fires, after that wet time. Many men are needlessly deprived by this one thing. I have always been an admirer of Gen McC. but I find the N.Y. Evening Post and the solid press of the Country approve of the change, and I am an unqualified supporter, and admirer of the President, and fully believe there was need of the change. To see Gen B. is to feel more confident, and brave, and the other day, at a review saw Gen Sumner, another man in whom you feel safe, a silver grey head and beard, and keen eyes, and he gave us a handsome salute as he passed. I think everyone should sustain the Government, and not endeavor to distract by party spirit. But I have no fears Old Mass has spoken out, and I have no doubt the loyal element will prevail in spite of the discontents of New York and other states. Have had a treat in reading lately the Registers, N.Y. Eve. Post[,] “Journal[“] (Boston) and am glad they speak as they do. The health here is generally good altho’ Co B has lost three men of late, from Dysentary [sic]. the last one was buried last Eve. My own health is excellent, and I trust I am duly thankful. I thank the Dr for his advice on eating raw Pork. I have eat[en] but little and shall Cook it in future[.] We are living very well at present as the supplies come readily by rail. I suppose you were at home Thanksgiving. How my heart yearned to be at the loved spot once more, and how I long for the mail that gives account of the meeting! We had services last Sabbath, for the occasion. Our Chaplain, also one from the Penna Reg [preached], the first on the Times and the encouraging aspect of things and the other on the sins of the nation and Camp. But I always fall back on the memory of sabbaths at home, your letters, and mention of your sabbaths, for real food, and in quiet moments (and they are few) with more refreshment to the tired spirit, than all I hear of services here, tho’ I always attend. And then the Register. I take so much comfort with that. many, many thanks to whom I owe it. Do you find any time for reading anything but news and the papers? If you do, remind me of it, for you Can’t tell how much I cling to the memory of past reading. Does it seem strange to you? I often think of Cha[r]les Lamb’s letters, &c[,] Wordsworth, and grand old Shakespeare, and his pictures of war, so has he lived in all relations of “life[“], (I have sent for “Henry Fourth,”) and the Calm sweet instructions of Scripture. how different I look upon them! especially the Psalms. I often open by accident, to see what ‘twill be, and on Sunday I opened to the 60eth and on board the Steamer once off Hampton Roads, opened to the 3d and so on. (Will close by and by, am interrupted[.]) A little later = We have commenced our drills again so that time these short days is precious and our candles, we Cannot get regularly, and I am Compelled to hurry writing and I trust you will make great allowances, and correct where you can, for Allie tells [me] you are copying my letters into a book. I presume I forget to answer questions, or mention many things. I hope to write fri[e]nd Mary and the Smith’s (A.O.) soon. If a mail arrives before tomorrow I may add a line. Wrote to Allie and sister Kate on Sunday[.] Can you tell me of Edwd Bloud[?], who went to war. was in the 13nth Reg I believe. Remember me to each & all of the f[r]iends, the Dr’s family not forgotten. As ever your loving Bro Jerome [Marginal notes] [Page 1] Thank you for the Stamps. Dont send them as I can obtain them. The place of our encampment is called Falmouth. A little sprig from my bed, my feathers. [Pages 2-3] Please tell me how Allie seemed, and I do hope she will keep up well. and the various new publications. How I should love to see them. tell me all you can of new books &c. I wish some of the lady friends would write me, and not wait for me--Miss S Waldo, or Miss Walker. It would be appreciated[.] And for Mr or Dr Ellis, What Could I say to him? Always remember me to him. Is there a Reading club this winter? [Page 4] P.S. Saw some account, & Extracts from the Life & letters of Irving in the Eve Post (N.Y.) Have you seen the book? It must be a treat. 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 Abbie, December 2, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Abbie Camp near Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Abbie 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 1862-12-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (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 6.65 X 3.75 - 1st Scan 5.5 X 8.5 - 2nd Scan 10.25 X 8.5 - 3rd Scan 5.6 X 8.5 - 4th 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 #42 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fredericksburg, VA. Abbie Fredericksburg Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e2a48a523feaa524796aa55e77a58b46.jpg 6f550d1b933ee55b699758424211d516 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e3d46fd86d9ed4172883051a1fb26af8.jpg 1d65eaf90491a2955adb7bd1248e2b5c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/092cc4b399e953c69be249c1b35d0143.jpg 8a1513f24f6725f5e3b3735bbcbadcd7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9e4e90934d88f4a749a62f4245182172.jpg a89c4454846a7e581dbe071028e54a05 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ed1e5065d4c68c65a346207e03d6c1f3.jpg 01c8d1430facdf66eb76efcac696012b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2cc5de7a313a99741df9a42949ebed66.jpg 6a17af19b6a06cb80d53fc05387105a9 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 1862 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 Friday Dec 5th 1862. My dear Wife & Lulu, We still remain in Camp, at Falmouth, which is the same as “near Fredg” and nothing in particular has occurred, so I have waited from last Sunday till this time before writing to see if some back letters wouldn’t Come. And they have arrived, just now, noon. Yours of the 24th 26th & 30eth Nov. I received the one dated 26th several days ago—24th & 30eth today and one Contained 35. cts and one 50 c—and I wish to thank you, and say that you need not send any more for the present, as I am well, and only need a few cents every week, only to get a little meal, which makes an excellent change of our food occasionally. Allie, I trust you will not feel that I am unconscious of your situation, in money matters &c and I am just as close with myself as possible, knowing as I do how we have to wait for government affairs, and how prices are increasing for everything. I know it all and did not expect so much as you have sent in the length of time, so don’t mind any more. There is so much comes to mind that I am at a loss how to express myself. In yours of the 24th you speak of the difference of your situation from sister A’s—no one to look after &c. I fear you have taken me too seriously, besides how many there are left with more to see to than you have, many with large families &c. Oh if I felt that you doubted my love of my family, I should be distressed indeed, and acting as [I] felt from a sense of duty, and trusting to the kindly Care of those with whom I thought you would feel the happiest, I felt brave and resolute to duty, and one day be united in a sanctified home so to speak. We all must endure our part, and I firmly beleive [sic] there is a Compensation in the future. Of course the mere matter of money will be delayed but I trust not long. Some of the Old Regts are being paid off, for some reason they having been longer in the field, and in battle even are paid first, but some of the Officers say we too shall be paid before long, and I shall immediately remit home all I can send, and then if I need a little, you Can attend to your wants first[.] What will your board be? Give me as near an account of your expenses as possible. You need not send me Magaznies [sic] often, or even at all, if you can’t. I do not expect it if it deprives you in the least. I only thought that once in a great while I might be thus favored. Of the pictures of Lulu, the same. Here I will say that I have the watch and Locket that I left home with, and they are very precious. The Pennsylvania “boys” are paid off, (in one Brigade and near us in Camp) and several of the, our, boys have sold them watches. I thought once I would, just to just to send you a little money, and then the associations Came up and I could not. the watch and Locket must go together. You know Lulu has not her best, happiest look in that, hence the desire I had for a different one, as someone said, Mrs Millen, I believe, in a letter, that she had changed a good deal, hair long, (How much I shall think of the little lock you sent!) and I naturally felt a desire to see her. You speak as tho’ there was only the paltry eight dollars a month to rely on. You know the first year I shall make nearly as much as I did at O. and in Case of necessity I hope a soldier’s credit is good for something. Am glad you take the paper, but read with Caution, for two thirds of all that’s written from the army is not to be depended upon, and I am more and more convinced that we shall not be kept out here our three years. The editorials, and leading articles in the best papers, that I have seen take an encouraging view of things, and how folks get so discouraged at home, I Can’t see. If you Could be here and see what it is to move an Army, you would not wonder or complain. The world never saw such vast plans, and armies before, and what Can a mere child in the art of War, as the U S. are, do, in this brief time. I think the change of Commanders was entirely necessary[,] as much as I thought of Gen McC. and if necessary I hope for another still till the right one turns up, and that is the spirit of the troops. But I have had an inkling or partial explanation of the Presidents Message, and Gen Halleck’s Report. (Papers cost 5. c the cheapest, and I don’t [read] anyway) so have not read them for myself, but I think the message will cause a division in Rebeldom, which will cripple their movements, and then the navy has got to do the work in a great measure this winter, so even if Winter quarters is at hand, which I doubt very much, which may be for a part of the Army, and we may possibly be stationed at this point, which is of importance, while the main blow is struck elsewhere, but I think a close of the war is not far distant by some means, for both parties are weary and sick of it, and the finances of the Country, and foreign influence, will combine to stop it. This is my view of the whole matter, and I Cannot if I would feel desponding. But for domestic matters, or home—tent life. Had a letter also from Abbie, of the 23d also Eddie Haynes who it seems is going to New Orleans, besides papers from Miss Walker, or Abbie’s Register but in Miss W’s’[?] writing this time, so I shall be quite refreshed, and busy. We have a rainy day today. have had only Co Drill this A.M.. have had no dinner yet. Hard “tack” and water will be all today (as Cooking is out of the question)[.] Jos. H. and I are snugly “squatted” in our tent on the Cedar brush, while the rain is “gently pattering down” upon the tent, but we shall manage to keep dry. Probably we shall not drill any more today so I shall write and read some, not forgetting all the dear ones at home. And how gladly would I return to them! Now dear Allie, let us both resolve to be brave hearted, and recall the bright and loving hours of the Past, and lean on the “great right arm, which is mighty to save.[“] Have not seen Henry M. yet. will deliver the letter. Of the Capt and your messages, I know not what to say. Of late I feel a little different. He is a peculiar man. I am not jealous! but I don’t know whether he would appreciate your words or not, but I’l[l] try him, and deliver your message to him. He has no Wife or family, is a bachelor, and with some of their peculiarities “I reckon.” Thats enough for now. The Army is a great place for “human natur[e.]” Tell Father I have out-travelled a good many long legged fellows since I came out, but the Rebs are gifted in running and it is a little singular that the Removal of McClennan [sic] has set them in a perfect panic. Their Pickets have been anxious to know why he was removed &c, fine man &c &c. Kiss little Lulu, and her little letter is appreciated. As ever your loving Husband & Father Jerome P.S. Have written Mr. L Johnson’s folks at Orange. 4 Oclock P.M. Thought I would add a word. The storm Continues—more snow than rain, and I suspect you have a regular snowstorm at the north. Went into H Mayo’s tent, and read and chatted awhile. We have so much Cooking[,] drilling, and other occupations that we have scarcely spoken together of late. So much for idleness of soldiers but it is strictly true. The boys think much of your remembering them and wish to be remembered kindly to you. I think your mention of Miss H gratified him much. Have been reading the Presidents Message, and I say “God Bless” Abraham Lincoln! His closing appeal to the best sense of the People will I am sure, bring forth something. The “Clipper” (Baltimore) takes the best view of the whole. matter, and but for a few political villians [sic], at the North, who would decide public sentiment, all would be well, but the good President will prove too much for them, and let the people, but be as good and wise and better times will follow. I wrote to Abbie on Monday I believe. Had something warm for dinner after all. Our neighbors of Co E. had a good fire, so had some hot Coffee and crackers, without sugar. Had a word in Abbies letter awhile ago, about raw pork. Shall heed it. Have scarcely tasted any but once or twice. I was on the march, or on an appetite from marching when I could eat anything. Will just say that I am in the best of health, and sleep warm nights, and if I Could only dream of home, should like it, but I sleep too soundly to dream. Have I answered all questions? The tent is so inconvenient that I don’t overhaul letters much so that I forget many things—pulling over Coats, knapsacks &c. for writing materials &c. Some are sending boxes, but I can’t tell as I need anything, but woollen [sic] draw[er]s. you Could send a pair at a time by mail, if you choose. I have Cotton, but woollen [sic] are easier to clean for us. I don’t urge this for I Can get along. Foster is going or has sent a box to Alonzo. I need a thick vest[.] mine is [???], a little, you could send it by mail also and make it of any second hand cloth, button to the neck. direct just [as] you do letters. Am going after wood, so a kiss and good-by. Jerome An order has been issued for all packages for the Comfort of soldiers to be forwar[d]ed. I need this more than anything. Leave one end open someway [sic]—dark Color if possible. 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 and Lulu, December 5, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Falmouth, Near Fredericksburg, VA. (Per text) Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-12-05 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (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 5.5 X 3.75 - 1st Scan 5.5 X 8.5 - 2nd Scan 10.75 X 8.75 - 3rd Scan 5.75 X 8.75 - 4th Scan 5.25 X 8.35 - 5th Scan 5.5 X 8.35 - 6th 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 #43 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Falmouth, VA. Allie and Lulu Falmouth Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e3755e2a24c8b6378379110452f75444.jpg 954f2557ab8dba632d7bbe3eb52449d5 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/072fe5b8cab1800e91a0129000ea8cde.jpg 03e677d6995d216c714760c9562b1b91 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8a61520b9b87876bd3bfdebe6ba90b56.jpg 568aa8e5452aab67e1d55aca9e0fbf8a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9f9b11cd66df6791b2710c09ecee1856.jpg 5c7f7868346a37b6c98419855199f964 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 1862 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 Falmouth Va Mon P.M. Dec 10nth 1862 My dear Wife, Just a few words today, as I have leisure time. Have just returned from my first ramble outside the Camp. Went to the Riverbank and as near the “Rebs” as we can get for the present, and I am inclined to think as near as we shall ever get for hostile purposes. ‘Twas a pretty walk of a mile and a half or so. Two bridges once crossed the river, which is but little wider than the Concord at the Turnpike. The City looks much like Frederick Md—scattered along the stream about a mile. quite a pretty town, I should think under more favorable circumstances. Saw no Rebel pickets, tho’ spoke with ours, who remain in groups of three or four. have their Camp fires, outdoors, or protected by a few boards, and tents sometimes. The best part was the sight, and voice of two ladies, who Came down in an ambulance wagon, and with an Officer. One was silvered hair somewhat, the other younger[,] say about Thirty—a very pleasant[,] talkative, southern, or western spoken. Took a seat at the fire, to warm her feet, while the elder one remained at the pile of the bridge, looking for some moments across, where she Could not pass. I stood at a respectful distance, but Could not resist the temptation of listening to a ladies voice, for they were finely attired, and reminded [me] of home, strongly. The younger one, says to the soldiers who were cleaning some of their dishes, “Twould make a woman mad to see your dishes”! “I think it would to wash them” said soldier.” [“]But you’l[l] have some good times getting dinners when you get home” said the lady. “If we ever get home” was the reply. “Get home! to be sure you’l[l] get home”! replied her ladyship, and I left at that point, and took my way up the bank to where the redoubts were that Jos. H. help[ed] throw up the other Eve, or night, and where the guns are pointed to the very heart of the City, but I doubt their being used for so direful a purpose—in short Allie, I am quite persuaded that peace is not far off—a fixed presentiment. Had a nice long letter from Sister Mary (at O), and one from Charley enclosed today[.] Said you had not written for some time. All well, and misses [sic] you and Lulu very much &c Wrote to Lucy today. It seems that Charlotte is married and I suppose at home. heaven bless them! I wrote you on Friday, and mentioned about my watch. I have acted, myself I suppose, on such occasions, and yielded, to the temptation of a good price Cash, and sold it $12.00. I send you three dollars, and will more if the same reaches you safely. Please write me im[me]diately on its receipt. So you will of Course, have a trifling lift use it, as you need, not for me, or anything I can get along without. Have had snow and it is Cold. Some of the wood we burn makes the eyes sore, and it is almost impossible to see sometimes. The boys are all building up their tents with logs—with fireplaces &c. We manage to keep Comfortable, but may be at it, when axe and Spade are more at leisure. Had some pressed vegetables, for dinner today with a slight mixture of potato—quite nice. Have got some meal so we shall have gruel and griddle Cakes. Rice & Molasses yesterday[--]a great rarity of late. Am excellently well, and am enduring everything, but absence from home, bravely, and get along with that as well as they [sic] average. This is a business, rattling letter, but bears the love to all, dutifully. Hoping all is well with thee I close, hoping to hear from you before I sleep. As ever You[r]s Jerome Send the “Journal” once in a while. Will send you a “Philaa Inquirer” soon! 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, December 10, 1862 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 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 1862-12-10 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (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 8.30 - 1st Scan 6 X 8.10 - 2nd Scan 10.5 X 8.10 - 3rd Scan 5.5 X 8 - 4th 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 #44 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Falmouth, VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ad254f26b1f75f8f3651ccaf8c169b1d.jpg a4132999ba3aadb4bc3f51a22cb00612 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4610879b295c1cb62adcf0da739c9f02.jpg 40ac7137a7cc977b0a048ec23507f0e0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/714fa017a2e788e89e9b266d391f1739.jpg 03e7653537749d2a90ba9ab1946b6dd3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/180a2e537cc0a22f439268b465bcb28a.jpg ba605f4267f9177998bdcaef5588921d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/79eab47f3b4ca73a61b3adaf47c49d76.jpg 8788e907bdadddaf7a2f27e6dbfae5c2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4cbb9a16e86d9a8359fa14b5151b7dc6.jpg c71cbc5eaf03d65cbc38badf5b6e6cc1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b9d84157e16ac5bf698c5956f4af612a.jpg e2c1e46056b53bfca7699c46e2a8c754 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 1862 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 Morn 11 Dear ones, We are ordered to march at 8 ock. A battle is raging, and we move. We may not be engaged but I enclose what I hope will reach you. Love to all as ever, and I hope to see you. Jerome I enclose $5.00 more. I sent you three in my last. hope to hear all has reached you safely. Good-night With a kiss, for Lulu And your dear self. Jerome Have no means of knowing the loss on either side. Saw one or two wounded[.] Thurs P.M. nearly 5 o’clk. 11 Dec /62 On the first page is a few hasty words I penciled, but concluded not to mail till fu[r]ther developments. It has been an eventful day, beautiful in weather, but Oh for the horrors of war! About 5 O’clk this A.M. the first guns opened, by the Rebs as we were laying the Pontoon Bridge for our forces to cross. Had an early breakfast, and marche[d] out to the field near our Camp where our Brigade have lain all day, ready to march, at a moment’s notice. With a short cessation, at noon excepted, the roar of Cannon has been incessant, and shot and shell hissing thro’ the air, over the doomed City of F. The City is in flames, and we have walked down several times to observe the work of destruction. It is a fearful sight, but this only would seem to bring the traitors to terms. One lurid roll of smoke rolls up in front of us, while the Air is full of powder stench. A row of Cannon, a mile long, are playing upon the City. Jos. H. is just returned from the look out. says the fire is increasing. But enough of this[.] I know you would hear the news, and wish to inform you, of how matters are. We may move over the river at any moment, and of the future, we must trust to him “who doeth All things well. Will let you hear daily if possible. We are in good spirits, and feel assured that real work has commenced and the end must be near. All sorts of rumors are in Camp, as that an attack on Richmond is being made in Conjunction with this &c &c. We have rested on Cedar boughs, all day. had Coffee at noon and to troops it don’t seem so much--a Chapter in War. The saying is among some of the boys, “Burnside has got his sleeves rolled up.” But I know how you dear ones feel at home and I am not insensible to the time and occasion & trust to do my duty. Keep calm till you hear from some of us. We shall probably return to our tents tonight. We have only our overcoats, blankets, and three days rations of food. I sent you some money $3.00 a few days since. I enclose $5.00 more[.] trust it will all reach you safely. A mail is reported in Camp but was not distributed on acct. of the position of affairs. Can write no more now. heaven bless and keep you all, till I write again, which will be soon. A kiss for little Lu. As ever Your husband Jerome Please send me a good pencil. have just upset my ink, and pencils are scarce and poor. Should have written Lulu but for the situation, but you are in heavens keeping. Evening at our tent once more Enclosed, is the strange variable record of an eventful day, and the last expiring moments Jos. H. and I devote to friends at home. First Came the strange rumbling sound of wagons, which waked me early, then a stir in Camp—something was up. I couldn’t remain abed. Arose about 4 O,clk built a fire, ready for early movements, early roll call[.] In a line at 8. as before stated. Well just after I closed the pencil note while in the field, we were ordered to march. Halted, about a mile from the City, when we were soon, faced about, and marched back to Camp. Knapsacks restored[.] So here we are, as in the morning, and we have no idea of what the morrow has in store for us. As far as we know, the City is, in our possession by the planting of the bridges, under the terrible fire before mentioned, but so many troops were passing that we could be better off in our Camp, for the air is lurid and thick with heat and powder. The heart of the City, with scattered portions, are burned, and such a Contrast to the other day when I was at the riverside as mentioned in a former letter! But such is war! It was a fearful scene for some seven or eight hours, without a cessation, and then this P.M. later, till dark. But enough—there seemed to me no shrinking. Everyone seemed nerved to a sense of their duty, and I believe the Thirty Sixth, would have kept the honor of the Old Bay State! We all felt quite as anxious for you at home as ourselves, thinking of the report you would get of the Affair, and we only wish we could head the Telegraph. Franklin’s & Hooker’s Corp’s, or Artillery done the principle work, as I heard. Some three Pontoon bridges are across the Stream and we expect to cross the river tomorrow, sometime. I hope to hear from you before long--the Mail is not yet distributed. possibly it will be in the morning. ‘Twas a strange scene in the field. while resting several had their testaments and bibles out reading. I took a bible, and [turned] to a Chapter in Jeremiah—quite appropriate, to the occasion, by chance. Of course all this will Call out all the fortitude and strength of my loved Wife, and I trust you may be spared bitter pangs of the worst disasters of war. I had hoped that peaceful measures might prevail, and I still feel that we shall escape the dread ordeal of battle, but if not I pray for sustaining power to do my whole duty. I never felt Calmer or more resigned in my life, and I thought and felt much, very much these last few hours. There seems to be a something that prepares the mind and nerve for the work. It is late. I am quite tired. Will mention that we are having fine weather, and I am in excellent health, and drew some shoes and pants this, or last Eve, so I am very Comfortable, and we have lived finely of late—good, and plenty of food. I mention this as I knew you would think of the exposure, &c. 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 and Lulu, December 11, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Near Fredericksburg, VA. (Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River per text in letter) Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-12-11 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 4 - 1st Scan 5.5 X 8.35 - 2nd Scan 10.5 X 9 - 3rd Scan 5.5 X 9 - 4th Scan 5.5 X 8.45 - 5th Scan 10.5 X 8.5 - 6th Scan 5.6 X 8.3 - 7th 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 #45 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fredericksburg, VA. Allie and Lulu Fredericksburg Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/64e401fa64acf3fdf774a55e7fbb9b4f.jpg 7b896c67260252df143b8568acf32ae2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9979208fa09d5e77927f99631d1fcc50.jpg 513d0b4ef027dccb089c6832989890dc 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 1862 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 Friday morn 12 Dec. 1862. Fredericksburg Va. About nine o’clk. marched from camp into the City by the Pontoon bridge. Halted, on the levee, or wharf & Street, with many more troops, 29th Mass[,] 79th N.Y. 46th do. [ditto] 27th New Jersey among them. Remained about the streets all day. Saw some of the effects of fire and shelling. Town riddled, every house, more or less destroyed. Furniture, books, and g[?]s of every description, laying about in confusion. A terrible scene of desolation and ruin, past all description. Camped at night in an old back room to a house with Color Guard. Cannonading during the day and about 4 P.M. the Rebs replied in a few founds of shell, which made a “skeddadle” of sorts[?] in the streets, and wounded and killed one or two. A shell struck in field near me as I was run[n]ing to my post, (I was looking over a house when the alarm came) but did not explode. Thus we were “under fire” for the first time, and had the credit of “taking it very Cool,” from Col Le[a]sure). 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 [Probably Allie], December 12, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome [Probably Allie] Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to [Probably 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 1862-12-12 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (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 6.3 X 5.6 - 1st Scan 5.85 X 8.45 - 2nd 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 #46 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fredericksburg, VA. Allie Fredericksburg Jerome Peirce VA.