28 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5848f784790679ddf56384aca2e8c7e3.jpg ea2cb70725e8fe8c6bc5c606e9592647 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2122d5128a6025de947acee8d99d3c16.jpg b1ae5c589f2e4643dcbf27edb35021d1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/09deeaea1cf4e219edb20a7934980f19.jpg b62d6384cb51468496de91e24ec6b8a0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/616c88f5fc126e7d1f9408af8e018cb9.jpg df6104b802b87a565f98964b730c53cb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ffa320383eec06d79f4e59cccea1d50a.jpg 4216993e21519d35c473561fbcf16c87 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c4e4aadd75a080e81273c13ddae6a3f9.jpg e0e4ec95ff6207ba52d24dbe216dc406 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 Annapolis Md. 20th Apr. 1864 My dearest wife, Time is indeed flying and another day is almost departed. For a moment, I’m alone and I thought I would begin something to you. Need I assure you how much I am with you in spirit and thought now we are so near? Yesterday I watched for the forenoon mail, but nothing came, but after we were nicely cuddled under the blanket, “Mail! Mail!” and soon the Sergeant gave me three nice letters. I struck a light (we have candles now) and read them, (yours of Sund [Sunday] 17th), one from Edw’d. Haynes and his Mother, so I went to sleep in better mood, if possible. Your letter done me good and the kindly inquiry of friends and their sympathy for you is much and does much to keep up heart and hope of the soldier. The black regiments are an interesting feature of life here, and it is curious to see what a universal compliment awaits them from the rest of the boys, many who have been bitter haters of the negro, acknowledge their disappointment and say, “only give them discipline and good leaders and they will be enough for anything.” I take pleasure in recording this for the gratification of those who [are] at home and doing in their noble way something for the cause. And what is so striking, here in Md., is the total change in the public feeling and the rapid progress the state is making in free principles. See President’s speech at the opening of the fair at Baltimore. But two events, Dear Allie. Ben has gone to Mass. and his commission. Seemed very happy and has the “God speed” of all who know him. I trust he may “come safely off.” ‘Tis not for a soldier to talk of danger, but I cannot wonder at the certain feeling of deep fear for all who serve in the black Regts., especially after the late affair at Fort Pillow. But I trust the savages will yet be brought to a sense of their position before the world and find out that it moves. Did I tell you that I have obtained a most kindly and cordial “recommend” from Lieutenant D. I had not told you that Lieut. Hodgkins suddenly left for home, and I gave it to Major Draper, who as kindly and cordially, endorsed the same, wishing me all success and so Rev. Haynes hast it, or will by tomorrow and that is the way things are going. (Good night. ‘tis dark.) Tentmate has just lit one of the aforesaid candles and I proceed. (Band playing near by.) ‘Tis a pleasant scene here in camp. Maj. D[raper]’s wife, Capt. Barker, Lieut. D, Sergeant Major Davidson are here and some gentlemen visitors, kindly faces from home. But our officers are returning and drill begins to more “military” forenoon and afternoon. (Had a little practice this a.m. myself.) Rumors begin to circulate about the new arrangement, and today came the order to draw clothing for an active campaign in the field. Cooks to be in readiness to receive and prepare five days rations etc. which don’t move us much. Altho’ everything now is probable. We expect to lose Gen’l. Ferrero who is to command the colored troops, so they will have something to do for he fights to hurt. Well, about finances. I have received [Erasure] months pay, [Erasure] as Sergt., [Erasure] in all. Have sent you by mail [Erasure]. Ben E., Sergt. Woodward and Lieut. H. [Hodgkins] mailed them from here. I hope all will reach you safely. I shall enclose [Erasure] in this making [“mailing”?] [Erasure] and I [Erasure] send you at least [Erasure] of the next payment, but fear we shall be away before we’re paid, which ought to be in a month. I had [Erasure] the stern necessities of life in Tenn. Compelled or suffer and I reserve the rest of [Erasure] for [Erasure]. That is [Erasure] I assure you I have done little of late that gave me the happiness this has and I know how well you will use it. Shall feel anxious ‘till I hear it is all safe, but I believe it is the safest way or as safe at least, as any. Express charges are high and checks we had none. The last was sent to father (for A.J.P.). Well, Dan P. and mother are at Boston and the friends or Martha spoke very encouragingly of him. Had had a serious talk (of his own seeking, etc.) and he had indicated a determination to do better, etc. Heaven help him and unite his family once more. Have you seen Ellen yet? (Lizzie O., they tell me, is off for Oregon to teach school! Lucy told me. Wedns. eve, and I wonder what you are all doing? The young visitors I suppose. Am quite happy as I read of your good times. I trust war and high prices will not suppress all the good old fashioned enjoyment in our homes. And Lulu, I wish you can get another picture of her and send me. Am glad she was so good at church. How I would have enjoyed the time. We have some sweet singing birds here and as soon as the flowers spring, I will send her some. She must send me some of the first violets that grow by Suckers Brook. Oh, for one of our strolls there and to “Prospect Hill”! But I will finish tomorrow. A long time since I’ve written by candlelight! Have written Jenney and Mr. Ellis. Will [Insert “write”?] Miss Walker soon. I know I ought to do better by her. I perfectly revere her and I don’t know why I haven’t remembered her oftener by letter. The “good and true” friends of my earlier days are remembered now, believe me. (Once more a kiss and good night.) Thurs. [Thursday] morn. [morning]. Mail goes soon and I can only add a word. Breakfast of hashed potato, cold ham and beans stewed, coffee. Letters from Orange to H.H. all say J. H. got home Sat. P.M. Will be back tomorrow or next day. The 57th Regt. arrived last eve, some of our old officers among them. One of the new Regts. to be in our brigade, hope ‘twill be the 59th. I enclose some pictures for Lulu cut out of a paper handed out [at] camp, some beautiful verses. The “Old Saints” question Ben learned by heart while in the rifle pits at Knoxville during the siege and repeated to me. Kept it. I’m feeling nicely again. Love to all as ever. Hope Mary will write me when she gets to her school. As ever, your Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following note, on a separate piece of paper in the envelope, seems to clarify the dollar amounts which were erased in the main letter and how much money and how Jerome sent it home. I have received 6 months’ pay, ten [???] as Sergt. $86.00 in all. Have sent you by mail $65.00, three twenties. Ben E., Sergt. Woodward and Lieut. H. [Hodgkins] mailed them. $5.00 from here. I shall enclose $10.00 in this. Hope to be able to send you at least $25.00 of the next payment I had [???] ($6.00) to pay etc. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The Battle of Fort Pillow, which ended with the Fort Pillow massacre, was fought on April 12, 1864, at Fort Pillow on the Mississippi River in Henning, Tennessee. The battle ended with a massacre of African-American Union troops and their white officers attempting to surrender by soldiers under the command of Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Fort Pillow became one of the most controversial battles of the war. The question remains whether General Forrest ordered the massacre (as the Union press immediately claimed), knew of but did nothing to stop it or even encouraged the massacre, or, as Forrest later alleged, had nothing to do with the spontaneous action of soldiers enraged at seeing former slaves fighting them with guns. The Fort Pillow massacre became a major political issue in the North, and it increased support for the war. NOTE 2: It appears that Jerome might have been recommended to receive an officer’s commission, but nothing ever came of it. NOTE 3: For some reason, Jerome erased all references to specific dollar amounts regarding his pay and how much money he was sending home to Allie in the main letter. The separate note provides clarification and details. 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 20, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Annapolis, MD. 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 1864-04-20 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 #210 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Allie Annapolis Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7f7f649b2dd8b902aa7bd3983cda7038.jpg b2ed18473e16c5e08375a5a3b3c362d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3c310fa8f6562d5b579038f3e63463c5.jpg 8f294dd18d96a98264ef01b7248c1f1b 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 Annapolis Md 21st Apr 1864 Dear friends, Your kind letter with J.H.’s came to hand today and I was most happy to receive it. I need not tell you how much I thought of J.H. and of his brief visit home. His first leave of absence! How much is contained in it! Well he may say “he was repaid for all he had endured”! He and I had often pictured how he would like to surprise you late at night etc., etc. as it seems he did. I trust nothing occurred to mar for a moment the pleasure of the visit. Hope Allie and Lulu were in time to meet him. With us there is nothing new. Altho indications are that we shall soon move for somewhere soon. Orders for clothing, arms and equipments for field service are circulating. New arrangements of brigades etc. The 57th Mass arrived last eve and they say will be in our brigade. The most notable feature is the weather, rain every day to some extent. Now a fitful shower is upon us, just enough to keep us inside. There is nothing of interest. I do not often leave camp and it is as dull as any quiet place. Harland Metcalf was here yesterday. Looks finely, and dresses in citizens dress and mounted. Attached to Gen. Burnside in some capacity. The Army suits him “I reckon”. Does he bestow the accustomed attention upon his family? Have a letter from Edwd. Peirce to J.H. Took the liberty to read. Nothing special for news. (It’s hailing now.) Expect you had a fine time at the party. Well Joe is quite a hero and has “smelt powder” and as you see don’t look much the worse for his experience, and I trust will yet come safely off. A letter from [Bro.???] Haynes, or Edwd. and Martha I should say, tells me Danl. and Mother were there. She speaks quite encouragingly of him. Hope with reason I think Foster will be decided about it. A sad history, these lost opportunities and wasted lives. If Allie is with you tell her I mailed a valuable letter to her this morning which I hope she will receive. I shall hear from her probably soon. The boys are well, tho Edward W. and Nelson S. have been ailing slightly for a day or two. I hope our movements will not prevent the visitors [Note: Possibly missing words] There must be many changes at home. How long will Henry G. stay in Boston? But really I can think of nothing to interest and J.H. has pictured the thing all out to you so I must close. Remember [Note: Possibly missing “me”] to the friends all. Did you receive my letter, for J.H. too, from Covington, Ky? Write as often as you can and believe me as ever, Your Brother Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “J.H.” or “Joe” Jerome referred to was almost certainly Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a private in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a private. 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, and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 2: From December 20, 1863, until April 3, 1864, the regiment moved numerous times in eastern Tennessee before being ordered to move by train, by way of Baltimore, to Annapolis, Maryland, where it arrived on April 6, 1864. During this time, the lack of adequate rations, clothing and equipment presented more challenges to the men than did the Confederates. In this letter, written at Annapolis and dated April 21, 1863, he wrote that the men anticipated that they might soon be facing fighting against the Confederates because they were issued clothing, arms and equipment for field service. On April 23, 1864, just two days later, the regiment left its camp and marched to Washington, D.C., reaching the capital two days later. There, the Ninth Corps, including the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, was reviewed by President Lincoln and General Burnside from the balcony of the Willard Hotel to the cheers and well wishes of a large crowd. (See his letter dated April 26, 1864, for a description of the review and his impression of the appearance of President Lincoln.) The regiment then went into camp at Alexandria, Virginia, until the next day. 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 in northern Virginia. They started their march toward the Rappahannock River on April 27, 1864, passing through Fairfax Court House, Centerville, Bristow Station, and Manassas, Virginia. The regiment was assigned to a camp at Catlett’s Station, Virginia. The Ninth Corps was soon in position, scattered along the railroad line from Fairfax to the Rappahannock River, having relieved the troops of the Army of the Potomac, which were now concentrated near the Rapidan River. The men of the 36th Massachusetts struck their tents on the morning of May 4, having been ordered to move towards the Rapidan River, which they crossed at daylight on May 5 at Germanna Ford using the pontoon bridges that had been recently erected by the Army of the Potomac. They were now part of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign, and they would participate in the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Jerome was killed at Spotsylvania early on the morning of May 12, 1864, just 21 days after this letter was written. NOTE 3: The 57th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a brand-new regiment at the time Jerome wrote this letter. The men were from Worcester and Reedville, Massachusetts, and were mustered into service on April 6, 1864. They moved to Annapolis, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, on April 18 - 20, 1864. They subsequently participated in all major battles in Virginia until the end of the war and were mustered out on July 30, 1865. The 57th Regiment lost 10 officers and 191 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 65 enlisted men to disease. NOTE 4: The phrase “smelt (or smelled) powder”, with “powder” referring to gunpowder, was used to describe a soldier who had been in battle. NOTE 5: When Jerome referred to a “valuable” letter (as he does in other letters), he meant that he had enclosed cash in that letter for Allie after being recently paid. 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/Brother [Name not indicated], April 21, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] Annapolis, MD. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] 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 1864-04-21 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Tom Neubig (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #211 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Annapolis, MD. Annapolis Friends/Brother [Name not indicated] Jerome Peirce MD. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3872e450ae4ce25ea26dbc29a29dde39.jpg e3e6ef5866e08e8a574d4306881157f1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/56f23a060ac5d0044d627144d7ef30fb.jpg 2a0df396ab30ee9a3356fa7f75106f88 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dbc2dfd4abd54b8ec6c9e5ea3ca5b15b.jpg 7ec361a4ba4ef127562412860c88bda7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ebf10cc51497425e9a51376f27fa97c.jpg 71ea5a250566cbc064bf70d473b0a315 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 Camp near Alexandria, Va. Tues. morning 26 Apr. ‘64 Allie dear, Arrived from Annapolis last Eve. some four miles from Washington in a little valley towards A. [almost certainly Alexandria] near Fort Scott. Left Annapolis Sat. morning. A tedious little march but I am happy to tell you I am very well indeed in lameness. Feel like myself again. A great day yesterday tho [???] Washington where we were received very enthusiastically Genl. B. [Burnside] and Pres. Lincoln on the balcony of Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed, some forty thousands “Company front” and a splendid sight. Henry Mayo’s and Nelson Smith’s folks “there to see.” Came with Joseph H. who met me on the street at W. [Washington] and is writing by my side. He is well and feels repaid for all he has been thru with. Cannot write you much now. Have no idea where and when we go from here and it seems to be a secret no one can even guess. We imagine to the South side of the James [River], Suffolk perhaps. Expect Mr. Mayo and Smith here today. The boys got a ‘Pass’ and remained in W. [Washington] last night. Had a good sight of W. [Washington] City and the men, women and children treating us to everything, not the Washington of 1861! The president looks pale and careworn very. J.A. is detailed to Genl. Parke’s Hd Qurs. [Headquarters]. Orderly same as with Genl. Ferrero who commands the Black Troops. Hope to hear from you today. We’re in First Brigade Second Division now. Direct accordingly via Washington, D.C. Weather getting warm and we’re reducing Baggage fast. Mr. Heath from C [very likely “Charlestown”] is here. Came from Annapolis, as attentive as ever. He may mail this for me. Give love to all. Will write more first opportunity. Hope the money all reached you safely. Tell me all about. As ever yours, Jerome J.H. sends love, disappointed not seeing you. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Boston Globe article of May 29, 1994, included the following excerpt from this letter: “A great day yesterday. Thro Washington, where we were received very enthusiastically. Genl. B., President Lincoln on the balcony of the Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed…The boys got a “pass” and remained in W. last night. Had a good sight of W. City…The president looks pale and careworn – very.” NOTE 2: The Unit History of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment describes the review by General Burnside and President Lincoln that Peirce wrote about as follows: “On the evening of the 22d [April 1864] the command was ordered to be in readiness to march, and before daylight of the 23d the delightful camp was broken up, and the corps took up its line of march, not toward the harbor, but in the direction of Washington, following the line of the Elk Ridge and Annapolis Railroad. After a march of thirteen miles the corps bivouacked in the fields for the night. Very early on the 24th the march was resumed. In about six hours we reached the Baltimore and Washington Turnpike, and at nightfall the corps went into camp near Bladensburg, distant about eight miles from the city of Washington. At four o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 25th, reveille was sounded but, owing to a severe shower, the regiment did not march until about eight o'clock. When the march was resumed the corps passed through Bladensburg and continued in the direction of the city. We reached the outskirts of the capital about noon, and halted on New York Avenue for the command to close up, as we were to pay marching salute to the President and General Burnside, who were to review us from balcony of Willard's Hotel. It soon became known that the corps was to pass through the city, and the streets along the line of march were densely packed. The column was greeted with cheers and applause. Many spirited descriptions of this imposing scene were published at the time in the journals of the day.” NOTE 3: The following information about President Lincoln at the Willard Hotel was found on the website http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/sites/willards.htm: “Located only a few blocks from the White House (at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue), the Willard Hotel has welcomed many U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. The present building, completed in 1904, stands on the site of the original building which Lincoln knew. The first known visit of Lincoln to Willard's came at the end of his single term in Congress on January 27, 1849. Lincoln became a hotel guest shortly before his first inauguration as president in 1861. He arrived abruptly on February 23 after an assassination plot in Baltimore changed his travel plans. He was joined soon after by his wife and sons, remaining until his inauguration on March 4. Because Willard's was a social and political hub, Lincoln probably stopped by a number of times while president. However, only a few can be verified: A visit with Mrs. Lincoln on July 6, 1861, to attend a concert and his review of troops with General Burnside on April 25, 1864. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 26, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near Alexandria, 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 1864-04-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource U.S. National Park Service, Lake of the Woods 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 #213A Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Alexandria, VA. Alexandria Allie Jerome Peirce VA.