3 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7489225f5aef711c9f0d4db60582a399.jpg a22bc28cad697239bf3f05334667af08 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/38406f58120e2414c40575787dc29c86.jpg 295aed11af1fecb37591ab40bcc0c610 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Brookline [Mass.] Feb. 6, 1908 Dear Mrs. Peirce We were delighted to hear from you and Lucy and Mrs. Foster Peirce. For the first time within my remembrance I have been laid up sick and am still a semi invalid and am reminded that I am an old man which I never realized before. How the years have flown and what changes have come about! There are very few of our friends living who were active in Charlestown fifty years ago. I often think of Jerome who was by nature one of God’s Noblemen, how proud he was of his home on Payson Place surrounded by his books and his friends. You have had a hard Experience and have borne yourself nobly, and I have sometimes thought and have told Albert so, that we did not realize it and sympathize with you as we ought. Albert is badly handicapped by his lameness and suffers a good deal of pain. You have been blessed with Lucy and I hope she will long be able to comfort her mother who did so much for her and I know she will. I get out every day when pleasant and am getting my strength and nervous energy back slowly but I had a pretty severe shaking up. My wife is pretty well and she sends her love to you and Lucy and says she will be glad to see you both at any time. Yours Truly, Chas. F. Smith TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE Charles F. Smith was a long-time family friend who knew Jerome Peirce before Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862. Smith also sent a letter pertaining to the time Jerome and he were friends as youngsters that was read at the funeral service in Orange, Massachusetts, in June 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 Charles F. Smith to Allie, February 6, 1908 Subject The topic of the resource Charles F. Smith Allie Brookline, MA Description An account of the resource From Charles to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Charles F. Smith 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 1908-02-06 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #257 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Brookline, MA Allie Brookville Chas. F. Smith MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3b8222b1701f328bb13144717ad53bd1.jpg 40228ba795877416306d41779a91c3b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d76dbdc4051e679670d18fd6f3fca05e.jpg eb5f1a48934cfca924cc57b836720a8e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/87193fdec0ff283fc99dcfbb850b7bde.jpg 9207a6fcc86145b52715e3137eb9d065 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2a286c1b3d406023b985e731945e83f1.jpg cc313b7135c6529e84738054c233965a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fcb6b54efff79d45454795883b505726.jpg 6454cae0e26fb3f4a1de3181f75a7d88 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 The tidings that Jerome had fallen on the battle field have cast a deep gloom over his numerous friends in this city. Associated with him from childhood, I feel it a privilege to bear testimony to his worth and to the esteem in which he was held by his comrades. As a boy he was noted for his studious habits and eagerness for knowledge. As he grew to manhood his frank and generous nature, his conscious regard for the right and his genial disposition made him a great favorite with his companions. In 1851 ten young men who had been schoolmates and intimate friends matured a plan for forming a society for mutual mental improvement. Into this scheme Jerome entered with all the zeal and earnestness so characteristic of him and we soon found our society increasing in numbers, in interest and usefulness. Through the liberality of citizens pleased with the stand we had taken, a fund was raised for the purpose of providing us with a Library. We knew Jerome to be a great student with a thorough knowledge of books and authors and to him mainly was entrusted the duty of selecting our Library and to it, with characteristic liberality, he made many additions of choice volumes from his own shelves. That Library composed as it is mainly of the more solid works of English literature, has always been a source of just pride to us and an enduring monument to Jerome’s energy and literary taste. In a society of young men of various temperaments and representing every shade of opinion and feeling, it could not be otherwise than that we should have warm and earnest debates upon the various topics which came before us. Jerome, with a mind well stored by his extensive reading, took an active part in our debates. Always calm yet decided, always sincere, always earnest, always charitable to the faults and failings of others and ready to put the best possible construction upon their motives and actions, he exercised an influence over his associates which will not soon be forgotten. That a man of his refined taste and quiet habits, appreciating so keenly the joys of home, so devoted to his wife and child, should have volunteered for the military service can be accounted for only on the ground that he had come to believe it to be his duty. He never jumped at conclusions. The conviction upon which he acted was reached by the slow process of thought and inquiry. Once convince [???] him that duty pointed him in a certain direction and no ordinary influence could cause him to swerve from that path. His sole aim in entering the army was to render to his country that service which he felt was due from him in this her hour of trial, and although well qualified to command, he had no aspirations to rise from his humble position in the ranks, contented to render any service that might assist in vindicating his country’s honor. That he would be spared to return to his family and to that quiet life which he enjoyed so much has been not only the sincere prayer but the assured belief of his numerous friends. But it has been ordered otherwise and we must submit. He now fills a hero’s grave. No praise which we can bestow can reach him. But the influence of his well spent life, his incorruptible integrity and noble sacrifice to the call of duty will long be felt by those who were so fortunate as to enjoy his companionship. I cannot better close this brief and altogether unsatisfactory tribute to his memory than by adding the lines which he was want to quote. “How sleep the brave, who sink to rest By all their country’s wishes blest! When Spring, with dewy fingers cold, Returns to deck their hallowed mould, She there shall dress a sweeter sod Than Fancy’s feet have ever trod. By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung; There Honor comes, a pilgrim gray, To bless the turf that wraps their clay; And freedom shall awhile repair To dwell, a weeping hermit, there.” C.F.S. Charlestown June 1864 TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Foster Peirce was Jerome older brother. NOTE 2: C.F.S. was Charles F. Smith, a long-time family friend. He kept in contact with Albinia Peirce for many years as evidenced by letters from him to Albinia in the early 1900s. On the letterhead of a letter from him dated May 25, 1905, which was written on stationery of the Commonwealth Trust Company in Boston, Massachusetts, he is listed as the treasurer of that company. NOTE 3: The funeral at which this letter was read, per the notation on the envelope, was conducted by Rev. Levi Ballou on June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome Peirce had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent.” NOTE 4: The poem in the letter is a verbatim quote of the poem titled “How Sleep the Brave,” written by William Collins (1721-1759). 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 Charles F. Smith to Foster Peirce, June 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Smith, Charles F. Peirce, Foster Charlestown, MA. Description An account of the resource From Charles F. Smith to Foster Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Charles F. Smith Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-06 (day unidentified) 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 #220 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Charlestown, MA. C.F.S. Charles F. Smith Charlestown MA. Foster Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c488d140b3b1ed5f69f8a24765f056c0.jpg d31321c3b83217ec118d076e37138167 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a22e48d9544f3eb2f84140482fb264dd.jpg c6e2e2100050eab5dea805ea7eabbfa6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/88a11a417c7ffdbea67c166c3d5261e4.jpg f78da72b10c951c771efba50ad21e505 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1dc1f24d43503967fb34d134b5011395.jpg 7cd167e27559906e3ccdf0c077ca56e4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Boston, Dec 29, 1904 Dear Mrs. Pierce, My wife showed me your letter received about the time of Belle’s marriage and I fear that in the hurry and bustle she has omitted writing to you and so I will try my hand at writing. Your letter called up some sad as well as pleasant memories of the old days. I was sorry to learn that some of the old friends left your letters unanswered as though they had forgotten you or had grown out of the old memories. I shall never forget what a snug and happy home you and Jerome had in the place leading from Elm Street in Charlestown (the name I have forgotten). It must be nearly 50 years ago. How time flies! How proud and contented Jerome was. He was a rare man and it seems a strange providence he should lay down his life as he did. Well we little know what is before us. You certainly deserve great credit and the approval and sympathy of your friends in the fight you have made to sustain yourself and daughter. I wish you would make us a visit and call on some of the people you used to know. Mrs. Wyman and Miss Phipps live in the small block with us on Beacon St., Brookline and Miss Nancy Fosdick and her sister live opposite and Mrs. A.E. Cutter lives not far away. I think all these people will be glad to see you. My large family is dwindling in size. Only two daughters and one son now at home. I occasionally see Mr. Drew and learn of you and Lucy. He tells me his only daughter is married and gone to Chicago to live. [Paragraph] I know what a vacancy it leaves when a daughter leaves the home circle even when there are more daughters remaining. Mr. and Mrs. Drew must feel lonely enough. I have had it on my mind to write you for some time and I have seized the opportunity today. I wish you a happy new year and hope to see you at the house before long. Yours truly, Chas. F. Smith TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) A subsequent letter in this collection from C. F. Smith, from Boston, dated May 25, 1905, and also addressed to Mrs. Peirce was written on business stationery of the Commonwealth Trust Co., Boston. On the letterhead, C. F. Smith is listed as the treasurer of that company. The closing reads, “Yours very truly, Chas. F. Smith” The last letter in this collection is also from Chas. F. Smith to Allie. It is dated Feb. 6, 1908, and it was written from Brookline, Massachusetts. Charles F. Smith was a long-time family friend who knew Jerome Peirce before Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862. Smith also sent a letter pertaining to the time Jerome and he were friends as youngsters that was read at the funeral service in Orange, Massachusetts, in June 1864. It is interesting to note that Allie’s name is incorrectly spelled Albenia instead of Albinia. 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 Chas. F. Smith to Allie, December 29, 1904 Subject The topic of the resource Smith, Chas. F. Allie Boston, MA Description An account of the resource From Chas to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Chas. F. Smith 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 1904-12-29 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). 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 #254 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA Allie Boston Chas. F. Smith MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8290a9e2a13707f1607078704621abf9.jpg 60f7fd84e0ddef356f7c2dbebf9115d2 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4cad4da5ff1dd0e3a3e4f7ae8dbc12df.jpg 712f6390118c88b441531f55b9b24fe0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Boston, May 25, 1905 Dear Mrs. Peirce I received your welcome letter a week ago and intended to reply at once but had no note paper on hand and have not now and rather than delay longer, I have concluded to write on one of our plain letterheads. I am sorry it was not convenient for you and Lucy to make us a visit during the winter. We are just getting away for the summer - going to Clifton about 18 miles from Boston on the road to Marblehead. We shall be pleased to see you and Lucy down there. Come some Saturday and stay over Sunday. I suppose the sudden death of Maj. Ranlett has changed your plans and you are back at Billerica. Albert Smith went to his summer home at Cohasset (I suppose you have been there.) the latter part of April or shortly after Mr. Torry’s death. I hear that Mrs. Torry has gone to Europe. My wife has just got back from Cleveland where she was gone a month visiting our daughter Belle who was married last winter and is living in Cleveland, Ohio. We have now but two daughters at home, Marianna and Alice. I wish you could see them all and refresh your memory of them. I remember well the bloody battles of May 1864 at Spotsylvania and the sad tidings of the slain. You have had a pretty hard experience, probably more hard than your friends here realize but it must have been a great comfort to have so faithful and dutiful a daughter. As the years go by great changes take place. Almost all the friends of my youth and early manhood are in the graveyard and I begin to feel the touch of Old Time myself. But I have much to be thankful for that myself and family have been so well and fairly prosperous. I hope you will be able to give us a call at Clifton this summer but, if not, if we all live till Fall, remember that you and Lucy will be cordially welcomed at No. 1718 Beacon St., Brookline. Yours Very Truly Chas F. Smith TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: This letter was written on printed business stationery with the following letterhead: Commonwealth Trust Company Capital $1,000,000. Surplus $500,000. D.J. Lord, President. C.F. Smith, Treas. F.E. Seaver, Asst. Treas. Boston NOTE 2: A previous letter in this collection from C. F. Smith, dated December 29, 1904, and also addressed to Mrs. Peirce was also written on business stationery of the Commonwealth Trust Co., Boston. On the letterhead, C. F. Smith is also listed as the treasurer of that company. The closing reads, “Yours very truly, Chas. F. Smith” The last letter in this collection is also from Chas. F. Smith to Allie. It is dated Feb. 6, 1908, and it was written from Brookline, Massachusetts. Charles F. Smith was a long-time family friend who knew Jerome Peirce before Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862. Smith also sent a letter pertaining to the time Jerome and he were friends as youngsters that was read at the funeral service in Orange, Massachusetts, in June 1864. NOTE 3: The “Maj. Ranlett” 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. 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 Chas. F. Smith to Allie, May 25, 1905 Subject The topic of the resource Smith, Chas F. Allie Boston, MA Description An account of the resource From Chas to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Chas F. Smith 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 1905-05-25 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #255 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA Allie Boston Chas. F. Smith MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3caebae712fec4d67152497923e45e7d.jpg e52a81bf2b5fa7863fddb7c645610b10 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4dce0d08bae516b178fe5ce1309272fa.jpg 115fdc85efa4cc4d43153db397add49b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION June 3, ’95 My dear Auntie, Just a little birthday message of love to you. Will send a picture which I thought perhaps you would like to have, as I prize one like it so much, and how little we thought it would be so important when it was taken. You have probably heard of our Billerica trip. Very sad but satisfactory. Am always so relieved when these special days are over, as they will not come for a year and are so painful to me. Next Sunday would have been the 25th anniversary of their marriage. Did not write last week as I was so much occupied. Had a very pleasant lunch at Miss Arey’s, and we spent the afternoon driving. This morning received two tickets from her for a concert in town this P.M. These pretty words Margie Hill sent me to put to music which I did yesterday. They are written by one of their girls for graduation of H.S. [High School] I think. Have so much I’ve planned to do, must be stopping. Have just packed away our afghan that Grandma did in camphor and newspaper. Think a time may come when it will be even more valuable and dear to me than now and so wish to preserve it from fading and dust. Just spoke with Mrs. Ranlett and Katherine in the train Sat. [Saturday]. You will excuse my haste. I know and continue to love me as before both of you. Am glad it is so much cooler this morning. Sympathetically, Cordelia 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 Cordelia to "My dear Auntie", June 3, 1895 Subject The topic of the resource Cordelia "My dear Auntie" Description An account of the resource From Cordelia to "My dear Auntie" Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cordelia 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 1895-06-03 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #252 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Location not indicated "My dear Auntie" Cordelia https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/487725a50956bb5227b3e255bbf69844.jpg 48357ba6450843660af90f5752929103 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/81ee21c26f7b38760fd21a29fb352adf.jpg 7df0b2e6d74d63642b8a8ba5a6fe23e0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ad5e216625b9f38aaf3b66a26f2a1b9b.jpg ee724e54d3c390bfbc3416a298692e58 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 Boston, June 10th, ‘64 Br. (Brother) Joseph, Your favour of the 5th [of June] was rec’d [received] on Tuesday last and I should have replied to you ‘fore this, had I not have written you on Saturday, by which you was made acquainted with my recent [letter] corresponding with your own. As we were agreed, I did not deem a reply necessary. I will say however, that the time flied. One week from next Sunday is probably the same time I should have named, had it have been left with me. I cannot say to you now how many of us will come up, but I and my wife shall go and perhaps some or many of the family. I think I may write you again early in the week. In [the] meantime, if you hear from Joseph Henry, or anything from the Army, please write. I will say, we rec’d [received] a letter from Allie last evening informing us of the rect. [receipt] of [the] letter from you and saying she intended to go to Orange the middle of next week. She says he[r] health is better. I can add nothing more of interest at this time except, to say, my family are pretty well. Alonzo, I think, is gaining slowly. With best wishes to you all, I am yours as ever F. Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: F. Peirce was Foster Peirce. He was the brother of Joseph Peirce, to whom this letter is addressed, and Jerome. NOTE 2: This letter is one of several letters that were sent among family members to arrange the details of the funeral service that was held in Orange, Massachusetts, on Sunday, June 19, 1864, with Rev. Eli Ballou officiating. NOTE 3: The word “flied” is an acceptable past tense of the word “fly”, although it has been replaced with the word “flew” today. NOTE 4: The “Joseph Henry” was Joseph Peirce’s son. He is referred to in many of Jerome’s letters but usually as “J.H.” or “Jos. H.” and at least once as “Joe.” One letter refers to him as “Joseph, Jr.” He enlisted as a private in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, and he was later exchanged. He survived the war and was discharged on June 21, 1865. Based on the fact that Jerome, Joseph and Foster Peirce were all brothers, he was Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 5: In Foster’s reference to hearing anything from the Army, he might have been referring to any news about Joseph Henry or about Jerome. 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 Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph, June 10, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Foster Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA. Description An account of the resource From Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Foster 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 1864-06-10 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 #223 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA. Boston MA. Brother Joseph Foster Peirce Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7eb6f92f5491d2a63d30a27925bf73b.jpg 378a76800bfc740e9c204a6027f20b75 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c92cbb601399ff7952d8cef5af6b9722.jpg 4c9bdd183bf204517b861af6cea4acd8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0708a0b6e4edfdfc23fd527c1b72b9c7.jpg 3fc853013fee2ce1e72f2f157a395de3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e0cd03d50d21b7ca78fcf59e828fe45b.jpg 6cdae3b1ad26c6b24b391cbb00382027 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 Boston June 15th 1864 Br. [Brother] Joseph, I drop a line to you to say that it is now my intention to go to Orange on Friday next but I have not fully decided whether to go in the morning train at ½ past seven or at ½ past five in the evening. As I feel that it would be putting you to much trouble to go to the depot twice, I think if I come in the morning I will get carried over (or I think I may) but if I do not come in that train I would like to have you meet me on the arrival of the evening train. I do not know how many will go up. Lucy intends to and Martha will go if she can leave. My Edward I think will go on Saturday. Alonzo and Ellen will not go as he can not well leave his business, beside[s] he is not very well. There are many of his old associates in Charlestown who have been to me and expressed a great desire to go but it is very difficult for most of them to leave as they are in banks and counting houses. I think two or three may go. If so they will go on the evening train Saturday and we can meet them. I shall know all about it before I leave. I will now say that I do not think there was ever a young man in Charlestown who has left so many friends as Jerome has. Old and young men and women in numbers beyond my conception have been to me to express their sympathy and the great loss they feel personally. I have a communication from one of the members of the Literary Association to which he belonged giving an account of his early life, his connection and influence in the association and the estimation in which he was held by the members. I wish to have Mr. Ballou see it and did intend to send it by this mail but I prefer to see the writer and get his consent to have Mr. Ballou use it as he may think proper. I do not desire that one word of praise should be said in regard to Jerome that he did not merit. But believing as I do that all such services are intended for the benefit of the living not the dead, (We cannot affect them. They have become our teachers or they’re example.) and believing Jerome to be an example he or they the imitation of all young men. I feel that I should be recreant to duty did I not place before the one who is to speak on this occasion his early history more fully than the people of Orange were able to learn it in the short time he was with them. Thus I do wish the hope that the service may not be lost upon those who listen to them. I shall be up in time for Mr. Ballou to make such use as he may desire of any information I may bring. You will use your judgment about saying anything to Mr. Ballou before I come. You can read him this letter if you choose. With best wishes to all I am yours etc. F. Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Foster Peirce, who wrote this letter, was a brother of Joseph and Jerome. He apparently helped organize the funeral service held at the Orange, Massachusetts, church on June 19, 1864, four days after this letter was written. In a letter in this collection (No. 220) which was read at the funeral service, Charles F. Smith provides additional details about Jerome’s early life and his connection to Jerome, and about the “Literary Association” referred to in this letter. He wrote, “Associated with him from childhood, I feel it a privilege to bear testimony to his worth and to the esteem in which he was held by his comrades. As a boy he was noted for his studious habits and eagerness for knowledge. As he grew to manhood his frank and generous nature, his conscious regard for the right and his genial disposition made him a great favorite with his companions. In 1851 ten young men who had been schoolmates and intimate friends matured a plan for forming a society for mutual mental improvement. Into this scheme Jerome entered with all the zeal and earnestness so characteristic of him and we soon found our society increasing in numbers, in interest and usefulness. Through the liberality of citizens pleased with the stand we had taken, a fund was raised for the purpose of providing us with a Library. We knew Jerome to be a great student with a thorough knowledge of books and authors and to him mainly was entrusted the duty of selecting our Library and to it, with characteristic liberality, he made many additions of choice volumes from his own shelves. That Library composed as it is mainly of the more solid works of English literature, has always been a source of just pride to us and an enduring monument to Jerome’s energy and literary taste.” NOTE 2: The “My Edward” that Foster Peirce referred to in this letter was one of his sons, based on entries in several censuses that were found on ancestry.com. Edward was 19 years old in 1864. NOTE 3: The word “recreant” means “unfaithful or disloyal to a belief, duty or cause.” NOTE 4: The following background information about Rev. Ballou and his papers is based on information on the website of the Rare Books and Special Collections Department of the Hesburgh Libraries of the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana. Levi Ballou was born on May 10, 1806, in Halifax County, Vermont. The Ballou family, of Huguenot descent, was central to the history of denominational Universalism in America. Theologically, the Universalists rejected the predestinarianism of Puritan Calvinism and held to the distinguishing principle of the ultimate salvation of all humanity. Organizationally, they were committed to what at times became an extreme form of congregational autonomy. In terms of denominational strength, the movement probably peaked in the late 1840s. Levi Ballou’s great-uncle was Rev. Hosea Ballou (1771-1852), the most important American Universalist theologian of the early nineteenth century. An older brother, Rev. Hosea Ballou II (1796-1861), was the first president of Tufts College, established by the Universalists in 1853. Levi Ballou was a teacher and singing instructor before embarking on the study of theology. He began preaching in about 1836, itinerating mostly in the Connecticut Valley in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. In 1843, he settled at the first Congregational Parish and Society of Orange, Massachusetts, later known as the Second Universalist Society, in the north-central part of the state. The parish had long been supportive of Universalist doctrine. Ballou would remain there as pastor for the rest of his life. Besides preaching at Orange and in surrounding parishes, Ballou served on the Orange Public School Board and had an active interest in the establishment of Tufts College. He died of pneumonia on October 27, 1865, ten days after his last sermon at Orange. Rev. Ballou’s sermons and papers include around 70 manuscript sermons written on sheets sewn into octavo-sized booklets, which average approximately 30 pages in length and appear to date from throughout Ballou’s career. More than half are funeral sermons, including four written for members of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment who were killed in the Civil War. The papers also include a 224-page manuscript log kept by Ballou from 1836 until his death, in which he recorded the date, place, and scriptural premise of every sermon or lecture he delivered, often accompanied by the payment he received. The Ballou Papers were purchased by the Hesburgh Libraries of the University of Notre Dame in 2003 from Dan Casavant Rare Books of Waterville, Maine. They have been arranged and described by George Rugg, curator of the Rare Books and Special Collections Department of the Hesburgh Libraries. The sermon Rev. Ballou delivered at Sgt. Peirce’s funeral service is cataloged as “Folder 69 (MSN/EA 0502-69). Rev. Levi Ballou. Funeral sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:12. June 19, 1864. A funeral service delivered in North Orange, Massachusetts for Cpl. Jerome Pierce, Company H, 36th Massachusetts Infantry.” 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 Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph, June 15, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Foster Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA. Description An account of the resource From Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Foster 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 1864-06-15 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 #224 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA. Boston MA. Brother Joseph Foster Peirce Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2b55ac508359001ec533413c84e67e72.jpg c703625aa75abd7f56d982cedcc10d0d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/80f4a32eeb5e8431603a1e188a4620bd.jpg f1abea2906613990f8107786650bc51d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/af85359879dfc592c27dc9ca4f7ef46d.jpg c252d12454d3370e03cc47b9d54d0330 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 Boston June 5th 1864 Br [Brother] Joseph, Since you left here Alonzo has seen Allie and talked with her in regard to having services held in commemoration of our Br [Brother] Jerome. She at first thought Charlestown would be the place she would desire, but on more consideration thinks it would be quite as proper and in accordance with her feelings, to have them held in Orange as that was his last place of residence and believing he has many friends there who appreciate his worth. With this view of hers and in accordance with my own feelings I would like to have you contact his friends there, and if you find it meets their wishes, you will write me and we can fix upon a proper time. My feeling would be that it should be held as part of Sunday Service either in forenoon or afternoon as I know of one way in which a service could be of more benefit to those who are all brought under deep affliction by this dispensation or more who are in deep sympathy. If you will give me your views I will reply and endeavor to fix upon the time. I will add that I am not aware that Jerome ever had an enemy and with the active part he took in everything good and particularly in the Sunday School while in Orange, I cannot but think he has left many friends who would be desiring to have the service held there. I will close by saying that my family are all in pretty good health. Give my best regards to all your family, and I am yours as ever, F. Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) The memorial service that Jerome’s brother Foster discusses in this letter was held on Sunday, June 19, 1864, with the pastor, Rev. Levi Ballou (1806 – 1865), officiating and giving the sermon, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, which Jerome and Alli attended and where Jerome had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent.” In his sermon, Rev. Ballou made reference to several letters that Abbie had shared with him. The following is an excerpt from that sermon. “Again, he writes his companion [his wife, Albinia or Allie], only 12 days before he fell, and after describing the place where he then was, as reminding him much of certain localities where they had in former days conversed and strolled together. He adds that by the movements of the army, “It looks like a fearful future for some.” He asks, “Shall we be spared the last fearful conflict?” “We hope all will be for the best.” He then speaks of his darling child to whom he sends some flowers which he had culled for her to keep to remember Papa and in closing says, ‘I hope to see you again soon.’” This collection of letters also includes two letters sent by friends of Jerome and Allie to Rev. Ballou in early June of 1864 that were read at the funeral service. In another letter in this collection, dated June 9, 1864, i.e., four days after this letter, that Allie sent to her sister Mary, she wrote that she is “very unwell” and that she is making plans to go to Orange for the service. Presumably she did. Rev. Ballou’s entire sermon was obtained with the help of the current minister at the First Congregational Parish Church in Orange, Massachusetts, from the Rare Books Department of the Hesburgh Library of the University of Notre Dane, Notre Dame, Indiana, which has all of Rev. Ballou’s papers. Those papers also include sermons Rev. Ballou gave at the services for three other men from Orange who were killed in the Civil War. 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 Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph, June 5, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Foster Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA. Description An account of the resource From Foster Peirce to Brother Joseph Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Foster 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 1864-06-05 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 #221 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA. Boston MA. Brother Joseph Foster Peirce Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7007e8e7a75ab21fa1e4a0eb7b6fb83a.jpg a1112c5d4454464169bc95e69e9604a1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8918dd4ff91b3b4b1470a8f95b350e82.jpg 8859465a94446252b14c7aa20442dba0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/095b5032788516eaa3f285dd4c1ff20e.jpg a193819237143fe4c6177e3fcc77aa30 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/debd7e8281ee1986cbae65c16370417b.jpg 7d4b9ec8892682925416b4b6e5319121 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2c5cf27a169e25043061583f528ace75.jpg 5b75cd23394453489412798affb50979 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 Boston May 22nd 1864 Br. [Brother] Joseph I recd [received] last evening a letter from Abbie Jaquith (Allie’s sister) informing me of the acct [account] of Mary’s first letter conveying to them the sad intelligence of Br. [Brother] Jerome’s death and the source from which it was obtained from that letter. There seemed to be a faint ray of hope that he still lived, but your letter of the 20th inst. [instant] which reached me this morning I think confirms the worst and that we must give up all hope of ever seeing him again on earth. I have made every effort since these battles commenced to get intelligence from him. Have read every name of the wounded and killed that have been published without finding his among them. Still, I was not wholly unprepared for this intelligence. I knew Jerome too well to believe that no news was good news. I knew the love he cherished for his friends was such that if he was living and was not in the hands of the Rebels, he would get some word to us and in absence of this I have feared the worst. Oh, how happy I would be now to have this feeling dispelled and to hear that he was still alive, but I confess to you that I have been unable to drive it from my mind and have waited with fear and trembling and now what can one say for the comfort of others when all suffer so equally. I confess that I am dumb. On my right and on my left, before me and behind in mourning and weeping for the dead and the dying of loved ones, and I am in the midst. Never can we say more than to pray the Father to lighten these afflictions if in his wisdom he sees is for our good. But if we must drink of the cup, that he will give us strength to bear all and turn it to our good. Allie’s case is hard indeed. All that pity and sympathy can do she will have but how faint the sum. Friends with all their sympathy can not heal so deep a wound, but I trust she will have strength given her equal to her day from the only source from which such strength comes. And now let me turn from this sad view (for it is not all sad) and speak of our Brother whom we fear has passed from us. First, then, when was he not engaged in a good cause, did he not fall in fighting for the maintenance of the best government ever devised by man? Have we not every reason to believe that he entered the cause from pure principles of patriotism? And could we wish that he had had fulfilled his duty better? Has he left anything undone on which we could have wished he had done? Has he not left an example behind worthy the imitation of all men? I had the honor of (in some measure) bringing him up but I confess that I never knew [h]is true worth until since he entered the Army. I have watched his every action with the deepest interest and with admiration and I cannot wish that he had done anything different. I am confident that his example and influence has been altogether for good and has been felt and pervaded all those who have been associated with him. In time I believe it would be difficult to find a more disinterested patriot, a purer character and a truer friend. His love for his friends was unbounded and are looking to their good. Will any one who knew him say that. I have overstated anything, I think not. He has died young but I think few have fulfilled life’s duties better. I said it was not all sad. Am I not right? Must we not to be thankful that we had such a brother? When grieving for ourselves shall we not find great relief in contemplating his pure character? I think if we view it right, if we take him as an example his death will not be lost upon us. I have admired his course so much that I had long ago made up my mind that when he returned I should assist him to business and that he should be my partner. But alas! that privilege is denied me. I can however do for his wife and little one. I will now say that since I have been writing Mr. Whitney who has been to Washington to see to a brother who was wounded has come to my house and tells me that he saw two men who belonged to the 36th Regt [Regiment] one of whom saw Jerome buried. He says he was killed instantly. He says he knows where he was buried and thinks he could find the body. Mr. Whitney also saw the nurse who took care of Joseph. He said he had gone back, but he thought he was hardly able. Still he was pretty well. These are trying times for us all and I am aware that it is doubly so to you, but it is beyond the power of friends to give you relief. You can only watch and hope. My heart’s desire is that you may not be called upon to drink deeper of the affliction. Will write again if I get anything more. Yours with best wishes to all. F [Foster] Peirce P.S. Henry wrote you that he was coming up. He will not come. We are all to(o) sad. FP TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: As Foster indicated in his letter, Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s sister. She was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. NOTE 2: The definition of “Instant” as used in this letter is “current month”. Note 3: He uses the word “dumb” in the sense of “temporarily speechless, as with shock or fear.” NOTE 4: The comment about Franklin “in some measure bringing up Jerome” is noteworthy. In the 1840 U. S Census Jerome is shown as living in the Foster Peirce household. Jerome was 19 years old at the time. Foster was 18 years older than Jerome. NOTE 5: Details about “Mr. Whitney’s brother” could not be determined because there were four men named Whitney in the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, three of whom were wounded in 1864, including two at Spotsylvania Court House. One, who was wounded at Cold Harbor, Virginia, died of his wounds. 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 Foster Peirce to Joseph Peirce, May 22, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Foster Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA. Description An account of the resource From Foster Peirce to Joseph Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Foster 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 1864-05-22 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 #219 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA. Boston MA. Foster Peirce Joseph Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e8952511f23179c61d4ed869c6653df7.jpg a445f36af4745eb1bdfa81b35516fdce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0cbfaa5391409e035fd7b24df7ce1f8d.jpg be3d2e47be12f2853b2e15ad96f82634 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/62a47260c01eb2a7d35255312f856dd5.jpg 252be9553faa0577ca621e5ae38e3126 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fc202a68c91be492edad826fa8e6ec73.jpg e8225ba590887703b9310b159c403237 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 Boston Oct 12th/64 Br. Joseph, I recd your letter on Monday informing me in regard to what you had heard in respect to Joseph Jr. I have delayed writing as I knew not what to write. From what I can learn from the papers I feel that we have great reason to hope that he is taken prisoner. I say hope because I believe if he is a prisoner, his life may yet be spared and that he may yet return to you. In these times we live mostly on hope and I think it is not well to give up that so long as we have anything to cling to. I feel that it is useless for me to attempt to say anything to console you. Each heart has its own bitterness and a stranger cannot intermeddle therewith. I know it would be easy for me to say to you that your case is like a thousand others and you must bear it with patience. I can say no such thing. I know not how you can compare with others. All men differ and in no one thing more than in feeling. All I can say is that you have my deepest sympathy. Try and view it aright and may God give you strength to bear all that awaits you. If you learn anything further please let me know. I will say to you that I had intended to visit you ere [before] this but I have not been well and could not leave home. I can hardly tell when I can come but I hope before long. You will give my kindest regards to all your family and I remain ever yours, F. Peirce My family are all well. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Jerome refers to Joseph Peirce, Jr., in many of his letters but usually as “J.H.” or “Jos. H.” and at least once as “Joe.” The “H” stands for “Henry.” He enlisted as a private in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, and he was later exchanged. He survived the war and was discharged on June 21, 1865. Based on the fact that Jerome, Joseph and Foster Peirce were all brothers, J.H. (or Joseph, Jr.) was Jerome’s nephew. The date of this letters is consistent with the date that Joseph H. was taken prisoner, being about two weeks later. NOTE 2: The 1865 Massachusetts State Census, taken within a few months of this letter, shows that Foster Peirce as born in 1812, that he and his wife had the following four children living with them at the time: Edward S., Henry S., George W., and Alice F., aged 20 to 6, and that the family lived in Boston. (An earlier census shows that the Peirces had additional children who would have undoubtedly moved away from home by 1865.) Very consistent with the return address on the envelope for this letter, this census lists Foster’s occupation as “Chair dealer.” It is interesting to note that the 1850 U.S. Census shows that Jerome Peirce was living in the Foster Peirce household then. Jerome’s age was listed as 19 in that census, and his occupation is given as “Gilder.” His age is totally consistent with his age when he enlisted in 1862. The term “gilder” usually refers to someone who “covers something with a thin layer of gold.” However, a broader definition is “someone who adorns something that is already beautiful.” Therefore, his occupation could be interpreted as someone who decorates furniture. Foster’s occupation was given simply as “Furniture.” NOTE 3: In a document found on-line titled Peirce Genealogy, Foster Peirce is described as follows: “Foster Peirce was born on July 29, 1812, and he married Catherine A. Beaman on April 27, 1837. She was born on October 22, 1816. They had seven children, born between 1839 and 1858. At an early age, he engaged in the chair manufacturing business in Orange, Massachusetts. Here he remained but a short time and moved to Boston/Charlestown in 1838, and he continued in active business until 1878, when he retired.” The Peirce Genealogy is a detailed, well documented 283-page history of the family written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce. Its full title is Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, and it is now available on Google Books. It traces the Peirce family history back to John Pers in England, who was born in about 1588 and died in 1661. 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 Foster Peirce to Joseph Peirce, October 12, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Foster Peirce, Jospeh Boston, MA. Description An account of the resource From Foster Peirce to Joseph Peirce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Foster 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 1864-10-12 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 #227 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Boston, MA. Boston MA. Brother Foster Peirce Joseph Peirce