3 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c36837fba85fa695ac166fc7b5e63cea.jpg c9880570a017bc6e22b0d1ffff62a656 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/67ef1a487f7167e97ed8127ce548384c.jpg 7ce752b989086cd1b8c4ef385ed7fdd0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8d96255c8d064ee59bcce81930e84c9d.jpg b86ead5fa683e6add1d932ea0a18efde https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3f0a5fcbf52c8f7c96679a3964a5d2c9.jpg dda76d59ba4fe02eb2ec1d82c2c5514e 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 Camp 11 miles beyond London, Ky. Mond[ay] Eve 14 Sept[ember] 1863 My dear Wife, Another day passed and so far on our way. Wrote you from “near London”. Came about 13 miles today. Left camp a little before 5 this A.M. Pleasant and cool in the morning, but hot before reaching camp, marching sometimes over an hour without a halt, but got along pretty well (I mean speaking collectively). I got on nicely not having my knapsack, but it came in all right with Regimental Team. Came thro’ a sterile region for the most part. One grand view from a summit that we passed. Behind us was a vast sea of green from the dense forests with long stretch of hills showing an extensive valley between. Not a church spire or village to break the scene. The chief item today was the meeting over 2200 rebel prisoners captured at “Cumberland Gap” by Genl. Burnside. Good news still. Rosecrans and B. [Burnside] doing the business. We expect to remain at the Gap awhile. Shall reach there Wedns. or Thurs. Talk of a mail [call] tonight. We are camped in a rough field; good water exceedingly scarce. Walked more than a mile to get some and very dirty at that. This is the exception in Ky. [Kentucky]. Pitched tent and rested awhile. Ground rough and covered thick with briers. Word comes that we move again at 5 o’clock in the morning. The “boys” jabbering and playing Euchre outside. N.W. Ward still unwell inside. Such, dear Allie, is this day. Am quite tired, so “good night.” Tues[day] morning. How little we know what is before us! After closing this for the night, the mail came and how welcome in this far-off seeming country were your letters (and Abbie’s) of the 5th. But that was not all. I had been receiving rations for an early start this morning and had been kept awake sometime and had just got nicely into a drowse when someone called out, “Jerome!” and behold, Alonzo says, “Your papers have come and you leave for home in the morning!” I did not know what to think at first, but here we are at a farm house with many others, waiting for teams, wagons, or something to take us along. I am in hopes this will reach [you] a few days before hand. We are to report at Springfield, Mass. and probably, tho’ I don’t know certain, we shall come to Boston soon [thereafter]. The officers assure us we shall have ample time to see our friends, etc., etc. Don’t know whether we shall get started today, but the mail wagon will be along by and by. Don’t expect to leave Cincinnati before next Sunday or Monday, possibly Sat[urday]. ‘Tis a long tedious road full of rough places and harms. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your letters and now indeed I hope soon to see you. Shall try and look well and bring no disease, for we have not been exposed for a long time. Will telegraph from Springfield as soon as we arrive there. Will send it to F. P. & Co. [Foster Peirce and Company]. The troops left this A.M. at 3 o’clk. All well or gaining. Have scribbled this off in hopes it will reach you before I do. As ever, Jerome Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Nathan W. Ward enlisted at age 19 from Orange, Massachusetts, as a Private on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease on October 21, 1863, at Knoxville, Tennessee. NOTE 2: 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 3: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” 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, September 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie London, 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 1863-09-14 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 "4.97 X 2.69" - 1st Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 2nd Scan "10.05 X 7.98" - 3rd Scan "5.00 X 7.98" - 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 #162 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant London, KY Allie Jerome Peirce KY London https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/858f5e6bfc6d82928906550fe6f4a1a8.jpg a0dc11aa2a7fa7aa4cbaf0ba641ea57a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b34d45db14f1ef545a843e7a16008da3.jpg 3fb3af1c40f48b4827cd620d12e50ebe 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 Brother Joseph I send you a line this morning which I thought you might communicate to some of the boys friends if they would like to see me, I should be in this vicinity till Friday next – no Thursday. Shall have to report again next Monday P.M. We don’t expect to have any conscripts and shall return to the Regt. next week. My time will be much taken up, of course, but would like to see any of the friends who would like to meet me. News favorable this morning and all will turn out well by and by at the West. Must send a line to Capt. Sawyer and am in great haste. Letters from Alonzo speak[s] of Jos. H. is all right and well. As ever, Jerome Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Company Muster Roll for September and October 1863 in Corporal Jerome Peirce’s Service File gives the following information: “Absent. Sent to Massachusetts for conscription Sept. 15, 1863.” The following Company Muster Roll, for November and December 1863, lists him as “Present.” NOTE 2: Jerome’s older brother, Joseph, was born in 1820. He might have been involved in the woodworking/furniture business in Orange, Massachusetts. NOTE 3: By “West” that Jerome Peirce is referring to in this letter, he undoubtedly means the western theater of operations, which at the time, would have meant the fighting in states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc. NOTE 4: Captain Christopher Sawyer, from Templeton, Massachusetts, was 28 years old when he joined Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged due to disability on February 19, 1864, probably due to illness rather than being wounded. NOTE 5: Letters from Jerome and Allie indicate that he was able to see his family while on recruiting duty in Massachusetts. 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 Joseph, September 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Perice, Joseph MA Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Joseph 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 1863-09-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.03 X 8.17" - 1st Scan "5.03 X 8.17" - 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 #163 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Massachusetts Jerome Peirce Joseph Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/eb631e66871a111eeac4aa7a010ec1ae.jpg 1831bed586e57281a4ae2a5f8623d78e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/756f6ad9e1afd28b48ba9d4cd8eb913e.jpg 87cc5939289c5a7ec5899c9691e66898 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a5bdac498d0c5fc90097dd1f1004f96a.jpg 72ac483db586cb9c298afcef05a26194 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 Camp Long Island, Boston 5th October 1863 My dearest Wife, Just a line to say we are “nabbed” for tonight at least, although we know nothing of the future. We are called “Provisional Guard” Co. “B” and as near as we can find out, do escort to the conscripts in going about and even going some ways with them on furlough, etc. We don’t know how long we may remain, perhaps only a few days and maybe longer. In short, I only send this that you may know I have not left for the Regt. We six are in an “A” tent, and close wind blowing hard tho it is not cold very. Have got some hay so we shall not suffer. I hope this will find you at F’s. Don’t expect we can get away again for the present even if we remain, but I will inform you as soon as possible [of] all the items. Am told they are sending all the men back to their Regts. except two, and being a “non-com” [non-commissioned officer], I hope to remain awhile. Of course, I should love to be with you but you can hear from me often while I am here, and those who would like to come to the Island to see me must inquire about it as I don’t know the regulations. Will add a word in the morning. Tues. morn. Good morning! And a lovely one too. The view of the bay is fine. Direct your letters “Co. B” 1st Provisional Guard, Long Island, Boston Harbor. Am in fine health. No chills or anything. Have not been assigned to duty as yet. Hope this will find you in the City. Write me immediately. As ever your loving, Jerome Please send some stamps. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: “Long Island” referred to in this letter, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop the island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island, and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater. NOTE 2: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march. 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, October 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Long Island Boston, Mass. 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 1863-10-05 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "6.75 X 4.45" - 1st Scan (JPEG) "6.75 X 9.3" - 2nd Scan (JPEG) "6.75 X 9.3" - 3rd Scan (JPEG) 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 #164 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Long Island, Boston, Mass. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Allie Boston Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/45ebb136ae099d37d2ec03e90d8e9a83.jpg 0f9f9e5730af73de53d6ba36a6f76ea4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/786ae3882ba5ad9d6a403417c3db18c3.jpg 47a5574a5a6ac078003268591acca2c9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b024c6838bb1f534229e6e0d6d13b56c.jpg 996a6dca7eee84e81bec604f3db04ed3 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 1st Provisional Guard, Co. ‘B’ Long Island, Boston Harbor Thurs P.M. 8th Oct/63 My ever dear Allie, Yours of Tues. eve was recd. yesterday P.M. and but that I was on guard and very much undecided what to do. Should have answered before and then the storm today and add to this the fact that I don’t know what is to come, I could not write before. Thought about getting a ‘pass’ but so recently from home Capt. H[olmes] could do nothing now and he has gone away as indeed all our officers have till next Monday and I can only wonder whether you have gone home as I suppose you have. Lieut. Davis made a little talk yesterday and said he would like me to remain here with him if he did, and I think he will. If we do, I shall get a three day leave of absence as soon as I can and so see you in Billerica. It is blowing almost a gale and wet. Find something to keep me busy as ever and have just finished some sewing and cleaning up my gun etc. and it is dull and lonesome today and I need not tell you how much I would like, love, to be with you and hope to ere long. Lieut. D[avis] said if we had to return to the Regt. I should have time to see you again. So you must make the best of the present and as soon as I can continue to meet you I will. I wrote Foster and mentioned the ‘Pic Nic’ to the veterans by Gen. Devens. I suppose they will have one perhaps. A good time but I thought as you would return to B[illerica] I would not attempt much but trust to a leave of absence. As the weather looks, it is as well. No letter this morning but I hope to hear something this eve and from Lulu but as Joe left no word, I conclude she is all right. The regulations here are very strict and I don’t feel much at home yet. All so uncertain and a good deal like banishment. Got relieved from guard about ten o’clk this morn. If it were not for being near you and escaping marching perhaps for a time, I would like to return to the Regt. Besides, I hope something may possibly turn up to better myself. At any rate some good thing has come of all the changes so far and I hope the same in the future. It is not very cold as yet and the views about the harbor are very fine. I can look out of my tent directly towards the city and it does not look so far as in Ky [Kentucky]! You must not expect a letter for I am not ‘at home’ but you will know I am well and have a thought for you. Hope tonight’s boat will bring some message from you and the Regt. We have very good fare and I continue to keep comfortable and by and by I hope to feel at home and do whatever is for the best. If you or any of the friends wish to come to the Island you must set a day and I have to furnish the ‘passes’ and send you tickets. Will enclose a word to Foster and close. Write me often and be patient till I see you one way or another. Love as ever to all. Yours ever, Jerome A kiss for Lulu. What does she say about Papie? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop this island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater. NOTE 2: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 3: Jonas R. Davis enlisted as a Corporal at age 20 from Templeton, Massachusetts, in the 21st Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. After several promotions, he was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts and promoted to First Lieutenant on June 6, 1863. He was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts on June 8, 1865, upon expiration of service. NOTE 4: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 5: Charles Devens, Jr. (1820 - 1891) was an American lawyer, jurist and statesman who also served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was appointed as colonel of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry in July 1861 and wounded at the Battle of Ball's Bluff in Virginia in October. Although still recovering, Devens was promoted to brigadier general in April 1862 and assigned command of the 1st Brigade/1st Division. He was wounded a second time at the Battle of Seven Pines and spent most of the summer recovering. His brigade was not heavily involved in the Maryland Campaign. Shortly afterwards, it was reassigned to the VI Corps. Devens commanded the 2nd Brigade/3rd Division/VI Corps during the Battle of Fredericksburg. In January 1863, Devens was given command of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, VI Corps. After Maj. Gen Oliver O. Howard took command of the XI Corps, he appointed Devens as a division commander, and at Chancellorsville he was wounded a third time. Devens distinguished himself at the Battle of Cold Harbor, while commanding the 3rd Division/XVIII Corps in Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign. During the final stages of the Siege of Petersburg, he commanded the 3rd Division of the XXIV Corps. Devens's troops were the first to occupy Richmond after its fall in April 1865. 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, October 10, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-10 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). 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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 Long Island, Boston Harbor 14 Oct 1863 My dear Wife Here I am this fine morning on the outpost guard south end of the Island, so you see I am at work. Had plenty of time yesterday and reported at noon, so everything was “all right.” Saw Lieut. Hodgkins again. They will not leave before tomorrow. The boys are away on furlough, report this P.M. It seemed still and lonesome somewhat after I got to my quarters, but soon chatted it away with Martindale, the one who remains with me. I read the Waverly Mag[azine] till the call for Batt[allion] Drill and of course had enough to do till supper time with Dress Parade, buttoned and secured my tent cloth together and made a nice bed tick and we had plenty [of] straw come at night so you see Uncle Sam still has an eye for the “Islanders” and ‘twas pretty cold last night but I am warm enough. Have just got through Grand Mounting and fixed here in a tent, etc., six men and two Corpls. and where we shall remain for twenty-four hours, and I shall read, write, etc. Had a chat with Foster before I came away and let him know I appreciated his kindness and gave a very kindly response, “welcome to anything he could do, etc., etc.” And how did you get home and how [did you] find Lulu and all? It seems pleasant to know we are not so far separated and I hope now that our minds are made up for a stay that I can for a while, though we know not what an hour will bring forth. There is a breeze stirring and the drummers are practicing the old sound of camp life and we can hear the calls at Fort Independence and Warren, at the former yesterday as we were coming down, they were firing at a target about half a mile away and towards night it disappeared, so I suppose they hit it. Have not seen Lieut. D. [Davis] yet but he got the ration money $3.50 so I shall receive it sometime. P. M. Thought I [would] finish after dinner. Made me a nice cup of coffee and had stewed beans, bread and enjoyed finely. The other Corpl. is writing his wife, lately married and quite communicative, has been a wild boy I expect but is naturally smart and writes a good hand. Suppose you are busy by this time. Should like to “pop in” and take a look. Of course, it is still and monotonous here. Walked down the beat each side of the Island and watched the waves a few moments and [it] reminded me of Newport News. You will find this a dull affair I fear, but you will know that I think of you and may it find you well. Shall expect to hear from you soon and that our little Lulu too is better. Let this answer for all this time and write me accordingly. Officer of the Day has just been along and had to rally out and “Present.” I know you don’t care for much that I have written, but it’s “Long Island” life just now and when this “cruel war is over” will hope for something better. Shall try and improve the time as much as possible. Shall send this in the morning. Love to all and as ever, your loving Jerome Thurs[day] Noon Got off guard this A. M. and have been “napping”, just finished dinner. Heard yesterday P. M. that our division and regiment had been in a fight with General Burnside. Colonel Goodell wounded and other officers. Nothing in the Journal of this morning. Have you seen anything? Boys not gone yet. Quiet and dull, warm. How do you today? A kiss for Lulu and yourself. Am very anxious to hear from the regiment. As ever your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop this island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater. NOTE 2: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. NOTE 3: A bed tick is a cloth case for a bed mattress or pillow. It can also be a light mattress. NOTE 4: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 5: Jonas R. Davis enlisted as a Corporal at age 20 from Templeton, Massachusetts, in the 21st Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. After several promotions, he was transferred to the 36th Massachusetts and promoted to First Lieutenant on June 6, 1863. He was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts on June 8, 1865, upon expiration of service. NOTE 6: Arthur A. Goodell enlisted at age 23 from Worcester, Massachusetts, as a Sergeant-Major on April 18, 1861. He was transferred as a Captain of Company C of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 16, 1862, and was promoted to Major on January 29, 1863. Subsequent to the date this letter was written, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on July 31, 1863, and he commanded the Regiment from that date until October 10, 1863, when he was severely wounded at Blue Springs, Tennessee. Goodell returned to the Regiment on April 1, 1864, but resigned on May 5, 1864, because of disability resulting from wounds. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers, for “gallant and meritorious conduct in the field.” Goodell died at Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 30, 1882, on his 43rd birthday. 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, October 14, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-14 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson 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). 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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 Long Island, Boston Harbor, Oct. 18/63 My own dear Wife, Allie, Again at the old “South Picket Post” where I wrote you before last Wedns. [Wednesday.] So you see I am busy, not many days at my leisure. ‘Tis one of the lovely days. So calm and still, a real Sabbath, just a breath of wind which makes it perfect. The men with me are laying down and hardly a sound to disturb at all. Thought at first I did not like to be on duty today, but I find it the most quiet, undisturbed way I could pass the twenty-four hours, especially as I can write and plenty of good reading. Yours of the 14th came to hand the next day and glad you were once again safely and quietly at the old place and Lulu well again. Have been laying and strutting about my limited sphere, reading, dreaming, etc. Fri[day] noon had a little alarm. Was suddenly ordered to pack up and report to Capt. Holmes, but before I could get ready, the order was countermanded and I was of course a good deal in the dark. Yesterday, however, I was assured by my Capt. (of “B” [Company]) that I was to remain, so that will constitute the belief, at least till further orders. Capt. Holmes is to report at least once more, next Monday, and then I have no doubt, a squad will depart with him for the South. You must know I pass a quiet, monotonous life here, regulations strict and must look out or something will go wrong. Have enjoyed myself much with reading some old “Harper’s” from the library. Yesterday, a capital story called ‘Regular Habits,’ with a nice love tincture and capitally told. No letters as yet since from the friends, excepting yourself, altho[ugh] I’ve [written] to Joseph and Foster’s family. Not quite time [for mail’s arrival]. Don’t know what the morning’s mail brought, if any. Shall inquire before I mail this. Expect I shall miss the services today, and I am sorry. The three or four Sundays before I can recall with real delight. Can we not? And now I hope you and the rest are able to make the most of it at B. [Billerica] and the thought will help me, too, very much indeed. How much I should like to be with you and have a word with Lulu. Tell her Papa sits outdoors by the tent while the water is still all about him, a few cows grazing near him and that is about all the company, except the other Corp’l. By the way he was in the 6th [Regiment]. His name is T.F. Gardner of Lowell. Does not know Frank. He seems a fine fellow and I should judge had been well brought up. [He] was in Fort Halleck for the most part. Have just had a call from the Lieut. of the Guard. The officers are very pleasant men and I begin to feel quite at home. Didn’t we have a severe storm? I waked up many times during Friday night, but the tent stood firm. Tis a grand place to read some solemn old sea story or parts of “Triflelon Papers” after a storm to see the breakers on the reefs about Boston Light, Nixes Mate, the “Graves” near Chelsea, and other places and hear their solemn moan. Am glad to hear Abbie’s eyes are mending. Will address them and her one of these days. She would enjoy the “Sea Shore Poems” of Longfellow here. Is it not well to have something you can romance a little over when you are so often brought in contact with those who have little sympathy, for soldiers here are coarse, some of them. I have already told you that my letters will be dull, for I can only think of you, watch the sea, the coming and departing vessels, muse over the distant lighthouses and headlands by evening light and then tell it all to you. And I feel how dear and sweet it is to have one who will value even these samely details and consider it another chapter in the life of her soldier husband. Took from the library this noon “Tolla, a Roman Story” and hope to find some amusement. Shall expect a word soon from you again. Again, accept my love and all husbandly wishes for yourself and our little one, with what is due to others. As ever your own entirely, Jerome Take good care of your health. Don’t sit too long at a time. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: An article titled, “Regular Habits,” by Ludlow Fitz Hugh, was published in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, December 1, 1859, pp. 72-88. Perhaps this is the article Jerome referred to. NOTE 2: “The Graves” is another island lighthouse located in Boston Harbor. NOTE 3: “The Sounds of the Sea,” and “The Secret of the Sea,” are two short poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The latter appeared in his collection, The Seaside and the Fireside, published in 1850. Jerome refers to other Longfellow poems in his letters, some of which he memorized. NOTE 4: Tolla: A Tale of Modern Rome by the French writer, Edmond About, was published in 1856. 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, October 18, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Long Island Boston, MA Boston Harbor 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 1863-10-18 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend 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 4.65" - 1st Scan "6.15 X 9.15" - 2nd Scan "11.5 X 9.25" - 3rd Scan "6.3 X 9" - 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 #167 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Long Island, Boston, Mass., Harbor Allie Boston Boston Harbor Camp Long Island Jerome Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c484f0af0f2c0ff98dfbbb1710824fa2.jpg 2aabb10ddb724bd2de7f911de10cedc9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/726d43c2c99cbb9c8c06ee8b3a5e73b3.jpg 1f72c76244481a84b413aad2e37a455d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9ca866d43d678c034c2bf7d6e952208b.jpg 47ed349f98b3b6c962c7e202ecdf4a13 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 Worcester [???] Boston Mond. Eve. 19 Oct 1863 Just a few words, my dear Allie, to say that I am ordered to the Regt, and expect to leave at ½ past 2 o’clk PM tomorrow, Capt. Holmes, Lieut. Hodgkins and four 21st Regt. boys. I have feared this for a day or two and I am spending the last of my stay here. Received yours of yesterday just as I was leaving the Island and thank you and little Lulu too. I can send but a word as I wish to mail it before nine o’clk this eve. If you can receive this in time, you will come down if you think best. You know full well I would like to see you. Letters that went to the Regt. I have received from Hattie, etc. written a long while ago. Also one from Jos. H. and Alonzo but not of late date. Expect to be in Cincinnati next Sat. night where I will write if we cannot meet and I fear there is not time. I hope you will see and feel that all is for the best. I do and go cheerfully. Letters say (from J.H.) that only two of the Orange boys are on duty and I am one of them! If so, I am needed. All are well here and received your letter. Keep a good heart and Heaven bless and protect you till we meet again. Love again to all and kind regards to Mr. Salloway. As ever your loving husband, Jerome All send love. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The “Island” referred to in this letter was Long Island, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, which is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. Jerome spent a short time there as part of a temporary duty in Massachusetts for recruiting. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop this island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater. NOTE 2: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 3: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. NOTE 4: The “Jos. H.” or “J.H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Paper/Letter 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, October 19, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Worcester Boston, MA 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 1863-10-19 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.38 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "4.98 X 8.10" - 2nd Scan "4.98 X 8.10" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #168 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Worcester or Boston, MA Allie Boston Jerome Peirce MA Worcester https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7b358bd65fe3c3b114f59ca552ed9bc.jpg c34323f75924d2b103aa5c06afe515bb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/951414bf56611c5da59333d1142536e2.jpg 149fec8c8105effd994fea8d4b64d034 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6b9f26bcbe580549587aabec0670adcd.jpg 8567e6f7c0470c74c57c73736ded0a10 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 Boston 20th Oct 1863 Brother Joseph, Mary’s letter is just received and I can only reply in a word as I am ordered to the Regt. and leave this P.M. at ½ past 2. Did not recover but a moment last eve. and came up to Foster’s. Have no news. Letters from Jos. H. were received here same date as yours. I may not see the Regt. for two months yet to come. Wish you would write occasionally and direct to the Regt. It is sad about the Orange boys. Certainly the town has reason to remember the war and many are made mourners. I am so firmly in the belief that “all’s for the best” that I return to my duties cheerfully altho I expected to remain awhile. Weather is delightful and I hope to keep well and hearty as I am. Allie and Lulu are well. Hardly expect to see them again. Will let you hear from me as often as possible. Remember as ever to all the friends. I would have been glad to have visited you but I don’t see how I could. Don’t think I was indifferent. Accept my best wishes for you all. Trusting that the tide of patriotic feeling will again arise to back up the recent elections and sustain the “braves” in the field and close this “Civil” War”. I am as ever your brother, Jerome Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: To identify the members of the Peirce family, a detailed, well documented 283-page history of the family written and published in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880 by Frederick Clifton Peirce was used. It is titled Peirce Genealogy, Being the Record of the Posterity of John Pers, an Early Inhabitant of Watertown, in New England, which 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. According to that Peirce family history, Joseph Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers, having been born in 1820. (Jerome was born on November 11, 1831.) It is fairly certain that Joseph and Jerome operated a furniture manufacturing business in North Orange, Massachusetts, before Jerome enlisted on August 4, 1862. According to the envelope and other sources, Joseph continued to live in North Orange, and it might be assumed that he continued to operate the business. NOTE 2: Foster Peirce was also one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” NOTE 3: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce (to whom this letter was addressed), one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, October 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Peirce, Joseph Boston, MA Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Joseph 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 1863-10-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.29 X 3.10" - 1st Scan "4.96 X 8.10" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.10" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #169 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 Jerome Peirce Joseph Peirce MA https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a2f2a68b198aed7a3db92898eb4099e4.jpg d523269310d5dc3ecb957ce504067db3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c1f4d3e13d434befc2dd9e022a6d9fc5.jpg d8e16c2ce8f14443248904e2a7a3b9bf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1a00321591eb730bf6ed5a93c0c2cfa5.jpg 47dc29010a2c86de23080ad8bb45452a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/813edce18403fa6646ea2ac708aa9b39.jpg 010b19dd7d0d7111e6ef28258300c18b 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 Cincinnati Oct 22nd, 1863 My ever dear Wife, I improve the first opportunity to send you a few lines to assure you of my safe arrival here this morning about 7 o’clk. Left Boston as I expected at half past 2 P.M. Tues. and was not detained and on the whole had a pleasant trip, considering the necessity of again leaving my dear ones but hope all will prove for the best. Took a stroll over to Covington this morning in hopes to see some of the Orange boys, but they are all at “Camp Dennison”, but I ran upon Sergeant Perry, the Color Sergeant who got sure stuck at Jackson, Miss. He has been home on a furlough. It is doubtful if he is ever fit for field service again, his head troubling [him] very much at the least exertion. He was delighted to see me and [we] had a long chat. Has a family in Winchendon. Says he owes his life to me and some others, Jos. H. and Whipple. He is the one that we took care of at the Black River coming from Jackson, a big fleshy fellow with a great deal of blood. I can tell you but little news. Had the usual life in the [railroad] cars riding night and day. Slept some and ate mostly in the cars. Kate fitted me out with bread and butter with the greatest care and kindness. Foster was in N.Y. ‘Tis pleasant but cool here, more so than when we left Boston. Have to report at 3 P.M. to see what we shall do. Don’t expect it to go onto the Regt. till a large squad goes that we can take care of ourselves. There is only six in our party and Capt. Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins. The way it is working, I shall not be paid off till next Jan., I am afraid. So, I borrowed a little of F.P. & Co. ($10.00) which I will return in due time. Did not dare to be so far from home with so little. Don’t you trouble yourself about [it.] I tell you as I don’t wish to keep anything from you. Shall return it as soon as possible. Am stopping at the Soldiers’ Home and the “boys” are all about me waiting for dinner. You will hear from Ellen. You had better write me once a week or little more and direct to the Regt. as of old and I shall get them after awhile. Will write you as often as I can. Am in nice health and shall make it as pleasant as possible but ‘twill be a long time before I hear from you, but you must take good care of yourself and remember my best love and exertions are for you, constantly and I hope to appreciate your love and efforts for our mutual good more than ever and I shall make every trial to better myself as soon as possible. There’s the usual amount of news about Meade and Rosecrans, the latter I believe is expected here soon, if so, hope to see him. We had our knapsacks checked to Cincinnati and I so got along with little load. Shall busy myself reading and looking about and never without a thought of my dear ones at home. Many kisses for Lulu and if she can share, you can share. Have just spoke with one [man] of the Brigade (35th Mass.). Says there’s a number of them here. So, we may push on for the Regt. soon. Love to all and for the present, adieu. Ever your loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: There were several men named Perry in the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, and it could not be determined from the Unit History which one Jerome referred to in this letter. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: Albert B. Whipple enlisted at age 27 as a Corporal from Worcester, Massachusetts on May 12, 1862. He was promoted to Sergeant on May 12, 1864. On December 19, 1864, he was transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps for disability from wounds he received in action at Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 4: Otis W. Holmes, from Milford, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Sergeant at age 27 on September 8, 1861, in the 25th Massachusetts Regiment. He was transferred as a First Lieutenant to Co. F of the 36th Massachusetts on August 12, 1862, and then to Company B of the 36th on May 2, 1863. Holmes died in Harewood General Hospital, Washington, D.C. on June 23, 1864, of wounds received in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 17, 1864. NOTE 5: William H. Hodgkins, from Charlestown, Mass., enlisted as a 22-year-old private in July 1862. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in October of that year, received steady promotions, and was mustered out with the 36th Massachusetts Regiment as a brevet major. He was the principal author of the Unit History of the regiment titled History of the Thirty-sixth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 1862-1865 which is now available on-line on Google Books. NOTE 6: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. Some of the stationery Jerome used for a few letters was embossed “F. Peirce & Co., Boston, Chair Warehouse” 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, October 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Pierce, Jerome Allie Cincinnati. OH 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 1863-10-22 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 "5.72 X 3.00" - 1st Scan "4.91 X 8.24" - 2nd Scan "9.96 X 8.24" - 3rd Scan "4.91 X 8.24" - 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 #170 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cincinnati, OH Allie Cincinnati Jerome Peirce OH https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c24ab5ee395ce304b1ecb755d993e4e9.jpg a06d1966bf98a04d5d4f233b8fcc7000 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/24f8ab24c030ce4c32ab2fdc3dee25f9.jpg d6f1e183bf2da7199bad639c23f2eabf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/574a5f2d04d520404ab79861786a170f.jpg b33d9aaf3f945badc525b5322f22c7b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8b8382709821e6a9e012b110321d43a0.jpg 367868c47bc34bdc43c9b643bed915c1 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 “Camp Nelson” Ky Oct 25th, 1863 My own dear Wife and friends, Another pause in our journey and I send you a few lines once more. I wrote you from Cincinnati last Thursday which I suppose you received. Remained in C. [Cincinnati] till yesterday morning when we came here by rail and wagon. You know I told you this was the great depot for supplies for Burnside’s Army, about eight miles from Nicholasville, the terminus of the railroad. Time passed slowly in C. [Cincinnati]. Went to hear John B. Gough Fri. eve. The Home was crowded and not pleasant at all, rainy weather and dark, so it was impossible to read or amuse oneself. Had a great military funeral, Genl. Lytle of Cincinnati who was killed at Chattanooga lately, a great favorite and ‘twas an imposing affair. He resided near the Home, and we saw it very well. The same P.M. quite a fire took place and the operation of the steam fire engines was another novelty, so we had quite a stirring time that day. Walked about the city and saw everything we could, but was glad to be on the move once more. I learned this A.M. that Alonzo passed thro here, Thurs. P.M. on a twenty days leave of absence, am very sorry I did not see him. Tell him I am trying hard to get to the Regt. and am uneasy as a “fish out of water”, altho I expect ‘twill be a rough time going and after we get there, from accounts we have, roads [are] bad, and lose a great deal of the subsistence on the way. For the last few days the country here has been much stirred up by another Guerilla raid, destroying a large lot of government stores at Danville and last night an alarm was raised in this camp, but today all is quiet and trains are leaving or preparing to and we expect to go forward Tues and soon after. I can tell you little to interest, ‘tis the same old story. I begin to feel near the Army again, and think over my recent visit home. A pleasure on which I shall have to live for an uncertain period but I hope all will issue well sometime. The weather is very cool, and the trees in full fall costume, and, of course, there is sort of a cheery feeling, and look to everything. We are stopping, three of us, in a building occupied by the guard at Hdqrs., some of the 21st boys taking our meals, about a mile away, altho we had some nice baked beans at their houses this morning. Have thought what a perfect day this must be with you! I do hope you have enjoyed it in a more truly Sabbath-like way than I have. Altho we had a delightful walk at early morning, some ways, to find acquaintances of some of the party but the sound of work is going on, and there is but little, save the sweet memories of the day to remind one of the hour. ‘Tis such times that I feel the weight, in full, of these times, and how sweet Home would be. But how do you do my Allie? and Lulu too? When shall I hear from you? I cannot guess, but I shall hope you may be preserved in health and strength till the good time comes, and I expect it will be a good while, for ‘tis very difficult to get the mails through. Will take a few notes along and send back as often as possible, tho’ ‘twill be only the dull story of life along the road, but you can look on the map once in a while and imagine us walking along, slowly to the end, somewhere in South Western Virginia perhaps or East Tennessee. It took six weeks lately for a train to go to Knoxville and return, but they are constructing a better road, or improving the old one so soon will be better I hope in the future. The friends must still share for the present these poor scrawls. They will at least tell you of my whereabouts and health, and if the latter is only spared, I shall do well. Am very well now, and only anxious to get “home” to the Regt. now I am fairly on the way. Remember me to Alonzo. Hope to see him again by and by, tho’ I imagine they will try and keep him at home. Love to all and ever your loving husband Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: John Bartholomew Gough (1817 - 1886) was a United States temperance orator. NOTE 2: William Haines Lytle (1826 - 1863) was a politician in Ohio, renowned poet, and military officer in the United States Army during both the Mexican–American War and Civil War, where he was killed in action as a brigadier general. Contrary to what Jerome wrote in this letter, Gen. Lytle was killed in the Battle of Chickamauga, instead of the Battle of Chattanooga, on September 20, 1863. NOTE 3: 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. 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 friends", October 25, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and friends Camp Nelson, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to "Allie and friends" 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 1863-10-25 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.48 X 3.19" - 1st Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 2nd Scan "9.98 X 8.13" - 3rd Scan "5.04 X 8.13" - 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 #171 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp Nelson, KY. Allie and friends Camp Nelson Jerome Peirce KY