5 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/45dd4107745bf9ed0757c6eff0ddef84.jpg 4287df28f4d5234c2d66b80d5b92e080 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/837917580ca206933c83b17fc713d3c1.jpg e9ed3a43f936314f6d2747945502a1b1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ba5a09a42dbe3c0039aa1d5b392984aa.jpg 6a0edba50335199a9593863cb496381e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/400d41d85ecb4d4ccec44f0cdab40dc5.jpg c05650d74f20020ec548bef759702065 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ebfb57fad4d6a0bb01cb840d1abaf4e7.jpg 7cf62dbcbc764169714c77bee8f4bbb6 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 Covington, KY 15th Aug 1863 My ever dear wife, Tis a lovely morning. I will improve it early in sending you another missive. You will hear of my arrival here as I wrote you Wedns. and sent the books to FP&Co. [Foster Peirce & Co.] We expected to move further south immediately but orders came to remain here and we moved up half a mile to a very pleasant place where a large camp is established for the present. The Licking river is in front and beautiful hills beyond some shade trees here and there. We don’t know how soon we shall move, but are improving the present fast and “resting up.” How can I express the relief we feel to lay full length under our shady shelter tents once more with no enemy in front and no dreaded “fall in” to fear. You know for a long time it has been one continual strain on the nerves and time and I think now what wretched affairs my letters must have been. The box and letters came yesterday by Dr. Chase. Various little things came and were most timely and acceptable. Tea, soap, ginger, pepper, fine needles, thread, stationery, etc. Your letter speaking of Chelsea pastures, visit to the beach with Mr. Clark etc. etc. and I was so glad that you find friends and even in the anxious hours some little gleam of sunshine and above all that there are some who appreciate the soldier and what we are passing thru with. Ah, Dear Allie, whatever selfishness we may witness and it can’t be any worse than the villainy practiced in the Army. The future will do us justice and our sacrifices, anxieties, heartaches will have their true value. I have refrained as much as possible from complaining but of many doings that are perpetuated in service were justified at headquarters. No government allowing such things could be worth fighting for. Many abuses are unavoidable but there has been such a reckless disregard of life and even the slightest comfort of the men in this last campaign that I cannot wonder that many are totally reckless and care not if they only get out of it. I wish and pray that the President and those in authority could know and right things, but with a military man at the head what would a poor soldier’s word amount to? With many this feeling that the wrongs are not regarded or covered over by rival officers etc. makes them desperate. But for poor me, I have lived tho so far how God only knows. There is a history to be written and so much that can never be told! But the graves all the way from Vicksburg to this place have a peculiar language to us who have shared and witnessed it all. This morning it is announced that General Welch, commander of our Division is dead very suddenly of fever. Colonel Leasure will succeed, I suppose. Used to command the old 3rd Brigade, a good man. But enough of this anarchy and bad government are worse than all and we must trust to the future which seldom fails to right things. A big back mail came last eve. Your [letters] of the 24th July (8th in July) came. There is the 9th missing yet. The Register came too containing (inside) the doings at the alumni [at] Cambridge spoken of by Abbie in a former letter. Very fine addresses, Dr. Walkin’s oration in particular. So I have an abundant supply of [reading] matter. We are eagerly listening for the news from Charleston and hope all will end well. Was not Colonel Shaw and his men heroes? I can but think what a vast revolution is at work in our land and my belief in the future glory of the country purged of the foul demon slavery is such that hides in a great measure, or tempers at least, the thousand ills we are subjected to. But I am once more in camp and you I trust with regaining health and spirits are also under the old shade and [???] of home enjoying with the friends some measure of quiet and hope. I say little of what can’t be avoided but Allie I feel keenly the necessity that separates us and subjects you to separate labor but in these times all have their burden of sorrow and trial and I feel that many are worse off than we. I feel that you have friends who seem to make the load as light as possible and I know that they feel for the soldier and for those who desire to avoid the field. They must settle with their own consciences their sense of justice to those of us who are bearing the heat and burden of the hour and what future generations will meet out to them. For myself I can endure awhile longer and see if our land is worth fighting for. Your dress must be very nice and pretty and I should just like to take the old place by your side and see how you would compare with your soldier husband. Would you take me with my soiled (not ragged) clothes? I shall brag a little and tell you that I never allow myself to be shabby. Am expert at the needle and thimble and so manage to keep account and have a care for that is one road to promotion. Dress Parade last eve for a long time. The first rather tame and we felt that some were not. It is estimated that 100 men are gone from the Regiment that will never be with us again, dead and disabled. Our flag will appear next time with “Vicksburg and Jackson” inscribed upon it, but there will some associations that will speak not of glory. But I have one narrow escape to record in that affair (at Jackson). While we were in the woods on a side hill near the Rebel battery some sharpshooters had a position and as I had moved away from a little bush where I had been chatting with Captain Hastings “zip”! came a rifle ball cutting off a twig just breast high and exactly where I stood an instant before. It don’t sound well to “talk” on paper but I recollect I felt “strangely” as the deadly missile passed me (I had layed down) and thought I was still saved for something. If we meet, can tell you many things that look like a “special providence” and show you how much we have to be grateful for. Had another letter from Orange (Mary) expressing anxiety for Jos. H. of not receiving his letters. It is strange. He says he has written often. Letters from his folks don’t come to hand like the others and I can’t understand why such a fatality attends their writing. He is here, alive, well and full of talk and like his old self again. Tents with me. If you write to O. [Orange] mention him for they seemed quite concerned about him. As I said before, I write them regularly every two or three weeks. Every effort should be made to have letters to him, often and regular for he needs such help a good deal and can’t bear disappointment of that kind like many. And I pitied him for he has no letters for him in three mails back. The mail goes today at noon. Hope to receive a reply soon. Ben E. is well and is trying to get his wife here and I hope we shall remain long enough for it. I know of some others I wish was visiting nearby! Everybody is away in the country it seems. Alonzo is [well] and received a letter from Ellen at Jefferson Hill. She seems quite down. Let me know of the books, etc. Letters to Abbie and Lucy (sister) goes with this. Love to each and all and I am [???] for letters from B. Is Mr. Salloway or Gilman going to war? You see I’ve written a “pretty” letter, all ink this time. Take a kiss for self and Lu and my heart’s best. [Changed per letter] Love always and get well soon for your Jerome. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig and Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Contained two envelopes. One large one addressed to Mrs. Jerome Peirce, Billerica Mass, postmarked Aug 15 Cincinnati O[hio]. Handwritten on side: 36th Regt. Mass Vols. Also handwritten Rec(eived] Aug 19th 1863. Also included was an unstamped smaller envelope with no postmark to Miss Lulu S. Peirce, Present. NOTE 2: Colonel Robert Shaw commanded the first all-black regiment (54th Massachusetts). At the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, a beachhead near Charleston, South Carolina, on July 18, 1863, he was killed in the Union loss. The Confederates buried him with his troops, as an intended insult for leading black soldiers, since other officers’ bodies were returned. NOTE 3: In the Brigade’s Unit History, the index on page 4 corrects the spelling of General T. Welsh’s name (not Welch). Welsh was promoted to Brigadier General of volunteers after successful performance at Antietam in 1862. He commanded the 1st Division of the IX Corps, sent west to Kentucky, and then to Mississippi where he served under Grant during the Siege of Vicksburg. Upon the surrender of Vicksburg, he marched with Sherman to Jackson, Mississippi. He contracted malarial fever during the campaign, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 14, 1863. NOTE 4: Col. Daniel Leasure (1819 – 1886) commanded the 100th Pennsylvania Regiment, and for a while he commanded the Third Brigade. (The 36th Massachusetts Regiment was part of the First Brigade.) NOTE 5: The Register was a fairly common name for newspapers and journals in the 1860s. But no reference to a “Register” newspaper in the Boston area could be found. NOTE 6: The reference to Cambridge probably refers to Harvard College. NOTE 7: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 8: 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 9: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 10: 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.” 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, August 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Covington, 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 1863-08-15 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). Relation A related resource --- Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "6.8 X 4" - 1st Scan "6.4 X 9.4" - 2nd Scan "11.45 X 9.3" - 3rd Scan "6.5 X 9.4" - 4th Scan Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #149 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Covington, KY Allie Covington Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/9c5aff776f3e8888aa0ba70c893b29ba.jpg fef6676a94bd094895d4f32479ba6089 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/30533fd6e2fb4e5d82800563dce35e8d.jpg 75056315ef9929b6f654d1d58877a467 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/01fd5ef64bc2a890bd70e7285e426b24.jpg cefa110d1840ca5319446b9c664d9717 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/110c07408dfeac7ddded4ec51aab8d86.jpg 5d9edf6e8252b41fc18829cbc2125ea2 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 My dear little Lulu! Have just been talking to Mama and sent her a kiss and then I thought I had such a cunning little envelope, I would send a letter to yourself. Aunt Abbie sent your letter in red and blue pencil so I take it you go for the “Red, White and Blue”. That is right. They are the colors Papa sees except when he looks up into the sky. Isn’t it beautiful at sunset! and the stars begin to come out. Papa too sees the same beautiful sky, stars and moon that little Lulu does and he thinks of his daughter oh so often and hopes sometime to come home after his long walks are over with. Papa is resting now and you must do so too and not run too fast or get too tired, but keep well so I can walk with you one of these days. Do you think you could know me? I think you would for I don’t change much though the sun has “tanned” me some. Have been sitting for some time on the ground and am tired so must bid you “Good By[e].” Hope you will get a beautiful picture and story book one of the[se] days that I have sent you. Some beautiful pictures. Be a good girl and remember and love Papa as though he was with you always. Good by[e] with a kiss from Papa I didn’t mean to blot this. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE This letter does not indicate where Jerome was located when he wrote the letter or the date he wrote it. However, a small white envelope addressed “Miss Lulu S. Peirce, Present” (which obviously contained this letter, as Jerome mentioned in the text) was included in the envelope that contained Letter Number 149. Letter Number 149 was written when Jerome was in Covington, Kentucky, and it is dated August 15, 1863. Therefore, this location and date can be assigned to this letter to Lulu. 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, August 15, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Lulu Covington, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-08-15 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.15 X 3.45" - 1st Scan "5.15 X 3.45" - 2nd Scan "6.6 X 9.75" - 3rd Scan "6.65 X 9.6" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #150 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Covington, KY. Covington Jerome Peirce KY Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/da6f65fade9174d484f1b0b27a1d0c1b.jpg 2902a60f921ca006fdb21676c831cc61 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1103f50b3b0d661ded941ef1e8a06f7b.jpg 3bee3513a6aad0bad89d6cf5166d22f3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/18c60238fc37f55729f44aa68144043f.jpg 89f13f4ea66bc59885193eb8a0f694df 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 Aug 20th 1863 Just a word dear Allie as J.H. [Joseph H. Peirce] has written you and he has told you of our doings today, dinner etc. Hope you will get my letter written yesterday enclosing a check. We recvd. 26 dollars and hope to [receive] more soon. So far from home, I felt I must keep a little by me. You will not need to send me stationery, without it is a sheet of paper once in a good while, but not even then. Only when we’re on the move, then it is we get short of such things. Have [an] abundance of stationery and means for the present, so make the most of what you have. Another big back mail came last eve., two letters from you, making all right, two from Abbie, one from Will (from Worcester), from Henry Perrie, etc., all back letters. Hope to get something this eve. Saw Ben E. [Edmands] this morning. [His] wife [is] stopping at a house nearby. Of course, he is very happy and they both wish how much that you too could be here. She remembers you distinctly and wishes a further acquaintance. [She] talks enthusiastically [about] how you and she can go to Chicopee, Mass. and set up dressmaking and millinery, thinks you’re “cut” right for the latter. Well, so we talk. Have not seen her yet but expect to by and by. Of course, I have no news since yesterday. Our camp is beautiful, and weather fine, and we [are] resting and enjoying all we can out of this release of the harder duties of war. Have been reading over the papers, and seeing who escapes the draft etc. but some are coming and all accounts agree that Lee’s Army is demoralized and dwindling away, and Charleston must come down sometime, as did Vicksburg. Have just been stitching a leather belt for the Acting 2nd Lieut. (Woodward) and our cooking has engaged our attention a good deal, so I am not prepared for a long letter, but this is so “little and cunning” like the one who receives it, that it will answer, will it not? It is large enough to tell you that I am well, and growing better, fast recovering from the sad work in Missi[ssippi]. If I could only just peep in and see you all (and stay awhile!) But the mail is closing. Write often, write all. A kiss for Lulu and anything for yourself from your loving Jerome P.S. J.H. is mixing up some “flitters” for supper. “Call in”. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “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 2: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 3: Ironically, based on census information, Allie became a seamstress after Jerome was killed to support herself and Lulu. She never remarried. NOTE 4: Acting Second Lieutenant Woodward was Hiram C. Woodward. He enlisted at a relatively old age of 40 on July 31, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, and served in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, as did Jerome. He died on August 10, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, just a few days after Jerome wrote this letter. He had been assigned temporarily not long before with Jerome to work in the small smallpox hospital at an earlier camp. The “hospital” consisted of a regular tent physically located some distance away from the main camp to help minimize the spread of infection. NOTE 5: “Flitters” is probably a word used at the time to describe what are now called “fritters.” A fritter is a fried food, usually consisting of a portion of batter or breading, which has been filled with bits of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables or other ingredients. 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, August 20, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Nicholasville, 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 1863-08-20 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "6.75 X 4.5" - 1st Scan "5 X 7.25" - 2nd Scan "8.6 X 7.3" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #152 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Nicholasville, KY Allie Jerome Peirce KY Nicholasville https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ba03326f3fbac6ab224c986360542515.jpg e4b93bf949676aebd40d3c6a5c3e205a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7c74dd4dcfb5372f0c0790a67785ee3d.jpg fb2cc03d4204ce52fadad0d4a9302a3c https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8ee2f42f86354af37c135fdedeb78384.jpg c0246bef96960e2dff986679a59cfc87 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4711e0e6ec72ec2e65232afc0f3aeec4.jpg c1c8cfc6eba19e9eef84a0f2e37345f3 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 New Milldale Miss[issippi] Aug 2nd 1863 My dearest Wife One of the loveliest Sabbath mornings! Have been quite busy since before our reveille. First breakfast, coffee and beans that seemed almost like “home baked”, cleaning up about tent, etc., fetching water. Then took a look into my testament when I found snugly folded in a paper a miniature that looked very much like the one I’m writing to. How and where is the original to this morning? Sought the shade of a tree nearby and thought a few lines to her could find acceptance. Yesterday came another mail, yours of the 17th and 19th July. One from Abbie of the 19th, also a nice letter from Ellen P. of same date. Was so glad to get them for we shall no doubt be on the way up the river by tomorrow or next day and I may not write from this place again. Have no news, only what I hear from home and everybody here is talking over the draft and the boys all know someone [who] is drafted. I saw the someones first in the Boston Herald. Saw and how sorry I was that Joe was among them. I was indeed sorry for the folks, so much help and tact as he had for home business duties but I trust he will have a short term. Wish my service could excuse [his] service but I know he will meet it like a man. I see Mr. Sulleway and Gilmann are victims. Will they come? Sam Walker too. What will he do? But the country must be saved and the work finished and if all lend a hand it can be done right soon. Abbie gave me an account of Joe’s visit to the city to see if he could go in the Navy, etc. Am glad the riots are quelled and trust that little touch of war was enough to show the people what law and order was and what we’re contending for. Here all is quiet and on the rest but all are eager to be off for the North. This morning each company was called into line and the adjutant read the “order” from General Grant, handsomely acknowledging the prompt and energetic services rendered by the “Ninth A. C.” [Army Corps] and complimenting them and ordering the inscription on their colors: “Vicksburg and Jackson”!! and turning the Corps over [to] their former commander. It’s now talked that we’re going to Virginia eventually with headquarters at Newport News with General Burnside. “So must it be”. Another story is that we remain for “recruiting” near Louisville, Ky but the former is more likely as the remaining work is eastward and recruiting, of course, will be from the East, for the Corps has been sadly cut up in this campaign. A large lot of ambulances came last eve. and took away our sick and we must be on the move soon. Am glad to tell you the same pleasant fact that I am well, excellently and how very much I have to be grateful for, for I did have some narrow escapes while before Jackson [Mississippi] to say nothing of disease, the effects of the climate and hard marching, but we were relieved for a while of knapsacks and moved in lightest order. Shall have much to tell you about it [when] I see home (and shall try to just as soon as we get North). The universal impression is that we’re going to Virginia. Had a nice friendly letter from Mary and Joseph the same day with yours. The tone was as I desired and I had just written them. I have written them quite regularly and as often as I could. Mary expressed much disappointment of your not visiting them this summer, but you know best about that. You doubtless hear all the news from O. [Orange] all about the draft, etc. John Wheeler is among them. I suppose Foster’s folks are all at the mountains, “Jefferson Hill” for some weeks. Alonzo received letters from E. [Ellen] and doubtless receives a due return and will while he is resting. The boys are getting rested and recovering their worsted spirits somewhat. Disease seems to be subsiding. Captains Smith and Buffum are about again. Captain Sawyer is gaining and of the Orange boys Harrison Goodard is recovering slowly. Osgood Rich is still quite slim, his fever and ague turning to a regular fever, so I understood last and that was yesterday. Henry Mayo and the rest are well. How I wish I could be with you all in quiet rural old Billerica today, hear a good sermon, call on some good friends and see all the dear familiar faces! What a blessed time ‘twould be and then to take my darling Lulu by the hand and tell her about the beautiful birds and posies I’ve seen. Some of the prettiest flowers fade so [I] come to press them in letters. But she knows Papa loves her and always sends her a kiss. I gave “Uncle Ben” her letter (and yours) and the little boy. He has a quiet, earnest way of acknowledging things. Sends his regards and was very thankful for your letter thought ‘twas beautiful and will try and do his duty by your husband. We hope for some rare times now for we’ve no fear of forced marches and the battle’s din for the present at least and we can chat of “this, that and the other”, our wives are not forgotten. I wish you could correspond with Mrs. Amy “for she is a love of a woman” I know and is a noble brave girl and writes finely. Abram Cutter writes fine letters to Ben and he lets me read them. And now thank Frank for his letters to me. Tell him I will remember him in particular one of these days, and for good brother Joe as an “old soldier” what good word can I say? If he must “rally to the flag” and for his personal self I know he will not flinch. He can benefit much by some advice about becoming used to camp life, etc., but Frank can help as much perhaps as I but let him as much as possible stick to simple food, even Army rations. The great thing is to take care nights and keep the stomach in good order. Am short of stationery. As ever, your loving husband Jerome. Love to all. Where is Mary of late? Love to Will Clark. I know he will make a good soldier. My love to him. Shall feel deeply interested and want he should write me soon and may some good substitute appear for father and mother. I feel more than I can express. Wrote you twice last week. Your letters are all received. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Ellen P.” mentioned in this letter was Ellen Peirce. She was the daughter of Foster Peirce and Catherine Abby Beaman, with Foster being a brother of Jerome. She was, therefore, a niece of Jerome. Ellen married Alonzo Ranlett, who is mentioned in many of Jerome’s letters, on January 21, 1864. Ellen was born on March 22, 1842, and she died on January 12, 1914. NOTE 2: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. 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.” NOTE 4: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 5: James B. Smith enlisted at age 23 from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was appointed Captain, Company K, on August 22, 1862. Smith was wounded at the Battle of Pegram Farm in Virginia on September 30, 1864, but was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864, as a Major. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel for “gallant and meritorious service.” NOTE 6: Amos Buffum enlisted as a Second Lieutenant in the 25th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers on October 12, 1861. He transferred to Co. D, 36th Massachusetts Regiment, on August 22, 1862. Buffum was killed in action near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 18, 1864. NOTE 7: William H. Goodard enlisted from Orange at age 21 with Jerome on August 4, 1862. He died of disease on August 17, 1863. NOTE 8: Private Osgood Rich enlisted at age 25 at Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. He was discharged for disability on April 23, 1864. NOTE 9: Corp. Henry H. Mayo enlisted at age 21 as a Corporal in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted. He was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864, just a few days before Jerome was killed at Spotsylvania Court House. NOTE 10: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. 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, August 2, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie New Milldale, MS 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 1863-08-02 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (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 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #146 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "6.6 X 4.35" "6.3 X 9.5" "11 X 9.4" "6.15 X 9.35" (JPG) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant New Milldale, MS Allie Jerome Peirce MS New Milldale https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d5e64588413dd9c27a800bc309df273c.jpg 50315c24d63549fde84af4eaf85c41b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fc54268cd8aff38c9da7434fe0fb3145.jpg fc906b01f5d1f184e1fa23decb818e76 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b7908d17d335b39a83f8935c92b1a0b9.jpg 07cf3842e32a5580ca69b59e2c9518dc 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 Mond. 24th Aug. 1863 My dear Allie. I wrote you yesterday and now I have something to tell. Was called to the Commanders tent and informed that I was selected as the “Non Com” [Non-commissioned] officer to accompany others to go to Mass. to bring in Conscripts! You can imagine my feeling. It is a great favor and compliment too and my years’ service has not been for nothing, as it is a work requiring the right sort of stuff. Alonzo was the means of it in a great measure. Expect to leave tomorrow, Tuesday or the next day with Lieut. Davis, Co. K, and six men. I send you this that you may be prepared to meet me either at home B [Billerica] or some point near or at Boston as the Camp is at Long Island you know. Talked with Alonzo. He didn’t think we shall have leave to go home, that is to visit round. I go out of my way so you will hear from me by Telegraph or letter as we are not quite certain what day we shall leave. This will reach you ahead. My expenses, you see, will be all paid and I hope to see you soon. You will please inform the friends so I can meet as many as possible. Shall write to Orange today with this. J.H. has a fine thing: Orderly for Gen. Ferrero. Left for his post today. In haste with love to all. I am yours, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) 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 next Company Muster Roll, for November and December 1863, lists him as “Present.” NOTE 2: The Unit History mentions the conscription detail that included Jerome Peirce on page 80 as follows: “Between sunrise and noon of the 15th (of September 1863) we marched fourteen miles, and encamped at Barboursville, on the Cumberland River. Before marching this morning, a detail of three officers (Captain Holmes, Lieutenants Hodgkins and Davis), and six men left us, for the purpose of returning to Massachusetts, and bringing out the conscripts assigned to the Thirty-sixth Regiment, according to orders received at Nicholasville.” NOTE 3: It is not clear who the Alonzo was that Jerome referred to in this letter. None of the men from Orange, Massachusetts, that he enlisted with in early August of 1862 was named Alonzo, and the Unit History Roster lists several men named Alonzo. NOTE 4: The “J.H.” Jerome referred to in this letter, as well as in other letters, was almost definitely Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a private. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm on September 30, 1864 and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 5: Gen. Edward Ferrero (1831 – 1899) was one of the leading dance instructors, choreographers, and ballroom operators in the United States prior to his service in the Civil War from 1861 until 1865. He served admirably in a number of major battles and was assigned to the corps that included the 36th Massachusetts Regiment. However, he is most remembered for his dishonorable conduct in the Battle of the Crater (July 1864), for drinking with another general behind the lines, while both their units were virtually destroyed. A court of inquiry cited Ferrero for "being in a bomb-proof shelter habitually, where he could not see the operation of his troops nor know the position of two brigades of his division or whether they had taken Cemetery Hill or not." Nevertheless, Ferrero was brevetted as a major general on December 2, 1864, for "bravery and meritorious services." He subsequently served throughout the Appomattox Campaign in early 1865. The following note was written on the top of page 1: “Please write Foster’s folks. Don’t know whether I can see them.” 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, August 24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Nicholasville, 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 1863-08-24 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 "6.25 X 4" - 1st Scan "6.4 X 9.45" - 2nd Scan "6.4 X 9.4" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #154 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Nicholasville, KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/69373b5708ad3ca64531aa7a6aace924.jpg 885c0ead717ca04ffdd76b2fbcb1cf03 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c935ce07eab36eb78ee8e552190fa365.jpg 1b0eba2a2fd0102ec564f36aded6617d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e7437c9fd17483190ec0e43e30c085f8.jpg fa48f17b0ad4f5f84165e336a7bf1fc1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8c1b6f49eb5e828f3dfb065d65cf45ed.jpg 93551691004fd2094ea1cd3ae322187a 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 Wedns Eve 26th Aug 1863 My ever dear Wife, ‘Tis late and after “lights out” but I must say just a word as we move early in the morning for “Crab Orchard” a forage post about 28 miles. Have just returned from the “Coombs” where Mrs. Edmands and Ben are just for a “good bye” call. Had a pleasant time, of course, but ‘tis hard for them to part and Ben will try and stay behind to see her nicely off for Wheeling. She is a very pleasant lady and one you would love, and I wish and intend you shall become better acquainted. But, about my coming home, as you will receive my letter of Mon[day]. After I mailed it, I learned that the papers had to go to Corps Headquarters for approval, and have not returned. Shall no doubt receive them soon. Alonzo thinks there will be no doubt I will have a good opportunity to see you and the friends. I shall write or telegraph as soon as I know the items. If I telegraph, shall send it to “J. Peirce and Co.” for you. You can make it in your way to be in Boston so ‘twill be alright. Shall report at the store if I can get away for any time at all, so you can hear from me. Of course, if we march far, ‘twill delay us, as we shall have to ride in ambulances to Nicholasville, [Kentucky] to take the cars. Now for your letter rec’d this eve. with Laura’s note. I certainly will write her in reply sometime. ‘Twas very pleasant to receive a word from her. ‘Tis a week and more since I had received any mail (except a back one) and I didn’t know what to think of it. Hope Jos. [Joseph] and Foster’s family, or some of them, can be at home. Ben was delighted with the little bag and your messages and appreciates them much. Abbie at home! Well, I hope all will be well indeed, and that we can all meet by and by, even for a short time. Shall have much to say that I cannot write. I wish I could post you more definitely of my movements, but cannot now. You must be on the watch in Boston. Shall come at the Worcester depot. Captain Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins are now at home. The latter is in Charlestown, who is to return with us. Capt. H. is at Milford. Expect to have some 200 more for our Regt. I write late at night and in great haste. A nice letter from Will and Lucy also came tonight and one for J.H. [Joseph H. Peirce]. He is nicely and rides a horse and looks as neat as a pin and fresh and happy. A kiss for Lulu and all will accept with love always from your Jerome P.S. I am surprised at Mr. [Last name omitted] request. Don’t go there, in any such way. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: The “Joseph” 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: The “Foster” referred to in this letter was Foster Peirce, 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 4: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 5: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 6: 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 7: 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 8: The P.S. in this letter probably refers to a subject in a previous letter sent by Allie. 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, August 26, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Nicholasville, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-08-26 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 "5.53 X 3.12" - 1st Scan "5.03 X 7.96" - 2nd Scan "10.10 X 7.96" - 3rd Scan "5.03 X 7.96" - 4th Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #155 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Nicholasville, KY Allie Jerome Peirce KY Nicholasville https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f6af7e001f997efd0dc606b0170cbd14.jpg e98f11b860f9ddfc4696b0c86c7eb8f1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e8bcb6dda648b03b669a494f18e0e50b.jpg f737d16cfd7b51421f70a5f33b481372 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/afe526b4af8969a560eb205b6cae0e35.jpg d9909869fe2f81fffa02bfb55a57cddd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ceb016199983156b89722a8957acecc.jpg 6ac1777c7fdf071ef0ed68e8f996ae5f 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 [???] “Crab Orchard” Ky Aug 30, 1863 My dearest Wife Another “move” and all is confusion, smoke from burning rubbish, clinking of axes and hammers etc., and on the Sabbath day too. Left “Nicholasville” Camp on Thursday marching three days to this place, a distance of 28 miles. Got along pretty well, a little tender-footed. There is quite a village here, famous as a “watering place”, mineral springs etc., but there is little to indicate it. Our camp is in the edge of a wood, near the main road but ‘twas terrible dirty, and it keeps a great number of men busy “policing” and burning up stuff so that the whole air is full of smoke which is hard on eyesight. It is the most un-sabbath like day I have seen for a long time, and I am wishing so much that a mail would come bringing your precious messages. The mail has to be “arranged” at every new camp, so I can’t tell when I shall receive one or when this will go. An ambulance has to carry it to “Camp Dick”, then by stage. (The Lieut. has just called and wants my help on the “Muster Rolls.” [I] have been at work considerable for a few days, and do you think (to you) they call me a good writer!) Mr. Stevens has gone and I can finish. I am so confused from the stir, that it seems a wrong time to attempt a letter. We have remarkable cool weather, so much so that we felt quite cold last night, and a severe frost about the camp. Our tents are raised up, and sticks and leaves for bedding so as to keep clear of the cold ground. Did you receive the books I sent home? and my letters? Alonzo is back looking after the sick. Don’t know when he will come up, soon no doubt. Hope he will bring the papers that will send us home. I sometimes fear some disappointment, but all is “red tape” and delay in the Army and we’ve become somewhat used to it. Took a short walk with Ben E. this morning, and I expect he went to church, as there is one nearby. Work prevented me from attempting the same thing. But I have thought much of you today, and I do hope you are all well. Mond. P.M. Was called away again yesterday and have been very busy writing as before mentioned, besides, no mail went out yesterday. Saw today that a mail goes out at ½ past 4 o’clk this P.M. so I will try and close this. Am very well, but I never found it so hard to “get the hang” of a camp as this. It is hard to get my mind settled and feel like writing as you will think when you receive this. Our chaplain is sick at the last camp, and no services yesterday and with “Muster Rolls” you may know I had a confused day. Wrote last night till after “Taps”, and made out one of the neatest looking rolls there was, so said the Lieut., only think of it! This morning at nine o’clock we were “mustered in” for pay, and I expect accounts are to be closed up for the year. Shall overrun my allowance but could not help it and take care of myself. We ought to be allowed 60 dollars, and only 42 is. Don’t know yet just how I shall come out. Alonzo returned last eve. but has been so busy writing, I haven’t had time to talk with him. A mail is on the way, but shall not get it till Division PM [Postmaster] comes up. We are getting a good ways from supplies and everything is unsettled. Have a little fresh meat and the people bring in apples. Saw the “East Tennessean”, Mr. Markam today, the one I mentioned who suffered so much and his family when we were at Middlebury. He has been home since, and everything is destroyed about his place. His family is still at M [Middlebury]. There were many refugees about here, and Ben told me a sad story of a poor woman he met yesterday as he went, or attempted to attend church. No meeting, so he walked about and came upon her selling pies. He bought some. [She] has eight children and she has to support them as best she can. Her husband died from the effects of an eight days forced march just before the battle of Shiloh, and the pension doesn’t reach her case. It is a sad story of these fugitives, and I trust [General] Burnside will soon liberate them. We still continue to clean up camp and may stay here some time. It is very cool nights and we have shut up our tents and lay on leaves. Have been collecting a few more for my bed. Sun is out warm today. There are but few sick now, and I hope those left back will soon come up. The country we are camped in looks some like the neighborhood of Fox Hill in B. only the trees are larger, and the hill not so high, which is back of the camp, facing about N.E. Don’t know when the “Conscript errand” will come off. The papers don’t seem to be forthcoming just now, so I keep up a hoping as you must. I want so much to get letters from you. Expect folks will be on the return from the mountains etc. and shall hear from them soon. What shall I write? If I could see you, should talk endlessly, but I find it hard to say anything, for camp and field life is one story and you know it by heart. How is Lulu? Does she eat apples? Wish I could send her one in a letter. Uncle Ben was delighted with her little present, and sends all manner [of] affectionate regard[s] to her and you for your kindly remembrance of him. He is very well indeed. Who would have thought, Allie, one year from the day we were “mustered in” as a Regt. (the 27th Aug) we marched with only a hundred men for duty and I should be one of them! Where are the other 900?! Comparatively few of them are dead, and most of them will come up “after a time”, but such is “field service”. Crab apples abound here, and from this the name of the place. Have not “got at” cooking much yet, so can’t amuse you by my experience in that line. I wander about uneasy, able neither to read or write, but shall do better when a mail comes. Mr. Stevens is writing to his family. Lucy spoke of sending me her picture. I wish she would, no doubt it will come safely, and you are to have it finally. Forgot to tell you [that] I bought the knapsack, and two pairs of nice socks that belonged to Hiram Woodward. My knapsack was badly worn out, and I saved from the Gov. [Government] price. Shall be supplied for cool weather. How is Abbie? and all the friends and girls? I’ll remember Laura S. soon. Hope Louisa and Lucy have done well, and hope too that their husbands will not have to come to the Army. You did not mention about Joe. Is he coming out? There is talking about me, so call this a letter, and be sure it bears the love of your ever affectionate Jerome Love to all. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The following information about the events at the end of August 1863 is taken from the Unit History. August 27th: At half-past five the regiment was on the march, a large number being left behind, too weak to march. We passed through Bryantsville at half past nine o’clock A.M., and when the halted for a rest at ten o’clock, it stacked 98 muskets. One year ago this day, the 36th Massachusetts was mustered into the United States service, 1,040 strong. At 11 o’clock we went into camp at Camp Dick Robinson, where the regiment was encamped in the spring. August 28th: We were early on the march, and a very hard one it was for what was left of the regiment, and that was not much. We marched 11 miles, passing through Lancaster with colors flying, and the regiment stacked 68 guns when it halted at noon four miles beyond Lancaster. This bare fact seems to render needless all further comment as to the condition of the regiment. It was no longer a regiment but a worn and weary band, a squad of each company struggling on, fighting bravely against fatigue, heat and illness. But what was now left may well be called the very heart and soul of the 36th, men who had never flinched, who had borne all, thus far, cheerfully and bravely, with indomitable spirit. Very many were gone, but enough still remained to guard the colors, to escort them on many a long and weary march, and carry them in the front of many a battle yet to come. August 29th: The march was continued about six miles to Crab Orchard, where the regiment encamped in the edge of a wood and remained there until September 10th. NOTE 2: The name of the camp where Jerome was located when he wrote this letter could not be deciphered. It might have been named after a person. Searching the letters just prior to and after this letter, as well as the Unit History for the time around August 30, 1863, did not provide any clues. NOTE 3: The “Camp Dick” referred to in this letter was Camp Dick Robinson which was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Confederates to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 4: Edwin Stevens enlisted age 39 as a Private from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. He was killed in action at Campbell Station, Tennessee, on November 16, 1863. NOTE 5: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 6: The “Ben” or “Uncle Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 7: Second Lieutenant Hiram C. Woodward enlisted at a relatively old age of 40 on July 31, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, and served in Co. H of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, as did Jerome. He died on August 10, 1863, at Camp Dennison, Ohio, a few days before Jerome wrote this letter. He had been assigned temporarily with Jerome to work in the small smallpox hospital at an earlier camp. The “hospital” consisted of a regular tent physically located some distance away from the main camp to help minimize the spread of infection. NOTE 8: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. 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, August 30, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Crab Orchard, 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 1863-08-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens 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 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #156 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "5.57 X 3.19" "4.98 X 7.98" "10.05 X 7.98" "4.98 X 7.98" (JPG) Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Crab Orchard, KY. Allie Crab Orchard Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a2aa31a1a026d9da057292c3c9ad6663.jpg aa4b2775de543c4d7306f32648ad1f72 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a9702cdc37b2af90da35ee4db713fcf7.jpg eeab721df1ed0edd32a1ed066452c4fd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/74027e8963317d887519e7f2f05820d4.jpg 038161389b7c09998b81571592990514 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/346b4f17fee1d148063a7ce8a63b2d5a.jpg 74d59e1c28b7de99a868add77cb31507 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8617f678065289000ceb9ed75e2c7444.jpg d32d189bf3633d934796b655589118b9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c9c71254f93e386dafc907da6d1bf760.jpg 1423e470924e68007e8f655f740b7f22 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 “Crab Orchard”, Kentucky 7 Sept 1863 Ever dear Wife Three days and no letters for me, but as I have been writing my various friends since being in camp, I shall have a large mail to look over one of the nights after a hard day’s march for the “shadows of coming events” again flit about us and we expect soon to be again on the move for what I trust will be the closing up of the end. In short, we expect in a few days to be on our way to east Tennessee, probably Knoxville or vicinity. Every man is expected to have an extra pair of shoes and no one [is] to go who can’t march ten miles a day comfortably. Our sick have been coming up for a day or two and nearly all that will be with us for the present and up. It is a consolation that the end seems approaching for with the fall of Charleston and success in or at Chattanooga, the thing must close before long. Saw Alonzo and spoke of my chances of going home, thought it would be all right yet and I see by the “Charleston Advertiser” that Capt. Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins are to wait “for the present” and go back with conscripts, so I have not lost hope yet, but distance will make it tedious work and if we move, furloughs will be out of the question. We do have to exercise large patience and hope but I trust I am not quite destitute of those qualities yet, for the future looks brighter. We are having lovely weather and quite warm daytimes. Have got nicely rested up and I believe I can go through it. It is quite amusing to hear our course mapped out. We are going, they say, to Knoxville and then to Atlanta, Georgia, and so on to Charleston, S.C., and then home, of course. A big thing isn’t it? Well we’ve done just as big a thing as that. This is all the speculation or novelty for the present. Took a long stroll with Ben up and beyond town to the 29th Regt. and saw some Charlestown boys tho I was not acquainted with any before the war. All the troops show the effects of Mississippi life and our Company H has lost still another, Perley (of Gardner) musician. Coming back, stopped and ate a pie at the poor lonely widow’s, whose husband died in Alabama after a terrible march to reach our forces at Shiloh. She showed us the letter from his officers and a piece of poetry on his death. As I read them aloud she wept like a broken hearted woman that she is. The people have helped her some and she sells pies to the soldiers. The children were playing about, one infant in her arms. And this is only one of the thousand cases. We comforted her as best we could and left. Was interrupted, Allie, in this letter by Ben’s calling and proposing a stroll. Went out and found some mineral water. Sulphur, magnesia and iron are the chief properties. [I] have a canteen full of the former and it is strong of the sulphur, but we become used to all kinds, anything but Miss. [Mississippi]. Found some fruit and we seated ourselves in the shade of some trees and ate, chatted, etc., and Ben read a pretty story of the “Lowly Lady” in the “Bunker Hill” and finally got back to camp just past dinner time and now what do you think I am doing besides writing to you? Cooking to be sure! Expect to have a little dish of stewed shelled beans for supper and Ben I think [will] share them. So you see I can provide something for the inner animal wants and send a message to your dear self. Do you object to such an act? Our loved ones at home and our meals and the world of heart and body you know. Battalion drill again this P.M. and that before long but this to you by today’s mail and may tomorrow’s bring me something. I wrote Mr. Nelson Moore of O. [Orange] day before yesterday and Sister Kate yesterday. How’s Lulu? Does she love beans and how would she like some of Papie’s cooking? Darling, give her two or three kisses for me daily and I will write her again by and by. Did she get the little letter I sent in one of yours? Some folks from Worcester were here the other day, father and mother of one of Company C’s. Mr. Bradford is here from Charlestown. His son is or has been ill. The Orange boys are still scattered. Henry Mayo is at Brigade Headquarters close by [and] is Corporal of the fatigue squad, which they always have. Some are back and Nelson (Corporal) Smith is here, a “little limping” from Mississippi sores. [Agree] Don’t know where Henry Boyden is. Sumner Moore is getting better. Oh, it is sickening to think of what we’ve come to. Captain Sawyer is sick at home. Expect him soon with his company again. Was going to Orange to see the friends of the boys when able. ‘Twill soon be Drill, when it will be “By Companies, Right wheel! Forward, Column to the Left!” Ask Frank if that sounds natural? Much love ever to all. And as ever your loving husband Jerome P. Our chaplain is returned, quite well and they say [he] preached a fine sermon yesterday. [I] was away and did not hear him. Please send a stamp occasionally as we can’t get them now even if we have money. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 2: 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 “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 5: L. Alonzo Perley enlisted as a musician at age 21 from Gardner, Massachusetts. He died of disease on August 19, 1863 at Mound City, Illinois. NOTE 6: Corp. Henry H. Mayo enlisted at the age of 21 as a corporal in Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862. Jerome enlisted on the same date. He was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864, just a few days before Jerome was killed at Spotsylvania Court House. NOTE 7: William Nelson Smith enlisted at age 20 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted, and he attained the rank of Corporal. He was discharged for disability on December 23, 1864. NOTE 8: Henry Boyden enlisted on August 4, 1862, from Orange, Massachusetts, at age 26. He died of disease on August 15, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. NOTE 9: Sumner Moore enlisted on August 6, 1862, as a Private, at age 28, from Orange, Massachusetts. He was discharged on June 8, 1865, on the expiration of his service. NOTE 10: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. 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 7, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Crab Orchard, 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 1863-09-07 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (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 "5.57 X 3.19" - 1st Scan "4.98 X 7.98" - 2nd Scan "10.05 X 7.98" - 3rd Scan "4.98 X 7.98" - 4th Scan Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #157 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Crab Orchard, KY Allie Crab Orchard Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b96527fe8a99fac2da115236364900c3.jpg 0f38f413b6db86f7da9b16540bf100a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e4f2db24b00385fe00d0ba6c97fa3965.jpg 6ab896e1905f9015f534e76012053688 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/513dab759d220fc5d5aba6f573e4eef4.jpg 86eb1cfec017dc56dffa4c86e0d12fe4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/18798a34a58e15fc9c79513b3a4bd8f5.jpg a8fceaa3a64bca20eb9538586f7c3e0d 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 Crab Orchard, Ky. 9th Sept/63 My Dearest Wife, ‘Tis evening and by a candle I send a few words to my dear ones at home. What shall I say? Yours of [the] 2nd so full of joyous anticipation with thought of soon meeting me made my heart ache as I thought of the uncertainties and disappointments of a soldier’s life and this I know will be so to you and find it hard to talk about. Orders came just now that we must ‘forward’ tomorrow morning and the prospect is we must give up the thought of meeting for the present. It grieves me, dear Allie, to tell you this but let us hope that the future will show that it was all for the best, altho we may not quite see it. From some unaccountable reason the papers which was to send me with others home do not come to hand. The brigade commander does not understand it and probably the officers, Capt. Holmes and Lieut. Hodgkins, will return to the Regt. We can only think it is because we’re moving so far and the difficulties of communication. Had a talk with Alonzo. He is in the dark of course. The order was from headquarters in regular official order and we must call it one of the strange things of war and army life. I had hoped for a delightful meeting but I have become accustomed to almost everything but I know how disappointed you will all be, but we did not think such things would be, as the others were receiving conscripts. Alonzo thinks we may yet, even at Knoxville, receive some word. It is “official” and must be answered some way. I hope you will see some good meaning to it, as I am trying to, and still hope on that our forward movement will presage an early close of the war. We have got a long march before us. Let it comfort you to think how well I have always been and now I am in most excellent health and very hopeful and if we can help bring an end I feel as tho I could still march a long way. Alonzo is in fine spirits and feels as I do but very many of our poor boys will have to stay behind. I expect we’ve a 160 miles before us but it is to be made as easy as possible, marching about ten miles a day which leaves the P.M. and night to rest and finally I hope we shall strike the great line of R[ail]road at Knoxville which will seem nearer home than here, almost. My dear Allie, this is the hardest letter I have had to write since I came out but everything looked so square and fair I could but speak confidently so do try and be resigned and believe that a happy meeting yet awaits us which may be longer for the waiting. Had a nice letter from Mr. Herring. Enclosing one from H. Hoover. He has had an easy time. Jos. H. recd. a nice letter from Nellie. Tell her he appreciates it and that he is worthy of it. His ambitious and kindly attentions will do ever so much for him. I am only happy to share my part of the letters with him. Indeed, we read each other’s. Continually, army life has been a benefit to him decidedly and he thinks everything of the General. It is dark and the crickets are singing while Mr. Stevens and another soldier boy are enjoying a game of Euchre. Wrote sister Kate two days ago and Geo. today. Shall send a few lines to Murray with Hoover’s letter in return. Ben is well and sympathizes with us in this disappointment, all the more as he has had such a delightful meeting with his wife. I must bid you goodnight. I hope you have not told Lulu, the darling. She little knows, but like her we must think of the Good Father who has so wonderfully preserved us. Oh Allie, when I think of what I have passed thru, I cannot mourn us but only say “all is well” and the future full of blessing and so I believe. Love to all and a goodnight kiss and the entire love of your Jerome. Direct letters the same as ever and write often and tell the friends to. I shall write often. Shall be moving for 2 days probably. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: 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 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: 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 4: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. 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 9, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Crab Orchard, 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 1863-09-09 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 "5.57 X 3.12" - 1st Scan (JPEG) "4.57 X 7.26" - 2nd Scan (JPEG) "9.27 X 7.46" - 3rd Scan (JPEG) "4.57 X 7.26" - 4th Scan (JPEG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #158 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Crab Orchard, KY Allie Crab Orchard Jerome Peirce KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c80632e83e105103cbb193a709487dda.jpg 67225a91b48e17358b9ffb4bdac874bb https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ce764f634d53643c347543abac25d1e.jpg 20125ebfaca14e12bfd2ba8709f496fc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/81ebd1a74adbd5d6d9959854e920f6c5.jpg ab04dfedb463e6677e40a1bac1a1d3ad 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 Near London, Ky Sunday 13 Sept 1863 My ever dear wife, Once more on the march and at a halt where we are putting up for Sunday, a blessed privilege which does not often occur when moving. Before you receive this you will hear of the move into Lenoir and feel disappointed at my not coming on. Alonzo wrote and mailed a letter home since we started and spoke of it, but the more I think of it the more I feel that it is “all right.” Almost everyone who has been home since this Miss[issippi] campaign have been very sick of the fever. Col. Bowman is now ill at home and I would not risk being sick now for anything except to see you and as long as you are well I hope that you will feel “all’s well.” Alonzo feels just so. If we stay here and we get over in this climate what we engendered in Miss[issippi], we shall be all right and he feels as this would cost him sickness if he had gone home. I have been puzzled to know whether you would go to Foster’s expecting me or not so I sent a letter to F.P. & Co[mpany]’s care for you the morning we left Crab Orchard thinking you might go there. Well we are 36 miles on our way and some of it was hard, exceedingly hot and dusty and over the wildest mountain region we have yet seen, villages 25 miles apart and rough enough looking at, that ‘Mt. Vernon’ and ‘London’ only think what names! But fortune still favors me and this time to another’s misfortune. The color bearer, Littlefield, was taken sick at noon of the first day so I am relieved of my knapsack. Carrying only my rations, tent cloth and a hatchet and am getting along finely. If I should be the one to bear the state colors of Mass. into Tennessee (the home of Gen’l. Jackson!) only think of it! I believe the 29th and 35th Regt have both sent home their state colors so we are the only one of the three Mass. Regts. here who have a state flag. But we’ll not anticipate for news (reliable) comes that we’re carrying all before us in Tennessee and we’re not wanted etc., etc. and perhaps we shall go back, but “don’t see it.” I have come out into the woods to write you. So much noise and smoke from the fires and here I am on an old log in a pretty shady place and nothing but the murmurs from camp comes to disturb me. Did you think of the anniversary of our wedding? We left C[rab] O[rchard] on the 10th, and I thought of it and under a burning sun we were struggling on over the rough roads of K[entuck]y. Will another year bring us together under the family roof? I hope and believe so and then what a blessed time we’ll have! Mailed a letter to you and Mr. Murray this morning before we started and of course I have no news only that I am bearing it so far nicely and see no reason why I cannot go a great ways. Don’t know how mail facilities will be. We shall rest one day in four, no doubt and I shall send back whenever I can. Have been busy, cooking and resting and little things that keep us employed on the march. One of the O. [Orange] boys, N. William Ward (not Edmund) is sick and I have tried to tend him some. Ought not to have started, bowel complaint and chills some. It seems little like the Sabbath but however tired or confused, I always think of you and our blessed Sabbath at home on that day and long for the time when there will be no marching to dread on that day. The whole division with Gen’l. Ferrero is with us and yesterday morning about 9 o’clk a.m. when the order came in to turn in and halt we were glad enough, for the day before we came 17 miles and did not reach camp till nearly 9 o’clk p.m. Fri[day]. Came by “Wild Cut”, a wild romantic mountain pass where there was a camp once and a battle between Gen’l. Zollicoffer rebel and the Union men. I don’t seem to recollect about it, but is well marked for there is rocks, caves, bad roads and steep hills all at once. Had a big shower last eve. or p.m. and all hands of the officers were outdoors, for their baggage did not get here on acc[oun]t of the terrible going for teams, but I had my tent and Mr. Stevens came up so we had a house right off and during the shower the water ran most all over the floor! but I continued to make a fire and had hot coffee in the midst of it so checked all bad effects. Well, Allie dear, I have been looking over this and am amazed to see what a fumbled up affair it is! but it is a marching letter written in the woods and I hope it will find all the friends well. How is Abbie? Will write her soon and the rest and hope to receive lots of letters from them and the papers will tell you more of the 9th A. C. [Army Corps] than I can begin to. We find much to amuse us, noticeable standing, the long walks and I enjoy the wild romantic country very much. Had such a nice bath when we got in and a little rested! Am feeling well and hope so to continue. Am glad Joe and Mr. Galloway are not coming for I know they are both particularly useful in their labors at home. Our Chaplain did not start. Don’t know when he will come along. Love as ever to Lulu and all, and Ever your own, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Tom Neubig) NOTE 1: Felix Kirk Zollicoffer was a newspaperman, three-term United States Congressman from Tennessee, officer in the United States Army, and a Confederate brigadier general during the Civil War. He led the first Confederate invasion of eastern Kentucky and was killed in action at the Battle of Mill Springs in January 1862. NOTE 2: According to the Regimental History, Crab Orchard was quite a favorite resort of the people of Kentucky, and was celebrated for its mineral springs. “Whether the men tried the waters of the springs or not the writer cannot say; they certainly were not delectable to the taste, and it is very doubtful whether they were used medicinally”. (Page 78.) NOTE 3: The Regimental History notes that on the evening of September 12th, a severe thundershower came up at night; the baggage being far behind, and the field staff without any tents. “September 13th, Sunday, we lay quietly in camp, — a very welcome rest—for the men were getting very footsore from the rough Kentucky roads. It would be hard to find worse ones even in rocky New England.” Page 78 NOTE 4: The Regimental History notes in mid-to-late August 1863, “Every day the effect of the southern campaign was shown in the increasing number of the sick. Many were sent to hospitals, and the regiment rapidly decreased. Chills and fever were most prevalent, and a disease similar to scurvy broke out and caused the death of several, whose flesh actually fell from their limbs before death relieved them from their sufferings. All complained of a feeling of exhaustion, and officers and men dragged themselves painfully and slowly about the camp.” Page 76. NOTE 5: Ammiel Littlefield enlisted in Company F at age 36 from Milford, Massachusetts, as a Corporal. He was later promoted to Sergeant. Littlefield was wounded at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the same battle at which Jerome Peirce was killed. However, he recovered from his wounds and was discharged on June 8, 1865, on the expiration of his term of service. NOTE 6: Nathan W. Ward died of disease Oct. 21, 1863 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was in Company H with Jerome and Edmund Ward. NOTE 7: Foster was Jerome’s brother, and owner of the Foster Pierce & Company business. NOTE 8: Alonzo is Seth Alonzo Ranlett, husband of Nellie, Allie’s younger sister or Jerome’s brother-in-law. 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, September 13, 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 1863-09-13 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource "4.96 X 8.08" - 1st Scan "9.89 X 8.08 - 2nd Scan "4.96 X 8.08 - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #161 Type The nature or genre of the resource Text 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