7 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/37086cf362ca8d084594b29abdfe7501.jpg b5d7b40c7af9eb74a039a61bada5a1ee https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d3d2de3616644a39a0ff9f7def37f3f3.jpg d11c0ee6907f39e551695fa5642421bc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7fe59652495835ea260911d0d90b44c4.jpg f881307f710d676e6c3b3fce78957420 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/4525f148a16d99a863eceddaadd77020.jpg 5cf76cedf353ce42c8d07317d4c839a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cc4910b17cc4459b64b8bbd9f203f089.jpg 3b4f645a953e4a20aebfb0d0a18b336e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/008c193c82c7eb5e7f6dd900baa7dd9b.jpg 5a87287455cdb53a37a5324078b11864 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 Tuesday 3rd Feb 1863 My ever dear Allie and Lulu, Here we are writing once more, J.H. to O [Orange], and your letter of the 28th is before me and I have read it over and over and it done me a great deal of good and many things came right home to the heart. The subject and interesting matter and the spirit too was in it, forgive me the expression, and if I even insinuate a difference in your letters for I know they all come from loving faithful wife but we all feel in different moods at times but sense here you seemed more like the maiden days of old in it and did not admit quite so much of care and trouble into it, perhaps, besides you had much that was particularly interesting to communicate. And now I propose, if not interrupted, to write you a long letter in return and how shall I begin? Well, I’ll take yours for a guide and I do indeed reciprocate your wish that the present separation may turn our hearts to the days of [???] when we spoke in most tender and loving words and how much we should cherish them! And for my own part, the life here so far from searing over the heart only causes me to recall and cling to the sweet and tender memories of the past and however poorly I may express myself, it is nevertheless true that I feel more like myself as I was at C [Charlestown] since I came here then when I was at O [Orange]! This may sound too strange to believe and I might not seem to you so, but I feel so. There is much to call out the quiet meditative tendencies than you would think and as Sister A [probably Abbie] says “If I live to see home and peace again this experience will not be in vain” etc. You spoke of the contrast in my pictures and of shedding tears. I do not chide you nor wonder at it. I used to feel myself that I have changed and felt it too more than I could express, however I might have seemed to belie it in my conduct but you know time makes its changes in outward appearances but if we can keep the heart young, pure and loving, all is well and since I have been deprived of the quiet home joys, they come back upon me with tenfold hallowdness and I live as it were, upon them. I was glad to hear that they knew my book had come so that they might not be at trouble about it and that you viewed it as you did too for I have enjoyed so much already! And all such things tend to keep grosser things out of mind. Jos. H. and some friends in a neighboring tent have become much interested in Shakespeare. You would have been amused to see us reading “What you will” (“Twelfth Night”) the other day. I read it mostly aloud to J.H. yesterday P.M. Some of it is very funny and some very poetical and beautiful, a great favorite of mine and we read more or less every day so you see a soldier’s life is not all dire and bloody, but here in this camp I assure you I have lived some of my best moments and trust to many more if we remain. Was on guard duty last night about half a mile from here with three men in a pine woods, somewhat trimmed out. I walked a beat of an hour at midnight, clear beautiful moonlight, the wind gently sighing thru the trees and need I tell you how my thoughts turned to all that is dearest to me? I thought of the past, how you looked and Lulu tried to hear her prattle and your voice too as of old and I asked shall I even embrace them again in this world? Oh Allie dear, this was one of my best hours and the pine wood near F g [Fredericksburg] will not soon be forgotten, although surrounded as I was by all the uncouth trumpery of forage stores (for it was the supply headquarters for the forage trains) but “I looked up” and the clear calm starlight with moon and sky was shining on you and me alike and all grosser things were for the time forgotten. But of the ordination, it must have been exceedingly interesting and if honored names and impressive services will serve to seal and hallow a pastoral connection. I do trust that the people of B [Billerica] will fully appreciate the time and occasion and may it prove a harbinger of good works in the future and I trust the new pastor will find a home and hearty support such as one should have coming as he does enclosed by the grand pillars: Peabody, Hale, Ellis etc. How much would I liked to have been there. Surely it must have been an “occasion” in old B [Billerica] and I shall think of it and of you all with a deeper regard, if possible, than ever. It does seem as if there was material there, and to feel that you have a minister! Tell me all you can about it from time to time and above all take part and keep interested for so you will keep the darker and more anxious hours illuminated by social intercourse and nothing gives me more comfort than to know that as far as you can dutifully you are enjoying yourself socially. And now a word for our doings here. We have been in the [???] since yesterday morn for a “Grand Inspection” or looking over by Gen. Sedgwick, our new Corps Commander and so had to keep near camp, part of the time with equipments on, ready to “fall in” not daring to set about anything in particular when away in the P.M. we were mustered to sign the payrolls which looks like being paid off till 1st Nov. 62. So the day ended and this morning “Inspection” again and that wound up by a Battalion Drill of more than an hour in a cold wind and over rough ground but we got warmed up and no pay yet. Another item I hardly dare to mention, so you must not hope too much. The “Army of the Potomac” are being furloughed! One corporal leaves here from our Co[mpany] tomorrow if his papers get safely through. Every ten days first one goes, then two. I filed my application yesterday morn, stand somewhere about the 7th or 8th. So possibly I may see home sometime in Mch. [March] or Apr. but the following things may defeat it. A movement of the Army, drawing lots for chances as some of the Co’s etc., which might put off my chances longer. There is considerable feeling in the Co. because the Capt. don’t let the Co. draw lots but he told me he was acting according to instructions and I should be remembered. I am happy to state to you that I am on excellent terms with him as well as the Lieut. (J. Gird) from a consciousness of endeavoring to do right and my whole duty which I think they appreciate. And here I may add that my literary taste and the style of our visitors of late (Bros. [Brothers] F [Franklin] and J [Joseph]) have had their effect at headquarters (the Chaplain’s tent I mean) and I feel that they have a respect and confidence in me which I shall endeavor to deserve and retain. We confidently expect to be paid within a few days to Nov. 1st last. If so I shall retain enough to carry me home without delay, 10 days is the time allowed. I pay my own fare both ways but of this more in [the] future. Don’t think too much of it now. I gave Lulu’s message to the Capt. and yours. He always returns the compliment to you in regards and kind wishes or the same of the boys from O [Orange]. By the way, they have had a levee at O[Orange] (North) and heard by a letter from them (J and Mary) they took [in] some over a hundred dollars for the benefit of the soldiers, quite a thing for old O [Orange]! Had another letter from Henry Peirce this morn as I came in. I am delighted that the youngsters remember me and he is a fair little writer as you can see for I enclosed one if his [letters] in my last [letter]. Must get wood and mail this by 5 P.M., so must close. Recvd. two “Journals”. Will you send ma toothbrush and a little more black linen thread. Am so glad you recvd. the paper. Hope Lulu will be choice of her little pictures and things from Papa, as one of these days she will have quite a collection, which case, for a playhouse or box. Little darling, does she know I want her to remember and love me or my memory if Heaven wills it! Leaves etc. are much withered here but will send as I can. Love to uncle, his folks, I mean a word to all always. I will try and write all who write As ever Jerome Transcriber’s Notes: Note in margin at the top of Page 1 which indicates a serial number he assigned to his letters at times: No. 6th The envelope contained two small pieces of paper with the following texts. Piece of paper Number 1: I tell you Allie, you can really know the good mission to me if such reading as Shakespeare, Cowpers, [???] Milton, Scott’s “Lady of the Lake” and “Marmion” if I could get pocket editions. There is so much in the scenery and [???] to give a vividness and pleasure such as makes the cost mean in comparisons and all these small copies. I could manage to keep by me, for the present at least. Tell me if you get the… Piece of paper Number 2: …few days [???] Tell me if you can read this easily. My ink is poor. I have tried to write plain tho fine. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, his nephew. NOTE 3: When Jerome mentions “the style of our visitors of late (Bros. [Brothers] F [Franklin] and J [Joseph]) have had their effect at headquarters” he is referring to a visit by his brothers Franklin and Joseph Peirce who visited him at his camp near Falmouth, Virginia, for about two days starting on January 4, 1863. According to his letters, they made an excellent impression on Jerome’s superior officers. (See Letters No. 57 and No. 58.) NOTE 4: William Shakespeare’s only play with an alternate title is titled “Twelfth Night” or “What you Will.” NOTE 5: The “Lady of the Lake” is a narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832), first published in 1810. Set in the Trossachs region of Scotland, it is composed of six cantos, each of which concerns the action of a single day. NOTE 6: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 7: Lieut. Joseph W. Gird enlisted from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at age 22 as a Private in Company F of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteers on October 4, 1861. On August 11, 1862, he was appointed First Lieutenant of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment but resigned on May 18, 1863. He was appointed Second Lieutenant in the 57th Massachusetts Volunteers on November 3, 1863, and was promoted in that regiment to Captain on December 31, 1863. Lieut. Gird was killed in action on May 6, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness, just a few days before Jerome was killed. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, February 3, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-02-03 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 6.84 X 4.48 6.3 X 9.41 11.07 X 9.28 6.43 X 9.28 6.12 X 3.97 6.2 X 3.9 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #67 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Falmouth VA. Allie Falmouth VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/77241ddcfae489cbd6d4bcbec5c8ee7d.jpg 6fdc400e7b1b180e0e9e5d533c3b8ea4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b1cefc2728aba924a96598cc5d4659ed.jpg 5fc4c3feee018ff0d38b8fcf3b94e1a7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8802e540c146b5d999136c21fcd79e67.jpg 53bf0cd4e1a9243b3f8f1e168980fc50 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b0de9fd3a6a7f7ecc64b13a644b0cc06.jpg 713745c8dfc84be51c1f205c88d69fd3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b0f30c9aedbe2a502b2f57211ea7a06a.jpg 5c0dc0b9c7f1577f01148dbcd13b20b0 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/75999d1960c201dbc74a1c88155c6afb.jpg d12cea8ef0351a0db0c467950855de08 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 Sunday P.M. 18th Jan 1862 1863 [See Note] My dear ones, The uncertainty of war still finds us by a comfortable fire in our tents, when we expected to have moved ere this. The weather is cool again, and today “orders to march” we[re] again Countermanded, which we are glad of, for being exposed, on marches, would decimate our ranks faster than battle. I wrote you on Thurs to [?], (one letter) expecting to march on[?]—and now I send a few lines. Am on guard duty today—have to post a guard every two hours near by passing the intermediate time in our tent. Have done little but, think and read yesterday’s paper. We have a sunny, beautiful day but Cool, and how much I wish I could be at church once more with you in old Mass! But what avails it. I can only do the next best thing—as we have no service - and it would still be “the next best thing.” Yesterday was out with a party a mile - good from Camp, chopping some wood for the Co. so we have cut away the forests since we came here! Father would think it wicked to see us burning the splendid White Oak woods which would [be] so good for timber. Did you have snow this time at the North? We imagined you must have had. Had a letter from Orange-- Sir- I got home safe, but fatigued of course. Said they had heard from you and expected a long visit from you and Lulu in the Spring! So are we always looking into the future, but hope you will indeed do so, and in a way to enjoy it, but uncertainty and fear rules the hours? till this wicked war ends. I see Gen Foster is again at work against Wilmington N.C. By the way Henry Boyden is with us again[.] Came on Fri. Is well and glad enough to get to the Regt. Mr Stevens is now really ill, at Alexana had a fever, and is quite feeble, but getting along slowly. thinks he will not get to the Regt. Guess he don’t wish to, and we all feel so, even the Capt. Would have a job if he had not been sick, working on barracks, jobbing[?] &c being a Carpenter. Had another letter from Henry [?] Fri Eve[.] Answered it yesterday, telling them of our still remaining here. Hope to hear from you tonight and that you have my picture by Foster. Also whether you have recd. all the money I have sent from here $9.00 & Lulu’s box, neither of which you have told me yet. I have just bought a nice lot of Stationary, so you need not send any for the present. Shall write Frank very soon. Did you get the letters by Foster? Also Mr. Bowen’s letter and Photograph? Will main this in the morning. Eve, past 8 o’clk. Mail in, & your letter of the 14th Am glad you got my letters so promptly—guess the inquiries at Washington about mail detentions are doing some good. I appreciate your feelings in regard to help from friends. I shall not feel troubled about being indebted to them after this. I have received your letters—money[?] 25[?] also stamps. Yes I know I sent you stamps in my last and understand your feelings in regard to money only I am trying to keep out of temptation and get along with as little as possible. I think you will get the things, picture & letter in time[.] Foster carried a letter from Martha in his packet till the next morning after he got here. .I had good chance to get some stationary—quite reasonable, so you can keep yours for the present. Have a quoir [sic] and bunch of good Envelopes also pens. It is getting late. shall be interrupted by guard duty thro’ the night: so must close. Got a letter from Ed Haynes—quite happy & well, but same old style. Monday morn-- Bright & fine—thought I would add a word. Heard from Alonzo R this morn. He is very sick of Typhoid Fever at Georgetown, which will prostrate him for awhile. Have got thro’ guard duty and have just got up some wood. Don’t move yet. Co Commenced drilling again this morn. Had some onions potatoes, & Salt beef this morn and it relished well. Can send a pair of socks when you get ready—no hurry. The boys are all well from – A. J. H. weighs 161. I have not been weighed for a long time. Shall write Frank today. Most dinner time, and think I shall have no news. you must see the papers for the rest. Mr. Heath is here from Charlestown. Have not spoken with him. He was carrying a gun for one of the men Coming from Picket. Adieu Jerome P P.S. Alonzo’s mother was with him. Don’t remember your speaking of receiving the money. All right, perhaps I did not get the letter. Will number this letter No. 1. Jan 18th Never mind the book “Hyperion” am afraid it would not get here, as I have expected once, but has not come yet and Capt. S. is abler to get one than you are to send it. Love always from Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE The original date on this letter was 18th Jan 1862. The year cannot be correct since Jerome did not enlist until August of 1862. Based on other research, this letter was definitely written on Jan. 18, 1863, instead of on Jan. 18, 1862. It has, therefore, been reassigned the Letter No. 60A to fall into the proper time sequence. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 18, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Falmouth, VA. 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 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-18 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.25 X 3 - 1st Scan 5.75 X 7 - 2nd Scan 5.75 X 7 - 3rd Scan 5.75 X 7 - 4th Scan 5.75 X 7 - 5th Scan 5.75 X 7 - 6th Scan jpg Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #1 Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington 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). 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 Falmouth, VA. Allie and Lulu Falmouth VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5d6bca5336d96dc24449bc93924e23e0.jpg 11ce236643356a4fa5539bc5e3c56edf https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/750b3e5ca85a4ac764ef27a411a63e5d.jpg 0f529f44a3da2ce3184c3eed61a0276d https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/cb39b50c3b4af2550fcdf3b8de2ab57a.jpg ee3363b01450574f50c95d187792e89a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/daaad11074a4c8a60abb2470252cb302.jpg e07e1cff2a3c9822e5d1ea93e440f4a4 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 Thurs eve 22d Jan. 1863 My dearest wife and daughter, It’s past “Taps” (lights out) but Jos H and I felt like writing a letter to the folks at home and here let me say that I hope these letters will be shared in a certain degree at least by the whole family. I seldom write directly to any but you, but I know it will be so felt. We have had a fierce storm of wind and rain for some 36 hours, still cloudy, but rained but little today. We escaped any serious wetting and what is far better, perhaps, a sight of not participating in another battle as we have been under marching orders for several days. Other divisions had broken camp and we were waked this morn. at two o’clk A. M. Had hot coffee and rations dealt out, but the weather has turned affairs and the troops have returned to camp. Jos. H. saw a soldier of the 10th Reg. today who said they had been out four days, had a rough time but thought this won’t finish the business for this winter and we should remain in camp now. Another rumor is by tonight’s paper that the Army of the Potomac was to be divided, part sent to Washington and the rest to go to the So. West for active operations etc. etc. etc. All of which is mere camp soldier and paper talk. The Journal will tell as near correct as any and I was glad to welcome the three [issues] that came a day or two since with the yarn and many thanks for the same. Well, your letter of the 18th came this eve., also the tea and stamps. Am glad the picture arrived safely and am glad you think it so natural and that Lulu knew it. It is one of the saddest thoughts that she may forget me or my looks so she might hesitate before coming to me. How your letter made me wish to embrace you both! We are not down-hearted, indeed have been in excellent spirits of late but we love to think of home and want to see the fighting done. The other eve. at dress parade the colonel read an ‘order’ from General Burnside to the effect that “we were about to meet the enemy and under the Providence of God hoped to win the victory which was due to the country etc.” The colonel called for “three cheers for the general” and were given with a will. But a strange fatality seems to beset us seemingly and I know not what to do or think, feel sometimes like a “ship at sea without a rudder” but still feel that the ship is sound and will come out all right yet. This is precisely as I feel as nearly as I can express it. Poor Ellen! Saw Lieut. Hodgkins who came from home via Washington a few days since. Said Alonzo was a sick man and would be prostrated for some time. Lieutenant H. has been ill and has just reached the Regt. and is acting adjutant in the absence of Alonzo. He too was a private in Co. B and promoted by the colonel and was to be Adjt. but sickness overtook him. He was a member of the U.S.A. [Army Regulars] and a fine, smart fellow and possibly we may have him in Co. H for Second Lieut. Had a letter from Ed Haynes (I mentioned before) also one from Edward Peirce dated the 18th said they had heard that day from Alonzo “was no worse” which E. [Edward] thought was poor encouragement. I do hope he will be spared but I know a fever will go hard with him as he is very fleshy and nervous. Did the Rev. Knapp you speak of ever preach in Brookline near Boston? I remember one by that name, used to be quite feeble, a good man and fair preacher if he is the one, quite tall. J. H. had a letter from home. All well but Jos., a bout with cold and cough. Charley is going to dances with the girls! and Jos. H. is writing him some good advice. Fine times among the young people up there. You see I have some stationery including some of the gilt edge that you sent, yet am abundantly supplied for the present. Will close tomorrow as letters go at night. Have a good, warm fire, doesn’t storm, very still, so a kiss and good night! Friday, near noon. Have written Abbie and Miss Waldo today. F. Crafts spent the P.M. in our tent a day or two ago. Not cleared off yet. They are playing euchre and checkers in the tents nearby. No news reliable. As ever your loving husband, Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: "Taps" originates from the Dutch taptoe, meaning "close the (beer) taps (and send the troops back to camp)". An alternative explanation, however, is that it carried over from a term already in use before the American Civil War. Three single, slow drum beats were struck after the sounding of the Tattoo or "Extinguish Lights". This signal was known as the "Drum Taps", "The Taps", or simply as "Taps" in soldier's slang. NOTE 2: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 3: This letter was written as the infamous Mud March was coming to an end. The Mud March was an abortive offensive in January 1863 by Union Army Major General Ambrose Burnside. Burnside had been trying to approach the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, by crossing the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, but had been soundly defeated. The so-called Mud March was his second attempt at a river crossing. The offensive began with a westward move on January 20, 1863, in unseasonably mild weather. Burnside, with a head start, altered his plan to aim at Banks' Ford, a closer, quicker crossing. At dawn of January 21, engineers would push five bridges across; after that, two grand divisions would be over the river in four hours. Meanwhile, another grand division would distract the Confederate troops by repeating the December crossing at Fredericksburg. During the night of the 20th, the rain began, and by the morning of the 21st, the earth was soaked and the river banks had the appearance of a quagmire. Already, fifteen pontoons were on the river, nearly spanning it, and five more were amply sufficient. Burnside began at once to bring up his artillery, which had the effect of making a perfect mortar bed. For a considerable area around the ford all day the men worked in the rain but to little purpose. Quite a number of cannon were advanced near the ford, but the 22nd only added to the storm, and the artillery, caissons and even wagons were swamped in the mud. The storm had delayed Burnside's movements, giving Lee ample time to line the other shore with his army, though there was no attempt to interfere with his crossing except from the sharpshooters, who peppered away on all occasions. No doubt Lee was hoping Burnside would effect a crossing; with a swollen river in his rear, it would have been a sorry predicament for the Union Army indeed, but Burnside finally became resigned to his fate and gave the order for the army to retire to its quarters, and thus ended the famous Mud March. The Mud March was Burnside's final attempt to command the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln replaced him with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker on January 26, 1863. NOTE 4: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was almost certainly 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, and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome. NOTE 5: Euchre, a game of cards, is an offshoot of Juckerspiel, a game that became widely popular throughout Europe during the Napoleonic era. In the 1800s, Euchre became one of the most popular card games in America and Australia. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 22, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-22 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, James Lloyd (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 5.47 X 3.14 4.81 X 8.04 9.80 X 8.05 4.81 X 8.04 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #62 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Falmouth VA. Allie Falmouth VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/604254f05d237ae72eecf7fb48d3e55a.jpg cafadf8862c026a077db6182b1deb25f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/364c520d80ed1b2bd5985ae0c4ce160e.jpg f342b1104fb5cfa7e67d46b56e0268b3 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/77b21b48e36aa7a62babffbc9f58468f.jpg ff4f0b26e791610c1f961dc4ee7a7c43 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e869af8b74d8d3520b976c22abeabde3.jpg 94fbd9c952a3130992a7c577fd3ec2ba 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 Jan 28th (Wednes) 1863 My ever dear ones, Jos H. and I are curling over a warm fire while outdoors the elements are combined to make a most uncomfortable day. We have seen the sun but for a short time for a week, the Southern winter having fairly set in. It commenced raining again last eve. and this morning it turned to snow, and it’s terribly muddy and forbidding outside so that “movements” even for necessary purposes are well-nigh prevented. Have been reading the “Atlantic”, singing and trying to be a little merry perhaps and dinner is just over. So, I must devote a few lines to you. I suppose the papers have given you the items of the last few days – the resignation of Gen. Burnside, Sumner and Franklin. So we hear, and none but Gen. Hooker left and he [is] not in the confidence and respect of the Army, if report is true, and it even goes so far as to say he will not accept the trust, and add to this Gen. Porter cashiered, and it looks as though we were drifting on into accumulated disaster and ruin that nothing but a Devine hand can prevent, and for once things look dark, dark. Well, I have hope and a dear spot towards the North Star to turn to, where I call to mind the warm hearts and dear faces and me thinks I see you all, and hear voices and the little patting feet of our dear little Lulu, and if it is such a day as it is here with you, I can imagine you two, sitting near the fire and perhaps talking or thinking of those away! But what shall I say? Have received some letters since my last (of Sunday) from Mrs. Ellis (Walpole), Ellen P. and Will C. It seems Alonzo is recovering slowly tho he has been very sick. Said she had a “comforting” letter from you. I will send you her and Mrs. E.’s letter. Have answered both. I have a letter from Dr. Bickford. Would you like me to send it sometime? Nothing particularly new from Will and Frank. All well and W. was “Corporal” and not quite as much exposed to some hardships, for which I am very glad. It is a quiet, dull day in camp, all amusing themselves indoors with cards, checkers, to singing or reading. Had a long “confab” with Ben Edmonds yesterday P.M. Chatted over old times to a great rate, and reading matter in particular, a very congenial spirit and not a little of a poetical turn. His nephew tents with him and has a copy of Byron, a present which introduced much matter for talk. I send you also a little gem cut from the “Register” which Ben copied off, for he is a collector of gems of the kind. What shall I say to Lulu? I wish I had the faculty of talking to her, for I do want her to remember me. Oh what a “benediction” would a child’s face be here! What a world it would be without them! And out here how fearfully we realize it too, where it is a constant struggle with our coarser nature but we are not left defenseless if we but improve the means even here provided. How are you all and what doing? What do people think of things now? By the way had a pretty note from Lottie Waldo the other day in a letter to F. Croft. I added a word to her in one of his [letters] awhile ago. Full of friendly interest and literacy of course. Have written Lucy within a few days, so by and by I must have a few letters, hope one from you tonight. Trust you are all well. Lulu must write to Papa again for he wants to see her very much. Can she sew yet? Has she ever walked on the snow yet? Do the snow-birds come to see her? Heard a robin (and saw it too) sing the other day while chopping and how glad a sound but I fear he’s fled again now, so wet and cold. Hope Mary is well and may heaven keep you all for a meeting sometime. With love as ever Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES [Josef Rokus] NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped near Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. NOTE 2: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 3: 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. Ellen was one of Jerome’s nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Charles Brewer (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 5.48 X 3.1 5.02 X 8.07 9.94 X 8.07 6.71 X 9.42 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #65 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Falmouth VA. Allie Falmouth VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ccbea954b65876f1ec534c84e5ea1f9e.jpg 7d2132912fcbc64404a590266e6a3876 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2fea4bf78d0817fcca7b61337e460659.jpg 5614b07a5d2dddd4735d0cd0adc8147b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8631123f974aeeff24673af62e3930bd.jpg dab7b85a82e1d4c04a823881fe104b93 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7c356cb3e9bfade2ae0249630247969d.jpg 0d718e2075c88616c3b3596e92e8e99f 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 Thurs Eve 8th Jan 1863 What shall I say to my Dear Ones tonight? Just done supper, of Baker’s Bread and Molasses made from sugar, with tea, which tasted good! Am sitting here alone (J.H. is out). Everything moves on as ever, our friends have been and gone, and it all seems like a cheerful dream and I hope by tomorrow you will receive my letters sent by Foster and by Jos. I sent the little tin pan for Lulu that I found in F [Fredericksburg]. I intended F [Foster] should have taken it but spoke to J [Joseph] to give it to him as you would get it sooner. They were very kind indeed to me and gave me six dollars before and F [Foster] seemed anxious that I should call on him for whatever I needed and in a spirit I know of real feeling. He appreciates my pluck in coming and will see me through whatever happens, and it relieves me to feel that whatever happens I shall, yes, and I believe we shall be remembered. Spoke of you. Said he thought you would be in B. [Probably “Billerica”] again before long. I can but feel that you are sincerely regarded by them, but long habit I know makes them appear different sometimes but you must be to some things “a little blind” for I do think they mean well. I find in conversation that F [Foster] and I agree in public matters more than formerly. I can tell you that the war experience is uniting people very much. And I find both of them were posted in the position here better than we, and anticipated the disaster, hence their indignation and I dare say it brought out remarks that some would call strong but they were right after all. But I really feel that the clouds are breaking. Yesterday the news of the victories in the So. West came to hand. If they will “keep doing so” they will find Richmond a capital without a country, sure, for they have got either to leave here or be nabbed, and if they leave Virginia it’s “all up”. Such is the opinion of Captain S. and the best informed here. Jos H. and I accompanied the friends to the depot. Alonzo R. went to Washington with them on furlough of four days. Expect him back tomorrow. After I closed your letter, dress parade came off. He made a fine appearance. It was his first appearance and all was well. And in his new uniform etc., he looked “every inch the soldier”. His ambition is fairly up. Yesterday, no, Tues., was a grand review of two divisions I believe. Was sorry that the folks could not have seen it. General Burnside was “in his pride”, came galloping down the line among great cheering. It rained some and was quite cold. No overcoats. (Just as you see me in the picture. Only my belt’s on and gun). So I couldn’t see the hurrah so kept my voice. But the “big generals” are very considerate and dismiss us soon as possible. The column was mile in length only in the shape of a letter L or like this: The dot shows our position. The squares [are] General Sumner’s and Burnside’s headquarters, the larger one being Sumner’s, which is a fine brick house, the other as fine a wooden one, painted white and must have been splendid estates before the war. It is one large plain without a shrub almost worn smooth by tramp of “armed men”. The woods are nearly cut away for fire wood. There is a very extensive and beautiful view from this spot, Fredericksburg and Falmouth and the distant pine woods. And still more distant summits west. The “Old Dominion” will be indeed a sufferer by this terrible war. Your “almanac” came to hand. I give you many thanks and the credit of being original in sending it. It will be very useful and acceptable. Jos H. is come in and looking it over. Have had an abundance of reading of late. I send you two papers. The “Chronicle” is a good thing, a specimen of the Capital papers of the better class. The “Inquirer” I get once in a while. Capt. and I exchange a good deal. He gave me Whittier’s Poems, “Blue & Gold” edition from the Chaplain and have enjoyed them much. “My Soul and I” is a grand deep poem. How good it did seem to get a look and such a book amid such scenes. I loaned him the “Monthly Pilgrims Magazine” that Kate sent me. I mention this as an incident of our camp life, that you may know that I am not entirely deprived of my favorite pastime. I put on my new flannels today. Found the pencil, sewed on the labels. All very nice and of course very comfortable and as grateful I trust. Quite cool for two days past. I have kept my dress coat nice so I can “appear out” quite nice, when occasion requires. So I have not lost my pride you see. Hope Lulu will get the toy for I love to remember the little darling in some way and I knew she would appreciate that. I thank her with a kiss for her kind intentions of presents, etc. Ah, but I could see her and you all, but not yet. And yet, how strong I feel assured that we shall yet meet. Our mail doesn’t come till “Tattoo”, which will soon sound, so I will expect something before closing. Don’t let me forget to thank her for her letter. I appreciate her position and feel that I’m not forgotten. Had quite a dream this morning about Will. Perhaps I’ll relate it sometime. 9 o’clock. Much mail in yours of the 4 Jan. received. Thanks for the stamps. Will answer more particular before long. Good night. As ever your, Jerome Don’t stick your stamps to the paper. Jos H. received a letter. Your state aid was sent up to Jan 1st $8.29. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The location from where the letter was written is not indicated. However, based on letters prior to and after this one and the history of the Army of the Potomac, it was written while the 36th Massachusetts Regiment was camped at Falmouth, Virginia, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg, Virginia. NOTE 2: The “friends” or “folks” referred to in the letter were Jerome’s brothers Foster (“F” in the letter) and Joseph (“J” in the letter). They visited the camp of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment briefly starting on January 4, 1863, per Jerome’s letter of January 5, 1863 (Letter No. 57) The Unit History includes the following comment pertaining to the time the regiment was encamped at Falmouth: “There were a few Massachusetts visitors at our camp.” NOTE 3: Joseph Peirce, who was born in 1820, was the father of Joseph H. (Jos. H. or J.H.) Peirce. Foster Peirce was born in 1812. For reference, Jerome was born in 1830. NOTE 4: The “J. H.” or “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce and was the son of “Brother Joseph.” (See NOTE 3) He was, therefore, a nephew of Jerome. 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 also Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. NOTE 5: The “tin pan” mentioned in the letter is also mentioned in Letter No. 57 as follows: “I send a little pan that I found over in F. [Fredericksburg] have mentioned before for Lulu. She can make a cake.” NOTE 6: According to John Hennessy, Chief Historian, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, the “large brick house” that is mentioned in the letter and that was the headquarters for General Edwin Sumner during the Battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862 was almost certainly the Phillips House. It is generally presumed that Gen. Sumner also had his headquarters at Chatham Manor at some point during the battle, but if he did, it was for only a brief time. The Phillips house burned a few weeks later. Also, the “fine wooden” house mentioned in the letter was likely the Hoffman House, which also no longer stands. NOTE 7: Major General Edwin Vose Sumner (1797 – 1863) was the oldest field commander of any Army Corps on either side during the Civil War. Sumner fought in the Black Hawk War, in the Mexican–American War, on the Western frontier, and in the Eastern Theater for the first half of the Civil War. He led the II Corps of the Army of the Potomac through the Peninsula Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, the Maryland Campaign, and he commanded the Right Grand Division of the Army during the Battle of Fredericksburg. He died on March 21, 1863, at age 66, a few weeks after this letter was written, while awaiting transfer. NOTE 8: By the “disaster” he referred to in the letter, he almost certainly means the Union Army’s defeat at the recent Battle of Fredericksburg. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, January 8, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peircce, Jerome Allie Lulu Falmouth VA Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-01-08 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Ben Raterman 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 8 x 10 15.25 X 10.15 8 X 10 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #58 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Camp at Falmouth VA Allie Falmouth VA Jerome Peirce Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e35ec7929af44a532014d74f34c9169a.jpg f1ff2c582687c8d8854feb6effff951e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/77f1f674b8853bb63ae71f0bace55e15.jpg c772b1d0a37a594bc72b4ecf7c56edba https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/07020a6930d6fd8d792b4609cb62dca4.jpg aa6dc8d7fcecc8847322cda1961f2435 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c59e7b964526abd7f9a59ad0d6beec13.jpg 2b16c21c076db554c8e16b3ce5ef5a8b 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 Newport News, VA 8th Mch [March], 1863 My dearest Allie and Lulu, Sunday, almost noon J.H and I writing alone in the tent, the others on Picket Duty. Had a violent thunderstorm, but now the sun is out and quite warm tho’ not fairly cleared off. Well now, what can I write that will cheer you? Another week has passed and much as ever, and if you receive my letters you will know how it passed. Allie, life here as at home, becomes quite monotonous and when we attempt to write, we hardly know what to say. Our Chaplain and one of the Drs. [Doctors] have gone home, so we may not have service at all, especially as the rain made it quite wet. This morning I had to sew a little and before I had fairly got to writing the bugle called for the Regimental Inspection. Came in and finished a short letter to Ed Haynes, and now it is dinner call, so you see we cannot escape interruptions. Yesterday we had a grand inspection which is more thorough than any other. Have to look our best, and any defect is looked after such as personal cleanliness, condition of clothes and every knapsack is looked over, so you see we are taken some care of. Have just had a little dinner, a “lunch”, a piece or two of bread and butter with cold meat and water, as at home on Sundays. You will not think this much of a Sabbath letter I fear, but I have tried to give you an idea of what we do from time to time, and if letters do not read as you would like, you will know the reason. It took quite an effort of the mind or “preparation of heart” to make Sunday seem different from other days and yet today is one of the best I have had for some time. Frank Burdett of Co. B came to see me this morning. He left for home today having obtained his discharge papers. I did not have time to even write a note, for he was to leave in about an hour and just then came the Inspection before mentioned. I mentioned him in my last letter. I think a fine fellow, and I doubt not he will recover his health at home. I thought he left yesterday. Had a letter from Kate Fri. eve. Alonzo slowly improving. Ellen still at Georgetown with him. Heard a letter read this morning from Benj. Mayo of Orange at Newbern, in good health and spirits apparently. He writes the O. [Orange] boys. Harland Metcalf has been home on a furlough, was here Fri. He was well. Furloughs with us seem done for, except with Com [Company] Officers. The Col. arrived a few moments ago. The Major (Goddell) goes home next. Hope my turn will come one of these days and hope ‘twill be a long one, the war ended and nothing to think of but “Peace and good will towards men”. I fear I did not get my usual letters last eve., none from Abbie and she generally writes every Sunday. Went to Division Headquarters yesterday P.M. and saw on the way back Willie Hall. He is as well as usual. I believe I told you that Dick was to be married at Baltimore soon. Gussy is engaged to an Italian lady, and is still waiting for his final opportunity of appearing in his profession. It seems he was deceived some way and has some further waiting but a new friend is to assist him in the autumn. Well, you have had, I trust, a good Sabbath, perhaps Communion. Oh, how glad would [I] have been to have sat by your side, with the dear and familiar faces about me! And how poor a scrawl I send you for a Sabbath day! But you will read it on a weekday. I am reading daily some portion of the good book but my mind is constantly assailed by the din and detail of Camp and I cannot express to you all I feel. Here’s a little incident for the S[abbath] School children. Last Sabbath eve. I strolled to the adjoining Brigade where a band plays. Attached to it is a sweet-faced little lad of 13 yrs. He was so modest, expert and attentive that I inquired (after they had dispersed) his name, age etc. A man who seems to have charge of him, for his father is dead, told me, and said he, “He is a good boy and don’t grow old.” He is a fine little fellow with blue eyes and light hair, and a fit type of the little heroic “Drummer boys.” His name is “Jimmy Moores” and belongs in N.H. [New Hampshire] I have mentioned the incident to the Orange scholars and to Miss Waldo. “A good boy and don’t grow old”. Mail just came (P.M.) Yours the 3rd Mch. [March] Dress very pretty. Am very, very sorry for your hard work. ‘Tis a trying time and I feel more than I can tell but, I do feel that all’s for the best. Have written to Ben Haynes’ folks today. J.H. and I wrote Lottie E. a few days ago. How little they know what they enjoy. Tell little Lu [Lulu] I shall carry the pieces of dress in my pocket. She must be a good girl to pay for the pretty dress. I hope to send you some money one of these days. The Register came today but no letter from Abbie. I did not send W.E.P. for stamps. His father promised to send and presume he spoke of it so sent them. I send you Kate’s letter. She seems very kind. What do you hear? I wish you would tell me. I have only 5 c[ents] in my pocket and don’t spend a cent, and will not when I can help it, is a good motto is it not? TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: This letter contains no closing, unless a page is missing. NOTE 2: 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 3: Francis (Frank) Burdett of Company B was 26 years old when he enlisted from Charlestown. He was discharged for disability on March 2, 1863, in agreement with what Jerome wrote in this letter. NOTE 4: 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 5: 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, March 8, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Newport News, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-03-08 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). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.15 X 3.01 4.94 X 8.23 9.75 X 8.23 4.94 X 8.23 jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #82 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Newport News VA. Allie Jerome Peirce Lulu Newport News VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f99693faeddf85d2bd53b5c1085b0a3a.jpg 2e06b99992bd7196a3d9ada03a8c4e25 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/892573e3dba231c0d6fdc34bdf35dc51.jpg 4c879060b1f91f66b3fd8a7b3e0e0cf7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a408b753f3a03e93aa6319381fff84a3.jpg 590c377841e684bc090a3bbcf40fb862 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Picket Post. Near “Catletts Station”, Va. Sunday PM May 1st, 1864 My [own ???] dear Wife and Lulu. This beautiful Sabbath afternoon, may it be as pleasant with you – from this novel situation as Sergt. of the Picket, I send you a word of greeting. How little did I think one week ago that we should be so snugly fixed in this situation! Expected to have been on the Rapidan with Gen. Meade ere this, but we [fairly???] find ourselves living in log houses with cloth roofs and taking life easy guarding R Road [Railroad] from guerrillas which have infested the neighborhood. Mailed letters from near Alexandria and by our Sutler yesterday written from Bristoe’s [also spelled Bristow’s] Station where we camped for one night. Friday morning struck tents again and marched down the R Road some five miles when two Co’s H and G came down here, or a mile from here, where we relieved two Co’s. of the 14th Regulars and it seems the [???] for the present we scattered along this R Road as guard. The country reminds me some of the ground between town (at B [Billerica???]) and where Judkins’ [???] lived, rather skirted with woods. Where we are was a thick growth of oaks now much thinned out, the R Road ten rods perhaps on front with slight embankments. And some six or eight workmen are repairing while the sentinel paces his beat with fixed bayonet and ball cartridges. Trains pass frequently otherwise tis very quiet especially after such a long time at the front or with the hum of Camp life all about us. Have guard and Picket duty quite often of course but we shall rest up. The Regiment is nearby toward A. [probably Auburn, Virginia] while our quarters are towards Catlett’s opposite. Just breeze enough to be agreeable and reminds me so much of the dear old days at Pleasant Valley! If we could take a stroll together and hear a good sermon from [???] I do hope you are well and having some refreshment body and soul! Is it so? We soon expect to send and receive mail daily and then what chats we can have. Can you realize that your wandering boy is leading such a quiet life as near home? Let us make the most of it? A whole Brigade of heavy Artillery as Infantry passed us this A.M. for the front right from N.Y. harbor and many others are constantly going forward so it looks like something. A fearful future for some. Shall we be spared the last conflict? How these questions come up and we hope everything will be for the best. Are you all well? Can tell you nothing particularly interesting but I know a word will be axceptable [sic]. J. Henry is with the Co. [???] and is quartered with us eight in a house so far. Don’t know what the reason is that he came to the Co. All the boys from the Regt. are reported back. Will have a chance again soon perhaps. Is quite happy and boyish in his jollity. Another little incident. A playmate of Eddie Peirce’s is in our Co. belongs to the 29th Mass. (those who didn’t enlist are in our Regt.) and by chance I found him out. Geo. Woodbury I remember his name. Had a long chat last Eve. about old times in C [Charlestown?]. Younger of course than I am but as a mate of E’s [Eddie’s?] I was interested. A pleasant fellow and good soldier. How strange we meet folks in this world. Where’s my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days. And then I will answer all her questions. What would she ask me first. Think? Am very well indeed. Read a Psalm and a chapter from Ep [Epistle] St. John after got ready on duty – perhaps I ought to before. Mustered again this morning as accounted for for Pay. Shall return to quarters about 10 o’clock tomorrow morning and hope you will get this promptly. Love to all and Ever yours Entirely Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: This letter was almost certainly the last letter that Jerome Peirce sent to his wife and daughter. A note added by someone on the first page of the letter indicates affirmatively that it was. It reads “last letter form (should be “from”) J.S.P”. NOTE 2: Rev. Levi Ballou in the funeral service sermon for Jerome Peirce that he gave on June 19, 1864, in the church in Orange, Massachusetts, where Jerome Peirce had been the “Sabbath School Superintendent” made reference to several letters that Albinia had shared with him. The following is an excerpt from this letter that he used in that sermon. “Again, he writes his companion [his wife, Albinia or Allie], only 12 days before he fell, and after describing the place where he then was, as reminding him much of certain localities where they had in former days conversed and strolled together. He adds that by the movements of the army, “It looks like a fearful future for some.” He asks, “Shall we be spared the last fearful conflict?” “We hope all will be for the best.” He then speaks of his darling child to whom he sends some flowers which he had culled for her to keep to remember Papa and in closing says, ‘I hope to see you again soon.’” NOTE 3: The article titled “Hopeful Words Written in a Brutal Spring” in the Boston Globe edition of May 29, 1994, also includes the following excerpt from this letter. “Where is my darling Lulu today? Found some flowers which I send her. Keep them and think of Papie. Time flies and I hope to see you one of these days and then I will answer all your questions. What would she ask me first, I think?...Read a Psalm, a chapter from the Epistle of St. John after I got ready on duty.” This article mentions that this letter is dated May 1, 1864, and that it may have been the last letter he wrote. This letter is also referenced in the May 1994 issue of Reader’s Digest as being “cheerful and upbeat.” Likewise, the fact that he sent flowers with this letter is also mentioned in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star article of May 29, 2001. NOTE 4: The following is a summary from the Unit History that describes the activities of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment around May 1, 1864. “On the 30th [of April, 1864] it became necessary to make another change, and our "Regulation Camp" was abandoned to others. We marched at half-past five o'clock in the morning, crossed Kettle Run at noon, and relieved the Seventeenth Regular Infantry, of the Fifth Corps, taking possession of the splendid camp near Catlett's Station, which they had occupied during the winter. Captain Morse, with Co. C, was sent forward to Catlett's, to guard the station and water tanks, while the remainder of the regiment went into camp. The larger portion of the regiment was accommodated in the barracks of the Seventeenth Regulars, but the three left companies were obliged to occupy their shelter-tents. Upon reaching this place, it being the last day of the month, the regular monthly return of the regiment was made up and forwarded to headquarters. As being the inventory of the effective strength with which we entered the campaign it may be interesting to include a synopsis of the report. At that date we had present for duty fourteen commissioned officers, and four hundred and twenty-six enlisted men, belonging to the regiment, including ninety-one men transferred from the Twenty-ninth Massachusetts Volunteers, or four hundred and forty in all. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, May 1, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Picket Post, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-05-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #215 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Picket Post, near “Catletts Station”, VA. Allie Catletts Sation VA. Jerome Peirce Lulu Picket Post VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b66d1c6e5485ab39b1380f281d6b9964.jpg 29e5f20194de1e09c997937bd5ab25f6 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/938e71ee1429c87423257bf2dd41f162.jpg 0f47e33281e507901c9f426ae510d9ae https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/665864b1bd8f98c05503eb80c40af330.jpg d66b84d74ae8675fa4d695711b98f3de https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3e3c30675a352eaeafcc615802c491b8.jpg 0b75dfc27fa4c850aae70a95d4d2ea99 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1651a708703bb75fe47714eb34c41e08.jpg ca8d6f54e6418796bd6b0f267687d7f8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/384c78e61a516017ed240d3deab1900e.jpg e3808fadbfc5a5242e65039e7a9720ee https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dd8f81d0f5eddfcf731a50ec99309e3d.jpg 085c6b9c370b690e066b0c32adc14f19 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Fredericksburg 24th Nov 1862 My ever dear Wife & Little one, Sitting here in the warm sunshine, tho’ the air is Novemberish, my thoughts seek the page, and I commence something. No news, for we are still inactive a short distance from the City with nothing but rumors of camp to stir us. waiting, waiting for something, which only the head ones understand. We are having fine Nov weather, the mud from the late rains quite dry and the Camp Comfortable. It is P.M. J.H. is rea[d]ing Oct no[.] of the Atlantic. I have just laid down the Nov No of the same, which I thank you for. (I am supposing you will receive a letter by friend Peppey of “Mishawum[?]” memory, and a little box for Lulu, sometime.) No mail yet[.] am hoping for one before I close this for desire so much to hear from you all and love to think of you all at the old home enjoying the fruits and plenty of Autumn with our darling Lulu running about the large spaces, entries &c. with loving hands to guide her in all that loving and right. And then Thanksgiving Cometh! Our Chaplain spoke entirely upon that subject on Sabbath day. Read the Gov’s Proclamation with word special to the army, a goodly word too, and one appreciated it. And how many would gladly be at the circle his year, which cannot, and perchance will not again forever, but all’s for the best if such be our fate. As I grow older, I [?] more and more upon the festival days of home—Christmas and Thanksgiving[.] Have been resting up for several days, (Since last Wednesday) and no indications of moving. So I am as well as ever. Have not felt like roving about so cannot tell you “incidents.” We get rations[,] fix our arms &c.[,] answer roll Call &c.[,] and read a little, have some distance for wood and water, and this keeps us pretty busy. A pleasant Country. Fredericks’g lies in a valley, near the river, land elevated about. Our Co went on picket, one day. I did not go, as my position on the Color guard excuses me. They have long Confabs with Rebel pickets. some are gentlemanly, others low and insulting—brag a good deal. The fine weather is passing and I hope something will be done to fo[r]ward matters. They are preparing to cross the bridge, or rather are building the bridge and I presume we shall be ordered over the river ere long and it is doubted whether they will make a fight here. We are so full of rumors and silly questions about which none but the officers in Command know, a thing that I think little of it, but wait, and dwell upon other things, try to be patient, and hope for a better future, and at times, hardly remember that I am a soldier, but only away for a season, on business, soon to be united with the dear ones at home. My eyes are rather tired. the camp fires cause them to be sensitive somewhat, and I’ve been reading. Will finish Anon. Tues A.M. 25th It is now about 10 Oclk. and I return to you once more. Your letter of the 16nth and a “Fre[e]man” from Mary were recd last eve, as I was chatting over the Camp fire. And how quickly we got up a little blaze that we (J.H. & I for he recd. one from Sarah Fay) might read them. I mentioned that I got no letter from you the mail a day or two before, and Could you feel, as I know you do, what a blank it is to get no letter from you, you would not think the harsh experience of life here was lessening the ties of family affection. Oh no--a few days pause in Camp, where we have little to do, sets the feelings and thoughts in their right sphere, if they ever wander. I cannot tell you and I suppose I have mentioned it many times, how fondly I think of you, and little Lulu, as being nestled down in the dear old spot, and I trust that time, and the future will fully repay for all the kind attention, and care which may be bestowed upon you. I find, that instead of the life here, developing any desire for a stirring out-door life, it rather causes me to cling to the dear quiet hours ago, and hope to once again be by you at the dear old fireside, and when duty is done, if a kind Providence permits, I shall turn and eager[ly] step homeward, where I would gladly pass the remainder of life. I have mentioned in a former letter the change of Commanders in the army. I think it is all right, and altho’ we are lying here apparently idle, I am fully Confident that there are great movements on foot, for a greater part of the Army that were here a few days since, are quietly moved away to some other point, and it would not be surprising to hear of a dash at any moment which will mean a great deal. I hesitate to write of what’s going on here, for all anyone knows is only guess work, for a profound quiet and secrecy is actually the case. Many write home “news” but I have seen enough to know that most all that is written, is only the “Camp Yarns,” and are of no account whatever. We don’t even know the Corps Commander at times. I suppose, Sumner and Hooker are two of the principal, and former is of the 9nth as far as I can find out, and Burnside is everywhere, for he is in his saddle most of the time, with a large body guard, and will Come dashing up as we are marching, and soon, we hear of him miles away. You spoke of a skirmish. We have seen nothing only the firing at the time we stopped at “White Sulphur Springs.” a few shots were fired at some rebs who tried to destroy our provision train, but we had no hand in it, and an action looks today as far off as ever. It is all secret and mysterious. You can ask questions, but answers are to to [sic] be looked for, not heard. I was quite interested in your ride to Sewell[?], your bonnet &c. Should think it might be quite pretty, quite military certainly, and I hope you both will have health to enjoy it. Also that you have written the Johnson’s at O. I desire you will remember them, and remember me to the friends always, for I shall think of many faces, and incidents, of the old place with great pleasure. Of our Camp here, the tents are unusually crowded, and it is not so cheerful as at some places, and this has much to do with one’s feelings. We have a floor of boughs of Cedar. the rain and wind causes it to look rough and uninviting immediately about the tents, but outside we can have fine views off, and warm fires are abundant. The weather is Cool, and I noticed this morning a thick Coat of ice, but snow we haven’t seen but once, at “Carter’s Creek” or as I Called it, “Near Warrenton”, so that we Sleep Comfortable, and rations are aplenty. There are those who write home doleful letters, and very many who are not in good spirits, but they are of a class of fault-finders anywhere, for they did not come out with the right spirit, but the thoughtful[,] sober, men of the Reg are generally cheerful, and hopeful, desire an honorable close as soon as possible, but are desirous too, of an honorable settlement and one that will “stay put.” By the way[,] I read a letter in the “Republican” of “Dann[?] Browne.” Some of it was true, but most of it, as far as the 36th is Concerned, is not true. Only on one occasion have we been short of provisions (at Carters Creek) but with that exception I and all of us that are willing to use simple, healthy food have had abundance, and the bread of late has been excellent, but those who desire pies, Cakes, sweetmeats, &c &c miss them, or pay large prices for them. so much, is strictly true, I mention, for perchance you will see, some of these letters complaining ones, in the papers. The medical department is bad enough, but they say is improving. I trust I shall never have experience--have never been but once, and that you heard of. Our Col. has not been promoted as I know of. some talk was in Camp once that he would be, but I minded nothing about. He is a fine looking driving man, rather ambitious I should think, says little to his men, unless they approach him on business, and then is gentlemanly and to the point, exacting on parade, or duty, rather impatient, and wordy at times, but on the whole, as good as they’ll average. Don’t think he is a particularly Religious man, on the whole. as Capt Says, rather a lack of the moral element, than otherwise. Such is, I believe, about a fair estimate of Col B. Think he would lead us in Battle, finely, but to love him, I could not with present knowledge. Our Capt S. wears well, but afraid to soil his hands. Is a Christian man, I believe a disciple somewhat of Theo Parker[.] Was a long while in Rev A. B. Mayo[‘s] Society in Albany N.Y., and we have had some pleasant chats. Was Supt of the S. School there. I spend many of my leisure moments in Co B. and Alonzo R. also with the Worcester Co. C., where I find Congenial Company[.] Lieut. Morse of W. knows Capt. Joslyn well. was a Lieut. over him in the three months’ men. Speaks of him highly. J.H. is getting dinner, and I must rest awhile. = Later – It is growing towards night. Have been washing, and my three pieces, wollen [sic] shirt, draw[er]s & pair of socks hand [sic: hang] on the pole, in front of me. Don’t love washing day any better—have to bring and heat water, &c[.] I believe I have mentioned in a former letter of hearing from Frank. They were well a few days ago. I have rambled along as things come to mind. Will just mention again, the little box and picture sent by friend Pippey, also a letter which he will mail in B. thought he should leave Washington in four or five days. The things (box) will be left at Foster’s store directed to you. of no particular value, only the associations and I took pains to keep them sometime in my knapsack. Little L. will think of them sometime. It is hard to keep or send anything home, except specimens of the foliage here. I hope to get another mail soon. Your back letter is yet due—mittens letters from Abbie, and the Register all behind. Shall write Frank and Will soon. And now dear friends—Father, Mother, Bros & sisters—I must close. Before you receive this, Thanksgiving will pass. How much I shall think of you on Thursday! May it bring with it something of the olden time. I love to dwell upon it. Chairs may be vacant but the hearts best offerings are yet left and may they speak much, and often, of the blessed past, and trust in a still better future. Remembrances to all inquiring friends. Write often. Direct as usual. As I am every your most Affectionately, Jerome I enclose some curious leaves. Do we have such. It is quite a tree and bears red berries, and looks beautiful. Wish I could send you a branch. Gathered in the woods nearby. The grass I got at Warrenton. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, November 24, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-11-24 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 4.5 - 1st Scan 6.5 X 9 - 2nd Scan 10.75 X 9 - 3rd Scan 6.5 X 9 - 4th Scan 6.5 X 9 - 5th Scan 10.75 X 9 - 6th Scan 6.5 X 9 - 7th Scan jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #39 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fredericksburg, VA. Allie and Lulu Fredericksburg Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/495496155f81eda4b5063876538b472e.jpg a432bf40ae0641332148a56e7a5b17a9 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/52a777b5d400a138481dd322a97561c0.jpg 3ee27248b4d4d2e75e683a6ac8f65916 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/87695443dd4be6d2eb602993e1b983a3.jpg 001f0c7d17f3b374eb87e1732ef50955 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 LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Cumberland Gap, Ky, Nov. 28/63 My ever Dear Wife and little one, Sabbath morning among the Cumberland mountains! Snow falling fast. The hillsides covered with hoar frost and snow. Front of the tent open and a good cheerful fire before it. Have just had a good wash and changed some of my clothing. Home like (Breakfast over cup of coffee and a small piece of bread, on quarter rations) and now to the first duty of a message to you, my dear ones far away! How shall I express my joy of receiving on Friday letter from home? Lieut. Hodgkins opens the mail here and found three for me. Yours of the 8th, and 16th Nov., with Frank’s and Mary’s enclosed after more than a month’s lack of such among these wild hills. How do you think it seemed? Did I love you any the less think you? Could you know how in the silent hours of the night (as you do) or where on the lonely beat on picket, the dear images come and flit before me. You would not ask. These are busy days, Allie, but you are never out of heart or mind and would for you take as well as for my own longings. [???] cruel war was over and I could clasp you to my heart and share the joys of home again. Do not, I pray, think me unloving. I know I am cold in measures but not lacking in affection. Have I not written often ever since I have been away! There is something in my situation with all the privations that is wild [???] and poetical and answering to a corresponding vein in my nature, and which I did not realize till the experience came and which makes it impossible for me to be gloomy or what the world calls “Homesick.” Such grand and changing scenes – summer amid those deep, sylvan ravines of Mississippi with the magnolias and hanging moss and now winter comes amid the lofty, grand and billowy “Cumberland Range” with authentic tints and silvery garb all fills my soul with such a sense of the great Creator and added to this the busy work of attending to our actual wants, bodily, that I cannot but feel that I am in a school from which I shall one day come forth, better able to appreciate the charms and joys of home. Think how I have been spared in health and escaped, manifold dangers, with no design of my own! And yet I am not unmindful of your struggles and longings. Oh no, but how can I assist you more than by doing my duty, and earning my way to something better by and by. You ask me if I was glad or sorry to leave so abruptly for the Regt? Ah, Allie, I did feel it most keenly but why [???]? Such was my lot, and I could but go forward believing all for the best. But enough of this. We have been “moving”! I sometimes wish you could look in upon us! A few days ago we move one tent down the hill further move out the wind, built up about 30 inches with logs, and there set out cloth upon it, filled in with leaves, and with blankets, coats, etc. We are quite comfortable and have good room. If we remain here long shall build a fireplace and then shall be better fixed than at Falmouth last winter. But we hope the way will ere long be opened to the Regt. altho there is little prospect now. Officers and men from home on their way back keep coming in and have to ‘haul up’ home. I see Col. Bowman quite often. ‘Tis about four miles to Headquarters, on the flat, “or hollow” at the Gap where there are one or two good sized houses and log barracks for officers and men. The mountain cliff behind where we camp is the highest, a crude sketch of which I gave you in my first letter from here, and is about 18 hundred feet above the “flat” below. If I was on artist, there would be an ample field to work. The finest view is in the “flat” looking north, a little east, a perfect wall of rock with two roads winding around to the left thru the Gap and to the right around the cliff. But I cannot describe it, far and wide on every hand, of the three states, (marked by a square stone post at the Gap, with the names of governors of each, etc.) are the mountains as far as the eye can reach. And here I would gladly – oh how gladly with honor – close my duties as a soldier and come to you. But you could not see me do a dishonorable thing, so I must make the best of what remains and both must possess hope and patience yet awhile longer. You and Frank speak of sad news of wounded friends, of battles etc. What has been going on? We have had no papers or definite news since leaving Camp Nelson! Saw a paper yesterday of the 23rd. It looked like work again on the Potomac. Banks was at it in Texas. Burnside all right in Tenn. etc. If the people would only come up and clinch the late elections by another host of volunteers, how soon might the thing be ended! Is all patriotism died out, and are we to sink unsupported? I hope not – still. A large body of E. Tennesseans came here the other day for clothing to take the place of their tattered and “rebish” looking apparel. One man told me every one capable of bearing arms was or soon would be in the field with Burnside, had to be supplied with everything etc. We have a story, (by letter from Cincinnati) that Lee had abandoned Virginia, and was in Tenn. and that Meade’s Army was following, and part were there in Cin. [Cincinnati], etc., but we know nothing for certain. Am glad Alonzo is having such good time, hope to see him by and by. He can’t get beyond here at present. Saw the paymaster and inquired about pay. Said I must be paid from the Muster Roll and not from Descriptive List, that I might be paid at Knoxville etc. I hope so. Am very glad of the sale of the stove. Got a nice letter from Mary. Spoke of it and said they should send the money (for the stove) soon. I have written them. Hope to be able to send you more by and by. Am making what little I have go far. Should have suffered if I had not had a little. Found an extra pair of shoes on the road quite good ones, making three pairs, and with my extra pants. (I bought a new pair of shoes at Barboursville for fear I could not draw any) and as I don’t have to march everything is working well even if food is scarce. We expect to draw corn today. Have only two meals a day but those in front are still worse off. So, you see a little what I am enjoying now. But the sun is coming out and I must take a walk and mail this, and by and by I hope to read a little from the Good Vol. Am reading “Jerimiah” and find a new beauty and meaning and scripture. My love of the poetic and beautiful seems to intensify as I need it. Will you or Abbie, any of you girls that have a few moments to spare, copy off the first paragraph of Keats “Endymion”? (Closing at the top of the second page I believe) ‘Tis a beautiful thing and has a meaning here. Am glad to hear of [???] Lee again and a relative of Capt. S.! His romance reminds me of and explains a certain ‘tone’ I have observed. Have we not, all of us, our tales? Am glad of the present of the carpet, a great addition, wish I could see it too, but my hope is large. Shall hope soon to have many letters from home and friends. Have written many [letters] since I left you and so they are due me. None like those from P.V. [Pleasant Valley] Love and thanks to Frank and Mary, also to Will and Hattie, all joy and happiness to them and may we all meet yet again at the old hearthstone. I am afraid I have forgotten much but don’t forget a kiss and to Lulu for her little note. The rosebud is in my Testament and shall be kept. I sent you a little piece “Outward Bound.” I thought it beautiful. Send me little scraps. They “help” wonderfully in these wilds. Always remember [me] to Father and Mother, etc. Your loving Jerome Hope Lulu will know sometime why Papie is away from her. Shall be glad to hear from Mr. Galloway. Hope he is well. Do you have two Thanksgivings in Mass.? Busy ‘fixing’ here last Thursday! Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, November 28, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lulu Cumberland Gap, KY Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-28 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Nathan Varnold (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 "5.03 X 8.15" - 1st Scan "9.98 X 8.15" - 2nd Scan "5.03 X 8.15" - 3rd Scan (JPG) Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #180 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Cumberland Gap, KY Allie Cumberland Gap Jerome Peirce KY Lulu https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/07500b2a7f537b4eadbbc9442950dd47.jpg 78ecc0f3540fcf91cb617ba601abe948 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f74ae5ea7022777ec9ef785b388a6b26.jpg 608a24c4b353759553927ec758e3195b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/804db4062a7714611af68f2133a6dc7d.jpg 2fc5396f8b64848acc3120388e6637fc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a790306b37a8d80be1bc4947b949d9d1.jpg 0c3c5a4e16dfb9682f5f62589f0d20c8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1862 Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Sunday Nov 30eth 1862 (At Falmouth, near Fredericksburg) My ever dear Wife and Lulu, Last Eve was a jubilee in Camp. A large back mail arrived, yours of the 7th 9th & 11th Nov Came to hand also a letter from sister Kate, such as does the heart good and one from Abbie, Eddie Peirce[, and] two Registers. was that not enough to rejoice over. I had received one later than any from you before, but to know all was safe was gratifying. the other 50. c arrived safely, and with part of it, I got some Candles so part of the letters were read by Candle light in my tent as we don’t draw Candles regularly and none at all of late, so we have to procure them of the sutler. a whole long Candle costs only 60 Cents, so you may know how precious they are. The mittens also came safe and will be of great service these cool mornings and evenings. You remember Albert Smith gave me a fine pair of buckskin gloves, so I am well supplied now. When you write the Orange friends thank them for me. I should mention a letter received yesterday A.M from Bro Joseph, and I am glad to feel a little different; for it was a heart letter such as I never before received from him, and in[?] on to J.H. at the same time. he mentions you in a way that will be gratefully remembered hereafter, and I shall write him soon. I add something to J.H’s letters now often. You spoke in one of your letters of the kindness of my family to you, and the friends all. I think you have much to “cheer and make glad” notwithstanding our present trials and separation, and I do hope you will bear up bravely, for it is painful to know you have so many lonely and desponding hours. We must all bear our part, and it is such a help to me to know you are so kindly Cared for, and you must add a cheerful and brave spirit, for you must remember little Lulu will notice, and imbibe the sad spirit more or less, so don’t pray sadden her little heart but strive to make all things as bright and sunny to her as possible[.]] I speak of this not to chide but from the Continued sad tone of your letters. Abbie and all my friends find so much Comfort in religion and the hopes of a better future, that I always feel sustained by their letters--a better future, I say, for the Country and our children, I mean. Do not feel that your letters are less dear to me—far from it. You are apt to imagine more suffering than we have. it is only occasionally that we suffer intensely, such as continued marching, or storms, but we get usual [sic] to life here. Our cheerful Camp fire, tents, and Continued good health, is so much that I have very little heart to Complain. I intended to have written several letters, but alas no rest “to speak of” on Sunday. At 10 Oclk this A.M. Came Brigade Review by Gen LaLure[?] then Reg inspection, which with preparing our meals kept us moving the A.M. This P.M. at 1 Oclk. Came Brigade services, which Continued nearly two hou[r]s, and Dress Parade is yet to Come, so I must be excused from being interesting. Our Chaplain spoke on the “state of the Country and the times in which we live[.]” The great p[r]ivilige [sic], of placing our names besides the Revolutionary heroes, and all the champions of the Right &c.. Very good. A Pennsylvania Chaplain spoke of the sins of the nation &c. and rebuked the sin of profanity, in the Army, which was needed fully. Would it Could be of good to those addressed. I will enclose Kate’s letter in back of my own. Will send you Ellen’s sometime. Had some tea this morning[.] Kate sent some—also yours. Please send me a few pins. I am almost out. Capt. S. and I exchange reading matter, so I am quite favored. I wrote to Frank and Will yesterday. Shall write Abbie very soon. Also Kate. The Cars run regularly now to this place, so hope to get letters promptly. Write when you hear of the little box sent to Foster. J.H. is well. Love as ever from your Jerome [Marginal note] [Page 4] a sprig from my bed. Falmouth, it seems, is the name of this place. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, November 30, 1862 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie and Lulu Falmouth, Near Fredericksburg, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie and Lulu Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-11-30 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 3.75 - 1st Scan 5.5 X 8 - 2nd Scan 10.25 X 8 - 3rd Scan 5.75 X 8.25 - 4th Scan jpg Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #41 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Falmouth, VA. Allie and Lulu Falmouth Jerome Peirce VA.