9 10 273 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/a9a2aa5a38c44ee9745462268bb7f609.jpg 21dea82d7ae687bfc78afd8a3fa862b7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/bbef2a4fe8ee400aae870aec29f5d84d.jpg 60dadf1f801fc3ad56e4aebe7070bd7f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/68e05e09bcbcf980b4470bb511b39964.jpg 97450f01e66c22cd095b2423a6dd3571 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3ac81948d72eb4871b49ac5ec33ac0b3.jpg f0dcfb896282aee4230005d118bc7327 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d1e33a55751890365f034e46e19b4c8b.jpg a2605f81ff228325e3e9c13e210da4d4 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/735427f0446318217c1366544e49cc99.jpg 3c359e6b8013a739f81be45d9c3e957b 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 Camp “Dick Robinson”, Ky Fri 24th Apr 1863 My dearest wife, My last [letter] of Tues. eve. closed by informing you of our departure for an expedition, etc. We reached camp again last eve. about 8 o’clk, one day’s return sooner than expected. It rained all night Tues. and morning found our camp “all afloat”. Called up at 3 a.m. and coffee served and started at 5, still raining. Took a cross road, a short distance from here, and such tedious marching. Stones, mud and all the wrenching inconveniences of bad highways but about 4 P.M. found us a Harrodsburg about 18 miles south east of this place. It is, or has been, a violent Sech place and we took a look through it, doing some splendier marching as we moved thru the streets and “I reckon” gave them a sight of “Yankee soldiering”. Finally camped about a mile out of the village in a pleasant spot among the trees. The “Color Guard” messed together and some merry times we have on such occasions around the campfire and taking our coffee, comparing ills such as lame and blistered feet, but always concluding “we are good for more miles tomorrow”. Well, about 9 o’clk Thurs. morn. left for camp via Danville 10 miles east. A beautiful country and a fine marching day, being cloudy and raining enough to keep the dust down. ‘Tis a fine place with a large “Female Institute” before mentioned as we had a call from some of the ladies and their teachers. Stopped long enough for coffee and started for camp and arrived as mentioned somewhat lame as I marched in shoes for the first time this season but we are doing well and tonight we (the whole Regt.) “appear out” in white gloves on Dress Parade. We are not aware as yet the character of our mission. Expect it was to let the ‘Secesh’ know how Yankees could appear and to initiate Burnside’s order, which is to “silence” all demonstrations in favor of Rebels in his department. The Col. was very kind and considerate of our comfort on this trip and he has removed some unfavorable impressions and we gave him the hearty cheers which made the camp sing and I trust he will appreciate it for the Regt, gained many encomiums for fine appearance, drill, etc. for we found some Union men and the others were very respectful and quiet. There are some magnificent scenes about here on ‘Dix Run’ which we crossed a narrow foot bridge twice. Such rocky scenes, hundreds of feet high and swelling out like the fronts of houses in the cities while the winding course of the river affords some fine views in these springtime budding and leafing out of the trees. Jos. H. it seems after I left wrote you and I feared would alarm you so I send you this brief scrawl. He told about firing heard, wouldn’t be back for a week, etc. but I felt you would know him well enough not to be much frightened. ‘Twas a perfect secret and only two persons knew where we went and no one on the errand. We had a pleasant trip and never was farther from any danger. In my last I sent you my picture in my fatigue camp dress also $2.00 in money yours returned. I hope ere this you have received the check etc. Had a nice letter from Mr. Murray waiting me. Will reply soon. Hope this will bring one from you as I’m anxious to know if you receive my late letters for have written often quite. I trust you are in good health, which Mr. Murray spoke of in particular. Transcriber’s Note: Several lines of text have been heavily crossed out with what appears to have been by black pencil, presumably by Jerome, making them totally illegible. I believe in a happy union by and by. I have written this past hastily that you might know of my health and safety. Have directed the last [letter] to Billerica. ‘Tis warm and pleasant today. Love to all friends and as ever your affectionate, Jerome Transcriber’s Note: Two small pieces of stationery, approximately one-third the size of a regular piece of stationery, with the following partial texts were included with the above letter in the same envelope. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …on the conduct of the war…. Day the account of the disgraceful sneak from Charleston and laying the blame on the poor Ironclads! Let commodore Farragut go there and see then what will take place! These things stirred my temper and I fear the sun went down on my wrath… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… … our Regt. made … appearance at Dress Parade this eve and we had many lookers on. I wish it could be justly done in “Harper’s Weekly” for your benefit. The ‘Color Guard’ is full 12 in all the flower of the regt. and I address you as the stars and stripes float… ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Transcriber’s Note: The text apparently continues on regular-sized stationery as follows. over us and on the soil of “Kentuck” and makes me proud of the ‘Old Bay State” and I feel “taller and stronger” to “do and dare” for our Union. The boys of Co. B sing finely on our March and the new song “Rally around the flag Boys” rings out in telling tones and sends a thrill through the “Left” if not the whole Regt. We are having an addition to the Drum Corps, fifes and a brass drum. Music is potent in the Army and the “Thirty Sixth” will not be behind. I mention these things for they interest us and will you for our sake. Please see Abbie and Miss Waldo and tend my heart thanks for the letters. I feel very happy if my letters are such a satisfaction to my friends. They are certainly my experience and as long as health is so good I have no business to be anything but cheerful and brave. Spring comes on and the country looks more lovely every day and the birds are delightful. Please show this with your friend Charles. I mean should like to write him tonight but have been resting up all day and want to see Ben and show him his letter. I hope in your next [letter] you will tell me of the safe arrival of the ‘check’ etc. and soon of my picture etc. Good night and good angels Keep you for your loving Jerome P.S. My congratulations to Albert and S. and tell Charles I have thought over old times. Age levied on them thru some strange scenes. Especially at Fredericksburg! My love to them all. I may have miss dated this. It is Friday. Col. Norton looked nicely this eve. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. NOTE 3: The “Jos. H.” that Jerome referred to in this letter was Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a Private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. Jerome was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864, (See Letter No. 227) and he was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was the son of Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers, and was, therefore, Jerome’s nephew. NOTE 4: The "Battle Cry of Freedom", also known as "Rally 'Round the Flag", is a song written in 1862 by American composer George Frederick Root (1820–1895) during the Civil War. A patriotic song advocating the causes of Unionism and abolitionism, it became so popular that composer H. L. Schreiner and lyricist W. H. Barnes adapted it for the Confederacy. A modified Union version was used as the campaign song for the Lincoln-Johnson ticket in the 1864 presidential election, as well as in elections after the war, such as for Garfield in the 1880 U.S. presidential election. The song was so popular that the music publisher had 14 printing presses going at one time and still could not keep up with demand. It is estimated that over 700,000 copies of this song were put in circulation. NOTE 5: Col. John B. Norton enlisted at age 39 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, as a First Lieutenant in the 5th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. He was transferred as a Captain to the 36th Massachusetts Regiment on August 22, 1862. Norton was promoted to Lt. Col. on August 28, 1862, and he commanded the Regiment from June 1, 1863, until July 30, 1863. He resigned on July 30, 1863, the reason for his resignation not being specified in the Unit History. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 24, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp Dick Robinson Bryantsville, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-24 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.15 X 3.75 6.8 X 7.8 12.35 X 8.85 6.75 X 8 12 X 8.25 12.35 X 8.15 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 #106 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 Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY. Allie Bryantsville KY Camp Dick Robinson Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/3872e450ae4ce25ea26dbc29a29dde39.jpg e3e6ef5866e08e8a574d4306881157f1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/56f23a060ac5d0044d627144d7ef30fb.jpg 2a0df396ab30ee9a3356fa7f75106f88 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/dbc2dfd4abd54b8ec6c9e5ea3ca5b15b.jpg 7ec361a4ba4ef127562412860c88bda7 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2ebf10cc51497425e9a51376f27fa97c.jpg 71ea5a250566cbc064bf70d473b0a315 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 1864 Letter Collection Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp near Alexandria, Va. Tues. morning 26 Apr. ‘64 Allie dear, Arrived from Annapolis last Eve. some four miles from Washington in a little valley towards A. [almost certainly Alexandria] near Fort Scott. Left Annapolis Sat. morning. A tedious little march but I am happy to tell you I am very well indeed in lameness. Feel like myself again. A great day yesterday tho [???] Washington where we were received very enthusiastically Genl. B. [Burnside] and Pres. Lincoln on the balcony of Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed, some forty thousands “Company front” and a splendid sight. Henry Mayo’s and Nelson Smith’s folks “there to see.” Came with Joseph H. who met me on the street at W. [Washington] and is writing by my side. He is well and feels repaid for all he has been thru with. Cannot write you much now. Have no idea where and when we go from here and it seems to be a secret no one can even guess. We imagine to the South side of the James [River], Suffolk perhaps. Expect Mr. Mayo and Smith here today. The boys got a ‘Pass’ and remained in W. [Washington] last night. Had a good sight of W. [Washington] City and the men, women and children treating us to everything, not the Washington of 1861! The president looks pale and careworn very. J.A. is detailed to Genl. Parke’s Hd Qurs. [Headquarters]. Orderly same as with Genl. Ferrero who commands the Black Troops. Hope to hear from you today. We’re in First Brigade Second Division now. Direct accordingly via Washington, D.C. Weather getting warm and we’re reducing Baggage fast. Mr. Heath from C [very likely “Charlestown”] is here. Came from Annapolis, as attentive as ever. He may mail this for me. Give love to all. Will write more first opportunity. Hope the money all reached you safely. Tell me all about. As ever yours, Jerome J.H. sends love, disappointed not seeing you. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Boston Globe article of May 29, 1994, included the following excerpt from this letter: “A great day yesterday. Thro Washington, where we were received very enthusiastically. Genl. B., President Lincoln on the balcony of the Willard Hotel to salute us as we passed…The boys got a “pass” and remained in W. last night. Had a good sight of W. City…The president looks pale and careworn – very.” NOTE 2: The Unit History of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment describes the review by General Burnside and President Lincoln that Peirce wrote about as follows: “On the evening of the 22d [April 1864] the command was ordered to be in readiness to march, and before daylight of the 23d the delightful camp was broken up, and the corps took up its line of march, not toward the harbor, but in the direction of Washington, following the line of the Elk Ridge and Annapolis Railroad. After a march of thirteen miles the corps bivouacked in the fields for the night. Very early on the 24th the march was resumed. In about six hours we reached the Baltimore and Washington Turnpike, and at nightfall the corps went into camp near Bladensburg, distant about eight miles from the city of Washington. At four o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 25th, reveille was sounded but, owing to a severe shower, the regiment did not march until about eight o'clock. When the march was resumed the corps passed through Bladensburg and continued in the direction of the city. We reached the outskirts of the capital about noon, and halted on New York Avenue for the command to close up, as we were to pay marching salute to the President and General Burnside, who were to review us from balcony of Willard's Hotel. It soon became known that the corps was to pass through the city, and the streets along the line of march were densely packed. The column was greeted with cheers and applause. Many spirited descriptions of this imposing scene were published at the time in the journals of the day.” NOTE 3: The following information about President Lincoln at the Willard Hotel was found on the website http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/sites/willards.htm: “Located only a few blocks from the White House (at 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue), the Willard Hotel has welcomed many U.S. presidents, including Abraham Lincoln. The present building, completed in 1904, stands on the site of the original building which Lincoln knew. The first known visit of Lincoln to Willard's came at the end of his single term in Congress on January 27, 1849. Lincoln became a hotel guest shortly before his first inauguration as president in 1861. He arrived abruptly on February 23 after an assassination plot in Baltimore changed his travel plans. He was joined soon after by his wife and sons, remaining until his inauguration on March 4. Because Willard's was a social and political hub, Lincoln probably stopped by a number of times while president. However, only a few can be verified: A visit with Mrs. Lincoln on July 6, 1861, to attend a concert and his review of troops with General Burnside on April 25, 1864. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter / Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 26, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Camp near Alexandria, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-04-26 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource U.S. National Park Service, Lake of the Woods Civil War Study Group , Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #213A Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Alexandria, VA. Alexandria Allie Jerome Peirce VA. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d640b828a390cc0b27670e7bf16e04d0.jpg a6c1f1dcc38ae74e4e3a2a90f02c7d59 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/b2929fe90b583964c9cee0b6116b3adf.jpg 2a776abd16f0df9c0ce37f1c0f487aab https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/fd0c7f245fc309bb87a23239714f665b.jpg 5b8842a745e96f7a0c6f7600ef0fc66b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5586b8c1e27d3367285a4e55fc9c9100.jpg da4111355c85289650a001334c8f3d72 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/46ff4cc9abee2b0b83e90a3feb25060a.jpg 69293deead7b8b0dbd15362dd443f39d 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 Bristoes Station, VA 27 Apr /64 My very dear Wife, Have just heard that a mail will leave for home tomorrow morning so I begin something. My last was from our camp near Alexandria. We’ve marched two days, passing thru Fairfax Court House, Centreville, Bull Run and over all the famous Battle Grounds of former and ill-fated times. All along are to be seen marks of the same. Arrived here before dark yesterday in excellent condition and last Eve. a mail came bringing yours and Abbie’s letters of 22? and 24 inst. Am sorry to hear of your terrible headaches and trust this will find you well as possible. It did me as much good to receive the letters for we fear we should not hear from home again soon as it was talked that the movements would prevent it but we cannot see it. Our movement is very grand, for miles the long dark columns fill the fields and roads as I have before tried to describe and the 9th Corps is in the most perfect condition. As far as we can know we are moving down to form the left wing of Meade’s Army or Reserve to watch his flank. It is said that when we reach our destination the Army will be more than a hundred thousand larger than ever before and it is believed that short work will be made of the enemy this time. And so we talk for I’ve little else to write. If you have one of Harpers Weekly maybe you can watch our march. Expect to bring up at Culpepper. I’m sitting back to the pleasant morning down on my knapsack. George E. had a letter from Ben. At home [???] sent me Mr. Bristol’s sermon on the death of Mr. King. The unspotted life is a beautiful thing, read it before I went to bed. To give you a more vivid idea of our march, I will say that we move easy than when in Tenn., halting about a quarter of an hour out of each hour. I am reading Dicken’s “Bleak House”. Found it in the camp at A. [probably Alexandria]. You will see officers and men reading on the march every spare moment while others run after water, nibble “Hard Tack” while some stretch out and can hardly speak or move from fatigue. Had a letter from Ed Haynes, from his father in answer to my Recommendations. Saw Gov. [Governor] A. [Almost certainly referring to John Albion Andrew, governor of Massachusetts from 1861 until 1866] and all is being done that can be. The Gov. was much pleased and would have given me appointment in one of the old Returned Regt’s [Regiments] had I been a little sooner but I have not neglected it. Others are ahead, and I must be patient. Have given the letter (Ed’s) to the Major this morning. But you will think of the future now as we move towards the enemy. It is natural, but we can only rely on the same good Power who has thus far led me on. I feel no sad resentments but on the contrary hopeful, so thankful that my health is so much better. Have reduced baggage and carry as little as possible and as the weather is coming warm it is favorable. Am glad so much of the needful had reached you safely and trust the whole $75.00 is at hand by this time. We should be mustered again soon and I hope to send you more before long. It looks a little as tho we should remain here today and I will finish by and by – Eve. and by candle light! This morning after falling in soon after I wrote and expecting to march all day, the order came to halt. Waited and waited, made coffee but soon, forward again and the result so far is that we are nicely in camp laid out in streets etc. some more than a mile from the old spot and the troops that were here have gone on and we almost feel that our dream is about to be realized and we are to have what the boys of the Army call “a soft thing”. We’re right on the R. Road [Railroad] and our Corps are said to be scattered all along as the ‘Reserve Corps’ to the Army of the Potomac – as the Washington folks said we were to be on. But we’ve seen too much hardship to flatter ourselves very much. Have been very busy of course in pitching tent. Am with another of the boys “Billy Gurrell” who came to the Co [Company] yesterday on the march. Was left in Memphis Miss. sick for some time etc. Five of us in a shelter tent is the most comfortable way we are allowed to live in the field. The country here is a vast level or valley, covered at intervals with pine woods. Here was a good deal of fighting not long since. I said level, there is a circular ridge but not high, where the rebel artillery done so much mischief and finally was captured some eight pieces by our forces. Remains of limited quarters of logs and fortifications with graves are scattered all around. It has been a delightful day and I have thought so much about you and how anxious you were probably feeling if the papers had got our movements. If mail arrangements are perfected I hope we shall chat often. And so the day closes. So different from what I expected but I expect we shall be busy with picket duty drill etc. but we can well afford to do that. ‘Billy’ is writing for he is a lover of letters and writes them often and remembers home. Co “B” boys are singing and a distant bugle is sounding the ‘Tattoo’ and I close with my last thought of you from my quiet tent and for once not tired out marching. A kiss for Lulu. Tell her the violets are springing beautifully and look like those at home. Also the “innocents” and everything tells of Spring. Love to all and ever from your own Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) Per the Unit History: April 27, 1864 – May 2, 1864. Although they had expected to go on a coastal expedition, possibly to North Carolina, the men of the Ninth Corps were instead assigned to guard the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. They, therefore, started their march toward the Rappahannock River on April 27, passing through Fairfax Court House, Centerville, Bristow Station, and Manassas, Virginia. The 36th was assigned to a camp at Catlett’s Station. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 27, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Bristoes Station, VA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-04-27 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Robert Johnson (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 #214 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Bristoes [Bristow’s] Station, VA. Allie Bristoes Station VA. Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/5bcf72b400fdf8d30b9e235d3725dafb.jpg 8e554e157a5c4e9590cfdb10d2ee1cbc https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e690042aeb0b29c1c4f2ff2f4185c1e3.jpg 11553f9087f4a237776a322b85ade426 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7b4a7d5cf15ea3deb798ef273a3247a2.jpg a439a1b1f8615dd15e5fb6fee63cab44 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0a83a16091bb243780140543ea23c4c0.jpg 6b4dc256d273cb130e1b21d61b639262 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 Lexington Ky., Apr. 3, ‘63 My Dearest Wife, No mail yet. Two weeks tomorrow and I assure you it seems a long time, so I resort to a few words with you once more knowing full well that they will be welcome and find an answer sometime. Well, we are still here in our very pleasant camp and the usual routine of duties are renewed, guard duty and drill and by the way, day before yesterday I obtained an entire release from guard duty as the Color Corps are exempt, but owing to a misunderstanding, I have served when the rest did not but now it’s all right and so I escape being out nights which is an object and I must tell you too what a change has taken place. Yesterday four new Corpls, were appointed and one promoted to Sergeant and my name is now first of the Corpls. Nelson Smith is one of the new ones, also Joshua Rich of O [Orange]. So Orange is quite well represented for Howe has his commission as 2nd Lieut[enant] and he is a fine drill officer. I must tell you too that on our journey which lasted just a week, Co. H carried off the palm in behavior, not a man reported for misconduct and the only Co[mpany] in the Regt! So much for a temperance Captain! And we are reaping “golden opinions” from all the officers. This is all the more pleasing as the Capt. has been “snubbed” sometimes because of his strict adherence to temperance etc. So much for Co. gossip which I knew would gratify you. You know we soldiers are not in the habit of saying much of Co[mpany] matters. So you may observe the same rule unless it be to correct errors. Life here is much as at all camps. I think the boys are quite as happy as at any place before. They play ball a great deal. Everything but the weather has tended to promote pleasure. It has been very chilly and cold for this country. We have high winds and as I write, ‘tis quite blustering but soon warm weather will fairly come and ‘twill be quite pleasant. We have the usual camp stories but I see no more signs of a collision with the Rebs than before altho “they say” they are to make a desperate attempt in Ky [Kentucky] to prevent them from starvation but the place is being formidably fortified so that we shall have their advantage this time so I see no more reason for anxiety for the friends at home for us than formerly. There is a strong force hereabouts and facilities for rapid combinations so I think there is small fear of disaster. We rise as usual at 6 o’clck, a nice wash from a sweet clean running brook, breakfast at little before 7. And I am feeling in excellent health. My cold is quite well. Had quite a “scene” last eve. Some ladies from the asylum nearby came to the wall bounding our camp next to the road when a grand rush was made by Co. B and some others to chat with them and it was quite pleasant. You know the south and western people are more “free” and less ceremonious. They were strong Union. Ben Edmands and I concluded ‘twas no place for “such as we” and kept at a respectful distance, so you see how considerate your lords are! Spent the eve in B. E.’s [Ben Edmand’s] tent reading Shakespeare aloud, taking turns from Hamlet, Twelfth Night and ‘twas fine times I assure you. There is an Englishman Lamont in the tent and he is very intelligent and a lover of the muses. So you may be assured “we three” have nice times. And so goes life here. How is it at home? How much I want to hear from you and to see a Boston paper. Hope for a mail today. The Chaplain and Captain went to town this a.m. What of my little Lulu? And all the dear friends? Please let my letters to you suffice for all just now. What of Alonzo and Ellen? Expect I shall hear ‘ever so much’ news when the mail comes! May it all be good. Have you received all my letters? The new direction is “Burnside’s Department” via Cincinnati O[hio], Co., Regt. etc. as before. P.M. After the above we [were] called into line to receive Gen. Burnside who is in town but not arrived yet. Expect him sometime this P.M. Fair weather and sunny, warm. Love to all and as ever, your Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The following information about the men who were promoted and mentioned in this letter was taken from the Unit History. William Nelson Smith enlisted at age 20 from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, the same date that Jerome enlisted, and he attained the rank of Corporal. He was discharged for disability on December 23, 1864. Joshua Rich enlisted at age 32 as a Private on August 5, 1862. Rich was killed at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 6, 1864. William L. Howe enlisted at age 23 in Company H as a Private from Orange, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1862, also the same date that Jerome enlisted. He died of disease at Milldale, Mississippi, on July 7, 1863, not long after this letter was written and his promotion to Second Lieutenant. NOTE 2: Regarding Jerome’s promotions, in several letters he mentions that he might be being considered for a promotion to Second Lieutenant, but that promotion never happened. However, he was promoted to Sergeant on January 1, 1864, according to his Service File in the National Archives. NOTE 3: The Captain Jerome refers to in this letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. He enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 4: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 5: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. NOTE 6: The “new direction” in this letter refers to how Allie should address her letters to Jerome following the recent move of the Regiment. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 3, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-03 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Peter Rainey (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.5 X 4.25 6.75 X 9 11.25 X 9 6.25 X 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 #96 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/61efb72c254b3143185aad5701eb8fee.jpg f31dcfe5e8edecb7d3372865af434e0f https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/41f7598b85f328f9d1d3b2c7ecd17c4c.jpg c64566a492ec0dcde671f2d3475deac7 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 Stanford, Ky Thurs Eve. 30th April ‘63 My dearest Allie, Much to our surprise, we left Camp Dick R. [Robinson] this morning about 7 o’clk, 18 or 19 miles. Made a good march, and nearly all came in in good condition, myself among the same. Dust laid by last night’s rain. We are moving to the front, Cumberland River, to reinforce, as far as we can learn. Expect to march two or three days more. Several are going to write just a line, so I must be brief. Am very well. Am writing with a candle on the rail of a fence and tents spread near us. Love to all and as ever yours wholly Jerome Will write when I can. May [1st] Have just read a letter from Alonzo rec’d last eve. Am quite refreshed. It is 5 o’clk and must make a fire and look out for some coffee. Our whole Camp “Dick [Robinson]” force is moving under General Welch. Give my love and thanks to Alonzo and will answer when we halt. Wish you could see our Bedrooms! I send a weed from Camp “Dick [Robinson]”, looks pretty growing, but sadly faded now. Jerome P.S. We remain here today. Will write Alonzo. TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Camp Dick Robinson was a large Union Army organizational and training center located near Lancaster in rural Garrard County, Kentucky. The camp was established on August 6, 1861, despite the protests of Governor Beriah Magoffin, a strong secessionist and Southern sympathizer. It was located about halfway between Cincinnati and the Cumberland Gap, and was about 30 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. It was constructed on the farm of Captain Dick Robinson, a strong pro-Union supporter. The post served as a rallying point for local loyalists, as well as for Unionists who had left their homes in eastern Tennessee in order to enlist in the Union army. In 1862, the Confederate Army seized the camp and renamed it "Camp Breckinridge," in honor of Confederate general and former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge, a native Kentuckian. The advance of the Union army into the region forced the Rebels to abandon the camp, and Federal troops regained its possession for the remainder of the war. After hostilities ceased in 1865, the camp was phased out of existence. NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in his letters was Seth Alonzo Ranlett. Ranlett enlisted in Co. B of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment as a Private on July 24, 1862, at age 22, and he was from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to First Sergeant on August 27, 1862, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant on December 1, 1862. On December 17, 1862, he was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment. He was mustered out “on account of physical disability from disease incurred in the service” on February 20, 1864. Ranlett was born on March 18, 1840, in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and he died May 21, 1905, in Newton, Massachusetts. Ranlett’s wife was Ellen Peirce Ranlett, with a date of birth of March 22, 1842, and a date of death of January 12, 1914. They were married on January 21, 1864. Ellen Peirce was one of the children of Foster Peirce and his wife Catherine Abby Beaman. Also, Foster Peirce was a brother of Jerome. Therefore, the Ellen that Jerome mentions in his letters was one of Jerome’s nieces, and starting on January 21, 1864, Alonzo was the husband of one of his nieces. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 30-May 1, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Stanford, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-30 1863-05-01 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (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 5.5 X 8.25 5.5 X 8.25 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 #107 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Stanford, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Stanford KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/ea556f430b71a41301e0f9eba002519f.jpg 888368c4421c0917249e16f179f9dcc1 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7352b113e90926c9203febe85e4f7148.jpg b353bd170018999364e190024f78dba8 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/7ffd422eeb8634bef1539d532b7cf80b.jpg 850743b60b163a84f301721d1102d95b 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 Lexington, Ky Sunday Morn 5th April 1863 Have just been to breakfast and I thought I would send a few lines as it is uncertain how long we remain here. Yesterday P.M. orders came to furnish three days of rations and of course all sorts of rumors are afloat. The most probable idea is that we (the 36th) are going a few miles down the railroad to guard it from a threatened raid by the Rebels. They had a fight a few days ago at Somerset and some 500 rebel prisoners were brought to this city, a sorry looking set I was told. I have not been to town yet. Did think I should attempt to attend church today at the city but it is doubtful whether I can obtain a pass if we are likely to move. Did not get a mail yet and of course we feel a long ways from home. Don’t understand it but I hope you receive all of mine. Have written you three times last week, also to Abbie and Foster’s family. We have had severe weather here and frosty nights and most all of us have colds again, but this morning the sun is out very bright and warm and I hope for one real warm day. ‘Tis the first Sabbath of the month and how I wish I could join you at the Lord’s table and renew and refresh my worn soul within the sacred circle and so dismiss from the mind, if not from memory, forever the scenes of the field and camp. We are as pleasantly fixed as we ever were and yet I wish all was ended for the general good and we could be permitted to return to the home of our hearts. War in its best phase is a direful and corrupting engine and I trust we may never see another one. You must not think by the above that I am “low spirited” but these reflections will come to any thoughtful mind and often while we are endeavoring to make the best of it. Have no particular news. Fri. eve. [I] passed with the Capt. in his tent and had a nice time. He is always cheerful and full of stories of old school days and while he was a teacher, etc. and a great joker, so we often have pleasant time together. He is becoming exceedingly popular with the soldiers and the line officers. Such is the way true manhood makes itself felt after a while. Yesterday quite a “bevy” of ladies and some gentlemen paid us a visit, guests of the officers and we had a Battalion Drill. And as it is not customary on Sats. [Saturdays] I conclude it was for their benefit. The Col. and others looked quite gay escorting the fair Kentuckians about the grounds. Shall endeavor to have some good reading today and shall think much of you all at home. I hope we shall not move today. “Guard Mounting” is first coming off and I suppose the usual Sunday morn. inspection at 10 o’clk. Will add more by and by. Shall probably have services by the chaplain. P.M. A beautiful day, sitting here with the warm sun just laying my tent. No immediate begin of moving although no one of our Regt. [is] allowed to leave camp. Passed some time with Ben Edmands after I ceased writing. Came to our street nearly noon and saw a gathering in the rear of the Captn.’s tent and found it to be a meeting and the chaplain gathered about him. Two or three spoke and some good singing. The chaplain takes his meals and some of them with Capt. S, who is attentive to him. Have just had dinner and chatted with Geo. Edwards, who has been in here. The “orderly” tells me that regimental services will take place at ¼ of 3 o’clk. It seems so good to hear the bells ring at church time as we do here. If we were only near enough for you to come and visit us! 4 P.M. Ordered off. Rumor says Cincinnati. Adieu with the love of your husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES NOTE 1: The Battle of Somerset (or Dutton's Hill) was fought on March 31, 1863. In early 1863 Confederate General John Pegram led a cavalry raid into Kentucky in the vicinity of Lexington. By the time the Union forces responded, Pegram's cavalry had rounded up several hundred head of cattle. Union General Quincy A. Gillmore's force caught up with Pegram outside Somerset, Kentucky, approximately 75 miles south of Lexington, and drove Pegram's skirmishers up Dutton's Hill where the Confederates made a stand. Making no headway at first, Union artillery was brought forward. When the 45th Ohio Infantry made a successful charge against the hill, the Confederates were forced to fall back. Pegram retreated south of the Cumberland River leaving behind horses and many of his confiscated cattle. Casualties amounted to 10 killed and 25 wounded on the Union side, while the Confederate losses came to 200 in total. It appears that the 500 prisoners allegedly taken by the Union army as mentioned in the letter was an exaggerated number. NOTE 3: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) Jaquith was born in 1834, and she died in 1920. NOTE 4: Benjamin B. Edmands enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 5: “Capt. S.” was Captain Christopher Sawyer. He enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864. NOTE 6: The chaplain for the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment at the time this letter was written was Charles T. Canfield. He was 38 years old and from Worcester, Massachusetts. Canfield served in that capacity from August 28, 1862, until October 20, 1863, when he resigned. NOTE 7: Foster Peirce was one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.” Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 5, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, KY. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-05 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 5.35 X 3.45 8.5 X 10.75 16.45 X 10.75 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 #101 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. Allie Jerome Peirce Lexington KY https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8a241db3c06fd3b6ecdbfc4b396f5acf.jpg 654b95f5d710108e2a0e0ab8ff2cb93e https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f3d2f6fab4b5d5102fbae013f2fc43f7.jpg e3ccac7b41132445223d3c799e3d60ef https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/e8dc0eb45906e4dd04731edd0293179d.jpg 3213d347425366e85df4c595a18e7494 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/f4fd001fac7908e49e3777f71d600a88.jpg 4dd3199c78ecb1fd361c275a93bafe31 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/18949741e5a192eb42e42c1d96563cfc.jpg 58f79f022eb19c4139146d5ce58abdd4 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 On board Steamer “Hiawatha” Missi[ssippi] River Thurs Morning August 6th, 1863 Ever dear Allie, Once more northward bound after a campaign that will ever seem like a wild, tiresome dream, and it seems like a deliverance to feel that we are leaving it. I am sitting on my knapsack, while men are packed like figs. Three Regt’s and a battery of artillery are on board, and the last act is consistent with the whole management since we came, viz. abuse, fatigue and regardless of life or comfort. I have seldom grumbled, as you know, but somebody deserves to be shot for the conduct of this whole affair, and I speak that as protest may be on record somewhere. We have laid in camp more than a week when part of the time might have been taken in easy marching, instead of going twenty miles, as we did one day, and stacking seventy-five guns as the Regt. did one day, at noon halt, 75 guns out of some 350 men that ought to have been! The govt that allows such treatment to its soldiers will find its defenders scarce, if such things continue. I am well, in excellent health, but no thanks to them. Nothing but the greatest care could have kept me through. But enough. Tues. we moved from camp down to the landing. Laid by the road-side in the shade a little till yesterday P.M. when we came on board. A fine, large boat, with great landscape pictures on the wheelhouses. Passed “Lake Providence” where I mailed you a letter when we came down. Did you ever receive it? We are steaming along, moved all night last night, if we continue so, shall obtain release sometime. Don’t know where we shall stop, or what is in the future, but shall take a few notes and mail at the first opportunity. Manage to read to pass the time. Have got “Consuelo”, a French novel by Geo. Sand, belongs to Grant Crafts. Have not seen Ben [Edmands] since I came on board. So crowded, don’t know as I can get to him. This letter I found at “Edward’s Station”, where we destroyed the Rail Road. Thought it would be a curiosity [for you] to see it, all about cotton. The fields, camps, etc. are spotted with such documents from the houses where the soldiers have “called”, for you must know that almost all the houses are deserted. Sat. morning 8th. A lovely morning and early. Shall soon be at Memphis, Tenn. where I shall mail this. Have nothing particular to note, only that we have got along quite well, and we feel even now a change in the air which is quite invigorating and makes me at least feel more like myself than I have before for a long time. Oh, this Mississippi oven in which we’ve been living! Have just been “below” and had a good wash which we have learned to appreciate. It is a curious fact that soldiers take better care of themselves after a year’s experience than they do the first months after their enlistment. We have a few sick, but I believe they are gaining for the most part. The varioloid cases were sent “up stream” before us. Have been reading “Consuelo” most of the time, sitting erect for the most part or lounging a little. But we’ve learned to “be tired.” Had a nice chat with Ben [Edmands] yesterday P.M. Succeeded in getting aft where Co. “B’” is quartered. Now dear Allie, just think we’re once more coming towards home! The impression is that we shall go to Virginia somewhere, Fortress Monroe district perhaps. It will take weeks for the Corps to recruit to be of any service, and that is promised us. Morgan and his crew are fixed. Another “tug” is to come for Lee and his forces but I hope we shall be spared any work there. Coffee is come, steaming hot, and I will close, if there’s anything special, will add a word at M. [Memphis], otherwise, give love to all, and a k [kiss] for Lulu, and as many for yourself as you like. Hope for a mail at M. [Memphis] As ever, your loving husband Jerome Transcriber’s Note: The following is the transcription of the letter Jerome found at Edward’s Station as stated above. New Orleans Decr 26, 1853 W. F. Batley Esq. Jackson Miss. D. S. [Dear Sir]: We have received for steamer H.M. Wright Six Bales Cotton for your account, which will have our best attention. Today the demand has been brisk, and sales so far reach 4000 bales. No change in prices. Yours Very Truly Wright Williams and Co. for Frank Peters TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: The term “varioloid” was a common 19th century name for smallpox, but in the following century, the term would be used more specifically to describe milder forms of the disease that occurred in previously vaccinated individuals. Smallpox was a devastating disease. On average, three out of every ten people who contracted it died. Those who survived were usually left with scars, which were sometimes severe, and some were left blind. The basis for vaccination began in 1796 when an English doctor, Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had gotten cowpox did not show any symptoms of smallpox. However, widespread vaccinations did not occur until considerably later. During the Civil War, it was standard practice to physically separate the men who had contracted the disease in an area away from the main part of the camp to help prevent its spread. NOTE 2: “Consuelo” is a novel by George Sand, first published serially in 1842-1843 in La Revue indépendante, a periodical founded in 1841 by Sand, Pierre Leroux and Louis Viardot. The character of Consuelo was supposedly modeled after Louis Viardot's wife, the soprano Pauline Viardot. Pauline Viardot was a good friend of both Sand's and of her lover, Frédéric Chopin. George Sand’s real name was Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin (1804-1876) who used George Sand as her nom de plume or penname. She was a French novelist and memoirist. (A pen name (nom de plume or literary double) is a pseudonym (or, in some cases, a variant form of a real name) adopted by an author and printed on the title page or by-line of their works in place of their "real" name. A pen name may be used to make the author's name more distinctive, to disguise their gender, to distance an author from some or all of their previous works, to protect the author from retribution for their writings, to combine more than one author into a single author, or for any of a number of reasons related to the marketing or aesthetic presentation of the work. The author's name may be known only to the publisher or may come to be common knowledge.) NOTE 3: Grant Crafts almost certainly was Corp. Frank. G. Crafts of Company B, who enlisted at age 24 from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was transferred to the V.R.C. (Veteran Reserve Corps) on May 31, 1864. The Veteran Reserve Corps (originally the Invalid Corps) was a military reserve organization created within the Union Army during the Civil War to allow partially disabled or otherwise infirmed soldiers (or former soldiers) to perform light duty, freeing able-bodied soldiers to serve on the front lines. It existed from 1863 until 1869. NOTE 4: The “Ben” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 5: Fortress Monroe, also known as Fort Monroe, is now a decommissioned military installation in Hampton, Virginia—at Old Point Comfort, the southern tip of the Virginia Peninsula. Along with Fort Wool, Fort Monroe guarded the navigation channel between the Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads—the natural roadstead at the confluence of the Elizabeth, the Nansemond and the James Rivers. Surrounded by a moat, the seven-sided star fort is the largest stone fort ever built in the United States. Throughout the Civil War, although most of Virginia became part of the Confederate States of America, Fort Monroe remained in Union hands. It became notable as a historic and symbolic site of early freedom for former slaves under the provisions of contraband policies. For two years thereafter, the former Confederate President, Jefferson Davis, was imprisoned at the fort. NOTE 6: In reference to the enclosure mentioned in the letter, there is a note on the front of the envelope which reads, “Cotton note”. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 6-8 1863 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Perice, Allie Hiawatha steamer Mississippi River Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-08-06 1863-08-07 1863-08-08 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 6.7 X 4.6 - 1st Scan 6.75 X 9.8 - 2nd Scan 11.8 X 6.7 - 3rd Scan 6.8 X 9.8 - 4th Scan 9.7 X 12.15 - 5th 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 #147 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant On-board the steamer “Hiawatha” on the Mississippi River Allie Hiawatha Jerome Peirce Mississippi River steamer https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0e0223fee227890b571c14cf87cb1691.jpg 6843fc5ace6cf955d600f30a2691dafd https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/1815ddac00ccc1e366c9194999256a75.jpg 40ce32a73b935f9bd9cbc2df3ffd800a https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/0309fd2711587334242ffd9744aace0b.jpg 419724275ef5623ef841c3d1caa8c639 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 Lexington, Ky. 7th April 1863 My own dear Allie, Col. Bowman with some 500 men marched (by rail) to Covington and then marched (by rail) back again! It is getting evening fast but I thought I must send you the usual “line” for “we have no abiding place” and I shall send you little but to inform you of our whereabouts, etc. Well, on Sunday P.M. while at services, orders came to, “pack up and fall in.” So I closed a letter to you and was soon at the rail road and at dark [we] were on the way. Arrived at Covington (opposite Cincinnati) and for the first time found out our errand, which was to be ready to keep order as it was election in the city (of C. [Cincinnati]). Left the cars early (remaining in the cars) till morning and then marched out nearby and “stacked arms” and “laid ‘round” all day. Built fires and made coffee as at Fredericksburg. No disturbance occurring, we returned to the cars at dark and remained all night and left early for this place again this morn[ing]. Now all this looks queer as it is a hundred miles, but I expect we did great good by our presence. Just think what a potency there is in the 36th [Regiment]!! Well, we are tired and worm almost as on marches for I assure you, sleeping in a baggage car(s) is no easy matter. But what will you say when I tell you that I am better than when we left, altho I’m tired and shall “sleep big” tonight. Passed most of my time with Ben E. and we “run together” as natural as can be and I find he fills an important part of my existence and trust nothing will take him out of the Regt. while I am in it. No mail yet, but many of the boys got letters in Co’s. C & B [Companies C and B]. Regt. men returning from furloughs and I hear that Alonzo is at home and will probably relinquish the idea of returning to the Army. A wise thing, no doubt. Such is life of late. How is it with thee? No letters for some unaccountable reason and how far it seems from home. As I looked out upon the country and saw particularly in the villages the mixture of White and Blacks how different from dear old Mass. [Massachusetts]. Here it is in a mild form and the slaves no doubt are comparatively happy, yet I see nothing enticing in it. Fine plantations and lands but yet my heart turns fondly to the old Bay State. God bless her! Weather still chilly and disagreeable and yet the sun has been quite pleasant today but evenings are chilly and we have to keep close. How is my little Lulu and her Mama? Did you get my various scrawls on the road? One of them contained some pieces of muslin I found in the streets of Fredericksburg and have carried them ever since. Hope there is enough to dress a doll for her. Rumors are rife that we move again in a day or two, but we know nothing. If we could receive letters and our pay, ‘twould “moralize” the Army strongly. What can I say to cheer you? I am told public feeling [at] home never was better in regard to the War. I hope so. We are far from home now and a great deal of “Secesh” is about us so we are more in the dark than ever, but I still hope on. Please write the friends (some of them) and tell them we are so fixed I can’t write as much perhaps as formerly. Will do my best. I wrote Abbie to direct letters to “Lexington via Cincinnati.” The new mode is “Burnside’s Dept. via Cincinnati.” Hope soon to have a heap of letters. Give Lulu a kiss from Papie, and if she can spare, more to Mama. Must bid you good night once more. Remember you are ever in my thoughts and distance intensifies my thoughts of home. Shall write every opportunity. As ever your own loving husband, Jerome TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus) NOTE 1: Col. Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, enlisted as a Captain in the 15th Massachusetts Volunteers on August 1, 1861. He was captured at Ball’s Bluff, Loudon County, Virginia, on October 21, 1861. He was a prisoner of war at Richmond and was a hostage for Confederates held in New York for trial as pirates. Bowman was exchanged in August 1862. On August 22, 1862, he was promoted to colonel, commanding the 36th Massachusetts. He resigned on July 27, 1863, but was recommissioned in October of 1863. He subsequently served in different units, including at Baltimore and Philadelphia until the close of the war. NOTE 2: Per the Unit History, “Nothing of special interest occurred until Sunday, April 5th [1863]. On that day a brigade service had been appointed, and at three o’clock in the afternoon the Thirty-sixth and the one Hundredth Pennsylvania assembled. In the midst of the service, orders came for us to break camp immediately. We struck our tents and marched to the depot, where cars were in waiting. Our baggage was put on board, and we were off for Cincinnati at half-past five. We reached Covington shortly after midnight, but remained in the cars until morning. We then marched to an open field near the station and stacked arms. The colonel reported the arrival of the regiment to General Burnside and learned that it was election day in Cincinnati, and we were there to quell any disturbance that might arise at the polls. But no disturbance occurred. We remained all day in the field near the depot, suffering a little from the cold, bleak wind. Tuesday morning, about half-past seven o’clock, we left Covington and reached Lexington about half-past three in the afternoon, when we marched to our old campground and spent the rest of the day in rearranging our quarters.” NOTE 3: The “Ben E.” referred to in this letter was Benjamin B. Edmands. He enlisted as a Private at age 27 from Brookline, Massachusetts, and he was subsequently promoted to Corporal. On January 20, 1864, he was discharged from the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for promotion as a Lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. NOTE 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: The term “Secesh” (a somewhat derogatory slang word for “Secessionist” used by Northerners) was used at the time to designate a supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April 7, 1863 Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-04-07 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 6.25 X 9 10.75 X 9 6.25 X 9 Jpg Language A language of the resource English Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Lexington, KY. 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 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jack Phend (Transcriber) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Letter #97 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Lexington, KY. https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/d114ec6330b785bcabba7b6ed068528f.jpg 9a8878fe4df53134900c702a43a95d41 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION To “Allie” Dearest of all my earthly friends, Again I fly to thee, Whose blessed Image ever blends In all that’s dear to me. The toils of day and eve’s repose, Alike thy presence brings. When sleep serene, my eyelids close To thee my spirit wings. How deeply thus doth love enshrine Its object in the soul! And guides the heart to things divine, And Heaven – its final goal. Oh blessed thought! For those who love, An immortality remains. And in a brighter world above, A balm for all our pains. April ‘56 Written by my Father when engaged to Mother. Lucy S. Peirce TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE Jerome Peirce and Albinia Jaquith were married on September 10, 1857. More specifically, the Pension File obtained from the U.S. National Archives in Washington, D.C., contains a Certification from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as required as proof of marriage by the U.S. Pension Office in order to approve the widow’s pension that Albinia applied for. That document reads, “The marriage of Jerome Peirce of Charlestown, aged 26 years, and Albinia Jaquith of Billerica, aged 28, was solemnized at Billerica on September 10, 1857, by Rev. J. G. D. Stearnes.” Further research shows that the Rev. Jesse G. D. Stearnes was the minister at the Congregational Church on Andover Street in Billerica, Massachusetts, from 1843 until 1867. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, April XX, 1856 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1856-04-XX 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 #235 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Unknown Allie Jerome Peirce https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/c479457bf06d7f549f09cbe7f81b601b.jpg e6fc3c9a886fc113ae7f7a2eb15c6f65 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/6450d88dd0132d2107179a16be400f3c.jpg 5c03872902bdd7d1e3c576e5410ac826 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/8650a9731cb9e4af75db64acbe149999.jpg a2a3abf05ab90ce396132ceec96dde9b https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/05ffc3195152cffdecc96d70f6ded15d.jpg 473ba84b6a6ef8484d50655ed8ac0e00 https://peirceletters.umwhistory.org/files/original/2a04081fe981e8ae87e43e3c0065674b.jpg 8a8b88f39972ecc3b5eeffc7620bd31b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Miscellaneous Letter Archive Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document LETTER TRANSCRIPTION Dorchester Lower Mills Aug 12 1858 My dearest Wife, Shall improve a few early moments to say a word to you, as it is very quiet and cloudy - yes, rainy. Came out here yesterday stopping on the way at Mr. Geo Houghton’s with Henry. Started early, about 2 o’clock with the intention of seeing Foster’s place, but hardly think I shall see it yet. Stopped at Mr. H’s over two hours and had a pleasant time - music on the piano, violin etc. Miss H is a very fine player. Walked the rest of the way - some two and half miles - reaching here at little past five. Found all well, glad to see me and had much to say of you, and Martha says she hardly knew what to say to you but sympathized with us entirely. Read and chatted away the evening as usual - playing with a Maltese kitten some of the time. I find kittens in my path most everywhere’s. Tues. was busy at the store. [In the eve] called at Aunt F’s. Pleasant call. All getting along as usual. Mrs. Fairbanks was there. Mr. Stubbert’s family are gone to Bangor on a visit, two or three weeks I understood. Aunt W. goes to Burlington and perhaps to Bil [Billerica] as I mentioned. Have taken meals at F’s and spent most of the time there as the weather has prevented their moving. Shall manage to keep busy this week - but it is not driving. Shall be up Sat. but can’t say which train. And now how is my Allie? Are you getting strong and cheerful? I keep quite so, but miss you very much of course, but hope you make the best of [being in the] country even if it is damp and cold, doesn’t it beat all? Haven’t any news - have not heard from Lucy yet - have written her since I came home. Shall mail this in the City - where I expect something from thee - for I want to hear very much. How are all the folks and that new Coz of mine? I mean the fair haired one from So. Boston? My calls are few as yet but I shall make some after a while. Haven’t anything interesting for the girls or boys. The Queen’s message is expected every hour, and there is to be a general ringing and a cannonading, on the occasion. They must get out the School [Committee] in B. and “blaze away.” Here I must stop but love to all and a 100 sweets to yourself from your Affectionate husband Jerome P TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus) The “sympathized with us entirely” probably refers to the fact that Jerome’s and Allie’s first child, Charles Jerome Peirce, had died about a month before this letter was written on July 10, 1858, the date that Charles Jerome was born. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Letter/Paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource From Jerome to Allie, August 12, 1858 Subject The topic of the resource Peirce, Jerome Allie Dorchester Lower Mills, MA. Description An account of the resource From Jerome to Allie Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jerome Peirce Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1858-08-12 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904). Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource 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 #242 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Dorchester Lower Mills, MA. Allie Dorchester Lower Mills MA Jerome Peirce