From S. A. Waldo to Jerome, April 16, 1863
Dublin Core
Title
From S. A. Waldo to Jerome, April 16, 1863
Subject
Waldo, S. A.
Peirce, Jerome
Camp Dick Robinson
Bryantsville, KY.
Description
From S. A. Waldo (friend) to Jerome
Creator
S. A. Waldo
Source
Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service
Publisher
HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
Date
1863-04-16
Contributor
NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (Transcriber)
Rights
For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).
Format
5 X 7.75
9.5 X 8
5.15 X 7.75
Jpg
9.5 X 8
5.15 X 7.75
Jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #103
Coverage
Location not indicated. Almost certainly Camp Dick Robinson near Bryantsville, KY.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
LETTER TRANSCRIPTION
April 16/63
Friend Jerome,
Your last letter from Kentucky interested me very much and I felt sad as is the war that calls you there. You would much enjoy this new experience of seeing so much more of our glorious country. I did not know you had visited the West before.
Harper’s Ferry must indeed of itself well repay a visit there and though your heart must be pained at the desolations of War, still you are doubtless storing your memory with beautiful history never to be forgotten, and if as I hope and trust you are spared for many years to look back upon this fearful struggle amid the many regrets it will ever [???] there will be mingled a true pride that much as slavery had corrupted us, we were yet strong and courageous enough to rise in our strength. I trample it under foot when it dared to put its sacrilegious hands on our government.
I have a class in school studying our Constitution and as I feel the farseeing wisdom of those who framed it, I wonder how the wicked adherents of slavery have ever been able to pervert its liberty loving policy and my whole nature is roused to protest against it ever again shedding its baneful influence over our land.
We have gained, we are gaining much and ere very long I believe this most wicked rebellion that was ever known (for there never was so good a government before known) must [???] have our land the better for the fearful storm that has swept over it, just as a fearful thunder shower clears the air and makes everything brighten and [???] before it.
I returned a week ago yesterday from a visit to Brooklyn, N.Y. and while there I heard from Rev Mr. Flaplly a very fine discussion on unconditional loyalty as a religious duty for every one of us. His arguments were convincing and I enjoyed it very much.
He seemed to have great faith in the power of the two civilizations of the North and South if once fully pitched (as a peaceful struggle) against each other to settle this matter. Freedom must be better if her sons and daughters are but true and enduring. They were talking of having a Union [???] and having every man to sign it.
Ever since President Lincoln fully pledged himself to freedom by his proclamation, I have felt sure however much of struggle, trial or defeat ever there may be before us, we are sure of victory at last. I do not understand President Lincoln’s policy, but I do not believe he will ever take a step backward and boldly steer the ship forward, putting his trust in Him who will make the path clear and straight before us.
For you, Jerome, and your noble brothers in the field my hearty thanks with grateful emotions that you could have your dear ones in God’s hands and go forth to defend our dear land and I daily pray that your efforts may be a blessing to our whole land.
Rev. Mr. Everett says he feels only the good results from this war will be the awakening throughout our whole land a deeper truer patriotism than has ever been felt here before, that the children will now [???] in a deeper love of liberty than ever.
I was much gratified by your last letter and the “holly” you gathered to put in it. When you have time, shall be glad to hear from you again.
Sisters join in kind regard,
As ever, your friend S. A. Waldo
April 16/63
Friend Jerome,
Your last letter from Kentucky interested me very much and I felt sad as is the war that calls you there. You would much enjoy this new experience of seeing so much more of our glorious country. I did not know you had visited the West before.
Harper’s Ferry must indeed of itself well repay a visit there and though your heart must be pained at the desolations of War, still you are doubtless storing your memory with beautiful history never to be forgotten, and if as I hope and trust you are spared for many years to look back upon this fearful struggle amid the many regrets it will ever [???] there will be mingled a true pride that much as slavery had corrupted us, we were yet strong and courageous enough to rise in our strength. I trample it under foot when it dared to put its sacrilegious hands on our government.
I have a class in school studying our Constitution and as I feel the farseeing wisdom of those who framed it, I wonder how the wicked adherents of slavery have ever been able to pervert its liberty loving policy and my whole nature is roused to protest against it ever again shedding its baneful influence over our land.
We have gained, we are gaining much and ere very long I believe this most wicked rebellion that was ever known (for there never was so good a government before known) must [???] have our land the better for the fearful storm that has swept over it, just as a fearful thunder shower clears the air and makes everything brighten and [???] before it.
I returned a week ago yesterday from a visit to Brooklyn, N.Y. and while there I heard from Rev Mr. Flaplly a very fine discussion on unconditional loyalty as a religious duty for every one of us. His arguments were convincing and I enjoyed it very much.
He seemed to have great faith in the power of the two civilizations of the North and South if once fully pitched (as a peaceful struggle) against each other to settle this matter. Freedom must be better if her sons and daughters are but true and enduring. They were talking of having a Union [???] and having every man to sign it.
Ever since President Lincoln fully pledged himself to freedom by his proclamation, I have felt sure however much of struggle, trial or defeat ever there may be before us, we are sure of victory at last. I do not understand President Lincoln’s policy, but I do not believe he will ever take a step backward and boldly steer the ship forward, putting his trust in Him who will make the path clear and straight before us.
For you, Jerome, and your noble brothers in the field my hearty thanks with grateful emotions that you could have your dear ones in God’s hands and go forth to defend our dear land and I daily pray that your efforts may be a blessing to our whole land.
Rev. Mr. Everett says he feels only the good results from this war will be the awakening throughout our whole land a deeper truer patriotism than has ever been felt here before, that the children will now [???] in a deeper love of liberty than ever.
I was much gratified by your last letter and the “holly” you gathered to put in it. When you have time, shall be glad to hear from you again.
Sisters join in kind regard,
As ever, your friend S. A. Waldo
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus)
There are several references to letters from “Miss Waldo” or “S. A. Waldo” or the Waldo family in Jerome’s letters. In addition, there are some letters from her to “Friend Jerome” in this collection of letters.
There are several references to letters from “Miss Waldo” or “S. A. Waldo” or the Waldo family in Jerome’s letters. In addition, there are some letters from her to “Friend Jerome” in this collection of letters.
Original Format
Letter/Paper
Files
Collection
Reference
S. A. Waldo 1863, From S. A. Waldo to Jerome, April 16, 1863, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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