From Jerome to Allie, May 11, 1863

From Jerome to Allie, May 11, 1863

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Middleburg, KY.

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1863-05-11

NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcribers)

For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).

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English

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Letter #111

Middleburg, KY.

LETTER TRANSCRIPTION

Middleburg, Ky, 11th May, 1863
My own dear Wife,
I intended yesterday to have written you a “nice long letter.” ‘Twas a beautiful sunny day, thought I would wait ‘till the latter part of the day, so to have the “latest” news and before long the news, sure enough, began to come in.
For the last few days, we have been in a fever of excitement by the news from the Rappahannock. One day victory and rejoicing, and then, defeat, or check and a corresponding depression.
Well, thought I would attend the prayer meeting ‘till candle light and then light my candle and have a long chat with your dearest self, when while one young soldier was at prayer, a short burst from the 27th Mich. in front of us, soon little knots gathering here and there in our own Regt. Pretty soon, as our Col. and Lieut. Col. were passing out [a paper], a Maj., Lieut. Cross of Col. Leasure’s staff stopped them (the Col.) and gave him a paper, looked a moment and then turned about for his quarters. Soon, the bugle sounded and the whole Regt. was soon gathered about him while he read this dispatch from Gen. Wilcox (our Corps Com. [Commander]) to Gen. Welch. “Stoneman reinforced by Gen. Dix, who enter Richmond. The Stars and Stripes now float over the Rebel Capitol! Hooker reinforced and again crossing the river to meet the enemy!!!”
How can I describe what followed, cheer after cheer went up at the Col.’s call (Reveille!). Well, the boys seemed perfectly wild with joy and they seemed at a loss what to do. Pretty soon “Out with your candles!” and in a twinkling every tent was illuminated by the candle, stuck out on the ridge pole, while the officers’ quarters were covered, and it was one of the most beautiful scenes I ever saw, for we had plenty of candles. The eve. was warm and still.
In the meantime, the band, which is improved by the addition of four fifers, bass drum, and cymbals rung out, in merry tunes. Now just imagine this, trebled for the other Regts. soon followed suit, (the 36th were first on the candle move). Soon three large bonfires were blazing from the heights opposite our camp (south) and as they lighted up the freshly budding trees ‘twas a picture for the artist. The whole valley was soon lighted up, far and wide. But soon came the order again “Fall in boys with your candles!” and the whole Regt. with the band were in line and marched round the other two Regts. The 100th Penn. stood in line of battle at “Support Arms” with a lighted candle in the muzzle of their guns, 27th Mich. ditto and as were marched by them, the welkin rang with cheers from each in response, and the Bunker Hill boys done their part, as Lieut. Gird in his speech said, “You would not think Mass. was ‘left out in the cold.‘”
Marched to the Col.’s quarters, each man lifting his candle (in a bayonet) as high as we could. Called out the Col. who thanked us for the compliment, and proposed “three more” for the great victory, and need I say how five hundred voices responded? Then came Adjt. (or acting) Hodgkins who made a speech and ‘twas fine. We then went to one of the Captain’s quarters and speeches from Captains Warriner, Sawyer, Lieuts. Brigham and Gird. (Captain Smith too, the one who was at Orange). They were all good. Brigham and Gird are good speakers. But the late hours came and at last all was still. It was a night to be remembered and with all the “scenes” at home I never shall forget this. God grant it may not be dashed by any misfortune, and that soon we may hear of the capitulation of Lee‘s Army, and the total downfall of the vile race of traitors. ‘Twas not one lot to share in this, but it was a fit place to hear these tidings on the soil of old Kentuck, the land of Henry Clay, and I felt that if I live to see home ‘twould be glory enough that I too was a soldier of the Republic in this her hour of trial.
(Breakfast) How my thoughts have been with you at home, in these few past hours! It seems too good for reality, and with trembling we receive it, but I trust our brothers Frank and Will are indeed in the rebel Capital! But much hard fighting is yet to come I fear, but the arm is nerved and ready now to deal the last fatal blow to this infernal monster. In this Deptmt. [Department] all is quiet. The traitors seemed to have abandoned all idea of further mischief in Ky., but still they must be watched, and you will see by the way Gen. Burnside is dealing with Copperheads, that the “mill is grinding.” Vallandigham and others are beginning to feel what it is to talk treason.
Well, your nice letter of the 3rd was received and last eve. Jos. H. came and showed me yours to him and the few words to him. He seems happy in his new place, is back more than two miles from here, and has to obtain a “pass” to get here. His letters from home are, I believe, all favorable, altho’ I expect the Orange boys in the 52nd have had a hard time. The boys here are all well.
I mailed a letter to the folks at Billerica yesterday, (Mary). Our mail comes every day in the forenoon, the mail goes out at the same time. Am glad you had such a nice time, riding home, and at Stoneham.
I hope you will correct any wrong impressions to Lucy or any one, in what I might have said about your “working” for yourself. I thought I took particular pains in her case not to give such impressions. I am satisfied and appreciate fully all the friends have done, and commend you, above all for your spirit, but at first the thought of leaving Lulu grieved me, but I know all is well, and you have done right, and I only felt, that you could do fine sewing among our mutual friends instead of shop life. You know I dislike that. You will now be among old friends, and have much to cheer and keep your mind busy. I know when I call to mind all things, I am hardly deserving [of] your dear self, and the thousand kindnesses I have enjoyed, and I will try and not to grieve you by any words again.
Shall be eager for news now and I trust we are now to see the dark clouds breaking and that we shall soon be united once more in peace and happiness.
My health is excellent, appetite tremendous, just as I was at Dayton years ago.
Have not heard from the Suffolk boys for a long time. I kept the colored picture of Lulu. Had Henry P.’s picture the other day.
Ben E.’s wife has had quite a “gay” time at Wheeling amid the excitement of the Rebel raid, rather amusing to her. B [Ben] thinks it quite a joke that she has been so much nearer the Rebs than he has [been.]
All sorts of rumors about our movements. We may go back to Camp “Dick”, there is no telling how the late result will affect this Dept., time will tell.
I amuse myself reading, hunting for flowers, and keeping things in order, [and] receiving and writing letters. Have sent your letters In Care of Charles S. of late thinking you would receive them more direct. Am glad you got the picture and glad you liked it.
I have written this in haste, began before 5 o’clk A.M., ‘tis now past 6 and I want it to go this morning.
Remember, as ever to all friends and may it find you happy and rejoicing in the hope of a speedy end of our woes. Hope to hear from you this morn. Thank Lucy for her kind letter, recv’d. a few days ago. I hope she will be benefitted much by her new teeth, as she certainly will. Kind regards to George. I trust the air is better. Remember to Miss Waldo, Abbie and
As ever you loving husband
Jerome

I enclosed a letter for you in one to Murray the other day.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus)

NOTE 1: The capture of Richmond and the United States flag flying over the Capitol Building of the Confederacy was, of course, significantly premature when this letter was written. U.S. troops did not enter Richmond until April 3, 1865. The celebration and the speeches are described exactly as detailed in this letter on Page 44 of the Unit History. It describes the events as a “Fourth of July occasion” and goes no to say, “We soon learned that we had exulted too soon.”

NOTE 2: Stephen C. Warriner enlisted as a Sergeant at age 23 from Monson, Massachusetts. He was appointed Captain of Co. E of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment on August 22, 1862, and he resigned on April 22, 1864.

NOTE 3: Captain Christopher Sawyer enlisted as a Captain at age 28 from Templeton, Massachusetts, on August 22, 1862, and he commanded Company H of the 36th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the company that Jerome was assigned to. He was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864.

NOTE 4: William F. Brigham enlisted at age 23 from Marlborough, Massachusetts. He was appointed First Lieutenant of Company I on August 22, 1862. Brigham was discharged for disability on January 20, 1865.

NOTE 5: James B. Smith enlisted at age 23 from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was appointed Captain, Company K, on August 22, 1862. Smith was wounded at the Battle of Pegram Farm on September 30, 1864, but was mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1864, as a Major. He was subsequently promoted to Brevet Colonel for “gallant and meritorious service.”

NOTE 6: 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.

NOTE 7: William H. Hodgkins enlisted at age 22 from Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant on Oct. 17, 1862. He served as the Acting Adjutant from January 18, 1863, until May 31, 1863, and was promoted to First Lieutenant on October 17, 1863, and to Captain on May 6, 1864. Hodgkins was subsequently promoted to Brevet Major, U.S. Volunteers, for “valued and distinguished service at Fort Stedman, Virginia, on March 25, 1865.”

NOTE 8: The Ben E. referred to this letter was almost certainly Benjamin B. Edmands. 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 9: The “Mary” referred to in this letter was almost certainly Allie’s younger sister, Mary Frances Jaquith. She was born in 1841, while Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834.

NOTE 10: Clement Laird Vallandigham (1820 – 1871) was an Ohio politician and leader of the Copperhead faction of anti-war Democrats during the Civil War. He served two terms in the United States House of Representatives. In 1863, he was convicted at an Army court martial of opposing the war, and exiled to the Confederacy. He ran for governor of Ohio in 1863 from exile in Canada, but he was defeated.

NOTE 11: Camp “Dick” was Camp “Dick Robinson” 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 12: 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 13: The “Col. [Colonel]” referred to in the letter was Colonel Henry Bowman, from Clinton, Massachusetts, who 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.

Letter/Paper