From Jerome to Allie, May 26, 1863

From Jerome to Allie, May 26, 1863

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Columbia, KY.

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1863-05-26

NPS, Civil War Study Group, Barb Davidson (Transcriber)

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

4.97 X 8.06
9.84 X 8.06
4.97 X 8.06
Jpg

English

Text

Letter #115

Camp near Columbia, KY.

LETTER TRANSCRIPTION

Camp near Columbia Ky May 26th/63
My dearest Allie
Tues eve. Have just arrived at camp, overtaking the Regt. [Regiment] some 30 miles from Middleburg, where I left them with the colors last “Monday week” as they say out here being about a week and one day and all for Ball as my former letters will tell you.
Left Lexington on Sat. P.M. and have travelled some 200 miles, mostly in ambulance wagons, tho [though] had an opportunity of practicing horseback riding for two half days and expect I am fitted for a Cavalry officer.
We are encamped in the woods on Green River and a romantic place it is. Back of our tents is a steep rocky bank leading to the river where I have just had a nice bath.
Have passed some wild and splendid forest scenery as I ever saw and as we approach the settlements you see cultivated fields and regularity again. Words can hardly do justice to the “views” about here.
I found a generous mail, two letters from you, 15th and 18th (mailed) the last at B. [Billerica]. Expect another mail tonight. Letter from Frank, Ellen P., Alfred Phipps and many papers. You will hear of meeting Alonzo at Nicholasville Sat. eve.
Letters and hdkefs. [handkerchiefs] from Miss Waldo (for Abbie), a pen ink stand I shall get when A. [Alonzo] opens his trunk. Am very glad you sent it.
Murray sent a letter also. It is most dark and I am only writing you a line [for you] to know I am well and safe, tho [though] they say we are approaching the Rebels again. We may remain here awhile and may move on in 24 hours. Should like to say more about some things but can’t stop now.
The good letters from the friends do me much good. Am glad you are doing well. I send some posies again for Lulu, something to keep her in mind of Papie.
Love to Albert and family and friends. Alonzo is quite as well as I expected and has born his journey well. He wrote Ellen at Danville. I think the climate will agree with him.
It is quite warm this cool night.
Will write more before long but I am always your loving husband
Jerome P.

Wedns morn 27. Jos H. came last eve. Is well and very busy. The Army is concentrating a large force here. It is a lovely place where we are in camp. Am quite refreshed this morn. Had a nice chat with Ben E. last eve. and he sends kindest regards to you. Isaac spoke of your visit with them. Hope you will keep it up as they will be true friends to you. Had very kind letters from Foster and Kali by Alonzo, also Miss Waldo. Hope Abbie is better. Can’t tell what is before us but will write often.
Please send a sheet of paper and envelopes in your letters.

Direct your letters in future to “via Louisville Ky” instead of Cin [Cincinnati] as the railroad comes from there to near this point.
Got these flowers at Hustonville.
Did Mary receive my letter at B [Billerica]?

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (Josef Rokus)

NOTE 1: Jerome referred to the ball he mentions in this letter in two previous letters, namely Letter No. 113 dated May 20, 1863, and Letter No. 114 dated May 22. 1863. The ball was organized in Lexington, Kentucky, by the officers of the Union’s Ninth Corps, with all of the local civilian dignitaries invited. Such events were not uncommon and were intended to be a part of a public relations effort to impress the local population with the capabilities and “friendliness” of the Union army. Jerome’s involvement was to be part of the escort that took the colors of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment to the ball.

NOTE 2: The “Alonzo” Jerome referred to in this letter 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 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: Benjamin B. Edmands (Ben E. in this letter) 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 “Foster” mentioned in this letter was Foster Peirce, one of Jerome’s older brothers. The 1850 U.S. Census listed him as being born in 1812, living in Charlestown, Massachusetts, and being in the furniture business. It is interesting to note that when that census was taken, Jerome, then 19 years old, was living with the Foster Peirce family, with his occupation being recorded as a “gilder.”

NOTE 6: Abbie (Abigail) Jaquith was Allie’s younger sister. Abbie was born in 1836, and she died in 1915. Allie (Albinia) was born in 1834, and she died in 1920.

NOTE 7: 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.

Letter/Paper