From Jerome to Allie, July 19, 1863
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, July 19, 1863
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Jackson, MS.
Description
From Jerome to Allie
Creator
Jerome Peirce
Source
Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service
Publisher
HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
Date
1863-07-19
Contributor
NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens (Transcriber)
Rights
For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).
Format
7 X 4.25
6 X 9
11.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
Jpg
6 X 9
11.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
6.45 X 9.25
Jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #142
Coverage
Eight miles from Jackson, MS.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
LETTER TRANSCRIPTION
Missi Central R. Road, 8 miles from Jackson, Sunday Morning
19 July 1863
My dearest Allie,
Since my last another change, and move, and I send a few lines altho’ don’t know when it will be mailed. I wrote you last, last Wedns. that night about 10 o’clk and all the men remaining in camp able to do duty were detailed for Picket duty. “Color Guard” and all, so we remained about a mile from Camp till dark Thurs Eve. I was on the “Reserve”, and did nothing but act as one of an “escort” to Col. Lasine who came by to visit his Brigade on the extreme left of our lines. Another incident, while we were gone, the rebs threw 32 lb. solid shot into our Camp so you see the protecting hand over me.
Fri. morning. Great cheering on the Right! and behold, Jackson is evacuated!! The Rebs have skedaddled, and our boys are in the City, and ransacking and even burning a portion of the City and dense columns of smoke roll up and the boys come pouring into Camp with various trophies, and sugar, any amount. Well, it is the state of the Arch Traitor himself, and no mercy, altho’ the guards try to protect, as much as possible.
I did not leave Camp, as I never do, or very seldom. Pack up and start is the word and about 11 o’clk, we moved off for “Grant’s Ford” on the Pearl River to intercept the rebs. Marched some ten miles and rested while the Pioneers went forward to build a bridge. But soon came the order (Sat. morn) to move, and we went “across [???]” at this point where we arrived last eve just before dark, some ten miles from yesterday morning’s Camp. It is expected we leave today for somewhere, we hope “up the river.” From all accounts the Rebel Army is demoralized and dispersed, and news keeps coming of successes, which we receive with caution. This morning, “they say,” Charleston, S.C. is ours!
Well, my Allie, can you realize what a tiresome, busy time we’re having? Our stop near J.[Jackson???] gave me an opportunity of [???] up as I had lacked appetite for some days before, but altho’ “hard tack” is scarce (we’ve been on “half rations” since we came here) we have an abundance of fresh meat, (as they drive the cattle along and butcher every night), and we manage to procure plenty of corn, and roast or boil it, and a few potatoes. The change proved an excellent thing for me, and I am feeling as well as I have at any time.
We are now camped beside the railroad, on a level plain with thick grass and woods on the rear. It is cloudy and cool and very comfortable. Now there are many questions I ought to answer. I have written to Dan P.[,] Jamestown. Had a letter from Bowen a few days since. Said it had been received but they couldn’t make him (Dan) write his friends. Did not speak very encouraging[ly] of him (D). Had a nice letter from Charles Smith on Fri. when we got in from Picket. Tell him I got the “Liberator” (Garrison‘s Papers) while on the Morgan scout in Ky. I have every reason to believe I receive, “after a while”, all my mail matter and what a comfort. But, now we are constantly on the move, and get very tired and cannot write all I desire to. You will readily see the state of the [???].
Jos. H. came to see me yesterday. He is well, but has been “driven to death” of late is driving for the 79th N.Y. Regt. 3rd Brigade (we’re the 1st). Said he had had no time to write home for many days. I try, and do write his folks as often as I can. He is all right and well and more manly than ever. Wrote to Billerica on a day or two ago. I write them regularly. Shall write to Foster’s family again soon, wrote them just before we crossed the “Big Black.” Am delighted with the photographs of Kate and Ellen, excellent. Wish I had your own.
Of Alonzo, he is well, and bears his work finely and I see him almost every hour. So, his friends can consider him as well, up and doing and rides a fine “bay” horse, and yesterday had a pretty “bouquet” hanging to his sword hilt, where obtained I know not.
Well, Allie, I must close for now for I want to wash up and get some water for our canteen, so to be ready. Here is a sketch of my shelter this morning. Here you see me, rubber blanket pitched with guns and sticks and so with you a Kiss adieu
Jerome
P.S. There are some pretty flowers here.
Prairie flowers. The purple fade[s] out if I attempt to press them. I enclose some pink, very pretty, as they look in the field. Hope they reach you in good condition.
J[Jerome]
We think it a good joke feeding on Jeff’s Corn.
P.S. 2nd Noon The men have come in and we go to Jackson this P.M. Have just got hold of a book by Mary Howitt for children which I shall try and send home to Lulu, a pretty book with pictures. ‘Twas got at Jackson. Don’t say much for I may have to leave it. Had boiled corn, peach sauce and meat for dinner. Rumor says, five of Johnson’s Regts. came in and gave themselves up today. A mail is awaiting us at J. [Jackson]. Very hot today.
Transcriber’s Note: This is the end of page 6. The text does not seem to follow. Perhaps some text is missing. The following is the start of page 7.
And Capt. S. is hardly expected to recover. Oh, it is a sad time, but as you said in yours, before this, I am in the hands of the good father and so far have been spared marvelously, for I am quite, yes, very well indeed, only a little weak, and languid from the heat, but appetite is good. I rode on teams [of horses], and had my things carried the last two days. Did not allow myself to get fatigued. Now, I hope we will soon be further North and I shall take a furlough the first favorable chance.
Dear little Lulu. I thought she was in perfect health! Do take care of her, perhaps the salt water air will be good for her. I send her some little pictures from the “S.[Sabbath] School Gazette”. Allie, this is a poor scrawl but have got much to attend to today, for we are all in a poor condition. after the long, dusty marches. I have often told you not to be alarmed at my long silence, so I trust you have not been so. I have always tried to keep my letters to you often and regular but it was impossible to do differently this time. Thanks to sister Abbie for the contents of her letter.
Yours, once more, and ever
Jerome
P.S. Ben E. [Edmands] has come in, and brought some ripe figs! Delicious! I wish you could taste! Says he hopes he will not do anything to influence me to your grief. Sends regards.
Missi Central R. Road, 8 miles from Jackson, Sunday Morning
19 July 1863
My dearest Allie,
Since my last another change, and move, and I send a few lines altho’ don’t know when it will be mailed. I wrote you last, last Wedns. that night about 10 o’clk and all the men remaining in camp able to do duty were detailed for Picket duty. “Color Guard” and all, so we remained about a mile from Camp till dark Thurs Eve. I was on the “Reserve”, and did nothing but act as one of an “escort” to Col. Lasine who came by to visit his Brigade on the extreme left of our lines. Another incident, while we were gone, the rebs threw 32 lb. solid shot into our Camp so you see the protecting hand over me.
Fri. morning. Great cheering on the Right! and behold, Jackson is evacuated!! The Rebs have skedaddled, and our boys are in the City, and ransacking and even burning a portion of the City and dense columns of smoke roll up and the boys come pouring into Camp with various trophies, and sugar, any amount. Well, it is the state of the Arch Traitor himself, and no mercy, altho’ the guards try to protect, as much as possible.
I did not leave Camp, as I never do, or very seldom. Pack up and start is the word and about 11 o’clk, we moved off for “Grant’s Ford” on the Pearl River to intercept the rebs. Marched some ten miles and rested while the Pioneers went forward to build a bridge. But soon came the order (Sat. morn) to move, and we went “across [???]” at this point where we arrived last eve just before dark, some ten miles from yesterday morning’s Camp. It is expected we leave today for somewhere, we hope “up the river.” From all accounts the Rebel Army is demoralized and dispersed, and news keeps coming of successes, which we receive with caution. This morning, “they say,” Charleston, S.C. is ours!
Well, my Allie, can you realize what a tiresome, busy time we’re having? Our stop near J.[Jackson???] gave me an opportunity of [???] up as I had lacked appetite for some days before, but altho’ “hard tack” is scarce (we’ve been on “half rations” since we came here) we have an abundance of fresh meat, (as they drive the cattle along and butcher every night), and we manage to procure plenty of corn, and roast or boil it, and a few potatoes. The change proved an excellent thing for me, and I am feeling as well as I have at any time.
We are now camped beside the railroad, on a level plain with thick grass and woods on the rear. It is cloudy and cool and very comfortable. Now there are many questions I ought to answer. I have written to Dan P.[,] Jamestown. Had a letter from Bowen a few days since. Said it had been received but they couldn’t make him (Dan) write his friends. Did not speak very encouraging[ly] of him (D). Had a nice letter from Charles Smith on Fri. when we got in from Picket. Tell him I got the “Liberator” (Garrison‘s Papers) while on the Morgan scout in Ky. I have every reason to believe I receive, “after a while”, all my mail matter and what a comfort. But, now we are constantly on the move, and get very tired and cannot write all I desire to. You will readily see the state of the [???].
Jos. H. came to see me yesterday. He is well, but has been “driven to death” of late is driving for the 79th N.Y. Regt. 3rd Brigade (we’re the 1st). Said he had had no time to write home for many days. I try, and do write his folks as often as I can. He is all right and well and more manly than ever. Wrote to Billerica on a day or two ago. I write them regularly. Shall write to Foster’s family again soon, wrote them just before we crossed the “Big Black.” Am delighted with the photographs of Kate and Ellen, excellent. Wish I had your own.
Of Alonzo, he is well, and bears his work finely and I see him almost every hour. So, his friends can consider him as well, up and doing and rides a fine “bay” horse, and yesterday had a pretty “bouquet” hanging to his sword hilt, where obtained I know not.
Well, Allie, I must close for now for I want to wash up and get some water for our canteen, so to be ready. Here is a sketch of my shelter this morning. Here you see me, rubber blanket pitched with guns and sticks and so with you a Kiss adieu
Jerome
P.S. There are some pretty flowers here.
Prairie flowers. The purple fade[s] out if I attempt to press them. I enclose some pink, very pretty, as they look in the field. Hope they reach you in good condition.
J[Jerome]
We think it a good joke feeding on Jeff’s Corn.
P.S. 2nd Noon The men have come in and we go to Jackson this P.M. Have just got hold of a book by Mary Howitt for children which I shall try and send home to Lulu, a pretty book with pictures. ‘Twas got at Jackson. Don’t say much for I may have to leave it. Had boiled corn, peach sauce and meat for dinner. Rumor says, five of Johnson’s Regts. came in and gave themselves up today. A mail is awaiting us at J. [Jackson]. Very hot today.
Transcriber’s Note: This is the end of page 6. The text does not seem to follow. Perhaps some text is missing. The following is the start of page 7.
And Capt. S. is hardly expected to recover. Oh, it is a sad time, but as you said in yours, before this, I am in the hands of the good father and so far have been spared marvelously, for I am quite, yes, very well indeed, only a little weak, and languid from the heat, but appetite is good. I rode on teams [of horses], and had my things carried the last two days. Did not allow myself to get fatigued. Now, I hope we will soon be further North and I shall take a furlough the first favorable chance.
Dear little Lulu. I thought she was in perfect health! Do take care of her, perhaps the salt water air will be good for her. I send her some little pictures from the “S.[Sabbath] School Gazette”. Allie, this is a poor scrawl but have got much to attend to today, for we are all in a poor condition. after the long, dusty marches. I have often told you not to be alarmed at my long silence, so I trust you have not been so. I have always tried to keep my letters to you often and regular but it was impossible to do differently this time. Thanks to sister Abbie for the contents of her letter.
Yours, once more, and ever
Jerome
P.S. Ben E. [Edmands] has come in, and brought some ripe figs! Delicious! I wish you could taste! Says he hopes he will not do anything to influence me to your grief. Sends regards.
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Reference
Jerome Peirce 1863, From Jerome to Allie, July 19, 1863, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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