From Jerome to Allie, September 30, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, September 30, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Camp near the Potomac
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
1862-09-30
Contributor
NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz (Transcriber)
Rights
For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).
Format
5.5 X 3 - 1st Scan
8 X 12 - 2nd Scan
8 X 12 - 3rd Scan
4.5 X 8 - 4th Scan
8 X 12 - 2nd Scan
8 X 12 - 3rd Scan
4.5 X 8 - 4th Scan
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #17
Coverage
Camp near the Potomac
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Camp Near the Potomac, 30th Sept 1862.
My dearest Wife,
On this lovely morning, (the sun just hidden sufficient to make it Cool and shady) in a lovely part of “My Maryland.” I resume the pencil again to you. I wish you could have just looked upon the sight yesterday P.M. The mail arrived about noon, distributed about 2 P.M. and such joyful faces. After more than two weeks of waiting it was indeed a Godsend and set the whole Camp in joyous hilarity except a few who received none, and they had the sympathy of the rest.
Well I got Six, all thanks to the dear Good friends! Three were from our dearest self, dated 17th 20th & 21st from Bil, the last from Boston. I expect I have not got all of yours, as I have not all of mine. one from Foster I have not recd. I should value it much and hope it will come yet. One from Abbie of the 17th, one from Finney, one from E. Haynes, from Mr. Baker of Orange, (I wrote him and the S. School awhile ago)]. Am glad to have good news generally and trust the same health, and security will still keep all our dear friends and interests at home, and ‘tis a great deal to know we are a wall of strong arms and glittering steel, to still protect our best hopes at home, and already the Rebel hosts are cooled of their mad endeavors to “invade” the North! But of the Past, Left Camp “Rocks” as we facetiously call it--owing to the “stony places” where we last Camped--on Friday P.M. a Column of some 8500 men, and made three miles or so to this place, a little nearer the Potomac between it and Antietam Creek. It is a lovely spot, and a wide valley, to the West, some two miles and in front, are the belt of hills between us and Virginia (see the map) while undulating land, woods of Cedar, about, front and Right, and some 40000 to 75000 troops on hill and plain filling the whole area, and in the eve lighted up like a la[r]ge City. I wish I was an artist for it is a “continual feast” to the eyes. But I must tell you more. Lou R. came into the Capt’s tent last eve, where I was chatting, and seemed as overjoyed as a boy at his letters, two from Nellie, and we “walked and talked” till roll call 9 oclk, and almost imagined ourselves once more at home, even while talking over the chances of the war prompted by the little incident, of my being appointed one of the Color guard, a post of danger and honor. The duty is in the Centre of the Reg at Review, Dress parade and line of Battle. A co[r]poral is selected from each Co[.] Frank Crofts is from the “Phalanx,” so we are indeed under the folds of the starry flag, “By angel hands to valor given[.]”
Jos H had a letter from his mother, and two papers[.] No particular news, only there is a rush for Certificates of disability to serve in the army and Mr. Baker is quite funny over it. But O is doing well notwithstanding, and I only hope the response will be general[?] for the appearance alone of the host can send, will crush the rebellion without much more fighting. We are having a beautiful season here, and the pleasantest period of our Camp life is passing. Should like to be in Bila a little while. by the way, the Potomac river looks a little like the Concord at B but for the Color. the streams all have a yellow, muddy Color. There is a steep rugged bushy bank, which looks off into Virginia, and a Canal running beside it, with deserted Lime Kilns, on the bank, for it is a great for Lime Stone Country, and the water effects us more or less, but therefor[e] I have been exceedingly well, and am so still for I am Careful of myself, and am not anxious to die either by bullets or desease [sic], but shall endeavor to “stand by the flag[.]” Had a Brigade Review this A.M. Gen Wil[l]cox, and Inspection Dress parade &c. by and by, so will rest awhile
It is almost dark and the mail is closing—will add a closing word. You ask if Capt S. is a[s] popular as ever. he is and is a very kind and excellent man. Expect our first Lieut from Hubbardston soon. been sick. from the 25th Reg.
I presume I have forgot[t]en many items, but not the love I bear you and our dear little Lulu. Regimental inspection, Dress Parade, (and Review this A.M.) so I am somewhat fatigued. I enclose $,00 as I can do without it, so I Just on “Please forward” in hopes it will ensure a safe arrival. Hope to hear from Foster. Love to all.
As ever,
Your Jerome
Excuse this paper. Half of Mr. Baker’s. Have to make the most of Stationery.
My dearest Wife,
On this lovely morning, (the sun just hidden sufficient to make it Cool and shady) in a lovely part of “My Maryland.” I resume the pencil again to you. I wish you could have just looked upon the sight yesterday P.M. The mail arrived about noon, distributed about 2 P.M. and such joyful faces. After more than two weeks of waiting it was indeed a Godsend and set the whole Camp in joyous hilarity except a few who received none, and they had the sympathy of the rest.
Well I got Six, all thanks to the dear Good friends! Three were from our dearest self, dated 17th 20th & 21st from Bil, the last from Boston. I expect I have not got all of yours, as I have not all of mine. one from Foster I have not recd. I should value it much and hope it will come yet. One from Abbie of the 17th, one from Finney, one from E. Haynes, from Mr. Baker of Orange, (I wrote him and the S. School awhile ago)]. Am glad to have good news generally and trust the same health, and security will still keep all our dear friends and interests at home, and ‘tis a great deal to know we are a wall of strong arms and glittering steel, to still protect our best hopes at home, and already the Rebel hosts are cooled of their mad endeavors to “invade” the North! But of the Past, Left Camp “Rocks” as we facetiously call it--owing to the “stony places” where we last Camped--on Friday P.M. a Column of some 8500 men, and made three miles or so to this place, a little nearer the Potomac between it and Antietam Creek. It is a lovely spot, and a wide valley, to the West, some two miles and in front, are the belt of hills between us and Virginia (see the map) while undulating land, woods of Cedar, about, front and Right, and some 40000 to 75000 troops on hill and plain filling the whole area, and in the eve lighted up like a la[r]ge City. I wish I was an artist for it is a “continual feast” to the eyes. But I must tell you more. Lou R. came into the Capt’s tent last eve, where I was chatting, and seemed as overjoyed as a boy at his letters, two from Nellie, and we “walked and talked” till roll call 9 oclk, and almost imagined ourselves once more at home, even while talking over the chances of the war prompted by the little incident, of my being appointed one of the Color guard, a post of danger and honor. The duty is in the Centre of the Reg at Review, Dress parade and line of Battle. A co[r]poral is selected from each Co[.] Frank Crofts is from the “Phalanx,” so we are indeed under the folds of the starry flag, “By angel hands to valor given[.]”
Jos H had a letter from his mother, and two papers[.] No particular news, only there is a rush for Certificates of disability to serve in the army and Mr. Baker is quite funny over it. But O is doing well notwithstanding, and I only hope the response will be general[?] for the appearance alone of the host can send, will crush the rebellion without much more fighting. We are having a beautiful season here, and the pleasantest period of our Camp life is passing. Should like to be in Bila a little while. by the way, the Potomac river looks a little like the Concord at B but for the Color. the streams all have a yellow, muddy Color. There is a steep rugged bushy bank, which looks off into Virginia, and a Canal running beside it, with deserted Lime Kilns, on the bank, for it is a great for Lime Stone Country, and the water effects us more or less, but therefor[e] I have been exceedingly well, and am so still for I am Careful of myself, and am not anxious to die either by bullets or desease [sic], but shall endeavor to “stand by the flag[.]” Had a Brigade Review this A.M. Gen Wil[l]cox, and Inspection Dress parade &c. by and by, so will rest awhile
It is almost dark and the mail is closing—will add a closing word. You ask if Capt S. is a[s] popular as ever. he is and is a very kind and excellent man. Expect our first Lieut from Hubbardston soon. been sick. from the 25th Reg.
I presume I have forgot[t]en many items, but not the love I bear you and our dear little Lulu. Regimental inspection, Dress Parade, (and Review this A.M.) so I am somewhat fatigued. I enclose $,00 as I can do without it, so I Just on “Please forward” in hopes it will ensure a safe arrival. Hope to hear from Foster. Love to all.
As ever,
Your Jerome
Excuse this paper. Half of Mr. Baker’s. Have to make the most of Stationery.
Original Format
Letter / Paper
Files
Collection
Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, September 30, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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