From Jerome to Allie, March 13, 1863

From Jerome to Allie, March 13, 1863

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Newport News VA.

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1863-03-13

NPS, Civil War Study Group, Jim Lloyd (Transcriber)

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

4.45 X 2.77
5.17 X 8.01
10.19 X 8.01
5.17 X 8.01
jpg

English

Text

Letter #84

Newport News, VA.

Newport News Mch [March] 13th 1863
Dearest wife,
Fri morning and have just came in from morning drill. A clear sunny morning. ‘Twas quite cold last night and I had cold fingers somewhat.
An event yesterday P.M. Went out to “Dress Parade” and the wind blew so the Col. dismissed the Colors so we guard. Frank Crafts and I strutted to the front to see how they looked and lo and behold: who should we see in an ambulance but Mrs. Hall and Willie! We were not long in finding our way to her and took seats inside and saw the parade tho. When she went to Co. B and I returned to my tent but passed last eve. at the Division Headquarters where Willie is employed as clerk and where she was accommodated for the night. It seems she was at Baltimore at Dick’s wedding and Mr. Goody, or Godeys, a friend of theirs of B. escorted her to the Army. It seemed so good to hear a familiar voice and that [of] a lady from home.
I wrote a hasty note for Abbie and knowing how early she intended leaving for home and if I can, will send this to be mailed by her. I knew you would hear us soon as by her, as I intended writing you this morning, so I may not see her. I asked her to write you when she returned home. Said she would. Perhaps if I should not be able to see her, you will write a line to her.
Mr. Hall could not accompany her. Dick was obliged to leave the next day after he was married and consequently she (Mrs. H.) saw him but very little indeed. I think she seems very sober and I don’t wonder. She is favorably impressed and finds us more comfortable than she expected.
We have just decorated our street with holly trees. The leaves such as I sent you and it looks very pretty now in camp. I do so wish you could come out here and see us. I cannot encourage you too much about furloughs.
Seargt. Woodward left for home yesterday, his wife being very sick. I did not know he expected to leave till he was gone. Capt. S. is also away.
If there is any such thing as a furlough, I shall get one one of these days but I hope there will be enough accomplished the next 90 days so we can be spared both in life and leisure.
Your 20th letter came Wednes[day]. I am so glad you received the box. Rub sweet oil on it and it will be pretty.
Frank Crafts and Mr. G. have just called, and Mrs. H. is in Co. B so I’ll hasten up this, you will excuse brevity. I thought ‘twould be a gratification to get this [via] Mrs. Hall. I am well very. J.H. has a cold but will get along soon. Had letter from Abbie, Mrs. J. Ellis and Ed Peirce yesterday. Will send you Mr. E.’s letter soon and have more of a talk with you on Sunday.
Battalion drill comes soon, so you can see I am busy.
Love to all, a kiss for Lulu and anyone who will accept another. Will you?
I’ll remember more of your last letter when I write. Keep up good spirits. I am not blue nor haven’t been very any time.
As ever, your
Jerome

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES (James Lloyd and Josef Rokus)

NOTE 1: Frank G. Crafts enlisted as a Corporal at age 24 from Charlestown, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1862. He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps (V.R.C.) on May 31, 1864. The Veteran Reserve Corps (originally the Invalid Corps) was a military reserve organization created within the Union Army during the Civil War to allow partially disabled or otherwise infirmed soldiers (or former soldiers) to perform light duty, freeing able-bodied soldiers to serve on the front lines. It existed from 1863 to 1869.

NOTE 2: The following is taken from the roster section of the Unit History of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers: Philip G. Woodward. 25. From Orange, Massachusetts. Enlisted as a Sergeant, in Co. H on Aug. 6, 1862; Promoted to Second Lieutenant on Oct. 26, 1863; Not mustered; Promoted to First Lieutenant on May 15, 1864; Wounded in action at Cold Harbor, Va., on June 3, 1864; Promoted to Captain on Oct. 11, 1864; Mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1865. (Jerome Peirce enlisted as a Corporal in Orange, Massachusetts, on Aug. 4, 1862.)

NOTE 3: “Mr. Ellis” was Rev. George E. Ellis, the pastor of the church in Charlestown that the family attended before it moved to Orange, Massachusetts.

NOTE 4: Abbie (Abigail) 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. Therefore, when this letter was written, Abbie was 27 years old, and Allie was 29.

NOTE 5: The “Capt. S.” referred to in the letter was Captain Christopher Sawyer. He 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. Sawyer was discharged on account of disability on February 19, 1864.

NOTE 6: The “J.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 7: Sweet oil used in the context of this letter’s mention of a shipping box is probably a reference to a finish for wood used as a preservative and to beautify the grain. It might refer to an oil such as linseed or tung.

Letter/Paper