From Jerome to Allie, October 19, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, October 19, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Pleasant Valley, MD.
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
1862-10-19
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
7.25 X 5 - 1st Scan
6.75 X 9.25 - 2nd Scan
11.25 X 9 - 3rd Scan
6.5 X 9 - 4th Scan
6.75 X 9.25 - 2nd Scan
11.25 X 9 - 3rd Scan
6.5 X 9 - 4th Scan
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #25
Coverage
Pleasant Valley, MD.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Pleasant Valley Md 19th Oct 1862
My dear wife,
I feel that I have a great deal to be thankful for on this lovely sabbath morning! Am feeling in excellent health and spirits—all quiet and orderly, in camp. Some of the soldiers are singing “All Hail the power of Jesus name &c.” A meeting I think[.]
And then last eve, another mail and four letters for me making 13 last week! Yours of the 12th I read first, and it done me so much good--it sounded like yourself, and that master Frank Thayer should think of me when so far off. I should like to tell him a long interesting story about army life, but I can’t this morning as I have considerable writing in view, but thank him for me, and tell him I shall not forget him, and I hope he with many lads like him, will have a better lot in the future than these tiresome marches and fatigues and that he may never have to help put down Rebels.
It is now 11 Oclk. and would you like to know what I have been doing this morn? Got up at 5 Oclk. With Jos. H. (he is out of the hospital and doing well) and Hiram Woodward, built a fire near my tent. Had breakfast about 6—Coffee, and a little hard bread soaked. had also some Cold fresh meat, salt mustard, some very good soft bread and syrup, cheese—so you see I don’t live very bad—sometimes. And while I am upon eatables let me say that the Co B Boys, got their boxes, safely a day or two since, and I got a Can of Tomatoes and box of Sardines[.] Gave a taste of the former to all the O boys, and had a good taste myself. had them hot, and Oh they were delicious. Alonzo gave me a little nice tea and I thank you (with a kiss) for that you sent, for it is the greatest treat you could think of, for I don’t drink Coffee but once a day, in the morning, and my head is all well of some bad feelings I had awhile ago. Well, after breakfast, washed, an odd custom, but we had breakfast early. Then came preparation for “Inspection”—Arms, Knapsacks &c. then got some oak leaves for my tent, making a nice comfortable bottom for my tent. My wollen [sic] blanket and overcoat, I am sitting on. my rubber blanket is up at the end of my tent to shade the sun a little, and the lookout is very pleasant on to South Mountain. the leaves are changing, and reminds me some what of old Tully—not quite as far off and more smooth, and miles long[.]
My ink stand sets on my tin plate at my right hand, letters strewed about[:] one from Lottie H, Abbie, Will--that came came [sic] last eve with yours. Also a “Christian Register” from Abbie a few days since.
Jos H has just sat down here and reading letters—no others in the tent.
And what a contrast to last Sabbath! I trust we may be undisturbed this day, and I think we may not be for things are more quiet in appearance, than when we arrived back to Camp.
Have read one or two chapters in Romans and the 29nth Psalm. opened by chance, read it. Expect a nice time, with the Register and Trumpet. It seems I am indebted to Roxy M. for the latter. I had not opened it when I wrote before. Give her my thanks for her thoughtfulness. Henry too was very glad to get it.
Will’s letter was dated the 13nth. Should think they were having a hard time at work on digging trenches. I am not disposed to complain if we can escape that killing business.
Frank writes finely, and in fine spirits. Will says he is [“]tough as a pine knot &c &c” I am glad indeed[--]wish W. was as hearty.
I have been steadily improving in health for some days and feel like my old self--eat heartily. It is getting cool nights so have put on my other shirt. I left my white undershirts at Leesboro’. they were rotten, and it was so hot. I have not needed them ‘till now. And now about some more. Ellen wrote Alonzo, that the folks talked of coming out here to see us—that is Jos & Foster. if so, I wish you would send a pair of knit undershirts, blue or dark color. they are just as good, and will save you a good deal of work. You know I wear rather of a small size. I should like them very much, if you can send them so you had better. We have to have some one at Harper’s Ferry, to see close to any thing that comes, or we loose [sic] it, and that we can’t always do. Capt Prescott of Co B. was on the look-out and so got their things safely. there is no regular Express from there here, and so a team from the Reg. brot them up, but we can’t always have them. Expect my boots in the Capt’s box at Fred City, (left them at Leesboro’) so if I can get the shirts I am “all right” for the cold weather.
Am glad about your Aid money. no doubt its all right, and trust the last of this month will bring me in something, but we Can’t tell, as the old Regts are complaining that the bounties to the new ones is cutting of their pay &c. Dinner call. Dinner over with and my things washed up—two tin plates & two spoons. Had Salt beef, bread, tea, a part of yours[?], nice. We often have our rations dealt out to us, so we can cook ourselves, such as Coffee, Sugar, Salt, pork &c. so ‘Ive [sic] just got me an extra plate for a fry dish. Shall carry my Tomato Can for a tea kettle, so I feel quite independent. But enough of this. What do you think of E. Judkins giving out? I suppose its all right for I think it would be a hard place, if I understand him.
Saw Alonzo, today and shall again. He is very well indeed. Got letters last eve, but hadn’t read them this morn—had been so busy. Shall try and write Abbie today. Lottie sent me a sweet Geranium leaf, and tiny flower pressed. I have in my Testament. Did you get the leaves I sent? Got them at “Point of Rocks,” and some by the Canal as we marched up the other day. Will send you an oak leaf from my bed.
My dear wife,
I feel that I have a great deal to be thankful for on this lovely sabbath morning! Am feeling in excellent health and spirits—all quiet and orderly, in camp. Some of the soldiers are singing “All Hail the power of Jesus name &c.” A meeting I think[.]
And then last eve, another mail and four letters for me making 13 last week! Yours of the 12th I read first, and it done me so much good--it sounded like yourself, and that master Frank Thayer should think of me when so far off. I should like to tell him a long interesting story about army life, but I can’t this morning as I have considerable writing in view, but thank him for me, and tell him I shall not forget him, and I hope he with many lads like him, will have a better lot in the future than these tiresome marches and fatigues and that he may never have to help put down Rebels.
It is now 11 Oclk. and would you like to know what I have been doing this morn? Got up at 5 Oclk. With Jos. H. (he is out of the hospital and doing well) and Hiram Woodward, built a fire near my tent. Had breakfast about 6—Coffee, and a little hard bread soaked. had also some Cold fresh meat, salt mustard, some very good soft bread and syrup, cheese—so you see I don’t live very bad—sometimes. And while I am upon eatables let me say that the Co B Boys, got their boxes, safely a day or two since, and I got a Can of Tomatoes and box of Sardines[.] Gave a taste of the former to all the O boys, and had a good taste myself. had them hot, and Oh they were delicious. Alonzo gave me a little nice tea and I thank you (with a kiss) for that you sent, for it is the greatest treat you could think of, for I don’t drink Coffee but once a day, in the morning, and my head is all well of some bad feelings I had awhile ago. Well, after breakfast, washed, an odd custom, but we had breakfast early. Then came preparation for “Inspection”—Arms, Knapsacks &c. then got some oak leaves for my tent, making a nice comfortable bottom for my tent. My wollen [sic] blanket and overcoat, I am sitting on. my rubber blanket is up at the end of my tent to shade the sun a little, and the lookout is very pleasant on to South Mountain. the leaves are changing, and reminds me some what of old Tully—not quite as far off and more smooth, and miles long[.]
My ink stand sets on my tin plate at my right hand, letters strewed about[:] one from Lottie H, Abbie, Will--that came came [sic] last eve with yours. Also a “Christian Register” from Abbie a few days since.
Jos H has just sat down here and reading letters—no others in the tent.
And what a contrast to last Sabbath! I trust we may be undisturbed this day, and I think we may not be for things are more quiet in appearance, than when we arrived back to Camp.
Have read one or two chapters in Romans and the 29nth Psalm. opened by chance, read it. Expect a nice time, with the Register and Trumpet. It seems I am indebted to Roxy M. for the latter. I had not opened it when I wrote before. Give her my thanks for her thoughtfulness. Henry too was very glad to get it.
Will’s letter was dated the 13nth. Should think they were having a hard time at work on digging trenches. I am not disposed to complain if we can escape that killing business.
Frank writes finely, and in fine spirits. Will says he is [“]tough as a pine knot &c &c” I am glad indeed[--]wish W. was as hearty.
I have been steadily improving in health for some days and feel like my old self--eat heartily. It is getting cool nights so have put on my other shirt. I left my white undershirts at Leesboro’. they were rotten, and it was so hot. I have not needed them ‘till now. And now about some more. Ellen wrote Alonzo, that the folks talked of coming out here to see us—that is Jos & Foster. if so, I wish you would send a pair of knit undershirts, blue or dark color. they are just as good, and will save you a good deal of work. You know I wear rather of a small size. I should like them very much, if you can send them so you had better. We have to have some one at Harper’s Ferry, to see close to any thing that comes, or we loose [sic] it, and that we can’t always do. Capt Prescott of Co B. was on the look-out and so got their things safely. there is no regular Express from there here, and so a team from the Reg. brot them up, but we can’t always have them. Expect my boots in the Capt’s box at Fred City, (left them at Leesboro’) so if I can get the shirts I am “all right” for the cold weather.
Am glad about your Aid money. no doubt its all right, and trust the last of this month will bring me in something, but we Can’t tell, as the old Regts are complaining that the bounties to the new ones is cutting of their pay &c. Dinner call. Dinner over with and my things washed up—two tin plates & two spoons. Had Salt beef, bread, tea, a part of yours[?], nice. We often have our rations dealt out to us, so we can cook ourselves, such as Coffee, Sugar, Salt, pork &c. so ‘Ive [sic] just got me an extra plate for a fry dish. Shall carry my Tomato Can for a tea kettle, so I feel quite independent. But enough of this. What do you think of E. Judkins giving out? I suppose its all right for I think it would be a hard place, if I understand him.
Saw Alonzo, today and shall again. He is very well indeed. Got letters last eve, but hadn’t read them this morn—had been so busy. Shall try and write Abbie today. Lottie sent me a sweet Geranium leaf, and tiny flower pressed. I have in my Testament. Did you get the leaves I sent? Got them at “Point of Rocks,” and some by the Canal as we marched up the other day. Will send you an oak leaf from my bed.
[Marginal notes]
[Page 1] It is a lovely day. What are you doing? Wish you and Lulu could come and sit with me this P.M. What would the little thing think to be at Church this P.M? At about 4 O’clk! I cant say much for our Chaplain for we don’t’ see him only on Sundays. Is a distant sort of a man and I am sorry to add not popular in the Reg. but we attend service regularly, and enjoy a good deal with our testaments in our tents. Tell me all how you get along. Am glad you let Edwd. P have the pictures. Did he get my letter?
[Page 2] Remember me to Jos, Mary, all friends.
[Pages 2-3] I will enclose Sarah’s letter. Don’t mention what I said of the Chaplain unless you are asked, but such is the case. Kiss little L. for her paper. Expect she is growing away from me. As ever Your Jerome
[Page 4] Am I not getting on bravely with ink again?
[Page 1] It is a lovely day. What are you doing? Wish you and Lulu could come and sit with me this P.M. What would the little thing think to be at Church this P.M? At about 4 O’clk! I cant say much for our Chaplain for we don’t’ see him only on Sundays. Is a distant sort of a man and I am sorry to add not popular in the Reg. but we attend service regularly, and enjoy a good deal with our testaments in our tents. Tell me all how you get along. Am glad you let Edwd. P have the pictures. Did he get my letter?
[Page 2] Remember me to Jos, Mary, all friends.
[Pages 2-3] I will enclose Sarah’s letter. Don’t mention what I said of the Chaplain unless you are asked, but such is the case. Kiss little L. for her paper. Expect she is growing away from me. As ever Your Jerome
[Page 4] Am I not getting on bravely with ink again?
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Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, October 19, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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