From Jerome to Allie, November 11, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, November 11, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Camp at or near Warrenton, VA.
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
1862-11-11
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
5.47 X 3.12 - 1st Scan
5.47 X 3.12 - 2nd Scan
4.72 X 7.53 - 3rd Scan
9.61 X 7.52 - 4th Scan
4.72 X 7.53 - 5th Scan
5.47 X 3.12 - 2nd Scan
4.72 X 7.53 - 3rd Scan
9.61 X 7.52 - 4th Scan
4.72 X 7.53 - 5th Scan
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #33
Coverage
Warrenton, VA.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
In Camp at or near Warrenton Va
Tues 11 Nov 1862.
My dearest Wife,
My Birth Day! Thirty-two years old! A mild sunny morning, and I a soldier of the Union far from home, and those dearest to my heart, to which my thoughts turn in love, and for whose protection and future good I have endeavored to contribute my might of will and strength, against the wickedest attempt of villians [sic] to rob them, of the dearest rights and protection. And Can my loved wife mistrust for an instant, that I loved them less because I left home and all, for them? Oh no, Dear Allie, You Can’t mean so. Your letter was received yesterday morn. Again feeling sad and down-hearted, when I can see much to encourage, and make me hope to be again united before a very long time.
Received two letters from you, the latest Nov 2d and one a day or two before. Am glad you still go about.
(The Capt calls and must stop) But a moment to sign my name.
It seems you were still in O but I suppose I may imagine you either at B. or Boston for I had a nice letter from Ellen saying you might possibly go to Boston with J. She expressed an earnest wish that you would, and the letter was full of zeal and affection for the cause and yourself as having a common sympathy, with you, in the absence of near and dear ones away[.]
I sometimes wish your own spirit was more resolute and firm, for it would help me so much. I must send you a letter of Abbie’s recd at the same time. I don’t like to speak to you so but it pains me exceedingly to have you so mistrustful of any good from all this [sic] tears and trouble for only a brave spirit can bear up under it, and you must remember you are only one of many who are thus deprived of husband[,] brother and friends. Are their affections less strong. But enough[.] I trust you will yet feel resigned. Politicians may plan and scheme, and Generals make mistakes, but the Right is deserving of a trial and I am willing to leave all for a time at least.
Contrary to our expectations, we have been permitted to rest from our labors for a few days, and passed sabbath in Camp and had services for the first time for four weeks—a precious time. Read, wrote a letter to Abbie, attended service in the P.M. Sermon on the right keeping of the Sabbath, &c
Monday, yesterday, washed a little. you asked me something [about] washing I believe. I make just as little work as possible, but get along nicely and make out to keep quite clean, for we have plenty of soap and with a little more time, get our clothes clean[.] we are always near water, and I contrive to do a little at a time.
I have little news to write. I am still well, and contented. am moving with a large body of troops and more Came in this morning. have just passed my tent.
Call for Rations. will finish sometime today - - -
1 oclk P.M. Have just finished dinner, of Condensed vegetables, or hand pressed in cakes, & make a very good meal after boiling which softens them to their original state. The Capt. furnished them as we are unusually short of provisions from some unaccountable delay in the trains. I have managed to keep feed ahead. Have plenty of meat, but Hard bread is the article missing.
Have just had a few moments with Alonzo R. He is well, and grows fleshy. will be as large as the rest if he remains here awhile[.] had just written Ellen.
I have received the various letters and things you sent, and mentioned before, the bag, money &c. Send the Postage Currency as it is the best money to pass. Send 25. & 50 cts bills if possible. Should like some before long.
Some say we shall be paid off before long. the papers say that the Authorities at Washington are doing all they can, to pay[,] clothe and feed the troops so we must be patient.
I understand today, that our Col. says, he thinks we shall be at home, within six months thro’ political influence. if so I am afraid it will not be very honorable but taxes and power will go a great ways.
Lucy sent me the “Ploughman[.”] I wish you would do the same occasionally for I like it the best of any paper almost altho’ I suppose Frank wants them so no matter. You spoke of sending me the “Atlantic” monthly. It would be a treat indeed, or Harpers Monthly Mag, is quite at good for tent life. I would willingly sacrifice something for a copy of either once in a while.
It is getting pretty cool here nights and reminds us of home[.] We often think of the Apples, and vegatables [sic], but taste but little of them. If we ever see winter Quarters, which is exceedingly doubtful, shall hope to see something but until then we cannot depend upon getting anything.
Jos H. is well. has gone for provisions. don’t know when I shall see him again. I wrote his folks about him, and he wrote a line and wanted me to mail it. am not sure that I did. Nothing new. If there is nothing mentioned, all right. Where’s Lulu? Has mother got your picture taken again. A kiss for you from Papa. As ever with love to each and all. And as ever
Yours
Jerome
Tues 11 Nov 1862.
My dearest Wife,
My Birth Day! Thirty-two years old! A mild sunny morning, and I a soldier of the Union far from home, and those dearest to my heart, to which my thoughts turn in love, and for whose protection and future good I have endeavored to contribute my might of will and strength, against the wickedest attempt of villians [sic] to rob them, of the dearest rights and protection. And Can my loved wife mistrust for an instant, that I loved them less because I left home and all, for them? Oh no, Dear Allie, You Can’t mean so. Your letter was received yesterday morn. Again feeling sad and down-hearted, when I can see much to encourage, and make me hope to be again united before a very long time.
Received two letters from you, the latest Nov 2d and one a day or two before. Am glad you still go about.
(The Capt calls and must stop) But a moment to sign my name.
It seems you were still in O but I suppose I may imagine you either at B. or Boston for I had a nice letter from Ellen saying you might possibly go to Boston with J. She expressed an earnest wish that you would, and the letter was full of zeal and affection for the cause and yourself as having a common sympathy, with you, in the absence of near and dear ones away[.]
I sometimes wish your own spirit was more resolute and firm, for it would help me so much. I must send you a letter of Abbie’s recd at the same time. I don’t like to speak to you so but it pains me exceedingly to have you so mistrustful of any good from all this [sic] tears and trouble for only a brave spirit can bear up under it, and you must remember you are only one of many who are thus deprived of husband[,] brother and friends. Are their affections less strong. But enough[.] I trust you will yet feel resigned. Politicians may plan and scheme, and Generals make mistakes, but the Right is deserving of a trial and I am willing to leave all for a time at least.
Contrary to our expectations, we have been permitted to rest from our labors for a few days, and passed sabbath in Camp and had services for the first time for four weeks—a precious time. Read, wrote a letter to Abbie, attended service in the P.M. Sermon on the right keeping of the Sabbath, &c
Monday, yesterday, washed a little. you asked me something [about] washing I believe. I make just as little work as possible, but get along nicely and make out to keep quite clean, for we have plenty of soap and with a little more time, get our clothes clean[.] we are always near water, and I contrive to do a little at a time.
I have little news to write. I am still well, and contented. am moving with a large body of troops and more Came in this morning. have just passed my tent.
Call for Rations. will finish sometime today - - -
1 oclk P.M. Have just finished dinner, of Condensed vegetables, or hand pressed in cakes, & make a very good meal after boiling which softens them to their original state. The Capt. furnished them as we are unusually short of provisions from some unaccountable delay in the trains. I have managed to keep feed ahead. Have plenty of meat, but Hard bread is the article missing.
Have just had a few moments with Alonzo R. He is well, and grows fleshy. will be as large as the rest if he remains here awhile[.] had just written Ellen.
I have received the various letters and things you sent, and mentioned before, the bag, money &c. Send the Postage Currency as it is the best money to pass. Send 25. & 50 cts bills if possible. Should like some before long.
Some say we shall be paid off before long. the papers say that the Authorities at Washington are doing all they can, to pay[,] clothe and feed the troops so we must be patient.
I understand today, that our Col. says, he thinks we shall be at home, within six months thro’ political influence. if so I am afraid it will not be very honorable but taxes and power will go a great ways.
Lucy sent me the “Ploughman[.”] I wish you would do the same occasionally for I like it the best of any paper almost altho’ I suppose Frank wants them so no matter. You spoke of sending me the “Atlantic” monthly. It would be a treat indeed, or Harpers Monthly Mag, is quite at good for tent life. I would willingly sacrifice something for a copy of either once in a while.
It is getting pretty cool here nights and reminds us of home[.] We often think of the Apples, and vegatables [sic], but taste but little of them. If we ever see winter Quarters, which is exceedingly doubtful, shall hope to see something but until then we cannot depend upon getting anything.
Jos H. is well. has gone for provisions. don’t know when I shall see him again. I wrote his folks about him, and he wrote a line and wanted me to mail it. am not sure that I did. Nothing new. If there is nothing mentioned, all right. Where’s Lulu? Has mother got your picture taken again. A kiss for you from Papa. As ever with love to each and all. And as ever
Yours
Jerome
[Marginal notes]
[Pages 2-3] I inclose Martha’s letter. Lucy mentioned you kindly—wants you to visit her[.] wish you would. Has much to take her time. don’t think she is forgetful of you.
[Page 4] Excuse writing. the wind has shaken my paper some. Have found a pretty box and some little shells[.] I shall try and keep for Lulu.
[Pages 2-3] I inclose Martha’s letter. Lucy mentioned you kindly—wants you to visit her[.] wish you would. Has much to take her time. don’t think she is forgetful of you.
[Page 4] Excuse writing. the wind has shaken my paper some. Have found a pretty box and some little shells[.] I shall try and keep for Lulu.
Original Format
Letter / Paper
Files
Collection
Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, November 11, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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