From Jerome to Allie, January 27, 1861
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, January 27, 1861
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Dorchester, MA.
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
1861-01-27
Contributor
NPS, Civil War Study Group, Paul and Louise Marahrens
Rights
For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).
Format
Jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #245
Coverage
Dorchester, MA.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
LETTER TRANSCRIPTION
Dorchester, [Massachusetts] 27 Jan 1861
My dear Wife,
Sunday Evening! Here in Eddie’s study just after ten. E. and Ewin Brown from C. studying out a Greek lesson, and all very still and pleasant, a fitting time for a nice chat with your dear self.
We have had a lovely day, very. How I wish you and our darling could be here!
Have been to church all day. Morning. Mr. Hall preached a warm Anti Slavery discourse, very earnest and sincere and prompted by the occurrence at Tremont Temple last week, when Phillips and his friends were silenced and finally the Hall was closed to prevent a serious riot.
This P.M. Mr. Putnam (the younger) of Roxbury, [gave] a fine discourse. He is a splendid looking man and grand preacher.
You may believe I have enjoyed the day intensely but for the thought that you could not share it. But, Dear Allie, all will come out right, for they all feel for us, and it would not offend or surprise the friends if we should return here within a year but still I think it best to be patient for a short time.
Kate and I went to church this P.M. so we had some talk, and she does not want our little one to grow up there, and there will be no trouble in getting back when we have given things a little further trial.
Have enjoyed myself much so far, but shall be more busy in future as the boards are now ready to grain tomorrow.
Saw Finney yesterday, they have another little girl. Sarah had much such a time as she did before, but is comfortable now. Don’t remember how old it is. Mrs. Torrey has a fine boy, born Friday morn. I believe all nicely.
Called on Albert J. yesterday, very busy but cordial. Can’t tell when I shall go there.
Called on Hall, urged me very hard to go home with him, shall some eve. Said he would supply me with some books, has 1,500 and a year at Crosby Nichols and Co.
Have not seen Charles Smith, was out when I called at the bank, has a new situation. Shall be in Charlestown this week and will tell you more anon.
Went to ride down to Bro. Hayne’s this eve, with Sarah and Ellen and Alonzo. They (E. and A.) rode while we called. They were very cordial and things are all kindly, I doubt not. Inquired after you all with much interest.
I have given you some idea of my movements, but have not lost thoughts of you. How do you do? How does Henry keep house? Shall hope to hear from you very soon and trust you are well. I don’t like to say when I shall be home but it will not be three weeks am quite sure, so keep a good heart. You will see Sarah by Wednesday I think, and she longs to see you, and you will enjoy her for she is the same good Sallie.
The country is beautiful here and a great deal of riding which seems home-like and it seemed like the Sabbath though Mr. Hall is giving great offense with his extreme course on slavery. He takes ground with Phillips and Co. and his people feel sorrow rather than anger.
When shall I go to Billerica? I think next Sat night. Shall write them soon. I want to get fairly started in work and then I can tell more about my movements and shall return as soon as possible.
I ought to tell Lulu a long story but can’t talk “baby” very well tonight. Does she eat with Mama? She must be a good girl tomorrow for poor Mama will have a hard time. O Allie, don’t think I am unfeeling, far from it. I will not keep you thus many years.
But I must close, having told all that comes to mind at present. Try and keep well and cheerful. Also, remember us to Henry. Should write him but Eddie will soon want to write.
Please tell Joseph that they must not use glue size on the painted stuff for shipping, for it will ruin on the water and as Brown expressed it “will run the thing into the ground”. Also, that they may send back the oil graining, as it will not be used. I shall prepare all my stuff myself.
You can read the above to him.
Mailed you the Ladies Book yesterday.
All send love and Ellen will add something I guess.
Good Night from
Your affe [affectionate] husband
Jerome
Dorchester, [Massachusetts] 27 Jan 1861
My dear Wife,
Sunday Evening! Here in Eddie’s study just after ten. E. and Ewin Brown from C. studying out a Greek lesson, and all very still and pleasant, a fitting time for a nice chat with your dear self.
We have had a lovely day, very. How I wish you and our darling could be here!
Have been to church all day. Morning. Mr. Hall preached a warm Anti Slavery discourse, very earnest and sincere and prompted by the occurrence at Tremont Temple last week, when Phillips and his friends were silenced and finally the Hall was closed to prevent a serious riot.
This P.M. Mr. Putnam (the younger) of Roxbury, [gave] a fine discourse. He is a splendid looking man and grand preacher.
You may believe I have enjoyed the day intensely but for the thought that you could not share it. But, Dear Allie, all will come out right, for they all feel for us, and it would not offend or surprise the friends if we should return here within a year but still I think it best to be patient for a short time.
Kate and I went to church this P.M. so we had some talk, and she does not want our little one to grow up there, and there will be no trouble in getting back when we have given things a little further trial.
Have enjoyed myself much so far, but shall be more busy in future as the boards are now ready to grain tomorrow.
Saw Finney yesterday, they have another little girl. Sarah had much such a time as she did before, but is comfortable now. Don’t remember how old it is. Mrs. Torrey has a fine boy, born Friday morn. I believe all nicely.
Called on Albert J. yesterday, very busy but cordial. Can’t tell when I shall go there.
Called on Hall, urged me very hard to go home with him, shall some eve. Said he would supply me with some books, has 1,500 and a year at Crosby Nichols and Co.
Have not seen Charles Smith, was out when I called at the bank, has a new situation. Shall be in Charlestown this week and will tell you more anon.
Went to ride down to Bro. Hayne’s this eve, with Sarah and Ellen and Alonzo. They (E. and A.) rode while we called. They were very cordial and things are all kindly, I doubt not. Inquired after you all with much interest.
I have given you some idea of my movements, but have not lost thoughts of you. How do you do? How does Henry keep house? Shall hope to hear from you very soon and trust you are well. I don’t like to say when I shall be home but it will not be three weeks am quite sure, so keep a good heart. You will see Sarah by Wednesday I think, and she longs to see you, and you will enjoy her for she is the same good Sallie.
The country is beautiful here and a great deal of riding which seems home-like and it seemed like the Sabbath though Mr. Hall is giving great offense with his extreme course on slavery. He takes ground with Phillips and Co. and his people feel sorrow rather than anger.
When shall I go to Billerica? I think next Sat night. Shall write them soon. I want to get fairly started in work and then I can tell more about my movements and shall return as soon as possible.
I ought to tell Lulu a long story but can’t talk “baby” very well tonight. Does she eat with Mama? She must be a good girl tomorrow for poor Mama will have a hard time. O Allie, don’t think I am unfeeling, far from it. I will not keep you thus many years.
But I must close, having told all that comes to mind at present. Try and keep well and cheerful. Also, remember us to Henry. Should write him but Eddie will soon want to write.
Please tell Joseph that they must not use glue size on the painted stuff for shipping, for it will ruin on the water and as Brown expressed it “will run the thing into the ground”. Also, that they may send back the oil graining, as it will not be used. I shall prepare all my stuff myself.
You can read the above to him.
Mailed you the Ladies Book yesterday.
All send love and Ellen will add something I guess.
Good Night from
Your affe [affectionate] husband
Jerome
Original Format
TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE (Josef Rokus)
“Ellen” was Ellen Peirce, one of Jerome’s sisters (born in 1842) and “Alonzo” was Alonzo Ranlett (born in 1840). Ellen and Alonzo were married in 1864. “Joseph” was probably Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers (born in 1820).
“Ellen” was Ellen Peirce, one of Jerome’s sisters (born in 1842) and “Alonzo” was Alonzo Ranlett (born in 1840). Ellen and Alonzo were married in 1864. “Joseph” was probably Joseph Peirce, one of Jerome’s brothers (born in 1820).
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Collection
Reference
Jerome Peirce 1861, From Jerome to Allie, January 27, 1861, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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