From Jerome to Allie, November 15, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, November 15, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Camp near the Rappahannock River, 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
1862-11-15
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
5.62 X 3.17 - 1st Scan
4.82 X 7.54 - 2nd Scan
9.52 X 7.56 - 3rd Scan
4.82 X 7.54 - 4th Scan
4.82 X 7.55 - 5th Scan
4.82 X 7.55 -6th Scan
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4.82 X 7.54 - 2nd Scan
9.52 X 7.56 - 3rd Scan
4.82 X 7.54 - 4th Scan
4.82 X 7.55 - 5th Scan
4.82 X 7.55 -6th Scan
jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #34
Coverage
Rappahannock River, VA.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Sat P.M. 15 Nov 1862 –
Camp near the Rhappahannock [sic] river
My dearest Wife,
I seize the little remaining daylight to pen a few words to you. First let me thank you for the letter and contents which came safely to hand and which I will make the most of. Your letter was written from O Nov 5, and here let me ask you to say where my last letters are from as well as the date, as I often forget just where I write them from, for I have to[o] much to do to keep a record of it, altho’ I shall try to hereafter if ever so brief.
I was very much delighted too, to receive the “Atlantic.” I shall enjoy it so much. Borrowed the Oct Number of it of the Capt. and had just read it th[r]o’. We were quite unexpectedly detained at the last Camp and reading matter is very precious, and you know my taste. But I must tell you of today. We left the Camp “Near Warrenton” this morn, and marched to this place—about Six miles nearer the river, where a Rebel force had erected batteries to dispute the passage of the river, and we heard firing as we approached, found as usual they had “left.” Gen Sturgis’ division I am told, passed over after giving them about forty rounds of shot or shell, so we went into Camp behind a little hill, which conceals us from view in that direction. We are in a “run” or hollow, a little stream or ditch at the bottom, a pine wood at the top opposite. (it seems so good to see the pine once more)
You spoke of my fatigues and dangers. I am surprised myself to see how indifferent we become to both, and you must not allow yourself to worry too much, for I am in such excellent health and spirits, and as we approach danger we think less and less about it, all because of di[s]cipline or habit. I still think there will be no serious opposition from the “rebs” at present, and feel as tho’ we should be spared any serious experience at present for we are a reserve I think by the movements, and then there is such a tremendous force, and we can’t “begin” to see the whole either, that it would seem in vain for them to contend, and makes us feel safe and careless of danger.
It has been a beautiful day, and the march was easy, and now we are not subject to such long and fatiguing marches. I had no idea of camping so soon today, but we were soon tented. (I have J. H’s. half tent, as he sleeps in the wagon, which we covered with Canvass [sic], and makes a tent, so that I can pitch a tent by myself) and as we get all “fixed” fires burning, Coffee and tea, (many thanks for the tea,) sleeping we present a social scene which makes a soldiers home, and we are soon Chatting[,] laughing, eating, reading, and don’t forget the darlings at home, and you would not think we were very unhappy, if you could see us. Speaking of the election, I am glad Andrew is elected, and for the rest, they Can’t have much to say till a year from next Dec. so something will turn up before that time.
You ask me how I keep my writing materials. I keep them done up snugly in a roll, and in papers, between clothes in the knapsack. I have one of the potent rolls—a wooden thing opens, with a little bar across, and forms a board which I rest on my knee. I take precious care of them, and the sutlers have a little ink so “all’s well”.
I am glad you have seen the friends at O. Mr Gibbs, the Harringtons & I should like to write to some of the friends but it is so hard, to so many, not that I think the less of them. I hope you will keep up a correspondence with some of them at O, the Mayo’s in particular. Henry sits here, near by. Nelson S. and some others all well, and very busy over their supper, and think little of the hardships I assure you. It is getting towards dark. How I should like to see you and talk over a thousand things I cannot write, and the sweet memories of home friends, and the dearest ones to me, are all more precious than ever, but we are resolved to glean all the enjoyment we can from our situation, and we find many hours of genuine enjoyment. Last eve we had a rousing fire of hardwood logs in front of the Capt’s tent and he invited us to sing. a large number of the Co. did so and we had a fine time till “taps” when all noise, singing &c must cease at half past 8 Oclk P.M. He sat a while and told us stories of school boy days, for sometime, and a social time we had of it. Some of us generally hang round the Camp fires till nine or ten Oclk quietly, and sleep all the better for it. The rolling hilly Country, clear weather of late, remarkable for the season, fading leaves, and reading keep one[‘s] thoughts busy, and for myself I never felt busier in my life.
Happy to hear that Mary F. has a school. She must remember her brother once in a while.
What news from Frank? I hope to meet him by and by.
I want to ask you, what became of that maple Sugar in the box that we had in the Spring? I have so many times wished I could have some here, which of course is impossible, but I must inquire after it. Hope the “folks at home” had a taste.
Tomorrow is Sabbath. Hope we shall be spared marching. We have evening meetings every other eve. our chaplain Conducts them. Any one speaks, reads scripture or offers prayer, and they are very interesting[.] Our Chaplain is improving somewhat, and seems a little more in unison with the soldiers. No doubt time will make all well.
Saw Alonzo R. last eve—had a letter from Nellie. they were expecting you there with J. and she expressed earnestly a wish that you would Come. I trust you will strive every way to keep your mind occupied, forget your loneliness as much as possible, and I shall feel much better. don’t allow yourself to be alone, and how can you with our little Lulu. Darling I mention her name but little but I think of her hourly and imagine her little ways and talk, and enjoy many hours in thought of you all.
You spoke of being at Mr Ballou’s. Did he receive my letter written I think at “Pleasant Valley”? I have never hea[r]d it mentioned.
Of the talk about our homesickness enough. Someone did write so, but it is no matter. I am resolved to think no more of such things and am sorry I ever did.
It is hard to close, but I must. Shall write when I Can, and I hope we shall rest tomorrow, and then onward, for the end, victory and home, as soon as may be!
Love to all—all—for I never forget you, and am
As ever lovingly
Your own
Jerome
Direct as ever, and send no boxes till we tell you, altho’ we should like them. Send any mailable package as you do letters. Shall be glad of the mittens. Edmund Ward had a pain last Eve, and Caps[?] like mine[?] come. I need a silk Hdkf. which I have mentioned before.
Glad you sold your things so well, wood, &c.
Camp near the Rhappahannock [sic] river
My dearest Wife,
I seize the little remaining daylight to pen a few words to you. First let me thank you for the letter and contents which came safely to hand and which I will make the most of. Your letter was written from O Nov 5, and here let me ask you to say where my last letters are from as well as the date, as I often forget just where I write them from, for I have to[o] much to do to keep a record of it, altho’ I shall try to hereafter if ever so brief.
I was very much delighted too, to receive the “Atlantic.” I shall enjoy it so much. Borrowed the Oct Number of it of the Capt. and had just read it th[r]o’. We were quite unexpectedly detained at the last Camp and reading matter is very precious, and you know my taste. But I must tell you of today. We left the Camp “Near Warrenton” this morn, and marched to this place—about Six miles nearer the river, where a Rebel force had erected batteries to dispute the passage of the river, and we heard firing as we approached, found as usual they had “left.” Gen Sturgis’ division I am told, passed over after giving them about forty rounds of shot or shell, so we went into Camp behind a little hill, which conceals us from view in that direction. We are in a “run” or hollow, a little stream or ditch at the bottom, a pine wood at the top opposite. (it seems so good to see the pine once more)
You spoke of my fatigues and dangers. I am surprised myself to see how indifferent we become to both, and you must not allow yourself to worry too much, for I am in such excellent health and spirits, and as we approach danger we think less and less about it, all because of di[s]cipline or habit. I still think there will be no serious opposition from the “rebs” at present, and feel as tho’ we should be spared any serious experience at present for we are a reserve I think by the movements, and then there is such a tremendous force, and we can’t “begin” to see the whole either, that it would seem in vain for them to contend, and makes us feel safe and careless of danger.
It has been a beautiful day, and the march was easy, and now we are not subject to such long and fatiguing marches. I had no idea of camping so soon today, but we were soon tented. (I have J. H’s. half tent, as he sleeps in the wagon, which we covered with Canvass [sic], and makes a tent, so that I can pitch a tent by myself) and as we get all “fixed” fires burning, Coffee and tea, (many thanks for the tea,) sleeping we present a social scene which makes a soldiers home, and we are soon Chatting[,] laughing, eating, reading, and don’t forget the darlings at home, and you would not think we were very unhappy, if you could see us. Speaking of the election, I am glad Andrew is elected, and for the rest, they Can’t have much to say till a year from next Dec. so something will turn up before that time.
You ask me how I keep my writing materials. I keep them done up snugly in a roll, and in papers, between clothes in the knapsack. I have one of the potent rolls—a wooden thing opens, with a little bar across, and forms a board which I rest on my knee. I take precious care of them, and the sutlers have a little ink so “all’s well”.
I am glad you have seen the friends at O. Mr Gibbs, the Harringtons & I should like to write to some of the friends but it is so hard, to so many, not that I think the less of them. I hope you will keep up a correspondence with some of them at O, the Mayo’s in particular. Henry sits here, near by. Nelson S. and some others all well, and very busy over their supper, and think little of the hardships I assure you. It is getting towards dark. How I should like to see you and talk over a thousand things I cannot write, and the sweet memories of home friends, and the dearest ones to me, are all more precious than ever, but we are resolved to glean all the enjoyment we can from our situation, and we find many hours of genuine enjoyment. Last eve we had a rousing fire of hardwood logs in front of the Capt’s tent and he invited us to sing. a large number of the Co. did so and we had a fine time till “taps” when all noise, singing &c must cease at half past 8 Oclk P.M. He sat a while and told us stories of school boy days, for sometime, and a social time we had of it. Some of us generally hang round the Camp fires till nine or ten Oclk quietly, and sleep all the better for it. The rolling hilly Country, clear weather of late, remarkable for the season, fading leaves, and reading keep one[‘s] thoughts busy, and for myself I never felt busier in my life.
Happy to hear that Mary F. has a school. She must remember her brother once in a while.
What news from Frank? I hope to meet him by and by.
I want to ask you, what became of that maple Sugar in the box that we had in the Spring? I have so many times wished I could have some here, which of course is impossible, but I must inquire after it. Hope the “folks at home” had a taste.
Tomorrow is Sabbath. Hope we shall be spared marching. We have evening meetings every other eve. our chaplain Conducts them. Any one speaks, reads scripture or offers prayer, and they are very interesting[.] Our Chaplain is improving somewhat, and seems a little more in unison with the soldiers. No doubt time will make all well.
Saw Alonzo R. last eve—had a letter from Nellie. they were expecting you there with J. and she expressed earnestly a wish that you would Come. I trust you will strive every way to keep your mind occupied, forget your loneliness as much as possible, and I shall feel much better. don’t allow yourself to be alone, and how can you with our little Lulu. Darling I mention her name but little but I think of her hourly and imagine her little ways and talk, and enjoy many hours in thought of you all.
You spoke of being at Mr Ballou’s. Did he receive my letter written I think at “Pleasant Valley”? I have never hea[r]d it mentioned.
Of the talk about our homesickness enough. Someone did write so, but it is no matter. I am resolved to think no more of such things and am sorry I ever did.
It is hard to close, but I must. Shall write when I Can, and I hope we shall rest tomorrow, and then onward, for the end, victory and home, as soon as may be!
Love to all—all—for I never forget you, and am
As ever lovingly
Your own
Jerome
Direct as ever, and send no boxes till we tell you, altho’ we should like them. Send any mailable package as you do letters. Shall be glad of the mittens. Edmund Ward had a pain last Eve, and Caps[?] like mine[?] come. I need a silk Hdkf. which I have mentioned before.
Glad you sold your things so well, wood, &c.
[Marginal notes]
[Page 5] Have J.H’s letter. Came last eve: Also papers. will deliver them[.]
[Page 6] Have not seen J.H. for a few days. no doubt he is well.
[Page 5] Have J.H’s letter. Came last eve: Also papers. will deliver them[.]
[Page 6] Have not seen J.H. for a few days. no doubt he is well.
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Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, November 15, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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