From Jerome to Allie, October 5, 1863

From Jerome to Allie, October 5, 1863

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Camp Long Island

Boston, Mass.

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1863-10-05

NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus (transcriber)

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

"6.75 X 4.45" - 1st Scan (JPEG)
"6.75 X 9.3" - 2nd Scan (JPEG)
"6.75 X 9.3" - 3rd Scan (JPEG)

English

Text

Letter #164

Camp Long Island, Boston, Mass.

Camp Long Island, Boston
5th October 1863
My dearest Wife,
Just a line to say we are “nabbed” for tonight at least, although we know nothing of the future.
We are called “Provisional Guard” Co. “B” and as near as we can find out, do escort to the conscripts in going about and even going some ways with them on furlough, etc.
We don’t know how long we may remain, perhaps only a few days and maybe longer. In short, I only send this that you may know I have not left for the Regt.
We six are in an “A” tent, and close wind blowing hard tho it is not cold very. Have got some hay so we shall not suffer.
I hope this will find you at F’s. Don’t expect we can get away again for the present even if we remain, but I will inform you as soon as possible [of] all the items. Am told they are sending all the men back to their Regts. except two, and being a “non-com” [non-commissioned officer], I hope to remain awhile.
Of course, I should love to be with you but you can hear from me often while I am here, and those who would like to come to the Island to see me must inquire about it as I don’t know the regulations. Will add a word in the morning.
Tues. morn. Good morning! And a lovely one too. The view of the bay is fine.
Direct your letters “Co. B” 1st Provisional Guard, Long Island, Boston Harbor.
Am in fine health. No chills or anything. Have not been assigned to duty as yet.
Hope this will find you in the City. Write me immediately.
As ever your loving,
Jerome
Please send some stamps.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

NOTE 1: “Long Island” referred to in this letter, not to be confused with Long Island, New York, is situated in the middle of Boston Harbor, Massachusetts. The island is part of the City of Boston, and is now also part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. In 1860, a plan to develop the island was thwarted by the rumors of war and plans for military installations on Long Island Head and other parts of the island. Camp Wightman was established on Long Island, and in 1863 it had over 1,000 recruits in addition to several full batteries of heavy artillery under the command of General Charles Devens, Jr. Many deserters drowned in the waters around Long Island as U.S. Army recruits tried to get to the mainland. At the time, it was the custom to induct and train recruits on islands to minimize desertions. A major scam at the time was for a man to sign up for the Army and collect an enlistment bonus. Then, after going AWOL, he would sign up again in another town, collecting an additional bonus. Islands, especially, during the winter months, contained the recruits with the surrounding frigid seawater.

NOTE 2: The “A Tent” or “Wedge Tent” was a canvas tent stretched across a six-foot long horizontal bar with two vertical supporting bars in the front and back. These Civil War tents could sleep up to six men, but could only accommodate four men comfortably. If five or six soldiers were sharing the tent, they would have to turn over at the same time. It was a rather large tent and was not easy to transport when an army was on the march.