From Philip G. Woodward to Allie, July 4, 1864

From Philip G. Woodward to Allie, July 4, 1864

Woodward, Philip G.

Allie

Petersburg, VA.

From Philip G. Woodward to Allie

Philip G. Woodward

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1864-07-04

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).

English

Text

Letter #226

Near Petersburg, VA.

Near Petersburg July 4 1864
Mrs. Jerome Peirce
Madam – Your note came duly to hand. Should have answered it before but it would have been useless so far as concerns a final settlement with the U.S. Gov. as it is also useless now. You are of course anxious to know all about your husband’s affairs and I shall lose no time in notifying you when I can do so. You know we are in the field. Our Co. [Company] books, blanks and all Co. papers which would be very necessary for me to have in order to send you final statements that you may settle his account are left behind on boats on the James River and I don’t expect to see them again during the present campaign.
Respecting Sergeant’s death, I am afraid I can tell you but little more than J.H. has already written. I can with truth say that Sergt. was an esteemed friend of mine. That Co. H. had no other such a man – purely patriotic – philanthropic, ever lending a helping hand in sickness and working for his Comrades as well as for himself. His morals to the Lord as you must know were strictly pure. No Profanity or Obscenities ever crossed his lips. Well he preserved, while a soldier, the character he bore while at home. No one can say too much in his praise. His loss is felt not only in his family but in his Co. and Regt. and wherever he was known.
The two last nights that he lived Jerome and I slept together. On the morning of the 12th of May [we] went forth to meet the Enemy. Jerome knew our danger yet faced it like a brave soldier and was first of our company to fall. I did not see him fall as we were falling back under a cover of a fence, the enemy coming down on us and occupying the ground on which he fell. Consequently his body was in the enemy’s hands for about 15 minutes. When we charged forward and not only took the ground we lost but a great deal more. Jerome’s body lay in a very exposed position, it was impossible to move it. But I went to him and took his Memorandum Book for I felt as though I ought to make an effort to secure some memento. The Book I gave to J.H. His body had to remain until after dark when we buried it the best that circumstances would permit. He was killed at about 7 o.c. [o’clock] AM. His other effects I turned over to J.H. I also found the bullet that killed him. I took it from his left Breast – no one moved him after he was hit, he must have died instantly. His grave is in a Pine Grove - well marked.
I sympathize with you in your affliction and shall be happy to serve you when opportunity arises. If it is ever [???] and agreeable, I would very much like a photograph of Jerome.
I wish to be remembered to Joseph Pierce and family. Should be happy to hear from them.
I am yours in sympathy
Philip G. Woodward
First [Lt.] Commanding Co. H 36th M. [Massachusetts] V. [Volunteers]
P.S. Me and my rifle platoon’s on picket which accounts for this Paper being so much soiled and so small.
Woodward

A note written upside down at the top of the first page reads as follows: “Jerome was paid up to the 29th of July 1864. I don’t know how his clothing account is as the books are not available.”

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

NOTE 1: Old Point Comfort is a point of land located in Hampton, Virginia, and lies at the extreme tip of the Virginia Peninsula at the mouth of Hampton Roads.

NOTE 2: The following is taken from the roster section of the Unit History of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers: Philip G. Woodward. 25. From Orange, Massachusetts. Enlisted as a Sergeant, in Co. H on Aug. 6, 1862; Promoted to Second Lieutenant on Oct. 26, 1863; Not mustered; Promoted to First Lieutenant on May 15, 1864; Wounded in action at Cold Harbor, Va., on June 3, 1864; Promoted to Captain on Oct. 11, 1864; Mustered out with the Regiment on June 8, 1865. (Jerome Peirce enlisted as a Corporal in Orange, Massachusetts, on Aug. 4, 1862.)

NOTE 3: The “J.H.” referred to in this letter, and frequently in other letters, was almost certainly Joseph H. Peirce. He enlisted as a private in Orange, Mass., on August 4, 1862, at age 18. Jerome also enlisted in Orange on the same date, but as a corporal. He was 31 years old at the time. According to the Unit History, Joseph H. Peirce was taken Prisoner of War at Pegram Farm, Virginia, on September 30, 1864 and was later exchanged. He was discharged on June 21, 1865. Joseph H. Peirce was a nephew of Jerome.

NOTE 4: On July 3, 1864, one day prior to the date of the above letter by Lt. Woodward, Capt. J. B. Smith, commanding officer of the 36th Massachusetts Regiment, wrote the below “official” report regarding Sgt. Peirce’s death. A copy of this document is found in Sgt. Jerome Peirce’s Pension File, and it was used by Albinia as part of her application for her widow’s pension. Capt. Smith was Lt. Woodward’s immediate superior in the chain of command.

Letter/Paper