From Jerome to Allie, September 7, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, September 7, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Washington D.C.
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
1862-09-07
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
7.75 X 6 - 1st Scan
8 X 9.25 - 2nd Scan
12.5 X 9.25 - 3rd Scan
8 X 9.25 - 4th Scan
jpg.
8 X 9.25 - 2nd Scan
12.5 X 9.25 - 3rd Scan
8 X 9.25 - 4th Scan
jpg.
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #10
Coverage
Washington D.C.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Washington D.C. 7th Sept 1862.
I hardly know [how] to commence this letter. We have seen so much, such wonderful changes. A lovely sabbath and you are enjoying it in true N.E style while we are out upon the ground in a field about twice as large as the monument ground at C. yes three times—directly back of the Capitol whose dome and upper part is in sight about a half a mile off. A little like Sunday I assure you. Our Col is away on business while we are ready to march at a moment’s warning. Came up to Alexandria last night or rather at 1/2 past 1 Clk P.M. remained onboard till this morning when the “City of Norwich” brought us up to W. We are all well, but one[.] he, (a man by the name of Runson of Fitchburg I believe) fell downstairs on the ship, and hurt his back so that he was left on board of the hospital boat at A.
Providence has favored us, for we were most shamefully crammed on board of the ship, but we feel thankful to see land and have no fault to find.
We expect to be in Burnside’s division who is in command of all field opperations [sic][.] Our troops have fell back to quite near W. but here it is looked upon as an intended move to draw the rebels out where we can “fix um[.]” Some 40,000 troops, 3 batteries of Artillery, a body of Cavalry, the last, left here today in full sight from here today and it is expected Stonewall Jackson will be nabbed, as he is again surrounded. A great body of the Army is here, and it is a marvellous [sic] sight to see the forts here. One can have no idea of the scene. For miles in all directions, great Batteries are forming and the “Stars and Stripes” surmou[n]t them while the lower ground is while with encampments, a large one at our elbow, only a few rods distant. It looks like war indeed, hundreds of wagons and in the River as many steamers and transports.
Like places more distant, there are all sorts of rumors, but I have conversed with men right from the field, and they are all Courage. There is a regiment or two more passing to Camp in sight, and pouring in by thousands. It is expected the work will be finished up near here, and we shall have our share, for Burnside is not idle.
Banks is safe, performing a rapid march outwitting Jackson, and he is a hero. McDowell is down, McClennan [sic] in command of the forts, and Burnside and and [sic] Siegel the field masters. Such are the ideas here. We expect to march tonight or in the morning to Giesboro (Not on the map) about 7 miles from W. where we are to be detailed.
But how do you, and our little Lulu do? I can’t tell you anything better than that I am in prefect health and spirits. It is not so terrible hot, a cool breeze, and all very pleasant. Boys and men are selling all sorts of cakes &c. One little fellow brought out some bread and butter and cold fresh Pork, which Jno Miller and I shared and behold he was from Bedford Mass. his name Townsend, been here some three months, don’t like here like old Mass. We gave him 15 cts for old home’s sake and his refreshments.
Jos H is waiting here. he is beside me. I left your letter suddenly as [?] the Brig. is expecting to mail them in the [?], but did not. You will direct to W. Quote Regiment & Co H &c and we shall get them. We want so much to hear from you, and if you take a “notion” to send a box of eatables, let it be small and simple soft crackers, doughnuts and cheese. Still we live well, but I knew you would be thinking of such things. Also add some pickles.
I must quit, for I right in the sun. Accept love bountifully, and write soon, and tell your adventures.
Ever Your Jerome
I hardly know [how] to commence this letter. We have seen so much, such wonderful changes. A lovely sabbath and you are enjoying it in true N.E style while we are out upon the ground in a field about twice as large as the monument ground at C. yes three times—directly back of the Capitol whose dome and upper part is in sight about a half a mile off. A little like Sunday I assure you. Our Col is away on business while we are ready to march at a moment’s warning. Came up to Alexandria last night or rather at 1/2 past 1 Clk P.M. remained onboard till this morning when the “City of Norwich” brought us up to W. We are all well, but one[.] he, (a man by the name of Runson of Fitchburg I believe) fell downstairs on the ship, and hurt his back so that he was left on board of the hospital boat at A.
Providence has favored us, for we were most shamefully crammed on board of the ship, but we feel thankful to see land and have no fault to find.
We expect to be in Burnside’s division who is in command of all field opperations [sic][.] Our troops have fell back to quite near W. but here it is looked upon as an intended move to draw the rebels out where we can “fix um[.]” Some 40,000 troops, 3 batteries of Artillery, a body of Cavalry, the last, left here today in full sight from here today and it is expected Stonewall Jackson will be nabbed, as he is again surrounded. A great body of the Army is here, and it is a marvellous [sic] sight to see the forts here. One can have no idea of the scene. For miles in all directions, great Batteries are forming and the “Stars and Stripes” surmou[n]t them while the lower ground is while with encampments, a large one at our elbow, only a few rods distant. It looks like war indeed, hundreds of wagons and in the River as many steamers and transports.
Like places more distant, there are all sorts of rumors, but I have conversed with men right from the field, and they are all Courage. There is a regiment or two more passing to Camp in sight, and pouring in by thousands. It is expected the work will be finished up near here, and we shall have our share, for Burnside is not idle.
Banks is safe, performing a rapid march outwitting Jackson, and he is a hero. McDowell is down, McClennan [sic] in command of the forts, and Burnside and and [sic] Siegel the field masters. Such are the ideas here. We expect to march tonight or in the morning to Giesboro (Not on the map) about 7 miles from W. where we are to be detailed.
But how do you, and our little Lulu do? I can’t tell you anything better than that I am in prefect health and spirits. It is not so terrible hot, a cool breeze, and all very pleasant. Boys and men are selling all sorts of cakes &c. One little fellow brought out some bread and butter and cold fresh Pork, which Jno Miller and I shared and behold he was from Bedford Mass. his name Townsend, been here some three months, don’t like here like old Mass. We gave him 15 cts for old home’s sake and his refreshments.
Jos H is waiting here. he is beside me. I left your letter suddenly as [?] the Brig. is expecting to mail them in the [?], but did not. You will direct to W. Quote Regiment & Co H &c and we shall get them. We want so much to hear from you, and if you take a “notion” to send a box of eatables, let it be small and simple soft crackers, doughnuts and cheese. Still we live well, but I knew you would be thinking of such things. Also add some pickles.
I must quit, for I right in the sun. Accept love bountifully, and write soon, and tell your adventures.
Ever Your Jerome
[Marginal notes]
[Page 1] Have written Foster and Joseph.
[Page 4] Had boiled tongue and Hard bread this morning.
[Page 1] Have written Foster and Joseph.
[Page 4] Had boiled tongue and Hard bread this morning.
Original Format
Letter / Paper
Files
Collection
Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, September 7, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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