Unknown Letter #12

Unknown Letter #12

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Old Point Comfort, VA

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

Unknown

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

Unknown Letter #12

Old Point Comfort, VA

…Now Allie, a word for your private ear to speak of the friendship that has sprung up between Ben and I because I knew it would be a satisfaction to you to know of the heart friendship, which is more than passing strong. We are together a great deal of our spare time. Have had long, long talks. His history temperament and lot in life very similar tastes and struggles with limited means and all calling out a fellow feeling. ‘Tis like my old friendship with Albert Pruitt. He is so true and high toned, such a help to the soul. Could you see us together, he reciting over the sweet verses of Burns and of hymns and a thousand beautiful things, and then at last, we share each other’s letters very much and when I can confide like this have I not and you too a friend? ‘Tis one of those friendships like you [???] and his wife and her letters. She must be a loving noble soul. This might sound strange but fear not ‘tis fully safe and in honorable hands for both. He today recd. [received] her photograph. She, like you, is much improved in flesh and general cheerful looks. B. [Ben] says however hard for us [???] [???] certainly providential for our wives.
I wish you were more acquainted. Your remark “now don’t get romantic” you want to live near together, etc., etc. meets my view. Notwithstanding some [???] [???] [???] for he still loves Mass. [Massachusetts] very much.
One word about the Commission. It does not seem propitious, no vacancies. I hope for a furlough in autumn and then perhaps the way will be open. My friends must not find me indifferent and I trust at the right time, energy will not be wanting for our improved “sight” in life and years of sweets yet. All by the [???] of the good Being who keeps us all.
B. [Ben] always adds his regards.
Adieu
Jerome
Private

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

This is a partial letter from Jerome to Allie, with no information as to when and from where it was written, since the page that would have included that information is missing.

Paper/Text