From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, December 18, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, December 18, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Lulu
Falmouth VA
Description
From Jerome to Allie and Lulu
Creator
Jerome Peirce
Source
Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service
Publisher
HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
Date
1862-12-18
Contributor
NPS, Civil War Study Group, Donald Pfanz
Rights
For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).
Format
5.17 X 2.91
4.81 X 7.51
9.58 X 7.52
4.81 X 7.51
jpg
4.81 X 7.51
9.58 X 7.52
4.81 X 7.51
jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #51
Coverage
Camp at Falmouth, VA
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Thurs 18 Dec 1862
My dear ones,
Have just returned from Regimental Inspection, and tho’ have nothing in particular to say, thought I would send a line.
You have spoken in some of letters if my getting my picture taken and send [sic] home. I have had no opportunity. I seldome [sic] leave camp, to go where an Artist was. you have to have some [sic: so] many passes, signed by two or three officers. I understood there was an Artist some mile, or more from here, awhile ago. did not know it at the time. I have not altered much[,] if any, from last winter, and I am not ambitious to be taken in regimentals, and the pictures you have are much pleasanter to see probably, so for the present you must rest Content. It is hard work to get away from camp, and we are very busy most of the time.
We are still in Camp, and settled down as ever. Cold weather somewhat. Our attempt at the battle over the river was a bad failure as far as I can learn, and a terrible, and foolish sacrifice of life, and I know not what will turn up next. it may send us into winter quarters[.] The Rebels, are very strongly entrenched, and I think hard customers to deal with.
There was but little bombardment before they ordered the charge, and their double row of forts enabled them to shell out, as fast as captured, so carrying them by storm was impossible. It is hard betting[?] what the next move will be. not very cheering to our troops. Such are the impressions we get here.
The City is a ruin and in the hands of the enemy again.
This is a sad record, but truth I think, will show it a fact. It seems you have met Mr & Mrs Emerson. I wrote Lucy a few days since. Hope you will visit the[m]. Hope Mrs. E will write me soon. Should like to be at home to look about among the friends, seeing we have turned the first leaf, of this glorious Campaign! Has the money reached you safely? I have sent in all $8.00, 3. at one time, and 5. at another, the last while at F, the proceeds of my watch.
Fri Eve. Was interrupted yesterday to get “rations” and have been busy ever since. Today the regiment are on Picket. I did not go, and I must tell you what I have been doing. Left to myself, with spade & axe, have been hard at work building a chimney to my tent-! So here I set by candle light, with a little fire in the fireplace. ‘Tis not quite finished and of Course don’t work very brisk, but it will soon. Have thought much of you today. ‘Tis still enough when the boys are away. Should have a mail [meal?] if they were in, but shall not have it till they return. How do you all do? I trust your mind is relieved by this time, about the battle. all has been still since we crossed the river. Have no idea of the future. It may keep us here all winter, but I hardly think it will. Alonzo R is Commissioned First Leut. and is appointed Adjutant. made his first appearance yesterday in Inspection. he will make a fine officer in time. it is quite an elevation. Has a tent to himself near the Col, extra pay & allowances &c
Jos H. is away with the rest, so I am quite to myself. my fire burns nicely and don’t smoke. We build these chimneys of turf. my fireplace is about 3 1/2 ft wide, and 2 deep, narrowing to the back some, like the old fashioned, fireplace. Hardwood sticks for the front frame, &c[.] We have to go some ways for wood. You would be surprised to see the clearing we’ve made in the woods here, and more still to see we back the heavy sticks about half a mile. Such is Army life. I shall not regret it[s] close. Recd the “Ploughman” and some letter paper. thanks for the same. have had one “formal” also. Got some sermons from Kate, the other day, so I am full of reading—also the Christian Freeman, and a short letter from Caleb Mayo. My eyes ache some and must bid you “good night.” My darling Lulu—a kiss for her. did she get my letter? How my heart yearns to you all, but we must still be hopeful and patient. Will close tomorrow.
My dear ones,
Have just returned from Regimental Inspection, and tho’ have nothing in particular to say, thought I would send a line.
You have spoken in some of letters if my getting my picture taken and send [sic] home. I have had no opportunity. I seldome [sic] leave camp, to go where an Artist was. you have to have some [sic: so] many passes, signed by two or three officers. I understood there was an Artist some mile, or more from here, awhile ago. did not know it at the time. I have not altered much[,] if any, from last winter, and I am not ambitious to be taken in regimentals, and the pictures you have are much pleasanter to see probably, so for the present you must rest Content. It is hard work to get away from camp, and we are very busy most of the time.
We are still in Camp, and settled down as ever. Cold weather somewhat. Our attempt at the battle over the river was a bad failure as far as I can learn, and a terrible, and foolish sacrifice of life, and I know not what will turn up next. it may send us into winter quarters[.] The Rebels, are very strongly entrenched, and I think hard customers to deal with.
There was but little bombardment before they ordered the charge, and their double row of forts enabled them to shell out, as fast as captured, so carrying them by storm was impossible. It is hard betting[?] what the next move will be. not very cheering to our troops. Such are the impressions we get here.
The City is a ruin and in the hands of the enemy again.
This is a sad record, but truth I think, will show it a fact. It seems you have met Mr & Mrs Emerson. I wrote Lucy a few days since. Hope you will visit the[m]. Hope Mrs. E will write me soon. Should like to be at home to look about among the friends, seeing we have turned the first leaf, of this glorious Campaign! Has the money reached you safely? I have sent in all $8.00, 3. at one time, and 5. at another, the last while at F, the proceeds of my watch.
Fri Eve. Was interrupted yesterday to get “rations” and have been busy ever since. Today the regiment are on Picket. I did not go, and I must tell you what I have been doing. Left to myself, with spade & axe, have been hard at work building a chimney to my tent-! So here I set by candle light, with a little fire in the fireplace. ‘Tis not quite finished and of Course don’t work very brisk, but it will soon. Have thought much of you today. ‘Tis still enough when the boys are away. Should have a mail [meal?] if they were in, but shall not have it till they return. How do you all do? I trust your mind is relieved by this time, about the battle. all has been still since we crossed the river. Have no idea of the future. It may keep us here all winter, but I hardly think it will. Alonzo R is Commissioned First Leut. and is appointed Adjutant. made his first appearance yesterday in Inspection. he will make a fine officer in time. it is quite an elevation. Has a tent to himself near the Col, extra pay & allowances &c
Jos H. is away with the rest, so I am quite to myself. my fire burns nicely and don’t smoke. We build these chimneys of turf. my fireplace is about 3 1/2 ft wide, and 2 deep, narrowing to the back some, like the old fashioned, fireplace. Hardwood sticks for the front frame, &c[.] We have to go some ways for wood. You would be surprised to see the clearing we’ve made in the woods here, and more still to see we back the heavy sticks about half a mile. Such is Army life. I shall not regret it[s] close. Recd the “Ploughman” and some letter paper. thanks for the same. have had one “formal” also. Got some sermons from Kate, the other day, so I am full of reading—also the Christian Freeman, and a short letter from Caleb Mayo. My eyes ache some and must bid you “good night.” My darling Lulu—a kiss for her. did she get my letter? How my heart yearns to you all, but we must still be hopeful and patient. Will close tomorrow.
This letter also contains Letter52
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Collection
Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie and Lulu, December 18, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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