From Jerome to Allie, December 24, 1862
Dublin Core
Title
From Jerome to Allie, December 24, 1862
Subject
Peirce, Jerome
Allie
Falmouth VA
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
1862-12-24
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
5.22 X 2.95
5.84 X 7.15
11.79 X 7.17
5.84 X 7.15
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
jpg
5.84 X 7.15
11.79 X 7.17
5.84 X 7.15
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
5.93 X 7.17
jpg
Language
English
Type
Text
Identifier
Letter #54
Coverage
Camp at Falmouth VA
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
Wedns P.M. 24th Dec 1862.
Have been very busy for the last few days, and have just sat down in my tent “Turkish fashion” to offer a few lines to my dear ones at home. My last letter to you was mailed last Sat. and yesterday, no day before yesterday. received yours written from Foster’s and today Came the best, safe and sound, and it was just the thing and will be of great service, and many thanks for the same. I found no pencil with it, but I suppose it was done up at the clothing Store (Jacobs & Deane), so you Could not put it in. I looked over the wrapper also. I think if one end of all bundles was left open, the postage would be less, for bundles have Come to the boys, much cheaper, and quite as much in bulk too.
You spoke of Socks. I didn’t look carefully. I do need one pair, only, and a little yarn. lost all I had in our “Skedaddle” the other day, over the river, besides my gloves that Albert S. gave me, (I wrote him a few days since but no reply as yet) but I have sufficient covering for the hands. The weather is variable, but on the whole very favorable. yesterday was very warm, like Spring, but we had to stand in mud and water, three or four hours for [“]Division Inspection”, by Gen Sumner. He spoke of the “terrible place” to stand and said “We ought never to have been put there.” I hope it bodes some improvement in future. I admire him, or his appearance, and manners very much.
There is much of sameness in life now, in camp. Have been fixing up our tent, built a chimney of sods, which by heat becomes quite hard, have a nice fireplace inside, two thirds as wide as the whole end of the tent, while the entire end is sodded up, two small logs laid inside to press the cloth back. many have raised them and some dig down, but our[s] is Cosey [sic] and “warm as toast,” while Cedar Boughs give it quite a cheerful appearance, and we get candles (mostly of the sutler), so we try to live as human as possible, and are really comfortable. There have been some “tough” stories told. I hear of ones sufferings—rags, Cold &c. but I do think we, at least, Considering the immense Army[,] fare very well indeed. The “slack” negligent kind suffer, as they will anywhere, but we can keep nice and Comfortable. have plenty of good reading and yesterday two or three boxes Came to members, and there was some “giving in” but much stuff was spoiled as most of them have been sometime on the way. Had a nice letter from Jamestown, since my last. All well, and I should think happy. They all think a great deal of Hannah’s husband, said he was going to write me (Sarah wrote for all.) There is strong talk of Winter Quarters”--don’t know yet. Don’t think we shall “advance” at any rate. Should like to say more, but can’t just yet. I mean about the war and matters generally, for my opinions and notions and [sic: are] taking shape somewhat, as is every soldier whom we meet, and there’s some strong talk at Washington. You would be astonished to know the Conversation that goes on between the pickets. = Eve. Candle light. Have be[e]n to supper. Rice and molasses, and a very little Coffee. Eat too much and so you must excuse me if I[‘]m dull the rest of my letter.
If I could only be there to talk all this over. The Rebs seem to regret seeing our men slaughtered the other day and say they wish both would Stack arms, and leave Messrs Lincoln and Davis to settle it, and this is the way brave men treat each other, exchanging papers &c[.] Oh it is wicked, damnable! I must speak it. Hope you had a good time at Foster’s, and the City. Allie, I don’t wonder you are lonely. never did, and trust you will find hope strong. I am so well and hopeful perhaps I am not considerate enough for you. forgive me if I am so. Let it comfort you that I am now comfortable—have good food, fire & clothes, excellent health so that I fill the new best plump, and I work every day harder than I did at home, chopping wood, getting water, and getting meals, and read some, but have not lear[n]ed to love army life, nor do I forget my home, but only keep as busy as possible to make time pass as quickly as possible.
Just think, “night before Christmas”! I hope little Lulu will get the box for her present; the vest is mine I suppose! –
Last Sunday. Cold enough. Some friends from, Brookfield, I believe—clergymen—spoke a few moments to us. Monday I was alone—worked on the tent. the Regt was in “picket”, yesterday & today, busy as mentioned. “Atlantic” not arrived, or clothes. Will Come all right, by and by probably when this is “sealed and delivered.” the “letter box” is opposite our tent. Jos H. s[t]ill here, thinking I suppose. all is very still. Wrote Allie on Monday. Have not seen Alonzo R for some days to speak. Both of us very busy—shall try and see soon. H’s position will necessarily prevent my seeing him quite as often. Was glad to know his father and Wessel were safe.
How did things seem on your visit to R? Did you see the Lorrys?
I must close for I am quite tired, and will add something for my Lulu. Wish I could kiss her. Don’t crowd her mind. Keep her a child, as much as possible.
Have not answered Will’s last, for lack of time. I send the closing part of a letter from Henry P[e]irce. Is’nt [sic] he a fine penman for one so young? Am all out of Stamps and Ink, but if I can have a good black pencil Can do nicely.
Give much love to all the folks. Tell Father I shall get to be tough enough for a farmer sometime! I like the “Ploughman” very much. Its new Editors I think have improved it.
As ever Your Affectionate
husband
Jerome P.
[The lines between here and the sketches are in the hand of Henry Peirce.
The rest of the sheet contains a note from Jerome Peirce to his daughter.]
not find much news in this letter but the fact is I have not a great deal on hand. But it is getting late and I must close[.] give my love to Alonzo, and cousin Joe if you see him and remember me as your
affectionate nephew
Henry S Peirce.
[Sketch No. 1] [Sketch No. 2]
My darling little Lulu,
Papa has tried to draw the “little house” he lives in, that Aunt Abbie told you about. The picture no 1. is the outside. see the smoke coming out of the Chimney? the rough notches on the back side, are the sods, which Cover the end. The little dots are the buttons, that fasten the cloth together, for it is most all Cloth, with a few sti[c]ks[,] one in front, like [Sketch No. 3] which is the frame and fine lines to show how the cloth goes over them.
Two upright sticks on the back side to hold up the chimney (as one Could not come down in front.) No 2 Shows he fireplace inside of the tent. We sleep feet towards the fire, pine and cedar boughs packed down outside (and in) so I sleep very warm with Cousin Jos. Henry. Knapsack, what I keep clothes in. Haversack, what I keep vitals in tin plates, spoons, and a little bit of a tin toy pan for little Lulu sometime (found it in the street over the river) mustard box, with salt in now[?], a little bag of sugar & Coffee. So you see I have a closet and Cupboard but they lay on the floor, and do not set up as at Grandma’s. Papa’s tired, and must send a kiss & good night[.] Mama will talk to you more about it. There’s some pretty pine trees grows near papa’s house, and on the left of the picture, No 1[,] you see the wood pile got today, while the Cloth door is partly open. if you Could peep in you would see papa writing this, and the “twinkling little stars” outside. Goodnight, and may the good Angels keep you with mama for your loving Papa.
J. P.
Have been very busy for the last few days, and have just sat down in my tent “Turkish fashion” to offer a few lines to my dear ones at home. My last letter to you was mailed last Sat. and yesterday, no day before yesterday. received yours written from Foster’s and today Came the best, safe and sound, and it was just the thing and will be of great service, and many thanks for the same. I found no pencil with it, but I suppose it was done up at the clothing Store (Jacobs & Deane), so you Could not put it in. I looked over the wrapper also. I think if one end of all bundles was left open, the postage would be less, for bundles have Come to the boys, much cheaper, and quite as much in bulk too.
You spoke of Socks. I didn’t look carefully. I do need one pair, only, and a little yarn. lost all I had in our “Skedaddle” the other day, over the river, besides my gloves that Albert S. gave me, (I wrote him a few days since but no reply as yet) but I have sufficient covering for the hands. The weather is variable, but on the whole very favorable. yesterday was very warm, like Spring, but we had to stand in mud and water, three or four hours for [“]Division Inspection”, by Gen Sumner. He spoke of the “terrible place” to stand and said “We ought never to have been put there.” I hope it bodes some improvement in future. I admire him, or his appearance, and manners very much.
There is much of sameness in life now, in camp. Have been fixing up our tent, built a chimney of sods, which by heat becomes quite hard, have a nice fireplace inside, two thirds as wide as the whole end of the tent, while the entire end is sodded up, two small logs laid inside to press the cloth back. many have raised them and some dig down, but our[s] is Cosey [sic] and “warm as toast,” while Cedar Boughs give it quite a cheerful appearance, and we get candles (mostly of the sutler), so we try to live as human as possible, and are really comfortable. There have been some “tough” stories told. I hear of ones sufferings—rags, Cold &c. but I do think we, at least, Considering the immense Army[,] fare very well indeed. The “slack” negligent kind suffer, as they will anywhere, but we can keep nice and Comfortable. have plenty of good reading and yesterday two or three boxes Came to members, and there was some “giving in” but much stuff was spoiled as most of them have been sometime on the way. Had a nice letter from Jamestown, since my last. All well, and I should think happy. They all think a great deal of Hannah’s husband, said he was going to write me (Sarah wrote for all.) There is strong talk of Winter Quarters”--don’t know yet. Don’t think we shall “advance” at any rate. Should like to say more, but can’t just yet. I mean about the war and matters generally, for my opinions and notions and [sic: are] taking shape somewhat, as is every soldier whom we meet, and there’s some strong talk at Washington. You would be astonished to know the Conversation that goes on between the pickets. = Eve. Candle light. Have be[e]n to supper. Rice and molasses, and a very little Coffee. Eat too much and so you must excuse me if I[‘]m dull the rest of my letter.
If I could only be there to talk all this over. The Rebs seem to regret seeing our men slaughtered the other day and say they wish both would Stack arms, and leave Messrs Lincoln and Davis to settle it, and this is the way brave men treat each other, exchanging papers &c[.] Oh it is wicked, damnable! I must speak it. Hope you had a good time at Foster’s, and the City. Allie, I don’t wonder you are lonely. never did, and trust you will find hope strong. I am so well and hopeful perhaps I am not considerate enough for you. forgive me if I am so. Let it comfort you that I am now comfortable—have good food, fire & clothes, excellent health so that I fill the new best plump, and I work every day harder than I did at home, chopping wood, getting water, and getting meals, and read some, but have not lear[n]ed to love army life, nor do I forget my home, but only keep as busy as possible to make time pass as quickly as possible.
Just think, “night before Christmas”! I hope little Lulu will get the box for her present; the vest is mine I suppose! –
Last Sunday. Cold enough. Some friends from, Brookfield, I believe—clergymen—spoke a few moments to us. Monday I was alone—worked on the tent. the Regt was in “picket”, yesterday & today, busy as mentioned. “Atlantic” not arrived, or clothes. Will Come all right, by and by probably when this is “sealed and delivered.” the “letter box” is opposite our tent. Jos H. s[t]ill here, thinking I suppose. all is very still. Wrote Allie on Monday. Have not seen Alonzo R for some days to speak. Both of us very busy—shall try and see soon. H’s position will necessarily prevent my seeing him quite as often. Was glad to know his father and Wessel were safe.
How did things seem on your visit to R? Did you see the Lorrys?
I must close for I am quite tired, and will add something for my Lulu. Wish I could kiss her. Don’t crowd her mind. Keep her a child, as much as possible.
Have not answered Will’s last, for lack of time. I send the closing part of a letter from Henry P[e]irce. Is’nt [sic] he a fine penman for one so young? Am all out of Stamps and Ink, but if I can have a good black pencil Can do nicely.
Give much love to all the folks. Tell Father I shall get to be tough enough for a farmer sometime! I like the “Ploughman” very much. Its new Editors I think have improved it.
As ever Your Affectionate
husband
Jerome P.
[The lines between here and the sketches are in the hand of Henry Peirce.
The rest of the sheet contains a note from Jerome Peirce to his daughter.]
not find much news in this letter but the fact is I have not a great deal on hand. But it is getting late and I must close[.] give my love to Alonzo, and cousin Joe if you see him and remember me as your
affectionate nephew
Henry S Peirce.
[Sketch No. 1] [Sketch No. 2]
My darling little Lulu,
Papa has tried to draw the “little house” he lives in, that Aunt Abbie told you about. The picture no 1. is the outside. see the smoke coming out of the Chimney? the rough notches on the back side, are the sods, which Cover the end. The little dots are the buttons, that fasten the cloth together, for it is most all Cloth, with a few sti[c]ks[,] one in front, like [Sketch No. 3] which is the frame and fine lines to show how the cloth goes over them.
Two upright sticks on the back side to hold up the chimney (as one Could not come down in front.) No 2 Shows he fireplace inside of the tent. We sleep feet towards the fire, pine and cedar boughs packed down outside (and in) so I sleep very warm with Cousin Jos. Henry. Knapsack, what I keep clothes in. Haversack, what I keep vitals in tin plates, spoons, and a little bit of a tin toy pan for little Lulu sometime (found it in the street over the river) mustard box, with salt in now[?], a little bag of sugar & Coffee. So you see I have a closet and Cupboard but they lay on the floor, and do not set up as at Grandma’s. Papa’s tired, and must send a kiss & good night[.] Mama will talk to you more about it. There’s some pretty pine trees grows near papa’s house, and on the left of the picture, No 1[,] you see the wood pile got today, while the Cloth door is partly open. if you Could peep in you would see papa writing this, and the “twinkling little stars” outside. Goodnight, and may the good Angels keep you with mama for your loving Papa.
J. P.
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Reference
Jerome Peirce 1862, From Jerome to Allie, December 24, 1862, HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington
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