From Jerome to Allie, January 5, 1863

From Jerome to Allie, January 5, 1863

Peirce, Jerome

Allie

Falmouth VA

From Jerome to Allie

Jerome Peirce

Jerome Peirce Collection, National Park Service

HIST 428 (Spring 2020), University of Mary Washington

1863-01-05

NPS, Civil War Study Group, Josef Rokus

For educational purposes with no commercial use. Courtesy of National Park Service, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP, FRSP 16095-16102 (FRSP-00904).

6.25 X 4
8 X 9.75
15 X 10
8.75 X 10.15jpg

English

Text

Letter #57

Camp at Falmouth VA

Monday 5th Jan 1862 [Should be “1863”]
My dear wife,
What was our surprise yesterday P.M. to see brothers Joseph and Foster coming down the line. Jos. H. saw them first, but we [were] not long bidding them welcome.
Of course I must send you a line of nothing more, for we have been so busy with them that I can write but little.
Capt. S. has been very courteous and kind. Bros. [Brother] J. [Joseph] slept there last night and has an invitation for tonight also. This morn. [morning] Jos. H. and myself with Jos. took breakfast there at the Capt.’s. tent. Breakfast of beans and griddle cakes with coffee, etc. which means “hardtack”, sugar and milk. It was a treat and we enjoyed it highly. Near noon we all started with Capt. Smith (who was at Orange) where Jos. dined today went on a hunch down to the river [Rappahannock River] as near the scene of the late battle as possible. Could hear the pickets talking, etc. Capt. R. was also of the company. Had a fine time for we have most lovely weather.
This P.M. went and had our pictures taken, J. Mellen, Sumner Moore, Jos. H. and self, and all are pronounced fine likenesses. I had mine so I thought you would like it and hope it will please you. It is called a good thing by the boys who have seen it.
We have a dress parade tonight at 6 o’clk when the adjutant makes his first appearance. His new equipments came by his father and he’s looking the finest I ever saw him. I am friend of him for the Colors sake and I know he will make a fine officer. The folks seem to have enjoyed their visit very much, were happily disappointed in finding us in more comfortable quarters than they expected. I hope you will see them. They can tell you many things.
Had letter last eve. from you and Abbie. Don’t think too much about elevation, etc. for all those things come by time and exertions and I am not entirely friendless I think.
The flannels drawers came by Jos. from B. [are] just the thing. Foster will see that we have things, money and all things for our comfort and are very kind indeed. Capt. R. has friends in Washington who deliver things forwarded for us. I am to have a pr. of boots etc.
It has done us a world of good to have them to see us, to feel that they know how things are, etc. And there were many others too that it done good. Capt. Sawyer, I verily believe, will be happier by it for he has been very attentive.
We are in excellent health, as the folks thought. I send a little pan that I found over in F. [Fredericksburg] have mentioned before for Lulu. She can make a cake. I wish I had a book or some other relic for you, but I could not obtain anything conscientiously that I could keep, situated as we were on those fearful days.
All is now quiet and what a contrast to the days of slaughter. We visited the grim 32 pounders [cannons] that still frown upon the city, and the folks have some idea of war.
Jos. H. and his father are here and I must close. Thanks for your letters, a kiss for you and Lulu. Love to friends and as ever
Your loving husband,
Jerome

P.S. I shall be on dress parade as you see me in the picture with the cross belt, equipments, gun, which look cumbersome in a picture.
I send you Miss Waldo’s letter. Have destroyed Mr. Mayo’s letter.

Letter/Paper