Friday, August 15, 1862
Four officers went home on sick leave during the week. Major Paul Revere, Captain Henry Tremlett, Adjutant Charles Pierson and Captain Charles Cabot returned home due to illness. Adjutant Peirson and Captain Tremlett never rejoined the regiment; upon regaining health, both obtained commissions to the Thirty-Ninth Massachusetts Regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 141-2.
Showing posts with label Charles Peirson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charles Peirson. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Regimental Matters - Reassignments
Friday, July 25, 1862
Colonel William Lee was reassigned to assist Massachusetts Governor John Andrew in the recruiting effort, assigned to Camp John E. Wool in Worcester. Lee contracted malaria at Harrison's Landing, and was too weak to resume command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Charles Peirson returned from assignment on General John Sedgwick's staff to his former role as adjutant of the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.
Colonel William Lee was reassigned to assist Massachusetts Governor John Andrew in the recruiting effort, assigned to Camp John E. Wool in Worcester. Lee contracted malaria at Harrison's Landing, and was too weak to resume command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Charles Peirson returned from assignment on General John Sedgwick's staff to his former role as adjutant of the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Friday, January 31, 1862
After arriving at Washington on Tuesday morning, Charles Peirson had a full schedule of interviews with army leaders and government officials for the entire week. He scheduled an appointment on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock to speak with General George McClellan and waited until 4 o'clock in the afternoon to meet with him. He spoke with Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and General Charles Stone at General McClellan’s office. He wrote letters to Governor John Andrew in Massachusetts, and to Major Paul Revere and Doctor Edward Revere in Richmond. On Friday he met again with General McClellan and was warmly received.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 137-38, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
After arriving at Washington on Tuesday morning, Charles Peirson had a full schedule of interviews with army leaders and government officials for the entire week. He scheduled an appointment on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock to speak with General George McClellan and waited until 4 o'clock in the afternoon to meet with him. He spoke with Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and General Charles Stone at General McClellan’s office. He wrote letters to Governor John Andrew in Massachusetts, and to Major Paul Revere and Doctor Edward Revere in Richmond. On Friday he met again with General McClellan and was warmly received.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 137-38, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Monday, January 27, 1862
Charles Peirson left Ligon Prison at 5:00 AM and reached Norfolk before noon, where he reported to Confederate General Benjamin Huger, Commander of Norfolk, before embarking on the ship William Seldon. In the evening he had a disappointing meeting with Union General John Wool, Commander of Fort Monroe, who gave him no encouragement for the release of his comrades in prison. Later in the evening he left for Baltimore. During the trip he met Mr. Sheldon of New York, bearer of dispatches from General Burnside and shared a stateroom with Mr. DeFord of Baltimore, who had just departed from Richmond.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 137, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Peirson left Ligon Prison at 5:00 AM and reached Norfolk before noon, where he reported to Confederate General Benjamin Huger, Commander of Norfolk, before embarking on the ship William Seldon. In the evening he had a disappointing meeting with Union General John Wool, Commander of Fort Monroe, who gave him no encouragement for the release of his comrades in prison. Later in the evening he left for Baltimore. During the trip he met Mr. Sheldon of New York, bearer of dispatches from General Burnside and shared a stateroom with Mr. DeFord of Baltimore, who had just departed from Richmond.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 137, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Sunday, January 26, 1862
Charles Peirson received the long-awaited news of his release from prison on parole on the condition that he would not take part in any military actions until he was exchanged. His release order read:
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 136-37, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Peirson received the long-awaited news of his release from prison on parole on the condition that he would not take part in any military actions until he was exchanged. His release order read:
Permission is granted C.L. Peirson to visit Norfolk upon honor not to communicate in writing or verbally for publication any facts ascertained, which if known to the enemy might be injurious to the C.S.A.He was optimistic about his plans for improving the fate of his fellow prisoners and for improving the conditions of the hostages as promised to the provost marshal General Jonathan Winder on January 14. Before his release he visited the hostages in jail and met with General Winder, who assured him that the hostages would be treated as prisoners of war and subject to hanging if the status of the Confederate privateers was changed to prisoners of war.1
Signed for the Secretary of War.
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 136-37, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Wednesday, January 22, 1862
As he marked the third month of his captivity, Charles Peirson faced disappointment. On Monday Dr. Edward Revere's parole had been rescinded. In order to affect some relief for the jailed hostages Peirson sent a letter to Provost Martial Jonathan Winder requesting a substitution of seven officers for the hostages, including himself and Lieutenant George Perry of the Twentieth Massachusetts.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 135, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
As he marked the third month of his captivity, Charles Peirson faced disappointment. On Monday Dr. Edward Revere's parole had been rescinded. In order to affect some relief for the jailed hostages Peirson sent a letter to Provost Martial Jonathan Winder requesting a substitution of seven officers for the hostages, including himself and Lieutenant George Perry of the Twentieth Massachusetts.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 135, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Author's Note - The Fate of Private Amos Partridge
Records from the Twentieth Massachusetts Regimental History and from Adjutant Charles Peirson's journal reveal a contradiction in the fate of Private Amos Partridge of Company D. In the Regimental History the casualty list from Ball's Bluff reports that Private Partridge died in prison on January 16, 1862, while the roster in the Appendix states that Private Partridge died of his wounds in November 1861.1 Charles Peirson's journal clearly states that Private Partridge was captured at Ball's Bluff and imprisoned at Ligon Prison with other soldiers from the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment. Partridge contracted typhoid fever during his imprisonment and died in Ligon Prison, Richmond, Virginia on January 16, 1862.2
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 60, 472.
2Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 103, 123, 129, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 60, 472.
2Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 103, 123, 129, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Journey of the Captives
Friday, January 17, 1862
Charles Peirson rejoiced in the release of one hundred and sixty wounded men from prison today. On a more disturbing note, disease continued to ravage Ligon Prison and exact a human toll on the Twentieth Massachusetts. Private Amos Partridge of Company D died from typhoid fever on Thursday.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 134-35, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Peirson rejoiced in the release of one hundred and sixty wounded men from prison today. On a more disturbing note, disease continued to ravage Ligon Prison and exact a human toll on the Twentieth Massachusetts. Private Amos Partridge of Company D died from typhoid fever on Thursday.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 134-35, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Tuesday, January 14, 1862
Charles Peirson received an interview with Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder and obtained the unwelcome news that the Confederate government refused his exchange. Peirson expressed to General Winder that he believed he could affect better treatment for the Confederate privateers if he were sent north by the Confederate government with assurances of their reciprocation. General Winder suggested that Peirson apply directly in writing to Secretary of War Judah Benjamin and additionally informed Peirson that the Twentieth Massachusetts prisoners would not be transferred to Salisbury with Major Gibbs. General Winder also offered to forward a request to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Jenifer, Cavalry commander at Ball's Bluff, for the return of William Putnam's sword.
General Winder gave Peirson a pass into the jail to visit Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere. His heart sank when he saw the squalid conditions of their confinement. Peirson observed that " .. no prison in New England is so miserable and uncomfortable, and I believe no seven imprisoned men in the North are so illy cared for as these ..."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 133-34, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Peirson received an interview with Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder and obtained the unwelcome news that the Confederate government refused his exchange. Peirson expressed to General Winder that he believed he could affect better treatment for the Confederate privateers if he were sent north by the Confederate government with assurances of their reciprocation. General Winder suggested that Peirson apply directly in writing to Secretary of War Judah Benjamin and additionally informed Peirson that the Twentieth Massachusetts prisoners would not be transferred to Salisbury with Major Gibbs. General Winder also offered to forward a request to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Jenifer, Cavalry commander at Ball's Bluff, for the return of William Putnam's sword.
General Winder gave Peirson a pass into the jail to visit Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere. His heart sank when he saw the squalid conditions of their confinement. Peirson observed that " .. no prison in New England is so miserable and uncomfortable, and I believe no seven imprisoned men in the North are so illy cared for as these ..."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 133-34, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Monday, January 13, 1862
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson had received no additional news about his release. He heard that the Commandant of Richmond, Captain George Gibbs, had been promoted to Major and transferred to Salisbury, North Carolina to take control of the prisons, and that the Ligon prisoners would follow him there. Peirson wrote to Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder to request an interview.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 132-33, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson had received no additional news about his release. He heard that the Commandant of Richmond, Captain George Gibbs, had been promoted to Major and transferred to Salisbury, North Carolina to take control of the prisons, and that the Ligon prisoners would follow him there. Peirson wrote to Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder to request an interview.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 132-33, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Thursday, January 9, 1862
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson received the first tangible news of a possible release. Captain George Gibbs, Commandant of Richmond, offered to parole Charles Peirson north for thirty days to facilitate an exchange for a Confederate soldier imprisoned in Fort Warren. This plan required approval of the Confederate government before taking effect.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 130-31, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson received the first tangible news of a possible release. Captain George Gibbs, Commandant of Richmond, offered to parole Charles Peirson north for thirty days to facilitate an exchange for a Confederate soldier imprisoned in Fort Warren. This plan required approval of the Confederate government before taking effect.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 130-31, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Wednesday, January 8, 1862
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson received additional good news in the report that sick and wounded prisoners would be sent home on January 10. Peirson noted that the Confederates were anxious to make exchanges and needed the prison buildings for other purposes.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 130, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson received additional good news in the report that sick and wounded prisoners would be sent home on January 10. Peirson noted that the Confederates were anxious to make exchanges and needed the prison buildings for other purposes.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 130, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Friday, January 3, 1862
The prisoners of the Twentieth Regiment had reason to hope today from the news of the release of two hundred and forty prisoners, most of whom had been captured at Manassas. One of those released was Sergeant Emery A. Mellen of Company G of the Twentieth Massachusetts, who had been suffering from consumption during his imprisonment.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 129, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
The prisoners of the Twentieth Regiment had reason to hope today from the news of the release of two hundred and forty prisoners, most of whom had been captured at Manassas. One of those released was Sergeant Emery A. Mellen of Company G of the Twentieth Massachusetts, who had been suffering from consumption during his imprisonment.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 129, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Journey of the Captives - New Year's Day
Wednesday, January 1, 1862
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson reflected on the passing of the year 1861, noting that it was arguably the most momentous year in our nation's history. He remained optimistic about the arrival of the new year and that it would herald changes for the good, including peace for the nation and release from prison. He observed that his experience in prison " ... deprived us of experience, rank, and opportunity which others, who were more fortunate, enjoy. But we are in strong hope that another month or at least two will end this imprisonment ..."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 127-8, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Charles Peirson reflected on the passing of the year 1861, noting that it was arguably the most momentous year in our nation's history. He remained optimistic about the arrival of the new year and that it would herald changes for the good, including peace for the nation and release from prison. He observed that his experience in prison " ... deprived us of experience, rank, and opportunity which others, who were more fortunate, enjoy. But we are in strong hope that another month or at least two will end this imprisonment ..."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 127-8, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Journey of the Captives - Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25, 1861
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson celebrated Christmas with a turkey dinner. The turkey was a gift from a friend of Captain John Markoe of the Seventy First Pennsylvania Regiment, who was captured at Ball's Bluff and imprisoned with Peirson. Although Peirson found the turkey a pleasant change from the usual beef, he was suffering from an intestinal complaint and could not fully enjoy the meal. Peirson heard that Colonel Lee and the hostages had received a generous Christmas meal and that Congressman Alfred Ely had been released early that morning.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 126, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson celebrated Christmas with a turkey dinner. The turkey was a gift from a friend of Captain John Markoe of the Seventy First Pennsylvania Regiment, who was captured at Ball's Bluff and imprisoned with Peirson. Although Peirson found the turkey a pleasant change from the usual beef, he was suffering from an intestinal complaint and could not fully enjoy the meal. Peirson heard that Colonel Lee and the hostages had received a generous Christmas meal and that Congressman Alfred Ely had been released early that morning.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 126, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Saturday, December 21, 1861
Charles Faulkner, the former United States minister to France, visited Adjutant Charles Peirson at Ligon Prison and Colonel Lee at Henrico County Jail to offer his assistance to the prisoners. Mr. Faulkner observed that the Confederate privateers were better treated than the hostages and promised that he would do all that he could to improve their situation.
Faulkner had been captured in August by the United States Government on suspicion of arms negotiations for the Confederacy in Paris. Faulkner successfully negotiated his release in exchange for Alfred Ely, a New York Congressman captured while witnessing the battle at Manassas and detained at Libby Prison. It was announced today that Congressman Ely would be released on Christmas Day.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 125, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Faulkner, the former United States minister to France, visited Adjutant Charles Peirson at Ligon Prison and Colonel Lee at Henrico County Jail to offer his assistance to the prisoners. Mr. Faulkner observed that the Confederate privateers were better treated than the hostages and promised that he would do all that he could to improve their situation.
Faulkner had been captured in August by the United States Government on suspicion of arms negotiations for the Confederacy in Paris. Faulkner successfully negotiated his release in exchange for Alfred Ely, a New York Congressman captured while witnessing the battle at Manassas and detained at Libby Prison. It was announced today that Congressman Ely would be released on Christmas Day.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 125, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Friday, December 20, 1861
In Ligon Prison two Methodist missionaries visited Adjutant Charles Peirson and fellow prisoners. The missionaries prayed in silence and "preached peace and a fearful religion." After their visit Peirson quipped, "Either they are far behind [in] this age of enlightenment, or we are."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 124-5, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison two Methodist missionaries visited Adjutant Charles Peirson and fellow prisoners. The missionaries prayed in silence and "preached peace and a fearful religion." After their visit Peirson quipped, "Either they are far behind [in] this age of enlightenment, or we are."1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 124-5, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Wednesday, December 11, 1861
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson heard rumors of fighting at Yorktown. He witnessed a large number of sick coming into Richmond hospitals from the Peninsula and observed that all available men were being sent out of Richmond, leaving few behind to guard the city.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 123, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson heard rumors of fighting at Yorktown. He witnessed a large number of sick coming into Richmond hospitals from the Peninsula and observed that all available men were being sent out of Richmond, leaving few behind to guard the city.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 123, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Saturday, December 7, 1861
Adjutant Charles Peirson briefly left his confinement in Ligon Prison to distribute clothing to fellow prisoners and to visit the sick in Richmond hospitals. The clothes were a gift from John Revere, father of prisoners Dr. Edward Revere and Major Paul Revere. Peirson heard rumors of fighting at Manassas and observed that approximately fifteen-hundred Confederates in Richmond hospitals had been struck with typhoid pneumonia. 1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 122, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Adjutant Charles Peirson briefly left his confinement in Ligon Prison to distribute clothing to fellow prisoners and to visit the sick in Richmond hospitals. The clothes were a gift from John Revere, father of prisoners Dr. Edward Revere and Major Paul Revere. Peirson heard rumors of fighting at Manassas and observed that approximately fifteen-hundred Confederates in Richmond hospitals had been struck with typhoid pneumonia. 1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 122, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Thursday, December 5, 1861
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson received two encouraging letters. In the first letter Naval Commander William G. Saltonstall offered to send assistance of any kind. In the second letter John Murray Forbes, a wealthy philanthropist and friend of Massachusetts Governor John Andrew, notified Peirson that he was trying to lodge credit in Richmond of one-thousand dollars to be used for the benefit of Massachusetts prisoners of war.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 122, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In Ligon Prison Adjutant Charles Peirson received two encouraging letters. In the first letter Naval Commander William G. Saltonstall offered to send assistance of any kind. In the second letter John Murray Forbes, a wealthy philanthropist and friend of Massachusetts Governor John Andrew, notified Peirson that he was trying to lodge credit in Richmond of one-thousand dollars to be used for the benefit of Massachusetts prisoners of war.1
References:
1Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 122, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)