PIERCE, SAMUEL B., B. 1842.
Samuel B. Pierce reminiscence, circa 1866

Emory University

Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library

Atlanta, GA 30322

404-727-6887

rose.library@emory.edu

Permanent link: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/8zrx6

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Pierce, Samuel B., b. 1842.
Title: Samuel B. Pierce reminiscence, circa 1866
Call Number:Manuscript Collection No. 407
Extent: 2 microfilm reels (MF)
Abstract:Microfilm copy of the Civil War reminscence of Samuel B. Pierce from 1862 to 1865. Pierce served in the 135th New York Infantry Regiment, and the 6th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment during the Civil War.
Language:Materials entirely in English.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on Access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Loaned for microfilming, 1963.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], Samuel B. Pierce reminiscence, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Processing

Processed by MRD, 1963

Collection Description

Biographical Note

Samuel B. Pierce (born May 8, 1842) a resident of West Farms, Westchester County, New York, entered service on September 2, 1862 as a private in Company C, 135th New York Infantry Regiment, which on October 2, 1862 became the 6th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment although it served as an infantry unit during most of the war. Until January 1863, the unit served in the defenses of Baltimore and then of the upper Potomac until March 1863. Late in July with a few officers and men Pierce went to New York City and served on recruiting duty until mid - May 1864, when he rejoined his regiment, which was participating in the Spottsylvania Campaign. He was at the Battle of Harris Farm, May 19, 1864, in the Petersburg Campaign in July, 1864, and with Sheridan in the Valley in September-October, 1864. Early in 1865 he returned with his unit to Bermuda Hundred and served there until March, 1865. Part of this time he was hospitalized at Point of Rocks because of an accidental cut in the hip with an axe in February. He rejoined his regiment in April near Petersburg. He was on garrison duty near Petersburg from May until July 1865 when he was discharged.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists a microfilm copy of the reminiscences of Samuel B. Pierce describing his Civil War service from September 1862-July 1865. The date that he wrote the manuscript is unknown. The manuscript of about 800 foolscap pages is followed on the film by a typescript copy of 335 pages. The narrative, in the form of a diary, is based on letters of himself and other soldiers, as well as clippings and other sources. He describes Army life in detail, comments on Southern country and people, his own ideas and beliefs and reactions, e.g. his reaction to Lincoln's assassination.

Arrangement Note

Entire collection filmed in this order: original manuscript (800 fools-cap pages), typescript copy (385 pages).

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