© Copyright 2000 James David Pearce
Washington NC
December 26, 1863
To: Abigail Pierce, Petty Shore, Chowan River
My dear beloved sister Abigail:
Well, Christmas has come and gone, and let me tell you what has happened, and that is nothing much but a whole lot of walking.
I raised my right hand in Plymouth December 18th. I am in the 2nd NC Infantry Volunteers USA. I am so proud. I've got new shirts, pants, coats and boots and one long coat. I don't have a gun yet, but I really believe I look just about as spiffy as any other soldier in this man's army. I am determined that I am going to be one of the best in every regard.
After the flag ceremony, it wasn't 12 hours before we joined up a wagon train that must have been two miles long and headed out for this place – Little Washington. (This is a right smart-size town, and it was the very first place in the whole US that was named for our first president. It's where Thomas got shot and killed in '62.) Tell Job that I know he would have been whistling happy to see all that many wagons lined up in a row and rolling. In our train we must have had at least 500 high-back-wheel wagons and almost that many tip-carts. The carts all have one mule in the traces, but depending on what they're pulling, the wagons have from two to four.
It was no picnic getting here. It was a right hard week. I'm telling you that there are a lot of woods and creeks between there and here. I'm guessing 40 miles and at least 80 creeks. But crossing little creeks is no worry when you got big-wheel wagons and good high boots. It took us until yesterday to get here, and I mean to tell you that trip didn't leave us any time for lollygagging around.
We traveled hard. We walked all the days and half the nights. There was no room for anybody to ride but the teamsters, what with the wagons full of guns, bullets and provisions. But we sure ate good. Traveling don't bother the USA cooks one bit.
We're going to leave a big bunch of this stuff here, and then we're supposed to get on to New Bern somehow. But I don't think we're going to stop there, because they say New Bern is overloaded with soldiers and people too. I am sending this by USA mail and I hope you get it soon. I will write again as soon as we settle some place. My love to mama and all.
Affectionately,
Your brother James
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