Alphabet File page 286

Hackney, Mr., is having a nice cottage erected on the beach. Contractor A. D. Pierce is doing the work. (SCE 11/19/1892)

 

Blake, Mr. William, is building a magnificent and costly residence in Bay St. Louis.  The lumber has just arrived and work will shortly begin.  It will be erected by Contractor A. D. Pierce.  (SCE, 12/24/1892)

 

Peirce, A.D., Contractor, went over to New Orleans this week on business.  (SCE 02/04/1893)

 

Pierce, A.D., contractor, is progressing very nicely with the elegant dwelling building he is erecting in Waveland for Col. Blake.  To undertake the execution of such work requires more than ordinary skill of the building trade. Mr. Peirce is fully competent and the work on Mr. Blake's property stamps him without a peer.  See him if you intend building.  (SCE 03/04/1893)

 

Pierce, Elizabeth A.-Shieldsboro Postmistress November 1865 ­September 1869 (VF)

 

Shieldsboro, July 10, 1862.  Gov. Petus:  My object in addressing you at this time is to solicit your advice.

 

  I hired (to) Capt. Myers, a negro man for a cook on the Gunboat "OREGON" when she was ploughing these waters guarding the coast.

 

A few days before the Surrender of New Orleans, I was in the City, and went to the Lake to see my boy, found Capt. M. absent but was introduced to Capt. Walker whom Capt. Myers had left in command of the "OREGON".  Capt.  W. told me that Capt. M. requested him to say to me that they would retain my boy Lewis on the boat to cook for the officers, and pay me $20.00 per month for his services.  I consented to leave, and begged the Capt. to take a special charge of him, which in the presence of my friend, Mr. R. Seal, he promised to do.

 

  A short time after this, I heard the "OREGON" was burnt, and for weeks was in suspense about my boy.  The only information I received was that he had been seen on board the "CREOLE" at Pass Manchac.

 

I wrote letters to many of my friends at Camp Moore,

 

Jackson, and Vicksburg making inquiries but could hear nothing of him.  I finally came to the conclusion that the Federals had him.

 

  On the 23rd of June when the Federals landed here, I was informed that Capt. Walker was on the wharf.  I sent a friend to Capt. W. to ask after my boy.  In a few minutes the Capt. came up to see me and told me that he and several others, Lewis among the number, were taken prisoners when the "CREOLE" was seized by the Federals, and that there was no way of getting off at the time.

 

I told him I should try to have L. returned to me if I had to apply to Gen. Butler.  Capt. W. said I had better see Adjt___________, Acting Assist Gen. then in command of the troops.

 

  Capt. W. brought the Adjutant to my house.  I told him I wished my slave returned to which he replied it was not in his power to order L. to leave the boat but if, of L.'s own will he came ashore, he should use no means to force him to continue with them.  He thought I had better see L., and my friends advised me to interrogate the boy and in company with several gentlemen, I went to see him, asked him if he had taken up arms against his Mistress, to which he replied no, that he was taken at the same time Capt. W. was and had requested a letter written to me stating the facts.

 

I said to him - "Do you wish to come home?" He answered

 

"Yes, but that he wanted to get his clothes."   The Capt. 

 

 told him he would leave his clothes here if he would tell him where they could be forwarded.

 

   The boy said "No one but himself could get them."

 

   The Capt. assured me that Lewis should be left here next trip of the boat, and L. said "If you will land me, I will go" with my consent, and relying on this promise the boy went on board.

 

  On the 8th a letter was handed me by a man from Pass

 

  Christian.  On opening it, I found it contained money. 

 

  Two gentlemen were near me for it was in the street.  I called them to me and in discovering the signature of Capt. Walker, handed the money to one of the gents and read the letter aloud.

 

   I wished to send you the letter but as it may be best for me to keep it, I will briefly sketch the contents. 

 

   "As I promised to have your boy Lewis at the Bay, I will now state that the boy is willing to remain in the boat and thinks he can be of more service to you as we intend to pay him at the rate of $30.00 per month and have paid his $51.25 - $40.00 of which he sends you.  The remains he has bought clothes with.  If you still desire the boy sent home, we will do so"

 

  This is the purport of the letter.

 

  Now, Governor, do advise me what to do in this matter as regards the $40.00.  I mean for of course I am at no loss what to do in regard to have the negro, the money could tempt me to in any way have business transactions with those who are seeking to drive us from our homes, and have already deprived us of almost the necessaries of life.

 

  'Tis their money that worries me.

 

  The bills are Northern Jackson R.R. and U.S. bank bills. My first impulse was to send it back enclosed in a bitter letter, but on reflection I thought it best to lay it aside and wait your council.

 

  I have written a very long letter on the subject and I beg your charity and patience in having to be taxed with and unbusiness style of letter when you have so much of greater importance to attend, yet I have no one to appeal to in whose judgment I could so safely rely as your's and beseech you to answer me at your earliest leisure.

 

  That man's wages and the little I could make by taking boarders is all the income I have had to support my three small children and self since the sad death of Mr. Pierce.

 

  Of course, now I have no income and very few persons here will take Confederate money so we are deprived of many necessary articles of food, yet I would tail day and night on barely enough to sustain life rather that receive money from those who seek the blood of the noble sons of the South.  I spurn the idea of touching a cent handled by them.

 

  I only want to know what are the proper steps for me to pursue in reference to this insulting tender.  Of course, I have not acknowledged the receipt, but do intend to demand my negro and, if possible get him immediately, but should have to send him to Jackson for safety if obtained.

 

  As this letter is woman-like in length, I must add one request.  Do free people on the Coast to sell provisions for Confederate money.  Unless some change takes place

 

 here I shall have to leave my little comfortable home and seek one where I can obtain bread for my family.   Would that I were now near our dear sick soldiers giving them the aid I was able to give many last winter.  I should feel happier.

 

  I am a native of this noble State and my heart is wrapped up in our cause and my earnest prayer is that very soon a complete victory will crown our brave Army and justice and peace once more be restored.

 

  Governor, please consider this scrawl private and with much respect.  Yours, E.A. Pierce. (MA - Series R Vol 56 - 

 

  Gov. Pettus)

 

Pieri and his bakery shop (green front)  #82 J.A. Cuevas (VF MJS VIII 00350)

 

Pieri, Mr. A. G., has a lengthy and interesting communication in today's issue of THE ECHO, in which he well defines his position in the circumstance regarding his action in the prosecution of young Thorn.  (SCE 02/18/1893)

 

  Piery's Drugstore - (A.G. Pieri)