Peirce was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1788, 1789, 1792–1795, 1800, and 1801. He also served as Portsmouth town clerk 1789–1794. He was elected as a Federalist to the Seventh Congress and served from March 4, 1801, until his resignation in 1802. After leaving Congress, he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died in Alton, New Hampshire on September 12, 1812.
