Description:

1st CONNECTICUT HEAVY ARTILLERY OFFICER'S LETTER HOME
Superb content A.L.S. "Your affec Br Ed", 4p., 8vo., Falmouth, [Va.], Mar. 11, 1863, a letter from Pvt. Edward Peck to his brother Charles at the family farm in Bridgeport, Ct. Peck entered service with the regiment on Sept. 11, 1862 and served until he resigned on June 25, 1863. His unit, originally the 4th Ct Infantry was incorporated into Battery B, 1st Ct. Heavy, 2nd Volunteer Brigade, of the Reserve Artillery [Army of the Potomac]. Peck's unit were charged with defending the city of Alexandria, and took part in the Fredericksburg and Gettysburg campaigns. Peck details his frustrations with Army life, in part: "...I feel far more encouraged in regard to the war than I did a month ago. One while I was quite discouraged. I heard so much complaining about everything. Many of the Northern papers were full of bitter articles denouncing the administration and the conduct of the war...But things are looking brighter now...". Peck's optimism apparently had much to do with Gen. Hooker's administration: "...General Hooker is bringing the Army to a far better state of discipline than it has been for some time...he seems to take more interest in the welfare of the men than any other commander we have had yet...". Peck, who would sign a letter of condemnation against former Conn. governor and Southern ally Thomas Seymour, wrote scathingly of the Democrat: "...What do you think of the Ct. democracy (so called). I think they have committed suicide in nominating Tom Seymor for governor. I believe you have worse traitors in the North and that they are doing more injury than those of the South... Sometimes I feel as if I could make war on them with more zeal than on their southern brethren...". Peck finally closes with the determination of a staunch Yankee fighter: "...I feel comforted in the belief that God, our Merciful Father, is working for the overthrow of negro slavery in our land...It may cost more than we have yet given, but the greater the sacrifice, the more we shall appreciate the great blessing of a free country. I would not give my vote or voice (as much as I want peace) for a union with slavery again. My 2 years of soldier's life have left me a strong abolitionist. God speed the day when we shall once again enjoy the blessings of peace and liberty...I suppose the Christians North pray as much as ever for the soldier, don't they? They ought to, for he needs it...". Written in clean pencil, with moderate folds, else fine. Transmittal cover included.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
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