( 10 ) provisions in Port Hudson, compelled the enemy to surrender. “On the night of the 8th of July,” writes Col. Peck, “for the first time since we advanced to the front, we were permitted to sleep without the accompaniment of artillery and musketry. On the 9th, with martial music and colors flying, we marched into Port Hudson.” The Twelfth regiment embarked that same night, by steamer, for Donaldsonville,—leaving, alas! one hundred and eight of their brave comrades, either killed or wounded at the siege of Port Hudson, to show forevermore how severe and perilous was the service they had rendered their country. It will be seen from this brief record that this regiment, under the admirable training of its commanding officer, had won for itself a noble reputation for discipline, courage, and reliability. It was always kept at work — it was always in the front. At Labadieville — at the destruction of the gunboat Cotton—at Bisland—in the long march to Red River— in the two and forty days’ siege of Port Hudson, they were in the front. I mention this in connection with these funeral services, because the praise of Col. Peck was written in the brilliant history of his regiment—that was his pride — with that he was identified—their trials were his trials — and their glory was his glory. In their intelligent patriotism, their unpretending worth, their cool and unblustering courage, their competency and reliability for every appropriate service, we see a bright reflection of the modest, brave and accomplished officer who inspired and led them on to every noble deed. But little remains of the military career of Col. Peck calling for special mention at the present time. Returning to Brashear, he soon after took part in another sweeping expedition through Western Louisiana—and for a time he was in command of the Third brigade. He had now entered on his third year of service, and in all that time he had not been off duty a single day. He could easily have obtained permission to come home on furlough, and he wTas strongly tempted to do so, by the wishes
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