( 16 ) scrupulous avoidance of evil speaking, and the evident pain it gave him to hear the absent censured—of his freedom from envy — of his candor and magnanimity of soul—of his tender affection for his family and devotion to their interests — of his kind and generous treatment of the men under his command, without sacrificing at all the necessary rigor of wholesome discipline— of his watchful care for their comfort and fearless defence of their rights — of the universal respect, confidence and love he won from his regiment by the energy, fairness and gentleness with which he tempered the administration of military power—and of the facility with which he drew the hearts of men to him in warm and lasting friendship, wherever he became well known. In such hearts he has a record which can never be effaced. There, and in the memory of the thousands who knew but to admire and love him, I must leave the keeping of his name, encircled by the modest but brilliant virtues which adorned it. Six months ago Col. Peck united with the church usually worshipping in this house, in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Here he renewed for the last time that sacred covenant which he first assumed fifteen years before, and from this Table he went forth once more to battle for his country in the name of God. He has fulfilled his vows—he has done his duty—he has fought a good fight—he has laid down his precious life for that country which he loved better than life— he fell in the arms of victory,—rejoicing in the assurance that his last battle had sent rebellion reeling to its grave, — and as the clouds of smoke cleared away, his dying eyes saw the bright sky of a conquered peace and a glorious future beaming on his native land.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=