( 5 ) the danger that threatened tlfe Union, he appreciated the infamous purpose of the insurgents, he abhorred the enormous crime they were perpetrating, and the Satanic spirit they were exhibiting, and understood too well that their success would be the final and irretrievable ruin of our glorious Republic, — and he felt that he must throw himself into “the imminent, deadly breach,” and do what he could to save his native land from so awful a catastrophe. Col. Peck, though a civilian, was not altogether unacquainted with the service to which he offered himself; he was already well read in military science and tactics, and on joining his regiment, exhibited at once a marked aptitude both for the theory and practice of war. In the Fall of 1861 Mr. Peck received the commission of Major in the Twelfth Connecticut, or Charter Oak Regiment, commanded by Col. Henry C. Deming. This regiment formed a part of the force sent out under command of Gen. Butler for the capture of New Orleans. After a few weeks’ encampment on Ship Island, they sailed up the Mississippi, and witnessed the bombardment of Forts Jackson and Philip. After the forts had surrendered, the Twelfth was the first regiment to ascend the river, and reached New Orleans fourteen hours before any other regiment arrived. They were not the first to land in the city, though they did enter it soon after, and received their full share of that vile female abuse in which the women of New Orleans have gained for themselvess such an unfortunate distinction. The next week the regiment proceeded to Camp Parapet, twelve miles up the river, where they remained six months, without much active service. Major Peck appears to have enjoyed the particular regard and confidence of Gen. Phelps, commander of the brigade, who, both at Ship Island and Camp Parapet, intrusted him with services of special delicacy and difficulty. While at the latter place, he w’as sent by his general on a reconnoissance
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