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Maj. Gen. John J. Peck (b. 1821, d. 1878) Defense of Suffolk, Virginia, during the spring (April and May) of 1863 was the highlight of John James Peck’s military service during the Civil War. Peck, a major general commanding troops south of the James River, fought off the Confederate divisions of John B. Hood and James Pickett. Peck was wounded in the fight (in action at Norfleet House April 14-15 against Fort Huger, which was captured April 19), but was able to defend the city. Peck was born Jan. 4, 1821, in Manlius, New York. He was admitted to the U.S. Military Academy and graduated with the storied Class of 1843 (8th of 39), which provided 13 general officers during the Civil War. Peck went on garrison duty at the start of his army career before fighting in the Mexican War. There, he received brevets to captain and major for gallant and meritorious conduct. In 1853, Peck resigned his commission and started a business career in Syracuse, New York, hometown of his wife. In the time before the Civil War, Peck promoted a railroad, managed a bank, was president for the local board of education and twice received the Democratic nomination for Congress in his district. In 1856 and 1860, he was a delegate to the Democrat National Convention. With a military background, Peck was commissioned a brigadier general of volunteers by President Abraham Lincoln Aug. 9, 1861. Peck was assigned to the Army of the Potomac’s IV Corps and led a brigade in Brig. Gen. Erasmus Keyes’ 2nd division. Peck led his brigade through the Peninsular Campaign, and July 25, 1862, was promoted to major general. Peck’s forces became part of the Department of Virginia after the rest of the Army of the Potomac left the Peninsula. Peck led all forces south of the James River through September of 1862. After holding off Confederate forces besieging Suffolk, Peck recovered from his wound. After that, he was assigned various commands in North Carolina. He was shifted to the Department of the East July 5, 1864, and sent to the border with Canada. He stayed there through the end of the war, mustering out Aug. 24, 1865. In 1867, Peck organized the New York State Life Insurance Company in Syracuse. He died April 21, 1878, in Syracuse. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery there.
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Suffolk Defender: USA Maj. Gen. John J. Peck - 
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