Scope and Contents
The John James Peck Papers consist of journal entries, correspondence, and printed material, bound in eight volumes, that document Peck's military and political career. Manuscript copies of journals and outgoing letters to newspapers, family members, and military officers record his experience in the following campaigns: the Battle of Buena Vista and occupation of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War; a campaign against the Navajo and Apache in New Mexico (including an account of a journey over the Santa Fe Trail); and the seige of Suffolk, Virginia during the American Civil War. Newspaper clippings and manuscript copies of correspondence document Peck's involvement in Democratic Party politics, including an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1856. The Papers include one typescript volume of transcriptions, presumably compiled when researching The Sign of the Eagle, edited by Richard F. Pourade and commissioned by James Strohn Copley in 1970.
Dates
- 1845-1970 1845-1863
- Majority of material found within 1845 - 1863
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The John J. Peck Papers is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
From the collection of James Strohn Copley. Purchased from William Reese Co. on the Frederick W. and Carrie S. Beinecke Fund for Western Americana, 2010.
Arrangement
Organized into eight volumes and arranged as received by the Beinecke Library.
Extent
1.67 Linear Feet (8 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Abstract
The John J. Peck Papers consist of journal entries, correspondence, and printed material, bound in eight volumes, that document Peck's military and political career. Manuscript copies of journals and outgoing letters to newspapers, family members, and military officers record his experience in the following campaigns: several battles including the Battle of Monterrey and occupation of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War; a campaign against the Navajo and Apache in New Mexico (1849-1851, including an account of a journey over the Santa Fe Trail); and the 1863 seige of Suffolk, Virginia during the American Civil War. Newspaper clippings and manuscript copies of correspondence document Peck's involvement in Democratic Party politics, including an unsuccessful run for Congress in New York State in 1856. The Papers include one typescript volume of transcriptions, presumably compiled when researching The Sign of the Eagle, edited by Richard F. Pourade and commissioned by James Strohn Copley in 1970.
John James Peck, 1821-1878
John James Peck (1821-1878) was born in Manlius, New York and graduated from West Point in 1843. He served in the army during the Mexican-American War and in New Mexico before retiring in 1852 to pursue banking and railroad business ventures. He returned to military service during the Civil War, as a brigadier general of volunteers. After the war, Peck returned to New York State and became president of the New York State Life Insurance Company.
- Apache Indians
- Copley, James Strohn -- Ownership
- Democratic Party (N.Y.)
- Indians of North America -- New Mexico -- History -- 19th century
- Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Campaigns
- Mexico
- Mexico City (Mexico) -- History -- American occupation, 1847-1848
- Monterrey, Battle of, Monterrey, Mexico, 1846
- Navajo Indians
- New Mexico
- New Mexico -- Description and travel
- Peck, John J. (John James), 1821-1878
- Santa Fe (N.M.)
- Santa Fe National Historic Trail -- Description and travel
- Suffolk (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1863
- Texas -- History -- Mexican War, 1846-1848
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
- United States -- Territorial expansion -- 19th century
- Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
- West (U.S.)
- Title
- Guide to the John J. Peck Papers
- Author
- by Lisa Conathan
- Date
- 2011
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository
Location
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Opening Hours
Access Information
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