Fredericksburg was Peter's first major battle and he wrote several letters about it.
He included a sketch of the bombardment of the city that he made from the opposite bank before crossing the river into battle.
After sleeping on the battlefield with dead soldiers, he was ordered to retreat behind houses.
He and his bridgade were separated from their regiment and were among the last to retreat across the pontoon bridge before it was torn up.
1863-06-28DB.......Dear Brother, would have written if knew in Utica, does not write all hardships, discourages from enlisting, love to father and mother 06-28-1863DBs.htm