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.
1863-04-04.......Col mad and sent them without rations, command Duryea Zouaves, see home page Zouavesonpicket.gif of them with young contrabands,Sesesh house, pontoons,Tom,George Wheeler 04-04-1863s.htm