Wilderness

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The Battle of the Wilderness was Peter's final battle, after which he was listed as missing in action. A year later a letter from Clara Barton confirmed that another soldier had seen him killed.

Peter was well aware that a major battle was imminent, with rations being limited and mail stopped. He described massive troop movements, including '10 thousand negro troops.'

He commented on a dream Clarinda had that he was in danger, and reassured her that he was fine and healthy.

Peter and a number of others had applied to join the Navy, where he felt he would be in less danger, but his approval paperwork never came.

In his last letter, written days before he disappeared in battle, Peter said:

'Dear Clara, I am afraid before you hear from me again there will be a hard battle fought with the [Army] of the Potomac, but wherever I may be placed I shall try to do my duty as well as I can.'

'I hope the Lord will spare us to meet again on earth.'

'Take good care of yourself and our little ones. Give my love to all my folks and may heaven protect us evermore.'

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