Fine Civil War McDowell Officer’s Forage Cap Id’d to Gen. John J. Peck

This superior example of a Civil War officer’s, high quality McDowell forage cap was worn during the war by General John James Peck. Peck, born in 1821, was a graduate of West Point, graduating in 1843, along with Ulysses S. Grant, as well as several other soon to become famed officers. Peck served, with distinction, in the Mexican War; he was brevetted to the rank of Captain for gallantry and meritorious conduct exhibited at the Battles of Contreras and Churubusco and later brevetted to the rank of Major for his actions at the Battle of Molino del Rey. Peck would later serve, out west, assisting in quelling attacks by Apache Indians. He resigned from the Army, in 1853. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Peck accepted a commission as a Brigadier General, commanding volunteers. He was actively engaged during the Peninsula Campaign and promoted to the rank of Major General for his actions at the Battle of Malvern Hill. In September of 1863, Peck took command of all of the Union troops, in Virginia, south of the James River. Following actions surrounding the small city of Suffolk, Virginia, Peck was transferred south, to take command of the District of North Carolina. After the war, Peck resigned from the army, moved to Syracuse, New York where he became the president of the New York State Life Insurance Company. Peck died, at his Syracuse home, in 1878.  

This superior example of a finely crafted, McDowell style, officer’s forage cap, remains in superior condition. It is constructed of a fine, deep blue, English broadcloth wool. The chinstrap, constructed of a patent leather, is affixed to the cap by two U.S. staff officer, cuff buttons. The typically diminutive, contoured brim, also of a fine, patent type leather, is bound with a black painted canvas strip. Affixed to the front of the cap is a U.S. staff officer’s, bullion wreath insignia, hand sewn to the cap.  The cap’s interior is in equally superior condition; the black silk, quilted lining is complete and attached to the interior crown by a diamond pattern stitching. The sweat band, in excellent condition and complete, as well, is constructed of a wide brown, thin leather, hand sewn to the cap’s interior. Behind the sweat band can be seen buckram stiffener, often found in Civil War caps. When the sweat band is raised, clearly hand inked beneath one side, near the front of the cap, is the name: “J J Peck”. This is indeed a very fine example of a superbly crafted forage cap, worn during the Civil War by a significant and meritorious Union General.    

Accompanying General Peck’s cap is a full view image / CDV of the general, in uniform; he autographed the back of the CDV, signing: “Major General Peck / Maj. Gen. Peck / Syracuse.”