Making a long story shorter I found that the letters take place about April 30, 1864 and it appears Col. Peck overstayed a leave of absence while trying to sell bonds in Richmond to support his family. Charges of desertion were brought but dismissed after letters by Dick Ewell and Robert E Lee supported him and dropped the issue. It seems poor Peck missed a train from Richmond because it was full and thus the charges. The South could I'll afford to lose quality officers or men at this late date over something so petty.