James H. Peck, named in 1822 to the U.S. District Court for the District of Missouri, becomes the third judge to be impeached. He is charged with misusing contempt power. Apparently, when Peck ruled against a client of attorney Luke Lawless’, the lawyer sent an anonymous letter rebutting the decision to a St. Louis newspaper. Peck learned of the letter, jailed the lawyer for a day and revoked his right to practice law for 18 months. The Senate trial ends with Peck’s acquittal on Jan. 31, 1831.