Dear Mother

     I take the present opportunity to write you a few lines hoping they may find you all well and Grandma [i.e., Rebecca Massey Owens] also. I was pained to hear that the yankees had again visited our county but I hope they will be driven from there before many days. We have quite a considerable force at or near Fredickburg What has become of Tom has he gone with the Yankees or not I Know My Boys Howard & p[illeg] has not gone for they have too much sence how do they get along with the corn are they most done Shucking how does the corn turn out have they filled up the little corn house yet. I suppose you will have to build another House (this is a Bad Pen Mother you had better hide my Gun as the yankees should come down there I heard uncle John [i.e., Pvt. John E. Owens, Co. I, 9th Virginia Cavalry] and Phil [i.e., Sgt. Philip M. Peed, Co. I, 9th Virginia Cavalry] was coming over. I am now writing By Mr Cales He come up Yesterday.
Aunt Betsey Is married at last, How does Aunt Kitty like it I dont Reckon she likes it much. Tell Howard if he lets the yankees have Charlie I will shoot Him.
You must excuse this Bad written Note for neither Pen nor Pencil wont write. Give my love to all
     And Bilieve to be your ever loving Son

Ja^s O Peed

Please try and except this

Mr^s Nancy P. Peed
Care of Benjamin Hale

Mr^s Nancy P Peed
Care of Mr Hales
King George Co
Va