Dear Mother

     Having an opportunity I thought I would drop you a short note. I am well and hardy as ever have not had any more chills Since left home we have very bad weather [6 words illeg] deep I don't think I have saw such a snow in march in my life though we have not Suffered any with cold no war news of any importance I listened to a very able Speech delivered by the Hon. Robert L. montague ten days ago on the present state of affairs in our country. he Seem to think that the war will end this year I wrote by Jas. scrivener [i.e., Pvt. James O. Scrivener, Co. I, 9th Virginia Cavalry] [6 words illeg] I expect to send this by John Burchell [i.e., Pvt. John B. Burchell, Co. I, 9th Virginia Cavalry] he has gotten a detail to the Country to get a horse he is very Lucky in getting off home Burchell traded his horse of for a Broken down horse unfit for service I have my oppinion of such men but would not like to express it Howard Montague preached once for us since

I have been over here last Sunday at Efphisis [sp. Ephesus] Church. All the Boy are well you must excuse mistakes and bad writing as I write in a great hurry. Give my love to all enquiring friends Good Bye

John N Peed

March 24 1864
write soon