Dear Mother

     I have heard through a letter to Tom White a few days ago that you were sick & you cannot imagine how uneasy I have been ever since I heard it. I should of written before this but circumstances would not admit. But I do hope before this that you are up & about as ever. I comforted myself some by thinking that if anything serious was the matter with you that you or Uncle John would let me Know certainly. Our Division has Just gotten in our old camp again. I will tell you what we have been doing. Last Thursday was appointed by Gen Lee for a Division Review at 10 oclock we started for the Reviewing field and Just before we reached the field news came that the yankees were advancing so that of course broke up the Review and we started to meet the enemy. our Brigade did not encounter with them that day but the next day Friday our Brigade was

was pretty hotly engaged & also saturday we were fighting the ninth army corp a part of it and the yankee cavalry [i.e., the battle of Poplar Springs Church, 29 September-2 October 1864]. Our cavalry and Infantry together checked & drove them back a little where they are now strongly fortified They have advanced about two miles out from the Weldon Railroad the fight occured about 8 miles from Petersburg. Our forces are splendidly fortified in their front I dont think they can take our works though they are going to make a desperate struggle for the Danville Railroad In my oppinion, everthing Seems to quiet today though report says that the yankee cavalry are moving to our right it may be nothing more than a feint. Our Regt lost ten men wounded in the fight none from co I. Did it rain any over in King George this week do you reccollect the 1st of Oct we were out all day in that rain & got soaking wet went into camp that night about 10 & had to lay down Just as we were wet and cold & could not get a fire to burn to save my life but as it was I slept splendid. Gen Lee has had some very hard fighting over at Chaffin's Bluff [i.e., the battle of Chaffin's Farm, 29-30 September 1864]. the yankees whipped us there at first & took the Bluff & hold now or at least when last heard from. I believe we have them at Bay now from all accounts our Loss was very heavy over there. I have not seen any news paper accounts of the affair I think myself that our Generals are letting the Yankes get too much of hold around Richmond

I told to tell that you had better send over to Edge Hill & get the winter Shoes as you git them for 3 1/2 for you have to give 4 1/2 in Frederickburg & I think they will higher. I will write again Soon Good Bye

Nathaniel Peed