Dear Mother.

     I received your letter by uncle John some time ago & would of answered it before this but I assure you that I have not had the time we are drilling twice a day every day from ten to twelve & again in the evening & then a dress parade now that you Know we have not much time [3 words illeg] these days [4 words illeg] writing before [3 words illeg] much new of [3 words illeg] more than [5 words illeg] you heard through uncle Johns letter that the enemy had made a dash on Stony creek Station & burnt the station. I think

our loss in the ration line was a little more than represented that was very little. That was a nice present you sent me by uncle John. it came in the right time as our rations was Just out you Know the fowles did not do me a great deal of good as our mess is quite large. But the other things they did not get Capt Billingsly is here staying in our mess he has in a sixty days forlough which he will get very soon. Our squadron was out on duty yesterday got in late last night all of us got a good bag of corn I got about 1 1/2 Bushels. You Know that will help my horse in his ration. my horse is looking as well as could be ex

pected. Some of our boys have in horse details five I believe Our company has recruited a good deal lately four was added to our number last sunday any man that will come here well mounted can get in our co. There is an order forbiding it but it is done underhanded. every co. is filled but ours If you should see any let them Know I am sure there is some in King George they will have to dodge & get here the best way they can. Our Regt has a chaplin at last Rev. Mr Wheelwright [i.e., Chaplain William H. Wheelwright, Co. H, 9th Virginia Cavalry] a splendid preacher have preaching nearly every night

I must close as breakfast is ready. Tell aunt Kitty I will write to her after a while. no prospect of getting off home soon as I see good Bye

From your son
John N Peed

uncle John is well & has his old post again