This letter was written by John Nathan Peed (1843-1935) of Co. I (“Potomac Rangers”), 9th Virginia Cavalry who were recruited from King George county in April 1861. Their first captain was John Taylor, Sr., but after he resigned, John A. Billingsley took command. Also serving with “Nathaniel” in the same company was his paternal Uncle Lt. Philip M. Peed, maternal Uncle Pvt. John E. Owens (Acting Company Commissary Sgt.), and brother Pvt. James Oscar Peed.

Nathaniel began his service in the company as the bugler of Co. I. The 9th Virginia Cavalry fought in the Seven Days’ Battles, the conflicts at Gainesville, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Dumfries, Rapidan Station, Brandy Station, Upperville, Hanover, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Funkstown, Culpeper Court House, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, and Todd’s Tavern. Later it skirmished around Richmond and Petersburg, then was active in the Appomattox operations. Nathaniel was reported slightly wounded twice.

Many of Nathaniel’s wartime letters are housed in the Dept. of Special Collections, University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Other wartime letters are housed in the Library of Va.: Letters, 1864-1865, from John Nathaniel Peed (1843-1935), 9th Virginia Cavalry.

See also—1864: John Nathaniel Peed to Nancy Powell (Owens) Peed on Spared && Shared 17.

Transcription

Camp near Brandy Station
June 6, 1863

Dear Mother,

I intended writing to you some time ago but failed to do so. Jimmy got to camp yesterday morning safe. He somewhat surprised me for I made sure that the Yankees had captured him. His horse stood the ride very well all to his feet—they got very sore. But he has had him shod now.

We had a Grand Review today of five brigades of cavalry and Hood’s Division infantry. It was a grand show. The general supposition [is] that Longstreet is to threaten Washington this way and Lee to press in the front at Fredericksburg.

I suppose you have heard the news from Vicksburg. It was a desperate fight. It lasted some three or four days, thereby was immense. It is rumored in the Yankee camp that their loss is from ten to thirty thousand and our loss very small. Last night news came to camp that Grant had charged our fortifications with 20,000 men and not a single man went back. That is asserted for the fact. I should think that fight would shorten the war a good deal.

Jimmy is a little poorly, He had slight chills and fever—very slight though. I suppose you heard of the death of poor George McClanahan. He was poorly when Uncle John left but not sick enough to go to the hospital. He left camp & went to a private house on a Monday morning & died the next morning. I was never so surprised when I heard it in my life for I thought he had nothing but a cold. How is Jed getting along? Tell him we are faring very well now. We get half a pound of bacon, peas, rice, and sugar and molasses sometimes.

Joseph Billingsley is our company commissary. The men are not at all satisfied with him. He tries to use too much authority with the men for a private. They very often remind him of Commissary [John E.] Owens [and] how he use to give the rations out. Capt. Billingsley is very unpopular with the men then too. Hardly a man that likes him. He tries to be strict but he don’t know how to carry it out. It is a great deal worse than it was when Uncle John left though I have no right to grumble for he treats me as well as he can. He treated the company very badly about the election of officers. Bob Coakley has been elected Jr. Second Lieutenant & because would not select Phil Peed, he had him appointed ahead of Bob Coakley. The company is very much dissatisfied. We had the right to elect our officers and we wanted to use it. The company to a man wanted Jim McKinny. Billlingsley kicked up a fuss about Coakley being elected. He didn’t want. I am sure he is a religious, moral man. He got 3/4 of the votes.

Phil Peed & I don’t speak. We had a falling out about a month ago. He was in fault. He cursed me and ordered me not to speak to him anymore and i intend to fulfill his orders. he is the second man that I have had a fuss with since I have been in camp. Lieut. [William F.] King told me to say to Uncle John that he has seen Dr. [Joseph S.] Gilliam this morning in reference to his discharge. He told the circumstances in which you are situated over there with Yankees. The Dr. says it is not any doubt about your discharge & he will hurry it up and send King’s [ ] he gets it.

John Washington got to camp yesterday. Tell Uncle that Old Kiah [Hezekiah Potts] is about as he was when he left. Talks of you often. Don’t say anything about what I said about Billingsley, Mother. The first chance you have, send my comb for I have use for it. Don’t forget it. Our horses was valued yesterday. Mine was valued at $500 [ ].

Give my best regards to all enquiring friends. Write soon. From your dutiful son, — Nathaniel P.

June 6, 1863

P. S. I write in a hurry and for fear you should not understand, I put plain before you. Phil Peed [ ]