Richmond, 3 Augt. 1864
Gen'l Jno. M. Cocke
Dear Sir,
Having run absent from home upwards of 3 years, in the service, and having no white person in my farm except my wife and children, I have been obliged to trust entirely to my negroes. The result is this year, I lost my entire crop of wheat and all my killing hogs (67) except 8. The draught has nearly ruined my corn and I am reduced to very near starvation to feed my family. I can buy nothing in my county as we are all very much in the same condition. The Yankee raiders and the war generally have nearly ruined me to stealing my negroes and property. I wish to get 50 bushels of wheat for Seed and would be very much obliged to you for it if you can let me have it at a reasonable rate. I am not able to pay the exhorbitant price of $30 per Bushel. White wheat suits my land better than red. If you can spare it, send to [unclear: Mess.] Harwick & Barksdale, and I will receive it safely. In your reply state a price. Address box 140 Richmond.
Very Respy
Your friend,
Jefferson Peyton