8 miles from Cumberland

Ford Ky Sept. 17^th 1863.

 

Dear Mother

We have now got fairly started on the road to East Tennessee. We left Crab Orchard a week ago to-day and we are now 7 miles from Cumberland Ford. We are going to rest over to-day as the trains and supply train cannot keep up with us the road is so rough. We rested last sunday also. The road from here to Crab Orchard is the roughest I ever travelled but I suppose we shall see some harder still before we get to our destination. I suppose you have heard of the surrender of Cumberland Gap before this. We met the prisoners that were taken there some over two thousand day before / yesterday on their way north. They are mostly Virginians, North Carolina, and Georgia troops. The Georgians were pretty spunky and thought their time was coming by and by. One man said the Georgians could be depended on but did not say anything about the others.

 

The inhabitants about here are rather scarce as the land is rough and hilly. It would be a first rate country to raise sheep I should think. Secesh prices rule here to some extent. This morning enquired the price of some onions that a woman brought into camp to sell and she asked 5 cents a piece. Biscuit are 25 cents a dozen we could get them for 10 at Crab Orchard.

 

We are getting along very well on our journey. We do not travel a great ways in a day. My health is good and the rest of the Har- / vard boys are well except Charles Priest he has been unwell but is a good deal better but had not got quite well enough to march so he was left back at the convalescent camp at Crab Orchard.

 

We expect to be paid off in a day or two.

 

I believe I have nothing further to write at this time so I will close. My love to yourself father and Mary. Tell Mary to write.

 

From your son

E. W. Stacy

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