Camped on the Prairie 10 miles from Oppelasas, La.. Oct 18th /63 Dear friends Some time has passed since I have written on acount of not haveing a chaunce to to send letters.. I understand the male will go out this afternoon and I will write a few lines let you know that I am all right. it has been some time since I have got a letter I beleave I will not write much more untill I get answers to some that I have written. We left Carrollton the 3rd of oct.. crosed the river took the cars opposite New Orleans went to Brazier City distence of 60 miles (Brazier City is on Burewick Bay, La.) from there we took it a foot.. five Day hard marching with knapsack & four days rations in Haversack brought us to where we now are. This is the finest country I ever saw. mostly Prairie.. the object of this expedition is more than I can tell. it was thought when we started that we were going to texas. but we are not traveling in that direction.. we have some Skirmishing with the Garillies as we pass along but nothing of much importance.. I have but little to write it is the same old story.. if I keep my health it is all I ask. the Boys are pretty well. I would like to have a pair of Boots. but I don’t expect you could send them to me.. if you should have a chaunce get no 8 fine Calf skin double soles.. flat on the bottom.. Sewed instead of pegged in case you can get them. them others always hurt my feet.. if you sind the Boots send a pair of socks in them. Write soon from old Lu Carhart
Editor’s Notes: “The object of this expedition is more than I can tell.” d We feel Lu Carhart’s exasperation in this statement. He had kept his bearings and carefully reported on his locations, but the action taking place. But this “expedition” has him buffaloed! The action has been sparse, they thought they were going to Texas, but they are headed in the wrong direction. After marching five days with hurting feet he asks for a new pair of boots, and wants them sewen and not “pegged” Little did he realize what was ahead of him in the next three weeks.