Ford Family Letters Regarding Morgan's Raid   Save
Fannie Ford Papers
Description: In July of 1863, Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan led a daring raid into Ohio, disrupted communication lines, and destroyed property. These two letters written on July 23, 1863 by Emily Ford and her daughter Fannie to Emily's brother detail the incursion of Morgan's Raiders into Jackson County. The women write of their surprise at hearing that Morgan and his troops had entered the city and fears that he would burn the town of Jackson to the ground. Fannie relates her suspicions that if pressed, Morgan would abandon his men to save himself. The first letter is eight pages in length; second letter is four pages. Both letters measure 5.25" x 6.5" (13.34 cm x 16.51 cm). Union troops and militia pursued Morgan throughout southeast Ohio and fought a skirmish near Buffington Island on the Ohio River. Morgan escaped, but more than 700 of his 2,400 men were captured. He was finally captured at West Point in Columbiana County. It was the northernmost action of any Confederate unit during the Civil War. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om1346_1143033_001
Subjects: Military Ohio; Civil War; Morgan's Ohio Raid, 1863
Places: Jackson (Ohio); Jackson County (Ohio)