We ate those rations and commenced our retreat out of Kentucky with empty haversacks and still emptier stomachs.
We supposed our general and commissaries knew what they were doing, and at night we would again draw rations, but we didn't.
The Yankee cavalry are worrying our rear guards.

There is danger of an attack at any moment.

No soldier is allowed to break ranks.
We thought, well surely we will draw rations tonight.

But we didn't.
We are marching for Cumberland Gap; the country has long ago been made desolate by the alternate occupation of both armies.

There are no provisions in the country.