7th. Wednesday. At 2 A. M. prepared for another day’s march. At 3 were on the way. Reached Sparlan’s, a noted secesh, at nine A. M. Fed and ate breakfast. Jayhawked his store. They said the boys destroyed a great deal of property ruthlessly. Continued the march. During the day Orff and Purington had a fuss. Orff took his men and our wagons and turned east to Neosho. After going a few miles we got trace of a band of jayhawkers. Charged after three on horses. Quite a spirited time we had, but the men had a long start, getting on a high hill and in the woods. Scoured the woods, finding some suspicious characters but without arms. Kept eight prisoners. Encamped near by in the valley. They stole a horse during the night.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
May 6th. Issued five days’ rations, sugar and coffee. Started on the march southwest at one o’clock. Companies “L”, “M”, “G”, “D” and “A” under Major Purington, and two Dutch companies under Lt. Col. Orff. Marched eighteen miles to Redding Mills. Secesh galvanized. Found plenty of corn and sheaf oats. Occupied a house deserted a few minutes before. A store near by. Nothing of importance left. News of rebels within twelve miles.
5th. Went out with Lt. McGowan after bacon. Went 14 miles. Saw the Challes-Louise. Enjoyed seeing the family again— talkative as ever. Took some hams from Mr. Robertson’s and some others. Went to Mr. Webb’s. Got some apples. Had a good time all around. Got back to camp at ten P. M. Major cross.
4th. Sunday. In the morning went with Archie to the river, saw some very pretty scenery, high bluffs, a cave, and fine foliage. Wrote home.
3rd. Saturday. Ninth Wisconsin, two companies, came in. Lieutenant-Colonel Orff. Major Purington under arrest for saying that he should obey the order of Curtiss. He went to Lamar. Sent returns for six days’ rations. Played chess with Lt. Nettleton.
2nd. Orders from Curtiss to go somewhere, of course we know not where, probably to Cowskin Prairie in extreme southwest corner of Missouri, near the border of Indian Territory. Went out to a grist mill, two miles, and got some flour. Enjoyed the ride very much. Letters from Uncle and L. Randall.
1st. Wrote to Sarah Felton. Nothing of interest occurred.
30th. Received letters from Fannie and Uncle Albert. Answered Fannie’s. Beautiful day. Arrested a suspicious looking fellow, acted like a spy. Told of the fight at Neosho and the Indian band on Cowskin Prairie.
29th. Baggage train and remainder of companies came in. Letter from Lucy Randall and several papers—rich treat. Wrote to Will Hudson.
28th. People began to come into town for their property. Six prisoners were released. Somebody shot at them. I am tired of this barbarous way of soldiering. Doubleday returned to Fort Scott with body guard.
