Friday, 19th. In the morning went to the post commissary for provisions. Met on my return to camp the poor man we had prisoner, with his wife. I stopped and conversed with them. The woman at first seemed angry but she soon quieted. When I bid them goodbye, they invited me to call, if I ever came that way. At 4 P. M. left with detail of 60 men, Capt. Nettleton, Lieuts. Stewart and Niman for Springfield. Marched to the Drywood and encamped at 8 P. M. Lost the command and passed them and went through the woods.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
Thursday, 18th. Visited with Capt. Nettleton. Mail came bringing letter from Melissa. Wrote home and to Fannie Andrews.
Wednesday, 17th. Did very little in the morning. Charlie came up for the mail—not arrived. Played three games of checkers. At dinner talked of books read. Saw Capt. Nettleton, returned from Lamar to do some work. Intend to return with him, if Col. Abbey will permit it. Hope Buckshot will get well rapidly enough.
Tuesday, 16th. A rainy, cold and dismal day. Brownell finished a little clamshell ring for me. I polished it up nicely. In the afternoon and evening read “John Brent.” Enjoyed it well. Never read a more thrilling story of a ride. The description of the horse Don Fulano, and his powers was grand. The horse seemed the hero of the tale. Went to town and testified against a prisoner taken while out with Major Burnett. I pitied his poor wife, in tears. Believed the man Union.
Monday, 15th. Okie and I went to town and got provisions for five days’ rations. Saw Haynes and went to his tent and took dinner with him. Had a good time. Read a letter from Fred Allen. Went into the hospital and visited Bigelow and Ohio boys. Saw Laundon and walked to camp with him. Full of fun as ever. Found Okie issuing rations. Helped during the rest of the afternoon.
Sunday, 14th. In the morning washed out some shirts, went to the creek and bathed and cleaned up generally. Mac Murray came up and spent the afternoon. He is a good boy. In the evening borrowed “Agnes of Sorrento” from Q. M. S. Mason and read till about 11 o’clock, by Capt. Welch’s permission. The boys were awake late, talking and making a noise. Col. complained about so much noise being made.
Saturday, 13th. In the afternoon a brigade left under General Salomon for Carthage. Dispatches from Col. Weir came, stating a fight was soon expected. I went down and got provisions for 88 men going from our regiment under Capt. Welch. No mail again. Read the latest papers.
Friday, 12th. Spent a good part of the day building me a bed. Got some boards at a house near camp. Drove down some stakes, made some crossbars and fastened them and laid boards on top, making a very comfortable cot. Archie, Ed and Reeve full of the Old Nick at night. Nothing of interest transpired. Report that we were bound soon for Ohio.
Thursday, 11th. Went down to the post commissary to get provisions. Saw Delos and went down with him to see Charlie. He agreed upon proposal to fill out a program Fred had sent on for the celebration of the 10th, Charlie’s birthday, and anniversary of our enlistment. Issued rations during the day. Charlie came up in the evening and read what he had written. Liked it well. A complete farce to fool the boys. No mail for me in the evening.
Wednesday, 10th. Word came to Major Burnett that the officers of the 2nd Ohio must be unanimous in choosing a colonel or someone from the regular army would be chosen. Officers met, ballot impromptu, Major Miner 7, Major Purington 7, Major Burnett 6. 1st ballot, Major Miner 7, Major Burnett 7, Major Purington 6. 2nd ballot, Major Burnett 12, Major Miner 8, Major P. having left the room, it being agreed that the one having the least votes should drop out. As agreed they made Burnett’s vote unanimous. Miner seemed almost crazy, so surprised and disappointed. At 4 P. M. Major Purington left for Columbus with the papers. At 7 P. M. Major Miner started with his wife. He thought there had been underhanded work, so was going to lay the matter before the governor. If Burnett were commissioned he wished to be transferred. Nettleton stood by him. Very exciting. Officers and men full of wine and champagne at Burnett’s expense. King under arrest in his tent, awful mad.
