9th. Saturday. In the morning had to give up the book which I had borrowed from Robinson. Accomplished very little during the day. Tried to write Will but could not think fast enough, so threw aside paper and ink. Sale of cattle confiscated at the fort. Archie attended. Stock mostly bought by Babcock and Company, who are getting rich from the government. So are many of Kansas officers interested in the many contracts made for the troops, purposely kept here in Kansas. 9th and Battery arrived.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
8th. August. Commenced “Woman in White” again. Fairly begun when I was ordered off with Capt. Smith to find a camp. Selected one up on the hill west of town. Somewhat fortified. Moved camp in the forenoon. All tired after moving. Had one meal. Continued the story. Our new site for camp overlooks a large tract of country. The horses are picketed away from the immediate vicinity of the camp so that we will be free from the dust, and be nearer water for horses.
7th. Watered my horse and took a good bath. Had a good visit with Newt. Adams about officers of our acquaintance and future prospects. Today, as often, I am uneasy for something to satisfy a nervous want of something real to do. Can’t be easy at anything. Commenced reading the “Woman in White,” by Wilkie Collins. Found the book quite interesting. Could hardly leave it for my meals. There seems to be no stopping place. Every paragraph, every chapter, every book is full of thrilling adventures, well laid plot. Great vigilance against surprise.
Aug. 6th. Wednesday. In the morning there was a great scare about Quantrell’s band. Reported near Montebello, 40 miles east, preparing for a raid against Fort Scott. A report that three companies of the 3rd Wisconsin had been captured. At nine “to arms” blew and to arms the men went. They seized their old rusted carbines, scoured them and were in line for the assembly. They were assembled, mounted under Capt. Smith and dismounted under Major Purington. 3rd came in unharmed save one killed, several wounded and baggage train lost. Rations for five days were issued. Went over to town at retreat, got shaved and hair cut by Charlie Fairbanks.
5th. Tuesday. In the morning did little of everything. Wrote to Fannies A. and H. in answer to letter received almost three months since. In the afternoon the service for the burial of three men was performed. Lt. Pike drilled the escort. It seemed his whole ambition to get the men well drilled. He had an escort drilling for one very sick man who had not yet died. Maj. M. and Adj. W. boarding with us. In the evening attended a variety performance up town. Very good for barren Fort Scott. Got home about midnight. Received no letters, a little disappointed. Mr. Hawkins returned yesterday.
4th. Monday. “General” blew at 7 A. M. Struck tents and moved to our first camping ground when we entered Fort Scott from Kansas City. I went ahead with Major Miner to lay out camp. Q. M. issued clothing. Drew boots and shirt. Helped get things ready for supper. In the evening Major P., Major M. and Adj. Weeks got news of the fight in the Indian Territory. Standwaite prisoner, another notable killed. 400 proved traitors, having come into camp and given up and then turning on our men. 300 of them killed. Sergt. Major was taken sick suddenly, probably sunstruck. Bill drunk and quarrelsome. Adj. Weeks in tent.
3rd. Sunday. Started again at 4 A. M. Marched 14 miles in sight of Fort Scott. Then turned back two miles on account of the scarcity of water. Encamped along a little vale where were little puddles of water. Got into camp a little after noon. Slept some. Got wood for a fire. Helped eat some oysters and sardines. Supper at 5 P. M. Mail came bringing a letter from Minnie. Wrote home. Sent a letter to Fannie. Saw some new acts relating to the formation of regiments under the new law. All Batt. staffs to be mustered out. One more 2nd Lt. to a company. A good berth for some of the staff. Warm day, not much like Sunday.
2nd. Saturday. In camp on Drywood, sixteen miles from Fort Scott. Marched today 22 miles over a barren prairie. Rested for two or three hours in the heat of the day. Mail came in the evening. Received another letter from Fannie. It seemed so good to hear from her two days in succession. Got to fooling with Reeve in the tent along in the evening, and we concluded to take a turn outdoors. We first took hold squarehold. After a long time I brought Reeve to the ground but he whirled me. Boys said I threw. Then he dared me to sidehold. Major and boys watched me. I threw him in a trice. I wouldn’t try again for I know his superiority in strength and skill.
1st. Friday. In camp on Cow Creek, 40 miles south of Fort Scott. Two men were killed here by Standwaite some time ago. Poor water. The big twenty-five miles prairie just beyond. Rode with the Sergeant Major. Fooled with him considerably. Good time. Capt. Smith played fool, infringing on the Second Battalion. Major Purington gave him a blowing. The mail came this evening. Letters from Fannie and home. They did me good. I long for the furlough time to come. Barnitz received a commission as Second Lieutenant. Pleased all. Wrote a short letter to Fannie. Purington thinks of going on tomorrow.
July 31st. Thursday. Finished a letter to Fred Allen. The Court Martial meetings still continue, Major Purington presiding. The officers are beginning to be more strict and exacting. The discipline cannot but be improved. Went to the river and bathed. Washed a pair of pants and handkerchief and towel. Went up on a high bluff of rocks, a more romantic place than I had seen for a long time. It reminded me much of Old Vermont, or Canada side of Niagara. Marched at three P. M. Reached Baxter’s Springs at sundown. Major Miner, Capt. Stanhope and Adj. Weeks ate supper with us, had tomatoes and pineapples for dessert.
