War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

9th. Monday. Did very little save rest and graze my horse. Letters from Fannie, home and Sarah.

8th. Sunday. Started on our return at 8 o’clock, with drove of cattle and horses. Major and Purps went ahead, and a few miles from the road, to a deserted camp and got a secesh wagon, old style, hitched in four horses and had a gay time. Lead horses whirled after a time and broke the tongue, fixed it and with two horses drove through the camp. Horses balked several times, once in the river. Hadley and I undressed and helped across. Command stopped at Hudson’s. Jayhawked the people badly. (“Purps”— nickname for noncommissioned staff.)

7th. In saddle at 4 A. M. Went into the timber for breakfast. Ate with Co. “E.” Good appetite, having eaten nothing of consequence since the morning before. Reconnoitering party was sent south to learn the position and force of the enemy supposed to be encamped 15 miles south. The command encamped in favorable positions in and near Round Grove, the former camp of Col. Coffee. The women in the grove reported that he moved at sundown. One sick man of Coffee’s left behind, reported that he had 600 and Standwaite 1,000. Raines’ unknown. Variously estimated from 500 to 2000. At night the First Battalion went out on picket. Some Co. H men fired on our patrol. Slept with Delos in No. 3.

6th. Eight companies of the Second Ohio, Majors Miner and Burnett, four Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, three Tenth Infantry Kansas, one Sixth Kansas Cavalry were on the march at 8 A. M. Major P. was going independently. He had refused me several times, but after all the troops were gone, he consented. Left in a hurry with little provisions. Crossed Spring River and the Neosho. After marching fast 35 miles, came upon the camps of Standwaite and Coffee. Major P. conversed with pickets. Shelled the position of Standwaite, but probably too late, having escaped with Coffee south to Col. Rains. The shelling was splendid. The shells would bound from tree to tree and burst with a thundering noise. First Battalion took position between the two camps, if possible to prevent a junction of forces. Also went out as skirmishers. Third Battalion deployed along the woods to prevent escape and watch the movements of the enemy. The Battery took a position on the hill favorable for shelling the enemy. Was supported by the Kansas Infantry. Ninth Wisconsin deployed as skirmishers and entered the woods. Scouts went near Coffee’s camp and represented them leaving. “General” (Col. Doubleday) immediately marched to the south of the camp and ceased operations for the night. It was now 1 o’clock A. M. Bivouacked with few blankets in the open air. Slept soundly till 3 A. M. 1 enjoyed all the doings very much, acted as carrier for the “General.” Accompanied Major Purington. Saw large herds of horses and cattle. Took many prisoners. Some Coffee’s men and some not.

June 5th. Learned and ordered the number of pounds of beef needed, also issued it. Issued rations for the five days’ expedition under Doubleday. Took us till “taps.” Orders came from Col. Wier, Tenth Kansas, to delay further movements. The Colonel (Doubleday) resolves to resign immediately, so enraged at the intrigue and rascality of Kansas officers and politicians in making Wier rank him. Officers sent a paper to him begging him not to do it. Seemed to regret the idea very much. Concluded to go on with the expedition anyway.

4th. Wednesday. Reveille at 3:30 A. M. Breakfast and under way at 6 A. M. After riding ten miles, troops rested. Lieutenant Lisering of Doubleday’s staff met us with the news that Col. Salomon had been made brigadier and Col. Weir of the Tenth Kansas had the command of the expedition. All seemed astonished. Lt. Colonel said, “the news rather surprised him.” Considerable sensation. Crossed the Neosho and encamped near the rest of the troops. A very pretty situation for a camp. A range of hills, overlooking large valley and woods.

3rd. Arose at 4 A. M. First Battalion off at 5 to join Doubleday, 35 miles. Loaded provisions from citizens to mule teams. Infantry, as usual got the start, artillery next. Had a pleasant march. Long time crossing the Lightning Creek. Narrow roads for the wagons through the woods. Grazed often. Encamped with Ninth Wisconsin on the banks of Cherry Creek. Artillery crossed and camped. Issued beef. Rained in the afternoon. Slept out in the open air. Several officers and men tight. McMurray.

2nd. Passed a Catholic Mission for Indians. Very good conveniences. Many children. Three or four buildings. Stopped often to graze. Passed through a good country. Good oak and hickory timber. Passed an Indian village—Osages. Encamped upon a good plat of grass along the Neosho. After supper went to the river and bathed. Received invoice of provisions from “Buckshot.”

1st. Wrote a line home. Marched south at 7. Went forward with Colonel Salomon and Adj. Ninth Wisconsin to find camping ground. Indian trading post. Several Indian graves. Cold day, drizzly rain. Enjoyed the trip well. 25 miles, Humboldt.