9th. Left Butler at 8 A. M. Major Wilson of our regiment marched the rest of the distance to Fort Scott, under arrest by order of the General for drunkenness. Rode by the side of Nettleton. Crossed one of the branches of the Osage, Marais des Cygnes, very swift. Great time crossing with the mules led by ropes—one team rolled down the bank. Encamped by a little stream on the prairie. Found considerable muddy road during the day along the river bottom.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
8th. Struck tents and were ready to march at 7 A. M. Enjoyed a ride of thirty miles to Butler, the burnt and deserted county seat of Butler County, once a thriving town, now but a few poor houses remaining.
7th. Passed through the village and again struck the prairie. Pleasant day, enjoyed the ride very much indeed. Rode by the side of Lieutenant Nettleton, enjoyed visiting with him much.
Wednesday, 6th. The three battalions of the Second Cavalry marched thirty miles to Harrisonville, the county seat of Cass County, once a thrifty town, almost entirely deserted. Day blustering and chilly. A march makes pretty busy times distributing rations, getting forage for so many horses. Letter from Fannie. Encamped by the side of a little stream.
5th. Packed and struck tents. Received a letter from home. Ready to march at 9 A. M. Called for the turkey and received the blessing of the good ladies. Had a very pleasant ride of fifteen miles toward Fort Scott, until we overtook the First Battalion. Trip delightful and novel. The scenes were truly grand as we crossed the rolling prairies and looked over them from some elevated spot—here and there oases, wood-covered and watered by pure clear streams. It made the trip restful and refreshing. I enjoyed it and walked some, leading my horse.
Monday, March 4th. Procured rations for seven days preparatory to our trip to Fort Scott. First Battalion and “General” moved. Got some chickens baked by a woman who was a messenger in the Lexington fight, and who was a prisoner one week. Heard some little girls sing. Had a turkey baked by some Union ladies who were afraid we might be poisoned by the secesh. God bless these friends! Gave a lady some coffee and sugar.
3rd. Commenced a letter to Theodore but did not finish. Bathed all over and changed my clothes. Got my washing done and some baking.
2nd. Returned to Kansas City.
1st. Up town all day. Issued rations. Body guard went out on expedition for Quantrell. Failed. Orders to return to Kansas City. “General” (Colonel Doubleday) and Co. L returned. Co. H came with orders.
28th. Moved to Independence. Quartered in the Academy, a very pretty building. Met several acquaintances formed at the fight the other day—a good time—a beautiful town.
