12th. Friday. Drew and issued more clothing during the day. At 5 P. M. division moved. A. B., Thede and I went ahead. Had two dishes of ice cream at expense of George Palmer. Went to the depot and saw 150 O. N. G. starting home. It makes us almost homesick and yet we do not envy them much. Called at Mr. Holtslander’s—away. Then at Mr. Mills’. Much pleased with the family—pretty children—Flint, Leof and Lyra. Marched 15 miles. Crossed the river at Chain Bridge. Went into camp about midnight.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
11th. Retained my order for duty but was allowed to go to town. Tried to find Mr. Mills’ and Mr. Holtslander’s but A. B. gave me the wrong directions. Filled up my requisition and went to Washington and drew clothing. Visited the Capitol.
10th. Wednesday. Had charge of the dock and disembarking of troops at the wharf. Rode to town near evening.
9th. Tuesday. Thede sold his horse. Went over to town and procured some clothing.
8th. Put in an estimate for clothing and drew forage.
7th. Sunday. Moved up the Potomac. Had a good view of Mt. Vernon. A beautiful location. Passed Fort Washington. Reached Giesboro about noon. Moved up to the woods between Camp Stoneman and Washington. Got forage and settled down.
5th. Friday. Brigade marched at sunrise. Relieved by 2nd Div. Reached City Point before noon. 18th P. V. embarked for Washington. 2nd Ohio went to Landing. On board and anchored off the Point. Took a bath before leaving wharf. While hastily looking for Col. P. for detail to load oats, I accidentally walked off into the river. Had my revolver on and coat and pants in my arms. Soon found a board nailed upon a pile and hung on till helped out. Lost my hat. God is kind. I owe him gratitude for saving me. (This was the beginning of Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley campaign in which the 2nd Ohio was prominent.)
4th. Thursday. Letters received from Mr. Charles Wood and Mrs. Beers. Regt. relieved in the night.
3rd. Received papers of 1st claiming a grand victory here— all bosh—sorry. Some one is much at fault that the grand plan of July 30, 1864, failed. Grant seems to have used the best strategy and skill. Who is at fault will soon be determined. Visited the picket line. Saw the Johnnies. Many amusing incidents occur daily. As our line fell back July 30 the rebel line advanced. When we went back Johnnies occupied one of our posts. Had saluted the sergeant and asked if we intended establishing our old line and carelessly fell back. Today Johnnies and our men gather apples from the same trees. Boys trade tobacco, coffee and many things.
2nd. Finished a letter to Sarah. My eyes are so weak that I can use them but very little.
