June 1st. Skirmishing all the way to Ashland under McIntosh. 5th N. Y. in advance. Soon after reaching Ashland rear was attacked. Then commenced a fight lasting till near sundown, when we left up the R. R. track by order of Gen. Wilson, who was on the telegraph road with the remainder of Div. Reached Hanover C. H. about 11 P. M., the object of the movement being accomplished, viz.: bridges over the North Anna were destroyed. Again the 2nd O. V. V. C. did splendidly—probably saving the Brigade.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
31st. Saddled up and moved at 3 A. M. Crossed the Pamunkey and took Hanover Court House. About two miles from town began skirmishing. At noon 2nd made a charge, driving the enemy and capturing some prisoners, skirmishing till about sundown, when the brigade formed and charged the rebel position about the court house. I was on the left. Rode my horse. Firing very hot indeed. Rebels held a fence along a sunken road and several houses. 2nd charged this position. The number of dead (rebs) left upon the field told plainly the work we did. Rebels gave way. Came near capturing two pieces of artillery which played upon us till the last minute. Our regiment lost 25 in killed and wounded. Remained in position during night. In the morning moved on towards Ashland.
30th. Remained in camp till 5 P. M. when we were ordered to march. Went out one mile and dismounted. Soon received orders to return to camp. Artillery firing commenced early in the morning and continued all day—terrific towards evening. A continuous roar. What suspense. God grant that we may be successful. May He give wisdom and grace to our leaders, strength and nerve to our men and victory to our cause. We must be successful, for it must be that the right is on our side. I would give anything to know and witness how goes the battle. A very warm day.
29th. Sunday. Reached the 3rd Div. C. C. little before midnight. 1st Brigade Col. McIntosh. Camped near Hanovertown on the Pamunkey. Crossed the Mattapony today and passed through Dunkirk. Like to remain with the Regt.
28th. Saw Col. P. Train moved on to Newtown and camped. Regt. ordered to the cavalry corp. Made preparations to remain with the Regt.—Thede, Hank, Barb and I. Regt. captured nine reb wagons yesterday. Plenty of corn and bacon. Glee Club gave some music at F. F. V., reb family.
27th. Orders to hitch up about 11 A. M. Moved about 3 P. M. Read one volume of “Marble Faun.” Marched all night.
26th. A rainy unpleasant day. Went down to the Regt. Regt. moved in the evening to Milford and on towards the “White House.” Trains commenced passing to the rear by another road to the white house.
25th. Troops crossed the North Anna. Regt. camped near the train. Read in “Villette” and played a little at cards.
24th. Read in “Villette.” Saw Lt. Bennett, 44th N. Y. Heavy firing in the distance nearly all day. Train moved out in the evening. Crossed the Mattapony. Went one and one-half mile? and camped at 1:30 A. M.
23rd. Aroused at 1:30 A. M. Got off at 3:30. I went back to the regt. and remained till 3 P. M. Reached the train at Milford Station, 3 miles below Bowling Green. A beautiful little village. A splendid rolling country. Rows of trees along the road each side. A good night’s rest.
