War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

23rd. In camp near Bladensburg. Got ready early for the review. The whole Division in red neckties. Custer bade us farewell. ‘Twas sad. Met Uncle and Aunt. Saw 2nd Corps and part of 5th pass in review.[1]

[1] The Grand Review at Washington, on May 23 and 24, 1865.

This historic event, briefly covered in the diary, under dates of May 23 and 24, 1865, had had no precedent in the past and is not likely to have a parallel in future. It marked officially the close of the great war, the restoration of peace, the preservation of the American Republic from destruction, and the gratitude of the American people for a result perpetual and inestimable in its value not only to them but to all mankind.

The troops participating in the Review numbered nearly Two Hundred Thousand Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery, being the veteran soldiers of (1) the Armies of the Potomac and James commanded by Generals Grant and Meade; (2) the Army of the Shenandoah, commanded by General Sheridan, including Sheridan’s Cavalry Corps which in full ranks numbered 16,000 troopers; (3) Sherman’s Army, which he had led victoriously from the Ohio River, through Kentucky, Tennessee and “through Georgia to the Sea,” and thence through the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington. On the two successive days mentioned this combined host marched the length of Pennsylvania Avenue, and in front of the White House passed in review and saluted President Andrew Johnson and the distinguished group of men mentioned in Major Tenney’s diary including Gen. U. S. Grant, Gen. W. T. Sherman, Generals Meade and Sheridan, Howard, Slocum, Logan, and Admirals Farragut and Porter. With these were also the members of the Cabinet including especially Secretary of War, E. M. Stanton and Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles.

This event was the signal for the disbandment and return to civil life of the nearly One Million volunteer soldiers and sailors then on the rolls of the Army and Navy of the United States. This was accomplished progressively and very rapidly, as fast as the troops could be paid off and transported to their homes.

Much to the dissatisfaction of the Second Ohio Cavalry that regiment was retained in service nearly six months after the close of hostilities, being sent to southwestern Missouri to look after some disorderly elements there, as mentioned under dates of May 27 to June 27, 1865, in the diary.—A. B. N.

22nd. After breakfast M. and I called at Electa’s and visited the capitol. Strawberries. Went to Patent Office, met the Holtslanders. When we got home found Stanton with horse. Waited at depot for Uncle till 10 P. M. then went to camp.

21st. Up at 3 A. M. in the rain. Marched at 7. Moved through Washington with drawn sabres in platoon column. Passed by Willard’s. Sheridan standing on the balcony. Stopped at Mr. Mills’ over night. Nettleton rode to camp.

20th. Ordered to move. Went out beyond Fairfax Seminary to see 105th Ohio. Cumings and Wilcox away. Intended to stop to see Melissa as we passed through Washington, D. C., but found the marching order countermanded, so went back to camp.

19th. Rode a little distance with Major Welch. Told him of the plan talked of. Read in “Skirmishes and Sketches” by Gail Hamilton—much interested. Order for the Grand march in review. Good visit with Traver. Read me some of his leisure notes.

18th. Melissa came last night. Lu has gone over to see her. Talked of getting up a paper asking absent officers to leave the service. Dropped it. Rainy. Major Welch came over. Quite a time with Div. excitement.

17th. Chester and I walked about town. Cavalry arrived yesterday. At noon we got a carriage and drove over to Command. Seemed good to see the boys again. Beautiful camp, two miles from A. W. and A. with the Potomac, Giesboro and Heights in full view. Very romantic.

16th. A cool morning. Up betimes. Dreamed till nervous about F. Would that I could reasonably get this subject out of my mind. God guide me. There would be satisfaction in a short look into the future. Chet and I called on Electa and Lorenzo. Went to a Catholic Fair.

15th. Was routed out this morning at 10 A. M. by Chester. Gave the P. M. General a call to learn about extra pay on resignation. Visited Navy Yard before dinner and Arsenal after dinner. Wrote to Mr. Wright.