War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

9th. Sent out with “C” and “E” companies for forage. An attack on train anticipated. Went where Co. I had scare the other day. Was touched by the mourning of a lady over the devastation the army was causing. I feel thankful that my best friends are far from the presence of war. Finished letters to Fannie and home.

8th. Sergt. Beers worked on Quarterly Returns. Corp. Wood went out with detail and got potatoes and honey. Thede went for some apples, and took my washing. Orders came to make report or history of companies, all the details since their formation. A tedious duty with all books away. Wrote part of letter to Fannie. Rich prize. Captured Rebel train. Troops continually arriving. Forward movement soon.

7th. A rainy unpleasant day. Wagons up. Tent fly lost. Got one of Lt. Pedrick who had three. Also got hospital fly for the boys. Wrote to friends of Samuel Barnes—said a word in regard to the demise of his brother William. Co. felt sad that no notice had been taken before.

6th. In morning was called again to answer some charges against picket. Boys cleared everything up. Made me feel bad that so much should be charged against us when innocent. Sent boys out after provisions. Commenced work on Quarterly Returns. Mason down to settle.

5th. Went over to the house and learned the damage. Very pleasant people. How these people are suffering and will suffer during the year. Whole Brigade and 103rd made heavy reconnoissance. Several killed, wounded and prisoners. Seven of the 103rd missing. Relieved after dark by Lt. Lough, Co. A and M. All in camp supposed Co. C committed the outrage. Boys told differently.

4th. Did very litle in the forenoon. Robertson and Ritter ate with us. In P. M. detailed with 20 Co. B as picket. Relieved Co. L and Lt. Hillhouse. House robbed by old relief. Went out and posted the pickets. Then went into camp and learned if we were right in instructions. Thede with me. Built good fires. Patrol every hour. Lay down and rested well. No alarm.

3rd. Col. blamed none but himself yesterday; said he had misgivings immediately and thought fortunate that all were not taken. Moved before midnight. Camped at 2 A. M. near a creek, “Muddy,” called, I believe. Five miles from Bull’s Gap. In P. M. alarm, and 2nd and 7th took positions and had some skirmishing. One man, Co. “A,”‘ killed. Went back to camp and 7th Ohio relieved us. Camped a mile farther on. Got forage and settled down.

2nd. After breakfast mounted and reported to Col. Purington, a mile ahead. Co. H had been to Greenville and discovered nothing but reports. Co. C, 23 men, ordered to go till we found whether the rebels were camped at Henderson, 6 miles east of Greenville. Things looked suspicious as we went along but nothing very strange. Found the pickets near Henderson. Ran them in and skirmished with the Reserve, then fell back leaving platoons and vedettes occasionally at favorable places. Squad tried to flank us a mile from Greenville, column of rebels charged upon our rear and took two prisoners. Messenger Bruce had just reported that he could not get through town, full of rebels. Had just told the boys when they charged with a yell, firing. Couldn’t hold the column. Formed line at town. Came up with drawn sabres. Reason for thankfulness none of us were hurt. Rebels reported on all sides. Seems that rebels came from woods into town after we passed and waited for us.

1st. Train all gone to Bull’s Gap. A drizzling rain all day. Had just got in with forage and provisions when several pickets were taken and camp alarmed. Fell back by companies for several miles to prevent a flank movement—reported. Co. C occupied a barn. Rained all night, very fortunate. My birthday anniversary (twenty-two). Would I could see my friends tonight.