30th. At 3 A. M. whole Brigade fell back, 2nd Ohio in the rear. Arrived at Greenville and found that troops had all fallen back. People in town seem to feel very sad. All houses closed and hardly a person to be seen. Some few ladies in tears. Oh it seemed very sad indeed. Brigade moved on. 2nd Ohio camped two miles west of Greenville.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
29th. Sent out forage detail and provision detail. Train came up and got things out. Issued rations to finish the month. Plenty of everything save hard bread. Read some in “Harold.” At 3 P. M. ordered out, scouting party reporting that enemy in column was moving this way. Was left temporarily in command of Battalion —three companies—in line on side hill two miles from camp; relieved by Lt. Bills. Remained saddled at night.
28th. Went into camp soon after breakfast to see the Conscript messengers mustered. Mail came, nothing for poor me— somewhat disappointed. Boys all happy. Firing on pickets in front. Two men and 7 horses of 7th Ohio taken from Reserve. Whole command turned out. Force sent out and met by Rebels with Artillery. Train sent back in a hurry. Fall back about noon, Carter’s orders being not to risk engagement—from Burnside. People all sad to have us leave. Reached Henderson a little after dark. Boys hate falling back, pleases rebs too well.
Sunday, 27th. Sent out foraging party. Moved at 8 o’clock. Passed through Jonesboro about noon. Camped four and a half miles from town. Co. C detailed as picket. Post northwest of camp on Kinsport road. Two rebel families near by. Made a levy of bacon and potatoes and chickens. Gave receipt Bowman and Matthews. In the evening Major N. came and told me he was going home. Sent Buell and Baker into camp. Gave notes to Case for $80.00 and A. B. for $40.00. Wrote home and to Fannie Andrews. Boys all jolly. Warden officer of the day. (A. B. N. ordered to Cleveland on recruiting service.)
26th. Unsaddled after roll call. Pretty early orders came to fall back at noon. Cos. C and E with Col. Purington, Majs. Seward and Nettleton went over the river and burned block houses and bridges. Co. C had charge of firing two large blockhouses. Built large piles of light trash inside and out. At the word all set fire. Maj. remained with reserve. Marched 8 miles and camped. 2nd rear guard. About 500 recruits went back with us. East Tennessee encouraging.
25th. Quite a cold day. More exciting stories about flank movements by the enemy. Several scouting parties sent out. Saddled up all night. Maj. N. and Dr. S. went with body of Reb. Lieut. under flag of truce to rebel lines. Many reports. Raising new regiment of Tenn.
24th. 2nd Tennessee and 9th Mich. made a reconnoissance towards Zollicoffer’s Brigade. Maj. Nettleton went along as guide. Found the rebel pickets on the same ground as yesterday. After some skirmishing the boys returned. Forage parties recalled on account of some exciting reports that a citizen brought in. Nothing unusual. Moved camp. Most of forces retreated. Report that Rosencrans had been whipped by Bragg. Flag of truce.
23rd. Big smoke on Rebel side. Party went down and discovered bridge on fire, rebels all gone. Put out fire, only 20 ft. burned. Soon 2nd in advance and 7th O. moved on across the Watauga and followed Rebs. Co. C in advance, came upon pickets, saw them one and a half miles and came back having learned that they had crossed the river, all but 60. One of C got a prisoner and one shot a horse. Was platooned as flankers, men in reconnoissance. Went back and camped in old rebel camp. Chicken for supper. Exciting day. Hillhouse had few men as extreme advance. None hurt.
22nd. Awakened at 1 A. M. Co. G and E made a mistake and didn’t march out till daylight. Moved to Johnston’s Station and got breakfast with regiment, then moved on to within a mile and a half of Carter’s Station. Got in line and remained there overnight. Support of Battery. Some cannonading on both sides. 7,000 to 10,000 rebels. 2nd Brigade came up in evening, also Burnside. Rebs throwing up breastworks. Slept at heads of horses ready to mount.
21st. A rainy unpleasant day. Col. saw Burnside and got order (?) for us to be mustered. Sergt. Munson did the business. All right. Saw Pike and Co. D boys. Wrote a letter to Fannie. How anxious I am to know the future. It looks dark enough to me now. C. G. and other boys doing well—100 and 125 dollars per month. Tully and Allie home on furlough.
