War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

20th. Ground white with frost. Quite jolly at Hdqrs. talking over old Ky. times. Moved out at 7. Passed Bull Gap and got nearly to Russelville and received orders to return to Jonesboro. Battle expected. Stopped for supper and to cook beef and then moved on. Reached our old camp 5 miles north of Greenfield at 2 A. M. Sleepy time in the night.

Saturday, 19th. Remained in camp till 1 P. M. Orders came to report to Corps Hdqrs. at Knoxville. Supposed to go to Rosencrans. Drew flour and beef and made ready for the march. Marched at 1 P. M. Passed through Greenville and camped at Blue Springs, 8 miles from G. A very cold night. Boys jolly. Heavy frost and cold. Many reports as to where we were to go.

18th. Moved out between 2 and 3 A. M. Got on the wrong road and lost some time. Marched to within 5 miles of Greenville and got breakfast and dinner at 11:30 A. M. Bought a chicken and turkey. Good dinner. Drake ate with me, about sick, looks miserable. Moved on to Greenville and saw some of the 103rd Ohio. Very pretty town. Prettiest have seen in Tenn. Home of Andy Johnson. Woman said, “Noble and brave Union boys, God grant you may all return home safely, our country at peace.” Camped with Brigade, 5 miles on. 18 miles to Jonesboro. Sent out squad for provisions.

17th. Made arrangements to get the boys away if possible. Had boys posted all night. No demonstration to our surprise. Passed through Morristown and Whiteville and camped at Bull’s Gap or the junction on railroad. Went to a Doctor’s and purchased some bacon and sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Good many citizens out to see us. The Doctor claimed to be loyal. Gave receipt. Boys fare pretty well, Co. “C.” Many ladies along the road to see us. Morristown secesh, Newmarket loyal.

16th. Up before sunrise and had breakfast. Report that Longstreet and Ewell were at or near Jonesboro on Va. line. A very dusty day. Passed S. Plains and Newmarket and camped at Mossy Creek. Boy’s master Dick came for them. I threatened him and he left. Expected an exciting time in night or next morning. Had things arranged. Union man. Boys were working for rebel man when taken. Beautiful Mossy Creek.

15th. Reveille early and all ready to march at 5 but no orders. After remaining saddled two or three hours “Recall” blew. Ordered to be ready at noon. At 4:30 orders came and we saddled and went to town and witnessed the drumming out of a thief—whole Div.—sad sight. Pitied the man. Drunk and stole a horse. After dark marched out on Strawberry Plains road. Camped at 2 A. M. Quite tired and sleepy.

14th. Talk about marching but no orders. During day studied some and wrote two letters. Finished “Barnaby Rudge.” Gave a good many boys passes to go to town. Last night reprimanded Sergt. Beers for staying behind when we went to C. Gap. Glad to get a little rest. Went to town in evening. Provost arrested several of us. Managed to get released. Orders to march at 5 A. M. Tuesday. Wrote to Fannie and Sarah Felton.

Sunday, 13th. Most of the boys wet, and orders to move before breakfast. Then stopped at noon and hurried off before boys had time to swallow coffee. Straggling. Things don’t seem to have been managed well for two days. Into and through Knoxville, then through again to our old camp north of town. C. G. F. back. Brought me letters from home and Fannie. Did me good. Can appreciate letters now—her vignette.

12th. All ready to move at “To Horse” but had to wait for whole Brigade to move, being in the rear. Stopped about noon and fed, also got coffee. Passed through Maynardsville and Graveston. Went into camp a little after dark. Good deal of dust. Thunder storm came up too quickly for supper. To bed immediately.