War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.

10th. We were notified of the surrender of the Gap and 2500 prisoners and 12 pieces of artillery. Encouraged. Had been talk that we were to storm the works. 32 pounders to be brought by Baptist Gap. Had some chopping before getting to the main road. Saw a good many Ohio boys on the other side. Oh such strong works as those at the Gap—natural fortifications. High bluffs on all sides. Plenty of water. Many rifle pits, and intrenchments. Batteries well planted. Glad we went round. Two N. Carolina regts. One Ga. One Tenn. 5 days’ rations on hand. Gen. Frazier afraid boys wouldn’t fight. Camped near Mr. Patterson’s. Drake ate supper with me. Chose Buell and Barber to go home for conscripts.

9th. Moved on at daylight without breakfasting. Reached Mr. Patterson’s where the brigade was camped and fed and got breakfast. Col. P. and Major went to gap with flag of truce. Still refuse to surrender. Drew and issued rations. Burnside arrived, and we at noon received orders to proceed to Baptist Gap and clear the blockade. 8 miles we marched and then dismounted and climbed the high and rough mountain, cutting out the timber as we went. It was a hard job for me, came near bleeding. Thought at first we were to have a fight. Gap surrendered at 4 P. M. Camped at foot of the mountain.

9th. Friday. Moved camp, beautiful place on left and rear of infantry. Busy. Regiment not to be consolidated.

8th. Reveille at 3 and off at 5. Marched near Tazewell and fed and got coffee. Saddled and marched half a mile and halted in shade most of the afternoon by order of Burnside, coming up with Infantry. Rode through town and got supper. Camped in a secesh widow’s orchard, two sons in rebel army, Jones. Found plenty of peaches, apples and oats. Rest of the regiment remained saddled in the streets. Moved on at sundown, Burnside having arrived. Marched to within three miles of the Gap and camped on Powell river.

7th. About 3 o’clock Thede came and awakened me. I was so glad to see him. Hardly seemed possible, the good boy. Wish he were entirely well. Gave me some letters, wanted more. Walked most of the way—two weeks on way. Drew rations and marched at 6. East of K. near Mossy Creek, and then towards Cumberland Gap. Fed twice. Rode in rear of Co. to keep closed up. Boys did nobly. Can’t be beat by any company on the ground. Camped at 9 P. M. near a little stream. Some hills—one awful one. Road along the bed of a little stream, very stony. 2,000 rebs at the Gap and our men each side. A little skirmish yesterday.

6th. Up early and on the march at 6:30 towards Knoxville. Passed through a very pretty country along the railroad. Passed Dr. Baker’s, killed by Trescott, Co. C on raid, bushwhacker. Many rich people, many well dressed darkies. Reached K. at 3 and lay in dust for two hours. Major Seward—disgusted—marched us through town when Col. P. overtook us and ordered us back through town and to camp north of river. Very pretty town, 6,000 or 7,000 inhabitants once, many vacant houses now. Hartsuff’s Headquarters. Depots, cars and barracks. Boys showed me old fighting ground.

Saturday, 5th. Awakened at 4. Breakfasted at 5. Kind people, intelligent woman. Most intelligent and pretty girls in Tenn., two. Had some music last night. Marched at 6. Rear guard. Passed through Unitia, all Union. Illuminated houses last night. All fared first rate, good time. Two meetings today and tomorrow. Forded the river. Reached camp at 10 A. M. Ben got an early dinner. Did some business and took a nap. Had a good bath and change of clothes. Some flour baked. Gave Ben $10 to pay for it! Thought it $1 and got 50 cents back.

4th. Boys got ready to go for forage, when orders came to report to H quarters immediately, lightly equipped. E, G. H and C went under Capt. Stewart over the river to Morgantown. A “coffee” girl brought us some peaches. Ate dinner with Rebs. $200 for a pan of flour. Lady said she paid $3,000 for 35 lbs. Take nothing but rebel money. Took two or three prisoners, citizens. E Co. let one get away. Camped at Mr. Griffith’s near Unitia. Union people, gave us a good supper. Slept in a wheat stack.

3rd. After breakfast and feeding, moved to Lenoir. Stopped two hours in the shade near the big springs. Several Union men from over the river, Blount County, anxious for us to cross over. Camped in the woods on a high bank of river. Many girls out to see us. Several came up and took coffee with the boys, highly pleased. People all seem to be loyal. Lenoir old rebel. Confiscated corn, sugar, etc. Splendid crops along the river. Uneducated, homely girls and women.