16th. After breakfast exercised my horse a little bareback. Enjoyed it well, though it was hard work. Got her shod. Finished “Ravenshoe.” Rather pleased with the story. Mud deeper than ever. A poor woman told us how she had $6.25 stolen from her. Has two little children, dependent upon her daily work.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
15th. Thought some of going to camp, but concluded not to. Made some taffy and read some in “Ravenshoe.” Called at Captain’s quarters and had a good visit. Seems lonely without Thede after being with him so constantly for a week or two. How hard it is for mother to be entirely alone. God bless her.
Saturday, 14th. Was kept quite busy in the forenoon, issuing bread and beef for two days. Thede got a pass from Capt. L. and left for a visit of a week at home. I wish I could be there with him. Home is dearer to me now than ever. Will God ever bring us all home on earth again? If not, may He in Heaven.
13th. When Chester came over we talked about going to Mr. Rice’s in the evening and concluded we wouldn’t go, so went over to Capt. N.’s and got him to give our regrets, etc. Saw the other boys before dark and none of them was going. I prefer staying in camp, a soldier’s home.
12th. A dark and unpleasant day, rainy. Saw some of the boys and talked over the invitation to Mr. Rice’s. Thede got the papers made out for muster. Had to get me to sign Ma’s name allowing him to enlist. Covil examined Thede’s head. Made it out a good one. Let him look at some writing.
11th. After breakfast B. went with me to commissary and then to town. Drew and issued rations for ten days. Rained in the afternoon. Did the work alone. Thede went to town and brought me back Irving’s “Life of Washington.” Commenced it. Case inquired about Thede enlisting in his company.
10th. After breakfast we four started out to visit the penitentiary. Called at Mr. Rice’s. Got Mary and Mrs. Hickox and went to the Asylum instead. Was deeply interested and affected. So many pretty and talented little creatures among the sufferers. Saw Fanny H. off at 1 P. M. Uncle dead. Went with Brougham to Penitentiary, then to camp for the night. Answered a good letter from Fannie.
9th. In the morning moved up to the commissary to make room for Lt. and Mrs. Abbey and child. Brougham came and I went to town with him in the evening. A lunch in town and then to Melissa’s. Major P. and Reeve left for Kentucky. Met Brougham at 10 at Winard’s and went to Mr. Crarey’s for the night.
Sunday, 8th. Spent the day very quietly in camp. Finished “Tom Brown” and read some in “Sermons on the New Life,” and in my Bible. Archie called for me to go to town with him, but I had some invoices, etc., to make out, so stayed in camp.
7th. After my morning work, issuing bread and beef and tending to my horse, Thede went to town for the girls. Called at Capt. N.’s quarters in the P. M. to see them. Good time. No lesson in the evening, so many of the boys away at theatre. I went over to Chester’s. Played checkers and dominoes.
