7th. Wednesday. In the morning rode to town and took a telegram for Lt. Abbey to his wife. Went and got Rob’s boots and tried some on. Then rode back to camp again in time for supper.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
6th. Delos returned from town and told me of his visit with his sister. Sent my regards and explanation. John got into the guard house for being away without a pass. R. and I went to Mr. Bateham’s, met Libbie Kinney, Will Rice and sister, and Miss Cohen. Went to meeting in the evening, concert for prayer. Walked home. Letter from home, wanting me to come home.
5th. Monday. In the morning George Fairchild called. Pleasant visit. After my work Rob and I rode to the city. Took up my pants for stripes. Got me a vest. Called at Neil House. Phoebe not in. Sorry. Muddy, and I had a servant black my boots! Rode back disconsolate and disappointed.
4th. Sunday. Stayed at home and read the Independent and newspapers. Passed the day very quietly. Wrote a letter home.
3rd. Saturday. Besides my daily work, did little. Took up checks and distributed them. Col. Abbey made me a present of a pair of government pantaloons. I was pleased with the kindness. Heard that Phoebe (Haynes) was in town.
2nd. Friday. Issued bread and beef. Read some. In the afternoon rode to town. Went up into the Senate and heard the big-bugs spout. Went to Quartermaster and selected some pants. Crabbed fellows.
Friday, Dec. 28th, 1862, till Jan. 1st, 1863. Received and answered home letters. Kept at my old duties of Com. Sergt., not very arduous. Delos went home, having received a telegram that his presence was needed there. They had a real family gathering of friends from east, south and west. Came back the 31st and made us most homesick. Wrote a letter, a good one too, to Will, intending to send it by C. G. F. but he did not let me know when he left, so I destroyed it, getting too old.
Well, the year as a whole has passed much more rapidly and pleasantly than I anticipated a year ago. To be sure I never could be satisfied to spend a life in such service, still I have rather enjoyed the life I have been leading, because a sense of duty prompted me to it. My sufferings have been light indeed.
Of one thing I am sure. Had I spent the year at home, though I would have enjoyed it much, I would have been a poor, frail, sickly boy longing for death to come quickly and suddenly. Nearly so I felt January last. I hoped that health would come quickly or that by the fate of war my life would be sacrificed. A lingering death I have always had a horror of. Even now did I know that my fate were to die of consumption 8 or 10 years hence or to be shot in battle in six months, I should prefer the latter I believe. In fact, I have no desire to live a frail dependent boy any length of time. I presume this feeling has influenced me greatly in going upon so many expeditions, when I have been where I need not have gone at all. I have felt that this time I can go as well as any one else and if I fall, the world loses nothing, if somebody else fell, the contrary. Still I never went where bullets were flying but I thought seriously of my past life, my preparation to die. Sometimes there would be a hesitation, but only for a minute.
February, Independence.
March, Platte City, Fort Scott.
April, Carthage, Horse Creek, Neosho, Cowskin Prairie.
May, Fort Scott, Tola.
June, On the march to Indian Territory.
July, Cabin Creek.
August, Fort Scott, Lone Jack.
September, Springfield, Mo.
October, Sarcoxie, Grandby, Newtonia, Coalbed.
November, Arkansas, Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Maysville, The Mills, Osage Springs, Jones Mills, Fayetteville, Tannery, Boonsboro, Boston Mountains, Cane Hill.
December, Fort Scott, Leavenworth, Ohio.
Columbus, Ohio
Jan. 1st. In Camp Chase. Charlie went home and D. R. H. returned to camp. Saw D. R. and John Devlin. Brought a note and stick of candy from home.
Thursday, 25th. Rather a quiet day for Christmas. Wonder how the folks at home have spent the day, happily I hope. Received a note through A. B. Went over and had a good visit with him. Told me some encouraging things. Not much faith! In the evening wrote some. Saw Dwight Burrell. The day has been cloudy and damp. I have caught cold by some means. The air is getting colder this evening and the wind getting into the north. Washed up and changed my clothes. Where will another Christmas find me and the whole army?
Wednesday, 24th. Went and saw the boys and Col. Abbey. Moved my things over to his quarters. Spent the day looking around and seeing the boys. In the evening wrote to Fannie Andrews.
Tuesday, 23rd. Arrived at Dayton at 2 A. M. Went into a hotel. Landlord very insolent. Turned down the gas on the Major. Major told him he was the meanest man he ever saw. He intimated that he was secesh. I told him to say he was half secesh and we would clean him out so soon he wouldn’t know it. Kept the light burning. Boys stole a good many things. Went around Dayton a little. A very neat city. Liked it well but couldn’t go the “Vallandighamism” of the place. Arrived at Columbus at 3 P. M. Remained with baggage to take care of Major’s things. After dark when I got to camp, stayed with Bill.
