In the morning went out with four men to forage three and
one-half miles south. Load of oats for 6th and 2nd. The owner just up from
Vanburen with two bushels of salt. Seemed to have considerable information, so
took him in to Capt. Quigg. One of the boys met me with my horse to go with
Capt. and 20 men on scout. Had to gallop a good distance to catch up. Within
seven miles of Fayetteville, fifteen miles distant from camp, took a prisoner
from Col. Armstrong's conscripts. He was at home — on furlough — been sick. Out
with horse saddled, talking with his wife washing by the clear stream of water.
She seemed a very pretty lady, pitied her — innocent looking man. Before reaching
Fayetteville two miles out, Capt. sent me with three men, Porter, Morgan and
Shaw. After going a mile, found a fire; soon spied two mounted men with
glistening guns around a point of woods, watching us and quietly disappearing.
Sent back word. No answer and went on. After half a mile we got within sight of
them, but did not know whether to shoot or not — no instructions. They took a
final look and went pellmell down the hill. Sent word to Capt. No instructions
again. Neared town — women and girls at windows and doors — perfectly ignorant!
Didn't know that there were any secesh in town. Passed by a large house. Big
negro woman stood on the stoop, showing her teeth and pointing to town
ominously, and shook her head. Such were appearances. By the tannery stood a
grey horse, looking like the one the picket was riding; were discussing whether
to take it or not, when two men came out, citizens apparently; said there were
but two or three dozen in town. Capt. halted his command and overtook us and
asked what we had learned. Told us not to go further for the present. Turn back
if he whistled. After enquiries whistled and turned back. Porter and I kept in the
rear in hope that they would follow us. Three miles out saw a man at a house
near by. Rode out and learned that he had charge of a hospital at F. Had no
papers to show it. Took him to Capt. He brought him to camp. Rode along beside
him all the way in. Had been in the service one year last May, on Raines'
staff. Dressed in a field officer's uniform, coat, black pants, neat gloves and
cap and patent leather boots. Was perfectly sanguine of success eventually — perfectly
posted in regard to our movements. A lady was out riding with him, out to see
some sick. Very indignant. Waited at a private house with him for supper, while
Capt. went to camp and back. Ladies very much pleased to see him. Very sure he
is an officer of rank. Said he had no commission as surgeon. Showed an
appointment as assistant surgeon by surgeon of 8th Div. Mo. State Guards.
SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman
Harris Tenney, p. 41-2
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