Up early and moved at 4 A. M. 2nd Brigade in rear. Passed
through Keysville at 5 A. M. Took a detail of 20 men away from column for
horses and mules. A great many men dismounted in the heat of yesterday. Went 6
or 7 miles to the right of the R. R. Passed through a very rich and beautiful
country. Never saw more splendid crops. Went to Charlotte C. H. (Charlotte
(Co.) C. H. is given as Marysville on war maps, and in Century Atlas as
Smithville.) Detachment of 2nd N. Y. broke open stores, released two civil
prisoners and did many things out of the way. Our boys did not indulge in one
thing disgraceful to my knowledge. People complimented us very highly. Seemed
very thankful that we were so kind to them. They seemed perfectly surprised
that we did not burn and rob. What a shame that Southern papers should deceive the
country so in regard to our army. Got dinner at Mrs. Smith's, very pleasant and
kind. Wanted my name, for she should always remember me with a feeling of kindness
and obligation. Son in Wise's brigade. Rejoined the column near Mossing Ford
with about 25 mules and horses. All the stock and carriages had been run
farther off. Many pretty girls in town, some refugees from Fredericksburg. Most
of them had been north and had dear friends there. Dressed neatly, pleasant and
educated. Pleased with the trip. Halted one mile from the Staunton river.
Artillery firing. Rode up to the front with Col. Purington. Rebels fortified on
west bank of the river. Heavy fort on one side of the R. R. and a battery on the
other. Entrenchments right on the bank of the river. Our boys on the east bank
without protection. Our batteries in prominent position commanding bridge and
reb works. Quite a duel. Our boys suffered from grape and canister. Reb force
supposed to be about 1000 militia and 300 regulars. At 11 moved by our
batteries in easy range of reb batteries up the river R. R. crossing covered
with hay to muffle the sound. Depot buildings full of wounded. Moved on to
Wylliesburg, arriving at daylight.
SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman
Harris Tenney, p. 121-2
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