Showing posts with label Ft Scott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ft Scott. Show all posts

Friday, December 14, 2018

Martin F. Conway to George L. Stearns, August 18, 1861

An attack by the Southern force is daily expected on Fort Scott, which has been made the depot recently of large supplies of provisions. The place is but poorly defended, and will probably fall into the hands of the enemy. We have not arms enough. The Government has been too slow. Our military is in a very backward state. Lane is at work, doing his best to hasten their organization. He is now on his way to Fort Scott. Many persons charge Governor Robinson with having thrown obstacles in the way of the organization of Lane's brigade, which I think quite likely.*
_______________

* Appendix A.

SOURCE: Preston Stearns, The Life and Public Services of George Luther Stearns, p. 256

Monday, March 13, 2017

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney, December 26-31, 1862

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.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 51-2

Monday, February 20, 2017

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney, Tuesday, December 2, 1862

Saw Shattuck. $9.00 extra. Refused. Up early with orders to report with the train to Fort Scott. Most of the boys glad. Marched to Cincinnati (Ark.).

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 49

Friday, December 9, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, October 8, 1862

Commenced drizzling in the morning and kept it up all day. I was detailed to act as Sergt. Major, which pleased me much. Went with picket detail and reported to Stewart at Salomon's headquarters. Went down and saw Battery boys, and Archie, Reeve, Brooks, and Mason. Good time. In the P. M. Major Burnett with detail started back to Fort Scott. Major sick. Our cook among the detail, so we boys had to commence cooking ourselves. Kept raining all night. Battery paid off and very noisy.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 36

Friday, November 25, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, September 29, 1862

Spent some time mending up my old clothes. After watering my horses had a visit with Trotter, taken prisoner at Fort Gibson — some interesting facts. 3,000 of the enemy, poor arms and worse clothes, frightened to death for fear of attack. Went out in P. M. for forage, 4 miles — corn. Saw a pretty, modest maiden weave, barefooted, blushed. Went off the road a mile and got peaches, the man a prisoner at Springfield. Wrote home. Order for detail of 25 men and officers for scout. I go. Success and fun ahead I hope. Boys start for Fort Scott.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 34

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Thursday, August 21, 1862

Went with two Company F men and got breakfast at a farmhouse. Some of the boys had had nothing to eat for 36 hours. Ham and corn bread. Borrowed 20 cents and paid. They asked nothing but we preferred to pay them. Major Burnett, with detail of five started for Fort Scott. Several of us contrived to go too. Got breakfast out three miles, milk and honey. A man came up. We frightened him so he swore he was secesh and made himself ridiculous generally for a union man. Had a secesh horse, taking care of it. Brought him in. In the morning put a rope around a boy's neck and made him take the oath with some meaning. Letters from Minnie, Melissa and Fannie.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 27

Friday, July 15, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, August 6, 1862

In the morning there was a great scare about Quantrell's band. Reported near Montebello, 40 miles east, preparing for a raid against Fort Scott. A report that three companies of the 3rd Wisconsin had been captured. At nine "to arms" blew and to arms the men went. They seized their old rusted carbines, scoured them and were in line for the assembly. They were assembled, mounted under Capt. Smith and dismounted under Major Purington. 3rd came in unharmed save one killed, several wounded and baggage train lost. Rations for five days were issued. Went over to town at retreat, got shaved and hair cut by Charlie Fairbanks.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 24

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Tuesday, August 5, 1862

In the morning did little of everything. Wrote to Fannies A. and H. in answer to letter received almost three months since. In the afternoon the service for the burial of three men was performed. Lt. Pike drilled the escort. It seemed his whole ambition to get the men well drilled. He had an escort drilling for one very sick man who had not yet died. Maj. M. and Adj. W. boarding with us. In the evening attended a variety performance up town. Very good for barren Fort Scott. Got home about midnight. Received no letters, a little disappointed. Mr. Hawkins returned yesterday.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 23-4

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, August 4, 1862

“General” blew at 7 A. M. Struck tents and moved to our first camping ground when we entered Fort Scott from Kansas City. I went ahead with Major Miner to lay out camp. Q. M. issued clothing. Drew boots and shirt. Helped get things ready for supper. In the evening Major P., Major M. and Adj. Weeks got news of the fight in the Indian Territory. Standwaite prisoner, another notable killed. 400 proved traitors, having come into camp and given up and then turning on our men. 300 of them killed. Sergt. Major was taken sick suddenly, probably sunstruck. Bill drunk and quarrelsome. Adj. Weeks in tent.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 23

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Saturday, August 2, 1862

In camp on Drywood, sixteen miles from Fort Scott. Marched today 22 miles over a barren prairie. Rested for two or three hours in the heat of the day. Mail came in the evening. Received another letter from Fannie. It seemed so good to hear from her two days in succession. Got to fooling with Reeve in the tent along in the evening, and we concluded to take a turn outdoors. We first took hold square-hold. After a long time I brought Reeve to the ground but he whirled me. Boys said I threw. Then he dared me to side-hold. Major and boys watched me. I threw him in a trice. I wouldn't try again for I know his superiority in strength and skill.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 23

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Friday, August 1, 1862

In camp on Cow Creek, 40 miles south of Fort Scott. Two men were killed here by Standwaite some time ago. Poor water. The big twenty-five miles prairie just beyond. Rode with the Sergeant Major. Fooled with him considerably. Good time. Capt. Smith played fool, infringing on the Second Battalion. Major Purington gave him a blowing. The mail came this evening. Letters from Fannie and home. They did me good. I long for the furlough time to come. Barnitz received a commission as Second Lieutenant. Pleased all. Wrote a short letter to Fannie. Purington thinks of going on tomorrow.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 23

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: May 16, 1862

Rain obliged us to arise at five. Stayed under the wagon a while. Then went to the creek to wash. Reveille blew just before I got back. Lt. Hubbard arrested Brooks and me because somebody had wanted us and could not find us. Released us as soon as we came into camp. Rode partly on the wagons and walked some. Seemed good to get back to Fort Scott again. Found two letters from home.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 15

Friday, April 15, 2016

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, May 12, 1862

Major Miner arrived at three A. M. Major Purington left early to report under arrest at Fort Scott. Miner commenced a rigid discipline and introduced a new system. Quite an alarm from shooting at an ox. Companies turned out.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 15

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, May 12, 1862

Major Miner arrived at three A. M. Major Purington left early to report under arrest at Fort Scott. Miner commenced a rigid discipline and introduced a new system. Quite an alarm from shooting at an ox. Companies turned out.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 15

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: April 28, 1862

People began to come into town for their property. Six prisoners were released. Somebody shot at them. I am tired of this barbarous way of soldiering. Doubleday returned to Fort Scott with body guard.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 13

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 10, 1862

Finished our march to Fort Scott. Strong wind in our faces — great dust to trouble us. Had colic most all way. Thunderstorm during the night. Encamped near the Ninth Wisconsin a little beyond the village.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 9

Friday, January 30, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 9, 1862


Left Butler at 8 A. M. Major Wilson of our regiment marched the rest of the distance to Fort Scott, under arrest by order of the General for drunkenness. Rode by the side of Nettleton. Crossed one of the branches of the Osage, Marais des Cygnes, very swift. Great time crossing with the mules led by ropes — one team rolled down the bank. Encamped by a little stream on the prairie. Found considerable muddy road during the day along the river bottom.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 9

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 5, 1862

Packed and struck tents. Received a letter from home. Ready to march at 9 A. M. Called for the turkey and received the blessing of the good ladies. Had a very pleasant ride of fifteen miles toward Fort Scott, until we overtook the First Battalion. Trip delightful and novel. The scenes were truly grand as we crossed the rolling prairies and looked over them from some elevated spot — here and there oases, wood-covered and watered by pure clear streams. It made the trip restful and refreshing. I enjoyed it and walked some, leading my horse.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 8

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Monday, March 4, 1862

Procured rations for seven days preparatory to our trip to Fort Scott. First Battalion and “General” moved. Got some chickens baked by a woman who was a messenger in the Lexington fight, and who was a prisoner one week. Heard some little girls sing. Had a turkey baked by some Union ladies who were afraid we might be poisoned by the secesh. God bless these friends! Gave a lady some coffee and sugar.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 8

Monday, March 4, 2013

Border Scouts – A Thrilling Adventure

Among the most active and daring of the Union scouts in the Southwest are four young men known as the Norrises and Breedins Acquainted with every cross road and by way, they scour the country for a radius of seventy-five miles south and east of Fort Scott.  Their very names are a terror to secession and every plan that ingenuity could devise has been reported to effect their destruction.  Not long since the younger Norris was wounded in a skirmish near Shanghai in which sic out of a party of twelve under Lieutenant Lewis met with a similar fate while contending against treble their number of the enemy.  He is in the saddle, again however and ready for the field.  These men formerly lived in Golden Grove, Mo., fifteen miles beyond Lamar, in the direction of Greenfield.  The elder Breedin has a wife and family still living there.

A couple of weeks ago being anxious to visit his family he took with him a party of six well armed and determined men and went down.  Their arrival in the settlement became known to some of his secession neighbors and a plan was instantly set on foot to take them in.  On the third night being apprehensive of an attack they assembled at a house in the settlement where after making all necessary preparations, they betook themselves to sleep.  About two o’clock they were awakened by the approach of the enemy.  They quietly took their places behind the fence surrounding the house, ready to give the foe a warm reception.  The secession force approached to within 30 yards, halted and most of them dismounted for the attack.  Now, said the captain, ‘creep up cautiously and when I fire the signal gun make a rush for the house and surround it.’  Breedin and his comrades lay quietly in their corners until the enemy were within a few yards of them when they delivered their fire with terrible effect just as the sesech Captain was about to fire his signal gun.  A prisoner whom the attacking party had with them shouted as he heard the discharge, “d—m it gentlemen there’s a good many signal guns there.  For a few minutes the skirmish was a hot one when four of our men having emptied all of our rifles and pistols and fearing that they might be surrounded retired past the house into the timber and made their way to Fort Scott on foot leaving Breedin, Carpenter and Jones still at the fence fighting.  Jones had nothing but a musket, but he made every shot tell.  Carpenter, a boy of eighteen or nineteen years, had left his revolver in the house.  After firing his sharps rifle, he threw it down, ran into the house, got his revolver, and coolly closing the door after him returned to his post at the fence.  Astonished at the telling and rapid fire from the fence the enemy became panic stricken, and rushing to their horses with loud cries of ‘We’re whipped, we can’t stand the Minies,’ &c., fled in utter confusion on the Greenfield road, leaving two dead and six wounded – two of whom have since died – on the field.  They continued their flight about three miles when the captain succeeded in stopping a few of them but the barking of some dogs started them again, and no more halts were made until they reached Greenfield.  A messenger was immediately sent to Price for a regiment of troops to come and drive Breedin out of the country.

Eight horses were left by the enemy in their flight, these were captured by Breedin and his companions and after scouring the country two days longer they returned to Fort Scott, bringing two prisoners, the eight secession horses and the horses left by their own party.  The distance is about seventy miles.  The secession party by their own account numbered not less than one hundred and thirty men. – Breedin’s whole force as we before stated, was about seven. – {Leavenworth Conservative.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2