University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 2 March 1862

I am going to write you a funny
letter, in the form of a Diary. hoping it will
interest you, and to give you a slight notion, as
to how we live while on an expidition of this kind

Charlie.

March 2nd, 1862.-- We recieved orders yesterday
morning at 4 A.M. to cook 3 days rations & prepare to
march at 7 oclock. We were ready at the specified time,
but did not start, After "lying around loose," all day
we left Camp Tyler. at 4. P.M. and started toward
St Cucapon River. which we crossed about half past
seven. The 8th Ohio had come in advance and built
a bridge on which we crossed. This bridge is made of
wagond, (13 in number) on the top of which were laid boards
It is a very good way of bridging shallow streams.

We immediately commenced ascending a mountain
which we contunued about a mile, when near the
summit, we halted. and camped for the night.
Luckily, there were plenty of rails. so we kept warm

After our usual cup of Coffee. we set about making
our beds. This was accomplished by first laying large
brush on the ground, covering them the tufts of
pine pushed. This forming a good springy mattress, we next
spread, a blaket down to lie upon. Taking off all outer
clothing, covered with two good blankets and our overcoats
we passed the night comfortable. "Tired Nature's sweet
restorer, Balmy sleep," coming to our relief, we were
soon in the lands of dreams. What is more pleasant than
this? "Now when fair morn orient in heaven appeared

Up rose" your honorable servant, and to breakfast
went, after he prepared it, & never tasted hard bread &
coffee sweeter. We are now waiting orders but I do not
think we will move before evening, some of the boys
are building huts of pine brush. intending to live
as comfortable as possible, & I must join them [squiggle]
10 Oclock, Just got the shanty done, and it moves
very hard, it will serve to keep of part of
the storm. Capt Asper has just just informed
me of the illness of Gen. Lander: this has called
caused the delay. We will not move on until
he is better. My dinner is cooking. A dirk of
soup, made of three pints of water, a piece of salt

pork an inch square, some cracker (hard-bread)
crumbs, and a little salt. Not exactly according
to "Soyer's Rules," but palatable, if you cant get any
thing else. 'Tis done, and I must eat it.

7.30 P.M. In camp. At 3 oclock, we recieved orders
to fall in, and return to camp, at quarter past 3
we started. The road was very slippery, and difficult
marchings but the march was made in good time,
arriving here just at dark. When about a mile
back, we were informed that Gen. Lander was
dead. Hence our recall. He died sometimes today.
As might be expected, every one is commenting, and
predicting who will be our commander, some say-
ing Rosecrans, some Farmont, others Sedgwick, Manks
& numerous others. For myself, I say nothing, becuase
I know nothing.

Thus you see it is, dear Addie, God disposes what
man proposes, I supposed when I commenced this, that
we were going to have a "scout," & I was going to give
you all of the particulars, Gen. Lauden's sudden death
prevented us from going further. We will undoubt
edly stay here some time. not, until we have a new
Gen. Coming. I hope Tyler wont get the position.

But I must close this "thing," as it is getting
somewhat late. and I am rather tired.

You must write very often. don't I?
Give my love to Hallie & Laurie, & tell Hal that
I have not recieved a line from him since Feb 6th