Wednesday, 10th. Word came to Major Burnett that the officers of the 2nd Ohio must be unanimous in choosing a colonel or someone from the regular army would be chosen. Officers met, ballot impromptu, Major Miner 7, Major Purington 7, Major Burnett 6. 1st ballot, Major Miner 7, Major Burnett 7, Major Purington 6. 2nd ballot, Major Burnett 12, Major Miner 8, Major P. having left the room, it being agreed that the one having the least votes should drop out. As agreed they made Burnett’s vote unanimous. Miner seemed almost crazy, so surprised and disappointed. At 4 P. M. Major Purington left for Columbus with the papers. At 7 P. M. Major Miner started with his wife. He thought there had been underhanded work, so was going to lay the matter before the governor. If Burnett were commissioned he wished to be transferred. Nettleton stood by him. Very exciting. Officers and men full of wine and champagne at Burnett’s expense. King under arrest in his tent, awful mad.
War Diary of Luman Harris Tenney.
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