While the command of Gen. Jas. G. Blunt, to which Jennison’s regiment belonged, was camped in one of the border Counties of Missouri, a native in butternuts was arrested on suspicion by some of the men and brought to Blunts headquarters, where Jennison happened to be.

On investigation no crime could be charged to the man except that he was a Missourian. Jennison thought that was crime enough and wanted to hang him on general principles. But Gen. Blunt decided that as there was no evidence to justify holding him he should be turned loose. With an oath Jennison declared his intention to mark him, so that he would know the fellow the next time he caught him; and before anyone could realize what he intended to do, he whipped out his bowie knife, grabbed the man by the ear and whacked it off.