| | 221 | Author: | Tenney, Charles | Add | | | Title: | Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 9 April 1862  | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | The Corinne Carr Nettleton Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-Text | UVA-LIB-Nettletoncivilwarletters | | | | Description: | Perhaps I am placing myself in a position liable to censure, in apply- ing endearing terms to you - but when I
say "My precious Addie," I feel it from the
depth of my heart. Used as I have always been, to being repelled and
scorned by those who should have loved, to have the assurance that there is one who loves me, it
is not at all strange that I should be some-
what "outré" in my
"addresses". Had it been otherwise with me, I might perhaps be a
little more reserved in my expressions, but I feel that
my Addie will pardon this seeming break of
etiquette. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 222 | Author: | Tenney, Charles N. | Add | | | Title: | Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, September 21st, 1862 | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | The Corinne Carr Nettleton Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-Text | UVA-LIB-Nettletoncivilwarletters | | | | Description: | Ere this reaches you, the telegraph will have informed you of the great battle of the
17
th
, at Sharpsburg and you will be painfully anxious to learn
the fate of your Charlie. Through the mercy of the"God of battles," as
heretofore, I came through perfectly safe. To your prayers, precious one, I owe my safety.
Day before yesterday, I recieved two letters from you, dated Aug 31
st
& Sept. 8
th
and Sept. 10
th
, one enclosing a note from Dora, and I need not tell you that they were recieved
with pleasure, for you already know how I prize your letters. But I owe you an
explanation for not writing oftener than I have for the past month, and will give it now.
If you have recieved the letters I wrote from near Georgetown and near Rockville, you
will have seen why I did not write while on the Rappahannock. The
day I wrote you last. we marched some eight miles, and with the exception of two days
when it rained. (and we had no shelter.) have been marching or doing some duty
equally laborious, thus putting it completely beyond any power to write— part of
the time, even in my diary. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 223 | Author: | Tenney, Charles N. | Add | | | Title: | Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 25 September 1862 | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | The Corinne Carr Nettleton Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-Text | UVA-LIB-Nettletoncivilwarletters | | | | Description: | Here I am once more in Virginia-- again on sacred soil. Not only in Va. but way
up on the Blue Ridge, where the very clouds are often under our feet. It would
be very pleasant, if it were not for two very serious drawbacks.-- It is quite
cold, and we have to go down the mountain half a mile for water, There is a kind
of Block house up here, from which and we have a splendid view of the
surrounding country, particularly to the north and west. We can see the
church-spires of Martinsburg with the aid of a field glass.- 21 miles distant
and were it not for intervening hills and forest we could see Winchester. Away
as far as the eye can reach the Alleghenies raise their lofty peaks, far above
the heights of North Mountain and the Shenandoah Mountains both of which
intervene. As far as romance goes, this is by far the most interesting place we
have been in. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 224 | Author: | Tenney, Charles N. | Add | | | Title: | Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 26 September 1862 | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | The Corinne Carr Nettleton Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-Text | UVA-LIB-Nettletoncivilwarletters | | | | Description: | Very many days have elapsed since I last indited a letter to you, but you have been by
no means forgotten, but while we have been tramping over the hills and vales of
"sacred Virginia," and "Maryland, my Maryland," my mind has
often wandered away up "where the water tastes like ile," and
delighted itself in calling up hours never to be forgotten. But this is not telling
you why I have not sooner written. Since we evacuated Cullpepper on
the 19th of August, until we came
to this point, (the 23d inst.) we have been constantly engaged in
all the duties and troubles of an arduous cam- paign. When the
rebels performed that astounding feat of outflanking the seat of war itself, we lay in a
state of fancied security on the Rappahannock, never dreaming that two weeks later we
would be fighting in Maryland, yet the deed was accomplished,
and even Fredericktown a union city was invested and infested by
a subtle and cunning foe. Of course, Maryland must be
liberated,
and who should do it, but the "Splendid Army of
Va." Thus by a series of "forced marches," adroit escapes from a surrounding enemy,
and "brilliant reconnoissances," we were transferred over into MD. hitherto to be known
as "Capital defense army," and we have accomplished the task. — Maryland
is free from rebel tread, though pol- luted by rebel dead. We
have fought the battles of South Mountain and Sharpsburg, and the rebel army went
out of Maryland 40,000 weaker than it entered. We — our Corps d'armee - occupy Loudon Heights below the far famed town of Harper's Ferry,
and from the elevated position we occupy. we naturally feel above
common people. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 225 | Author: | Tenney, Charles N. | Add | | | Title: | Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 November 13 | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | The Corinne Carr Nettleton Civil War Collection | UVA-LIB-Text | UVA-LIB-Nettletoncivilwarletters | | | | Description: | I recieved your charming letter of the 2d just as I was taking my letter of
the 9th to the office and I thought I would wait and answer it. But, Addie mine, I had no idea of waiting six days ere attending to that important and not unpleasant duty — but my health was
in such a state — that I was unable to attend to "office duties."
But lest I frighten you, I will tell you all — just as it really
was — I had a slight attack of Liver Complaint which troubled me
some, but I am recovering from it now — not in my fancy — but really
getting well — I am somewhat thinner and
weaker than I was, but that might have been expected — During
the entire time, I have remained in the office — so you see I
have not been "dangerous" by any means. I should not have been so
explicit, but you are so fearful I half conceal the real truth, but my
darling rest assured I can conceal
nothing from you — which I know you so wish
to know, | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 237 | Author: | De Forest
John William
1826-1906 | Add | | | Title: | Miss Ravenel's conversion from secession to loyalty | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was shortly after the capitulation of loyal Fort Sumter
to rebellious South Carolina that Mr. Edward Colburne
of New Boston made the acquaintance of Miss Lillie
Ravenel of New Orleans. “My dear Colonel,” it ran, “I am sorry that I can give
you no better news. Waldo and I have worked like Trojans,
but without bringing anything to pass. You will
see by enclosed copy of application to the Secretary, that
we got a respectable crowd of Senators and Representatives
to join in demanding a step for you. The Secretary is all
right; he fully acknowledges your claims. But those
infernal bigots, the Sumner and Wilson crowd, got ahead
of us. They went to headquarters, civil and military. We
couldn't even secure your nomination, much less a senatorial
majority for confirmation. These cursed fools mean
to purify the army, they say. They put McClellan's defeat
down to his pro-slavery sentiments, and Pope's defeat to
I
McClellan. They intend to turn out every moderate man,
and shove in their own sort. They talk of making Banks
head of the Army of the Potomac, in place of McClellan,
who has just saved the capital and the nation. There
never was such fanaticism since the Scotch ministers at
Dunbar undertook to pray and preach down Cromwell's
army. You are one of the men whom they have black-balled.
They have got hold of the tail-end of some old
plans of yours in the filibustering days, and are making the
most of it to show that you are unfit to command a brigade
in `the army of the Lord.' They say you are not the
man to march on with old John Brown's soul and hang
Jeff. Davis on a sour apple-tree. I think you had better
take measures to get rid of that filibustering ghost. I have
another piece of advice to offer. Mere administrative
ability in an office these fellows can't appreciate; but they
can be dazzled by successful service in the field, because
that is beyond their own cowardly possibilities; also because
it takes with their constituents, of whom they are the
most respectful and obedient servants. So why not give
up your mayoralty and go in for the autumn campaign?
If you will send home your name with a victory attached
to it, I think we can manufacture a a public opinion to
compel your nomination and confirmation. Mind, I am
not finding fault. I know that nothing can be done in
Louisiana during the summer. But blockheads don't know
this, and in politics we are forced to appeal to blockheads;
our supreme court of decisions is, after all, the twenty
millions of ignorami who do the voting. Accordingly, I
advise you to please these twenty millions by putting yourself
into the fall campaign. “My dear Lillie,” began the first; and here she paused
to kiss the words, and wipe away the tears. “We have
had a smart little fight, and whipped the enemy handsomely.
Weitzel managed matters in a way that really
does him great credit, and the results are one cannon,
three hundred prisoners, possession of the killed and
wounded, and of the field of battle. Our loss was trifling,
and includes no one whom you know. Life and
limb being now doubly valuable to me for your sake, I
am happy to inform you that I did not get hurt. I am
tired and have a great deal to do, so that I can only scratch
you a line. But you must believe me, and I know that
you will believe me, when I tell you that I have the heart
to write you a dozen sheets instead of only a dozen sentences.
Good bye, my dear one. “My dear Doctor,—I have had the greatest pleasure
of my whole life; I have fought under the flag of my
country, and seen it victorious. I have not time to write
particulars, but you will of course get them in the papers.
Our regiment behaved most nobly, our Colonel proved
himself a hero, and our General a genius. We are encamped
for the night on the field of battle, cold and hungry,
but brimming over with pride and happiness. There
may be another battle to-morrow, but be sure that we shall
conquer. Our men were greenhorns yesterday, but they
are veterans to-day, and will face any thing. Ask Miss
Ravenel if she will not turn loyal for the sake of our gallant
little army. It deserves even that compliment. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 239 | Author: | De Forest
John William
1826-1906 | Add | | | Title: | Playing the mischief | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | JOSEPHINE MURRAY was one of those
young women whom every body likes
very much on a first acquaintance. “My dear Friend”—her epistle ran—
“Why did you not take the kind trouble to
tell me all that with your own kind lips?
It would have been so much more friendly
on your part, and I should have understood
every thing so much better, and without the
worry of long pondering over it. I do hope
that you will call to see me soon, if only to
assure me that you are not annoyed. Cordially,
your friend, “My dear Uncle” (he read),—“I can
not tell you how keenly I regret that any
difference should have arisen between us. I
assure you that I set the very highest value
upon the good opinion and friendship of
yourself and my dear, excellent, generous
aunt. To recover your consideration and
kindness I would do more than for any other
object which I can conceive. I feel all
this the more deeply because I hear that
your wife is ill. Is it possible that I have
been in any way the cause of her sickness?
If so, it would comfort me very much to be
allowed to see her, and to tell her of my regret
and my lasting affection. Could she
grant me this favor, and could you sanction
it? Do pray have the goodness to let me
know whether this may be. Very affectionately,
your niece, “My dear Josie” (he wrote her),—“You
have not received me for two days past.
May I ask, in all kindness, if you have tired
of me? I must remember that your situation
has changed since the day I was happy
enough to secure the promise of your hand,
and the gift, as I then trusted, of your heart.
You were then in moderate circumstances;
you, perhaps, stood in need of a protector.
Now you are rich, and can suffice for yourself,
and can do without me. Do not, I earnestly
beg of you, suppose that I wish to get
free from my engagement, or that I could
part with you, even at your desire and for
your good, without great suffering. I only
wish to be kind, to be honorable, and to show
myself truly loving. For this reason alone,
and for the sole purpose of sacrificing myself,
if need be, to your happiness, I set you free
from your engagement. But to-morrow I
shall call again, shall beg to see a lady who
is now as much above me in fortune as in all
things else, and shall renew my offer of marriage.
Very respectfully and very lovingly,
yours, “My dearest Friend,—How could you
so misjudge me? Be sure you keep your
promise to come and see me. Those who know Mr. Drummond intimately,
and those who have had the startling good
fortune to listen to him in his moments of
épanchement, can imagine how he blasphemed
over this letter. One comment, however, is
sufficiently decorous for quotation, and sufficiently
keen to be worthy of it. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
| 240 | Author: | De Forest
John William
1826-1906 | Add | | | Title: | Seacliff, or, The mystery of the Westervelts | | | | Published: | 2001 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | IT was exactly a year since I had said good-bye to Mr.
and Mrs. Westervelt, and to the two Misses Westervelt,
in Switzerland. “I write this at the earnest request of my daughter,
who is a friend of yours, and who wishes me to interfere
between you and the slanders of a certain young man who is
in the habit of visiting your country-house. My child has
repeated some of these falsehoods to me, while others are
of so shocking a nature that she declares she will never utter
them to a human being. I will not state a single one of the
vile fictions here, because I do not wish to pain you, and also
because your character is so pure that you will never find it
necessary to contradict them. Your friends will do that for
you. But even if the slanders are not worth your notice,
the slanderer ought to be punished. Of course, you will
simply exclude him from your society, without explaining
the reason to him or to any one else. The less said in
such matters, the sooner they are over. His name is Fitz
Hugh. “Dear Grandchild,—Mr. Louis Fitz Hugh has called on
me and requested your hand in marriage. I am pleased
with his statements, as well as his appearance; and, from
what I can learn concerning him, I infer that you have made
a good choice and shown your usual discretion. Your father
having left me to decide concerning the acceptance of Mr.
Fitz Hugh's suit, I take pleasure in saying that I see no
sufficient objection to it, and that I shall be happy to welcome
him into our family. I must inform you, however, that his
income is small, and that, if you marry him, you must make
up your mind to economy. But this will be all the better for
you. I should despise a girl who would draw back from a
marriage on this account. Economy is not only a virtue, but
a talent; and you ought to be proud to show that you are
capable of it. “Dear Sir,—I find that my son has not yet turned out that
rascally Somerville, and dares not do it. I beg and insist
that you take immediate measures to send him adrift, even if
you and the gardener have to kick him off. He is such a
notorious, dirty rogue that his mere presence is enough to
ruin the name of a decent family; and, in addition, I find
that he has set afloat some scandalous stories concerning my
son's wife. Oust him instanter. Break his bones if necessary.
I will pay all damages. My son, by my desire, will
be at Seacliff to-morrow, and will support you with his authority,
whatever that may amount to. “Dear Sir,—I find that my son has not yet turned out that
rascally Somerville, and dares not do it. I beg and insist
that you take immediate measures to send him adrift, even if
you and the gardener have to kick him off. He is such a
notorious, dirty rogue that his mere presence is enough to
ruin the name of a decent family; and, in addition, I find
that he has set afloat some scandalous stories concerning my
son's wife. Oust him instanter. Break his bones if necessary.
I will pay all damages. My son, by my desire, will
be at Seacliff to-morrow, and will support you with his authority,
whatever that may amount to. “Dear Sir,—I find that my son has not yet turned out that
rascally Somerville, and dares not do it. I beg and insist
that you take immediate measures to send him adrift, even if
you and the gardener have to kick him off. He is such a
notorious, dirty rogue that his mere presence is enough to
ruin the name of a decent family; and, in addition, I find
that he has set afloat some scandalous stories concerning my
son's wife. Oust him instanter. Break his bones if necessary.
I will pay all damages. My son, by my desire, will
be at Seacliff to-morrow, and will support you with his authority,
whatever that may amount to. “Dear Sir,—I find that my son has not yet turned out that
rascally Somerville, and dares not do it. I beg and insist
that you take immediate measures to send him adrift, even if
you and the gardener have to kick him off. He is such a
notorious, dirty rogue that his mere presence is enough to
ruin the name of a decent family; and, in addition, I find
that he has set afloat some scandalous stories concerning my
son's wife. Oust him instanter. Break his bones if necessary.
I will pay all damages. My son, by my desire, will
be at Seacliff to-morrow, and will support you with his authority,
whatever that may amount to. “I wish you in the first place to believe that I love you
from the bottom of my heart, and that never, never since our
marriage have I been unfaithful to you in deed or thought.
I declare this to you most solemnly, as if with my dying
breath; and I will repeat it to you at the last great day; and
God knows that it is the truth. Do not, I beg of you, believe
one word that Mr. Somerville may say against my honor as
a wife. I have sins enough to answer for, but not that one. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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