University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 February 26

Few, very very few, have as kind or as
good a friend as I find in my darling Addie. Again
I was made happy by the reception of a letter from her
whom my heart holds very dear & near. There being no
more pleasant duty before me this evening, I devote it
to communicating my scattered thoughts, per paper to
you. Now do not imagine that there is any duty, which,
in pleasure, comes between us, for such is not the case,

Darling, are you not suffering too much, needlessly
on my account? I can scarcely blame you, either, for
I know what thoughts must present themselves, at
times, but do not imagine that I am unwell for I claim
to be as healthy a member of the Regt. as our Company
affords. Hallie well knows this, and will assure you that
such is the case. I have not been unwell--so to speak--
since I have been in the service. How strange that you
have not recieved a letter from me for so long a time.
I wrote to you. I wrote you a letter the 1st of this month, again

on the 15th, and the 23d Inst. I wrote again. But I
will write every day If you do not recieve my letters until you
do. Capt Arper has returned, and gave me the letter also the picture
of My Addie. How beautiful! Addie--an abrupt question--how did
you ever happen to love such a verdunt-looking (and acting too)
and homely person as C,N,Tenney? Are you sorry you ever con=
sented to correspond with him? I'm not, I'll assure you

But what nonsense I am writing. Are you not ashamed
of me? I must tell you what we have to do now
While other troops are winning imperishable names in our
countrys cause, the gallant " 3d Brigade." is busily engaged in
the laudable enterprise ofeatingUncleSam'sprovisions,and
in drilling, though what to prepare us for, I scarcely know, unless
it is that we may present a military appearance when we
come home, covered with the honors of War. The order of the
day, as read at Parade is as follows.-- Reveille & Roll Call--6 A.M.
Surgeon's Call--(for the sick) 8.-- First signal for Guardmounting-- 8.30
Guardmounting 9.-- Company Drill from 9.30 to 11.-- Dinner &
Roll call 12.M. Company drill from 1 to 2 P.M.-- Adjutant's
Call, 4.-- Dress Parade 4.30-- Retreat 6.-- Tattoo & Roll Call 8.30
Extinguish lights, 9. Thus you percieve that our time is
pretty well occupied. We ought to be able soon to "face the enemy"
will we not?

I must tell you something which I should have
mentioned before, and would, had I though of ever hearing
from it again. It is this. Sergt. Moore, who by the way
was rather dispirited--& myself, at my suggestion--(which was
made for his benefit)--wrote a letter each. he one to Miss Julia A.
Prentiss, & I to Miss Luancie Holcomb, & sent them to Oberlin. Never
expecting to hear from mine, I was surprised on recieving a
reply the 22d Inst. I hesitated some time before answering
it, but having commenced it. I considered it ungentlemanly
to neglect answering it. so wrote again. Hal told me who to write
to, & named her. I send you the letter as I recieved it, & and Hal has
a synopsis of my reply which he will show you. Will you please
preserve the letters, (for I will send you all I get) as I may have
occasion to return them which is Nothing unlikely. If you desire it, I
will instantly discontinue the correspondence. I ought never to
have commenced it, I know, without your consent, but
Hallie told me to, & I wrote to please him, & interest my friend
Moore. I will be guided by your decision. Shall I immediately cease
writing, or may I continue the correspondence in a reserved manner?
subject to your supervision? Her letter is a very sensible one
but is not one twentieth part as pretty, or good as your beautiful
letters. By the Bye, how does Dora do? I consider her
my friend, as she is yours. How is her brother, Alexander? &
what is he doing?

You spoke of certain remarks made while writing your
letter. Similar ones are being made now. One, Charlie Perky
says "That is rather fine writing for a soldier." Jack Pollock says
"he must be writing to his duck." Seth says "give her my best
wishes." Ben. Willson (spelled wrong) says, "I wish I was home with my love"
"Charlie Campbell says "How I would like to draw mine to my throbbin
bosik bosick." Dont you think we have a loving set?

You remember Chauncey Corn, do you not? He is here in
the 29th and is now Orderly of Co. A. of that Regt. He was over here
a day or two since, and requested me to give you & Laurie his
kind regards. Loren is here too in the same company.

You ask me if we have plenty of reading here. We have
only the papers which come now and then, from which we
obtain the news. Home papers we are glad to see, but books can
not be easily carried, consequently it is better that they should
be reserved until we get home. Your kind offer to send me
some books gratified me much, and I thank you very much for it

Do any of my the communications from "Julius" find their way
into print? I have not seen the C- since the 12th Inst.

Why does Hallie not answer some of the numerous
letters which I have written him? Is he at home now? I
directed his letter to Warren.

I guess Mr. Benton is not very anxious to hear
from me again, for I have not heard from him yet. I
wrote at his request, too.

Is your Auntie well? and Laurie? How is Miss Hegloss now?
you must write me all interesting news.

I must close as it is now tatoo over in the 29th
and will soon be here, and we must all be in line.

Write soon & often to your