University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, 3 October 1861

I have heard gentlemen
make the remark that when ladies
began to write with a lead pencil
to them, they guessed she wished
to discontinue their correspondence
But when you receive this, written
with a pencil and on such paper
I imagine that you will think
worse than that, but do not
harbor the thought for one instan
dear Charlie that my feelings are
such for indeed they are not
I have no other paper, and my pens
have all “got poor” therefore you will excuse
this will you not? for I thought it
necessary to write immediately as
Capt. Aspen is in Warren and I do not
know as I will get a chance to
send again, nor do I know when he
returns to war. Where are you to day
are you engaged in some bloody battle
or are you reposing in security in
your tent or on some bed of sickness. How
often my thoughts
thoughts been with you to day
There seems to be a presentiment of evil
hovering round me, and my thoughts are
with Hal and yourself, Can it be
that you are in danger and some rebel
strike—God forbid. I must dispel
such thoughts. But would that I
were near you. then I could feel that
let come what might I would know
all. I have a sad and gloomy spirit
to day not much like the gay and
joyous Addie that Hal used to
tell about but lasteveI was to a
sewing bee for the soldiers. and I
caused a strange feeling to thrill
through me which is hard to dispel

What a beautiful evening, the sun
has just sunk beneath the western
horizon and the day is gently falling
as if shedding silent tears over the

green robed earth. The pretty feathered
warblers have retired to rest and the
stealing twilight finds me seated
at my window scribbling away as fast
as my poor tallent and ability will
admit Dora has just left she and
I miss my light hearted joyous
friend very much indeed. We have
been very busy completing some
triffling work which you will see when
you receive this. It consists of some
bachelor needle books, She has made
one for one of her friends in the army
and I for one of mine. will you accep
it dear Charlie, as a slight testimony
of my friendship and in honor of
the cause in which you are engaged?
I know it is but a trifle but
perhaps you will make it useful
I was in hopes that you would come
home so that I could deliver it in
person but I have looked so long in
vain that I will now send it with
Capt, Aspen I do hope that Hal
will come home soon for I wish
to see him very much Do not fail
to accompany him when he comes
for I do not relish disappointment
in anticipated pleasure Tell Hal
that two weeks have passed since we
received a letter from him. If I
had not heard from you in less
time than that I should feel
quite anxious But I must close