University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, February 9, 1862

How the mind will
wander, when alone, and what is
more natural, than that it
should stray “way off” to dear, absent
friends. But I am quite confident
that it is not Natural as it used
to be but, one loved friend, engrosses
the wandering thoughts of Addie.

My darling Hal has at last
returned to his “home and friends”

Oh! dear Charlie, you certainly can
not know our joy at his return
but I fear you feel his absence

full as much as we do his presence.
I know you miss him, and I
almost could wish him with you
for your sake

I received your dear letter, friday
I know not why it was that I
wept while reading it. Laurie brought
it from the office, and immediately I
hurried to my room to read it.
Something, seemed to tell me that
my thoughts would be to sacred while
reading it to be witnessed, even
by my sister. Darling, did you ever
weep tears of joy? I know I did while
reading your darling letter. Noble youth!
How I thanked God, that there was
one, not ashamed to own me as a friend

Can you be happy in Addie's love?
Then my own darling, be happy.
For I confess, dear Charles, what, to man,
I never before confessed, — my love
A pure and fervent love it is incessant
as time itself. How long I have felt

and known it I dare not own. For a
time, I strove to clothe it in the
appellation's of “sister's regard” for you.
A “sisterly interest” in your welfare.

But Charlie, I found that I do
not do so. It was too sacrilegious.
But I must not dwell on this subject
Dear Charlie, cruelly as Col. Tyler in-
That you, for my sake, darling do
nothing rash. you will not will you?
You will not be offended will you?
I should so dread to have you get into
a quarrel with him.

I am glad that you are going to
write for the “Democrat” Bye the by
the “Democrat” and “Chronicle” are
all one now called by the name of
the latter. I was very much disappoin
ted at your not coming home with
Hal still I think your chances
are good. I guess you have been as
faithful to your post as any of the
company. Laurie says she will

answer your “short note” and send in this

I presume it will besol
so long that I will
be obliged to pay double
postage. Darling Charlie
you will excuse this
short letter as Hallie
is going away to night
and he wishes me to stop writing
and sing with him. I will write
again in a few days

Remember me to the boys,
meanwhile accept the love and blessingblessing
of your's forever