University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, April 1, 1862

Heaven reward you and bless you, my own
my dear darling Charlie for your kind and
precious letter of the 25th inst.. Darling, you
do not know how much it relieved my
heart. of an almost sinking fear and pain.
Although it relieved me of my worst
fears, yet it brought painful information
that you did not escape unharmed.

Dearest, I know that youwas injured
far worse than you represented yourself to be.
Do you not think that I could see in the
very tone of your letter that it was with
extrem pain that you could trace those
dear lines? Oh, dear Charlie, please tell me
just how badly your arm was hurt.. Darling,
why should you attempt to conceal from me
your sufferings. Who should sooner know of

your sufferings than one who has plighted her
love, aye, even her life if necessary to you
I could not feel worse.dearest to know the
entire truth than I now do. What. my Charlie
trying to conceal from me - the one who should
be with him through the hours of pain the
extent of his wounds! Oh, do not my darling.
The very thought is but frenzy. Why is it
that I can not be with you. God only knows
what I have suffered since I heard of that
fearful battle.. I had not heard from you
for some tim before that and when I read
of the fight. and still no word from Charlie.
then and only till then did I realize
what life would be worth to me without
you. I said to Laurie last sabbath. “What
does it mean. three weeks ago tomorrow since
I have heard from Charlie”? She replied
“Have hope Addie. Do not give up in dispair
for oh, that is a hard word when forced
upon you.” Darling do you wonder that my faith in the protection of an All wise Father
was beginning to totter?

I sympathize with you in the loss of your
comrade. Fred. lo__ and also with the wounded.
Arthur Cavanah. I have seen several times.
He formerly kept the “Livery Stable” at Powers
corners. did he not? What a sickening sight a
battle field must be. The discription of it
which you gave me is enough. I never wish
to see one.

Darling. how would you like it if I should
teach school this summer. There is a school in
Claridon that is not engaged. and they wish
very much to have me teach it. Should I
dear. They wish for a six months school
rather long but nevertheless it will do.
I do so dread this inactive, monotonous
life I am now leading. besides I have no
desire to live at home this summer. but
I will be guided by your decision. The school
is in Miss Leslie's district..

How I should love to have you come home
darling. If I teach I wish very much to have
you come before I commence my school. can
you come? If you were but with me now. Oh, my
darling. I am fearful that your wound is much more
than you . yourself think. but I must hope for
the best. Is not this day. beautiful? Oh the
world is full of beauty when the heart is full of
love.is it not. Charlie.

The twenty ninth Ohio Regt. was engaged in
that fight were they not? Are you acquainted
with Edwin Williams of that Regt. he is a brother
of mine in the Templars curse. Ed. and
Will. Braden are or were firm friends . when
here in Mecca, He formerly belonged to the Seventh
Ohio I think. But I have not time
to write longer as papa is going over to
the office tonight and I must send this
while I have a chance these muddy
roads! Remember me to the boys. and
darling. be careful of your health. Do not get
cold in your arm