University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, 1862 April 16

This day is too pleasant to
have work associated with it. Therefore I devote
myself to something more congenial, which some-
thing, always is a pleasant pastime.

I have just returned from Uncle's, while
coming home. I gathered these little flowers. Spring
lovely ornaments. They are the first I have seen,
and Charlie must have them. Remem
ber, they are Mecca flowers. Undoubtedly they
will have faded, ere you recieve them. but
think that while they lie before me now, they
are beautiful. A small token, perhaps you
will think, many do. But to me they are worth
more than jewels.

My "dark eyed sister" was at home a
few minutes this morning. She says I
am to recieve a letter from you
to day.

I trust that I shall, for more than
a week has passed since hearing from you.

Darling, why do you not "go into raptures"
over the beauty of such a day as this. As I
sit here before the open window, listening to
the little warblers and occasionally glancing
at the budding trees, I can not help exclaim
ing wonderful! beautiful! Although I have heard
birds sing just as sweet and have seen the budding
of trees, many many times before, yet to day
there seems to be something more than sweetness
mingled with their songs. They seem to tell
me what a blessed thing is life and what
a noble thing it is to live. How different
are my thoughts to day from what they are
sometimes. At times I feel some as " Ham-
let" did while meditating after seeing his
father's ghost. that for "that dread of some-
thing after Death," I too would not wish
to live. but to day. how different. now I
would cling to life firmly. Life seems grand

to day, and blessed. Indeed I think I am
blessed. Yes, dearest blessed with your love.
and what more could I ask.

Hallie came home Monday. I had a
pleasant but short visit with him, darling boy!
He says Charlie is one of the best boys that
ever drew breath. Such a remark from Hal
made me feel proud. do not allow it such
liberties with yourself.

Did I write you of Mr. Beaman's death?
He died of consumption. was buried last
Saturday. He was an uncle of Mrs.
Newton Shaw. Dear Charlie if you do not
come home soon. I fear you will not have
a chance to become acquainted with
Miss Sadie Heylep for "Junior" says she
is soon to be married to Mr. Church
By the way Sadie used to admire Hal
"pretty much." She invited him to see her
last Saturday. he told her that her
"meeting house" was in the way.

I have recieved no answer from you
yet in reference to my teaching. They
wished to know if I would take the school
and I did. I shall commence one week
from next monday I think. How I
should enjoy a visit from you before then
darling. but I expect that happiness is denied
me. When you write to me after recieving
this please direct East Claridon Geauga Co.
Ohio. Dont you think I will make a good
school. teacher? Guess I will. I should be pleased
to have Mr. Penny for one of my scholars.

How I wish the "blockade" was not quite so
effectual. I miss your your dear letters -- pardon
me I meant -- "Angel visits" Oh hush! did you
say. well. remember me to the "boys" especially
to Mr. Penny. and write as often as you can
please