University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, May 6th, 1862

With a thankful heart I recieved
your precious letter tonight of the 28th? and cheer-
fully devote myself to the pleasure of answering
it. I wrote ou last eve informing you that I had
commenced my school. You are mistaken, dear one,
I shall always be "Addie" at least I hope that to
you I shall. No difference if they do add the appel
-lations of "Mistress," "Teacher" yet from under
these coverings a strong semblance of Addie may
be recognizable. Yes darling, you heard aright in your
fanciful vision when you imagined hearing a chap-

ter read from the Bible. I should not feel
my-self worthy the name of teacher, if I could
not open my school with a chapter from God's Holy
Book. I also have my scholars learn a verse from
some portion of the Bible, which they may choose
and repeat just before the close of school.

I must tell you of a little instance that
transpired this morning. Two little girls Kate
and Mary Page have professed a good deal of resistance
-tance about reading in the morning and it was
with no little persuasion that I could get them
to read. They gave no reason why only that they
"didn't want to". To night I asked Libbie Arm-
strong -- one of my scholars if she knew the reason
She replied that their entire family were infidels
Oh: Charlie: what a thought! The girls cannot be
over ten and twelve years of age. Charlie dear,
as you have so kindly offered your assistance to me
if needed, will you please tell me how to act in
this instance. You did not think did you that
I would so soon apply to you, but I do not know

how to act. I cannot compel them to join in our morning devotions, but I should so
love to have all join. That one act has caused
many a painful thought so take possession of my
heart. You also heard aright when you seemed to
hear me addressing those little hearts left under
my care, in accents of kindness. (Did you
see that great drop fall on that other page? How
provoking) I did so wish to gain their love and
confidence and how freely they gave it me. Perhaps
my voice did tremble slightly for it made me
tremble when I thought of the responsibility which
rested rests I meant upon me. Dearest if my letters produce
such an effect as to cause your head to ache. I
will -- Oh:?! I will ? no such think.

You request me to describe Claridon
people. When I say it is lovely romantic and
beautiful it is described. Its occupants, I have
not as yet become acquanted with except my
scholars. Yes, I "board around" or at least am going to. I am at Ms. L-- to night.

I will give you my "experineces" as
get is. A lovely place it is, south of my
school house. Hemlock trees of all sizes are to
be seen. You ought to see my school room decked
with Hemlock boughs and wild flowers, it is
so pleasant. Charlie my darling, you already love
me far better than I deserve, but nature will show
its self. Do not take back any of that June fountain of
love which flows so tenderly towards your Addie!
"Is Dora to be one of my scholars?" What an idea!
Bless you did I forget to tell you that she teaches
at East Claridon? Yes dearest; I feel that God will
strengthen me in my duties.

How very thankful I am that the "Blockade"
is raised. You do not know how I missed your letters
No. Charlie; I can not think it would have been
right for me to have engaged a school with out-consul
-ting you, for, darling, some time you know I am to be yours
forever. How happy the thought is to me, that at some future
time I can hear you utter the words "My Addie" and feel
that I am only yours. Oh, Charlie, "Does my heart condemn
me for loving you"? Never, no, no, never dear darling friend
nor never will. If you only knew how very very thankful I am
for your love you would not think my heart condemned
me for offering any finer love in nature. But no, it is
a deeper forever feeling than I ever before experienced. Oh
darling would that I could some way show you what
a devoted teacher and incessant stream is my love for
thee my own. No such thing about the unworthiness being
"beyond your house"

The feelings of the Reserve in reference to McClellan
is about the same as yours, that his honor depends upon his affairs at Yorktown[1]. No.[2] dear. I shall not be offended
at your advice, far from it. I am
very very thankful for it.

Dora lies her sweetly sleeping.

She retired some time ago. Bless
you! What time do you think
it is. Almost eleven o'clock.