University of Virginia Library

Letter from Adelaide E. Case to Charles N. Tenney, 18 June 1862

Your welcome letter
of the 6th I received last eve, I had
become quite despondent. as so long a time
had passed since having from you. I and
my anxiety was still more increased when
I read a letter from GCalhi . I knew by
the why his question. "Have you heard from
Charlie lately" was asked. That he too had
not heard from you for some time.
But the missin has at last come. How
thoughtful I was for it dearest. I am very
nervous this morning as I have walked
more than a mile. I did not think
you ungrateful. I knew you were constantly
on the move and attributed your silence
to that yet. Let us frame what excuses
I would at times I was very lonely. Often
I would picture you as on the march, weary

and oppressed with burdens, when I would
sigh and wonder that I would not hear
some of the fatigues of your duty. Darling, if
I would become yours at the class of my
school, would you later on with you to share
your bridals? But what an absurd question. I
know that I would only be a kinderance to you
and therefore I meant be contented where I
now am, it is very hard thing to talk
about contentment when the one I love is
many miles away uncaring all his life in
the service of his country. Contentment! let
those who know not the meaning of love,
and who have no friend for which I waited
and pray talk of contentment! I can not
be contented. Let me say ever so hard,
I do not wonder at your indignation. I too
was very indignant when I read that the rebels had
again entered Winchester. The place where you
suffered so much. Well these will sometimes
be never seen in war as well as any other
Island. Cowards! indeed what a shame. If
after marching day after day. your and being compell
ed to stop through exhaustion if such are
ed cowards. Then darling I am thankful
that you are a coward. Yes, darling. I do
wonder that you blush at the thoughts. If this
makes you a coward. I am proud of and a
coward. I had feared that your health
would fail. but no wonder you have
been through enough within the past years
to war and any constituition. I am very
sorry for Will Braden. How I would like
to be with the sick soldiers. I believe
I could do some good these. I think
it a shame to our government that
our sick soldiers are so neglected.
Does Sam expect his men to
fight if they are not cared for
three months seems a long
time to wait so tortured with fear
and anxiety as I at time am, but I
will try and wait patiently trusting
in. Him who doth all things well
I asked Dora last eve if she would
write to you but (obstinate little thing
that she is, she refuses. I do not know
the reason. What a question you asked me
If "I would be willing to my most
intimate friend write to my Charlie.
Why should I and; She is a dear little
friend and I love her as a sister. You will
too when you become acquainted with her.
Dear Charley, "1 st of July" is almost here
do you think you will be here on that day?
She seldom asked me to day if I should
teach on that memorable day. I did not
till thin bul- in all probability you
are here I should. What think you of that
do you not see how much depends upon
your coming! Oh, fri! why do I jest about
that subject more very much more depends upon
it than one day school. I am confident
that many happy hours do, at least.
So you have been to Manassas Junction
have you. Did you imagine you saw a
bird furnished brings flying as they did at
the fights? I should have to visit Mrs.
Washington's grave. We have shocking
accounts of the mutilation of her monument
by the rebels.[1] Is it true?
It is almost
school time dear and I will write some
more this evening I do not feel very
well to day. I feel vivid and warm and-
perhaphs I read too much but I am
very much interested in Good rich's
Universal History which I am now read-
ing and can hardly find time to sleep
Mrs. Seski told me one day that she
would not let me take a light to my
room if I did not cease reading so
much. Kind was it not? But I begin
to think she is right.