University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, October 24, 1861

I commenced to say,
involuntarily too, dearest Addie.
Would it have been right? You
would not have remonstrated
would you? and then it is just
the way I feel anyhow.

Your sweet little letter of the
12th I received yesterday morning
and you can imagine if you can
with what joy and pleasure I read
it. Perhaps you can form some idea
of the longing and impatience. with
which I watch the arrival of the

mails for a letter from Addie, when I
tell you that Addie is the only corres-
pondent I have. Now you dont wonder why I want you to write
often, do you?

But, I flatter myself.
(not you,) that I have the prettiest
and best correspondent, that soldiers
"or any other man" commonly have.
that I feel that I am worthy of
your kind attention, but I love to
have some one to whom I can turn
and know and feel that it is indeed
a friend. Such I believe my Addie to
be.

Do not think I mean to flatter
you, for it is the truth, and then you
told me not to try to flatter you,
and I won't do what you dont
want me to. 'Twas a happy day
for me when I saw you first.
But perhaps I am becoming oppressive,

I am on guard today and am now
momentarily expecting to hear "First
Relief, fall in." then comes two long
hours of steady marching up and down
a long "beat." But then after that I have
four hours rest. The Regt is out on
Battalion drill. in front of the camp, on
our parade ground. The boys have be-
come very efficient in drill. It is not
as easy to "form close column of attack
on fifth company" while on double quick
time, as it was to "change front on sixth
company" while in Camp Dennison.
but of course you do not know what-
those commands mean, so I will stop
talking Military. You should see us. [.]
on dres Parade; and see what a neat
appearance we present, There is to be dres
Parade this afternoon at 3-oclock. How
I wish you could be here to see us

Our camp is situated two miles up

from Charleston. and is a very beautiful
camp indeed. Our Regt is now all here
and our band too. I do not know
when we can get furlough. Nor does
Hal. When he comes, though we cannot
tell when it will be, I will probably com-
ply with your request. and come with him.

I do not think there is any
danger of my falling in love, very deeply
with Dora. while you are around,
But you may give her my kind regards
if not incompatible with your wishes.
Also remember me to Laurie. and tell
her I remember her advice. But my kindest
regard are yours and I remember you
kindly and affectionately.