University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, December 11, 1861

Here we are, right
in sight of loyalOhio but
refusinged the priviliege of entering
within its borders, the authorities
preferring that we should remain
on the “sacred soil of Virginia.”
But we are not long to have
the privilege even of looking at
the Ohio Shore, for at four P.M.
we take the R. R. for Grafton.
From thence I suppose we go to
the end of the world,— Romney.
Well, as I am denied the happiness

of seeing my Addie. I will resort
to the only feasible expedient, that of
conversation on paper.

My health is good, how is yours
Addie, dear? How glad I am that
writing was invented long ago, and
that I have a good memory, for
I seem to see you. sitting by your
sweet toned melodeon[1], your soul
giving utterance to its goodness
in happy song, the music of which
seems to reach me, and enliven
my inmost spirit. How glad am
I, that to know and feel that you
are at this moment holding me in
kind remembrance. Happiness, is a
boon many strive to reach, but few,
comparatively, attain, but if happiness
exists among soldiers, it is him, who
knows that there is a heart which
beats in unison with his own, and
feels that her spirit is watching over
him, that is the fortunate possessor.

Am I mistaken in believing that
there is one who thus remembers
me, and that one, Addie? Forgive
me if do wrong in thus plainly express-
ing myself, for it is the promptings of my
heart, and my conscience reproves me often
for not doing as I ought. I speak thus
to hush its reproving voice. But, although
our acquaintance has been short, has it
been productive of ill? has your heart not
been moved in unison with mine? but I'll
bide my time, perhaps I may meet
you again. Forgive me if I have done wrong.

In a few short hours, we leave
the pleasant view of Ohio, and retreat
to the wilds of Virginia, perhaps never
to return, for I learn by the way that
we are to enter the field again. If I fall
I fall in the defense of my once happy
country. I shall die, "unwept, unhonored,
and unknown;" but of this, in the main,
I care not, all I wish to know is
that if I fall I shall be regretted by one.

Assured that such is the case. I die happy
But less lest I weary you I will change
the subject. We left Charleston yesterday
at 2 P.M. on the steamer “ Decatur”
and arrived at Pt. Pleasant at 7.40
we rode all night, most of the time
racing with the Fort. Wayne on
which was part of the Regt. At
about 11.30 A.M. to day we arrived
here. I suppose as the Seventh is
accredited as a good Regt. we must
keep our name by deserving it