University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, n.d.

Last evening, about eight
oclock we were called out to battle
The cause was this. Two Reg'ts
I have not learned which ones,
from the effects of whisky, raised
an insurrection. An order came
from head quarters to the Seventh
to form in line of battle.

Somewhat surprised, Lieut
Case gave the order to the Company
"Every man into line with bayonets
fixed" We were ignorant of the cause
but were out to a man.
I was standing by the officer's
tent when the order was given to
I ran to the quarters, seized my
musket, fixed my bayonet, and
was in line the second man
I boast now, Am I not an egotist

Well Addie, not a man was lost
After marching about half a mile
word came to us that the victory
was won. Until then we knew
nothing of our duty save to obey
orders. even if it was to "charge bayonets"

On our return, Col. Tyler made
the following remarks.

"Soldiers of the Seventh Reg't.
You were called out for the purpose
of quelling a rebellion, but this
has been accomplished without
our assistance. I cannot refrain
from expressing my gratitude
for your promptness in obeying
my orders. I am proud of my
regiment. Not a regiment as far
as we went was out, notwithstanding
the order was given. There has
been an insurrection in our midst
Two regiments have openly rebelled

in camp. Whisky was at the bottom
of it, I am glad to find the seventh
regiment so willing to do their
duty, even to put down insubornination
I trust the Seventh Regiment will
never so far forget duty and as to be carried
away by whisky (Cheers, and cries of no!no)
Let every man conduct himself in
such a manner, that he will be proud
of belonging to the noble seventh.
I can only give you my thanks for
your prompt response to the call of
duty." [space in text]We gave three times
three hearty cheers for Col. Tyler &
returned to our quarters

In the riot were thirteen badly
wounded & several more bruised &
badly frightned. I just learned
that it was the Tenth and Thirteenth
Regiments. . If we had arrived
in time we would have had a fight

Among all the excitement Lieut
Case was cool and collected, as was
Lieut Wood. Every order was distinctly
and deliberately given, and was well
executed.

Lieut. H. B. is more a favorite
now than ever in the company and
last night won the admiration of
all who saw & heard him.

I would like to see you very
much indeed: come if you possibly
can. I have just heard a report
that we are to march Saturday
next. but I do not believe it.

Please excuse this writing
for there is about a dozen moving
about jarring the table. & I have
just come in from drill & write
in a hurry.