University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 January 01

Although I have once
written to day, duty and my own
inclination lead me to pen a
few more scattered thoughts to
my dearest, kindest, friend Addie
Now, to speak truly, I feel
more like myself to-night than
this morning, for two reasons,
which reasons, are the fulfillment
of my two wishes expressed in
my note of this morning orig.--
the reception of a letter from you
and about Hal's getting better.
He is some better tonight, though
not well. The wind has been
blowing very hard,all day,

Page 2.
and the tent kept flapping a
making a very disagreable noi
to Hal, consequently, a severe hea
ache ensued, but the gale has
in a measure subsided, and I
trust a good night's rest will
restore him to his wanted good
health. But to turn to oth
subjects. Have you passed a
happy new-year's day? and did
you thoughts revert once of to
Charlie? and wonder
if he was engaged in some
Bechanalian excesses? Thanks,
Addie, for the question which sis-
ter Laurie prompted you to ask
me. You may inform her that
Charlie never was intoxicated in
his life, and furthermore, while
at Summersville, I
pledged myself to ,
3rd Page or,
in other words became a teetotaller.
In making these assertions, I think
I can be borne out in them by Co. H.
and its officers. While on the subject[s]
of domestic evils, let me remark that
over two months ago, I eschewed the
use of tobacco in any form, and while
at Green Spring Run, I forswore the
practice of playing cards. This I did
for my own benefit and character
hereafter. Is Addie satisfied with this
statement? It is I believe the truth.
Oh! the temptations of a soldier's life!
How great the want of some restraining
influence at home! Tears invol=
untarily spring to my eyes as I utter
that endearing word, and think. But fate has decreed
that one remains, not too proud to
own an outcast soldier as a brother
That you should find anything
worthy a sister's love in my poor
self, is a matter of wonder to me.
How can I ever repay you for your
kindness in noticing one so far
below your happy position?
But, do I wound you? Forgive me
dear, kind sister, and I will endeav
or to dispel the unpleasant state
of mind, which has come over me
in a few moments of bitter thought
Would you know how the day
has been passed by me? Well
in the morning, after performing
the usual routine, I called on Hal
and was pained to learn that he
had passed an ill night, after
fulfilling his request to write home,
I read until
Battalion drill, after which I returned
to attend to the wants of my
brother Hall where I now am and will remain
tonight Geo. Moore is with me and requests
me to give his respects to I suppose he
has some one articular. By the bye George is a
good boy and is a true man.