University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 January 23

After patiently waiting
for several days, I have been rewarded
by the reception of a kind letter
from my only correspondent, and as
a matter of pleasure, rather than duty,
I devote this stormy evening to answer it
Capt. Wood came back yesterday, and
the letter you sent by him, Hallie
gave me to-day. Have I not sufficiently
answered it? Dear Addie, may I not
consider part thereof as though it never
had been written? Now as Hallie has
told me all, do not for a moment
think that any such thing could
make me "curse" you, or even make
me think otherwise of you, dear Addie,
than I always have.
Only allowmeto love you, dearest. Will you not?

You have doubtless recieved one or
two letters since you wrote the letter
now before me. I shall have little rest
until I recieve a reply.

You need have no compunctions
as to mycompunction condemning a
letter written on Sunday for it is an
old proverb and with more truth
than poetry, that "there are no sundays
in war." and I fear I pay too little
attention to such matters.

You ask as to the reason my
sister does not write to me. If I knew
the reason, I would have no objection
to telling you. I know of no reason
unless she partakes of the prejudices which
the entire family seem to hold against
me. She is very proud, and doubtless
LOVES ME. I cannot write of these things,
you can imagine my feelings, but I will assure you that I am FREE FROM DISHONOUR.

Sunday morning, -
I could not write any more
last evening, so will finish this morning.
Hal is coming home soon,
but I suppose he has acquainted you
with the circumstances. I would give
a great deal to accompany him, but
I suppose there will be soon a "Forward
move on the Potomac," and it will
require every man who is able, to "go
along." You know if in the face of a
contemplated attack, I were to apply
for a furlough, it would sound like
cowardice, and of all things I detest
a coward. However much I would
like to come home, it must be deferred
Hallie will tell you all about me when he comes. perhaps I can come
at the close of the war. meanwhile
my home must be

Last night it was stormy, today
it is clear and cold The mud is
frozen, and it is so very hard walking.

My dear Addie, you must excuse me
for not writing a longer letter, for my
head aches, and my brain is in a perfect
whirl of excitement. But I must ask
you again to recall those words in the
letter Wood brought, and allow
me to love you. Will you not, dearest Addie?
I cannot help writing thus, forgive me if
I do wrong.