University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 February 28

Your longed for letter came to
hand tonight, and now I can resort to my
favorite pasttime - There! Dont that look fine with 2 ts?
this evening, that of writing, also my duty in
answering your kind letter. Perhaps you
would like to know what part of your
letter interested me most. I will tell you.
I was gratified to know that my rehearsal
of my past life, strengthened you confidence in
me, which I never doubted. before.

I had feared that it might pain you
and situated as I am, not on amieable terms
with my father's family, I could not refer you
to them to establish my character. I have always
tried to maintain strict integrity, all my life,
yet being alone, it is natural for people to distrust
one, on that account. This company, I think
to a/man, will testify to my good behaviour,
since I have been in the service.

But I will change the subject.
I was delighted with the description you gave
me of the

but I am sure I could
not like She must be of a selfish nature
if she could not give you an hour or two to write
to those who are fighting in her behalf,
to secure the priveleges she even now enjoys
Not that I am selfish, but I am one of six hun=
dred thousand, I have no doubt but she was
charmed with your society, for who would not be?
but passing the day with you, and having some
slight knowledge of as to whom you were writing to.
she must be selfish indeed if she could not suffer
you to do even that.

You must admire my letters very much
to recieve them with such demonstrations of lively
pleasure, now suppose you recieved such interesting
and charming letters as a certain correspondent
of mine-- Miss A.L. Case - writes, how would you
deport yourself when they arrived? I love your
letters, for they tell me I am loved, I love you, for
it is right, and - you love me.
God bless you, and
preserve you my hearts idol, my Love!

Did I ever tell you my religious sentiments?
I think not? That there is a good God, none can
deny. That some, yes many of those who
profess to have a

are misguided, is a matter of as little doubt.
is one of my
is another, is a third.
From these, you percieve I believe that the way
is open for all who will, to enter Heaven.

I do not profess to Love the Saviour, as I ought,
but I might. I have my Bible, and I consider
it the most precious of all books. Addie, there
is not a christian in this company! Are you
astonished? Tis true. I shudder to think of
the end, yet I am one of them.

Addie dearest, I would give much if I
could come and see you, but I cannot, yet
I know that is one who remembers me, and
I am happy. But I must bring this to a
close, Think of me often, and remember that
I am with you constantly in spirit, give my love
to Bro. Hallie, Sister Laurie, Auntie, and all, and write very
often to Your Charlie.