University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 9 April 1862

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1

Perhaps I am placing myself
in a position liable to censure, in apply-
ing endearing terms to you - but when I
say "My precious Addie," I feel it from the
depth of my heart. Used as I have always
been, to being repelled and scorned by those
who should have loved, to have the
assurance that there is one who loves me, it
is not at all strange that I should be some-
what "outré" in my "addresses". Had it been
otherwise with me, I might perhaps be a little
more reserved in my expressions, but I feel that
my Addie will pardon this seeming break of
etiquette.

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2

Now, after that long apology, you will expect
something comme il faut, as the French say. Whether
all I write is as it should be, or not remains to be
seen. I am very sorry you suffer so much
on my account. You are correct in supposing that
I should not withhold any thing from you, nor
have I. Had I been seriously injured, I
should have informed you. My arm was not
fractured, at least I do not think it was, and
it is very nearly well as ever. It was caused
by a spent ball or a fragment of a shell striking
my arm just above the elbow, and for the time
depriving me of the use of it. It might have
been worse. Do not think that I would
conceal anything from you, my own, I am
not schooled in the art of deception.

Another thing which gives me great uneasiness
is, that you do not receive all of my letters. I have
not allowed more than a week to pass without
writing to you, and yet you did not receive any
for nearly three weeks! I know you must anx-
iously watch the mail. -Laura tells me so-
It is really too bad.

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3

The weather is horrid - still God sends it and
"He doeth all things well." For the past two or three
days, it has snowed and hailed incessantly.
But weather beaten as we are, we do not mind
it. To be sure, we feel some ennui, but if we have
papers - which by the bye are rather scarce - we manage
to while away the time. Do you see that great drop
of water there? How provoking that it should come
right down upon my paper! I tried to prevent it, but
could not. Excuse it, will you not my love?

You ask my advice about your teaching
school this coming summer, Why Addie? I could
not have been more surprised, had you asked me
if you could not eat your breakfast. Do you imagine
that I wish to control your actions? I do not love
to control. Far from it, dearest. You must do just as
you see fit, just as though I had never seen you.
Teaching is a pleasant employment, but it has its
pains, also; I taught three terms, and if my expe-
rience is like everyone's, or rather if they are all like mine,
they found the bitter with the sweet.

Do not think that I wish to dissuade you from it.
Have you asked Hal's advice, and your papa's?

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4

You must not allow your faith in the
great and good God to waver for a moment, for you
know, "whom He loveth He chastenith." "He is ever
faithful, ever sure," if it is his will that I should come home
soon, won't we be happy?

I believe Ed. Williams[1] was uninjured in the
late battle. I am not personally acquainted with
him, but often hear Will speak of him.