University of Virginia Library

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

So you are going away from
Mecca to be "Addie" no longer, but Mistress[1].
To leave "Maple Grove", Papa, Laurie, and
Auntie (to say nothing of the rest.) and install
yourself as head of a large school, to "teach
the young scholars how to shoot". I fancy I
see you just ringing the first bell; then as
that strange motley crowd gathers in and
by pairs sort themselves, and then then as
you tap the bell to secure order. I seem to
see you look around as if seeking if some
friend were there. Did I hear aright?
Methought I heard a chapter from the Bible
by way of introduction. Then I heard that silvery
voice - perhaps at first tremblingly - addressing
the school in accents of kindness saying you
will love and wish to be loved. Do not
fear, my love. I have been in the same place.

I just upset my ink, and the sutler had nothing
but blue. I received your letters of the
16th and 17th this morning a few moments
before drill, and I actually believe that they
have cured my headache, which I have had
for some time. I suppose that you have broken
the ice ere this, and commenced your school
and I trust you will have perfect success.
I cannot see why you did not receive a letter
from me relative to your teaching. I left it
all to yourself, for I cannot believe it my duty
to decide whether you can or cannot do a
thing - by no means - for on the contrary your
wishes should be, and are my law. It is
perhaps well that you are to teach this summer
I should love to have seen you and have had
a good long visit before you commenced. but - I
could not. "Get ready for inspection in half an
hour," is the order, and "orders must be obeyed."

You must describe Claridon and its people
for me. Give me your "experience."
Do you board around? If so please

Well, "inspection" is over, and I will
write until "Dress Parade", when of course
I shall have to go.

What a beautiful
day! But then of course, you have them
at home. We had quite a heavy fall of
snow the 23rd and[2] 24th, and it contrasted
strangely - but beautifully, with the dark
Cedar and bright Peach blossoms, as it hung
in wreaths upon the boughs. But it did
not last long. Rain came, and the ground
was soon covered with mud, instead
of the pure white snow.

I too love flowers and the sight of
those familiar flowers, which I have often
gathered "when spring time comes." filled
my heart with joy, and I almost wished
"I were a boy again," - ha! ha! What am I yet,
but a boy? My twenty-first year commences
the 8th of next month, when, - well - I can't
tell what. I guess I shall love you more, and
with a more manly affection. to increase in hope as in years
Hadn't I ought.

Indeed, Hallie must have an exalted opinion
of "darkies." Truly! But I am proud to know
he loves me, and if I do not merit all his
commendations, I cannot but be proud of
the compliment. Of him, I can but say, he
is Nature's nobleman - a man worthy the love
of a people.

Is Dora to be one of your
scholars this summer? If so, you must not
allow too much fam in school, - I mean, you
may do just as you please.

You will have
many trials and privations this summer, but
remember that upon yourself depends all, and
God will sustain and protect you. If I can be
of any assistance to you in any manner, do not
fail to let me know, and I will gladly
render it. You know, my heart well enough
by this time, to know that anything I
can do for you, I would do, even die for your
sake.

Whirr-r-r-r tap-tap-tap-tap. Adjuts.
Call. A large mail has come. Is there
anything for me? Oh yes. A paper. Pshaw, why
don't a letter come? Just as I wrote-thought-
last word, I heard my name called, and
to my joy, more mail had come, and yours
and Laurie's letter was included. Now I
shall write a little longer.

I shall try another sheet of paper.
Perhaps I can fill it.