University of Virginia Library

Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 21 October 1862

I have had that most horrible of all
diseases “Hypochondria,” and still feel a little “blue”,-- but I
have no business to either. Why? Because I have just
recieved your darling letter of the 12th. Now I am going by
force of will, and an hours conversation with my treasure, to
dispel all traces of this horrible feeling. I can do it, andIwill .

First, let me place your portrait--that radiant lovely
countenance, before me, and allow me to gaze for a moment
into those loving eyes. There it is--lying upon my Bible, which
which is yet open at the 42nd & 3d Psalms, (I have been reading.)

Are you well, my love? No answer,--yet that same
quiet smiles bids me good cheer. "Why art thou cast down
O my soul? Why art thou disquieted within me?" " Hope thou
in God." Yes, I will hope in God, and He shall preserve
thee and me. Pardon me, Addie mine, I have been
thinking of that home, which is no_home to me, and like

a child, have allowed myself to indulge in memories of
younger days when I would look forward into that misty
Future and picture to myself happiness--myself beloved by
brothers, sisters, Father and Mother, then I passed to the day
when I should have had, at least the sympathies of a Father
when I sprang in my love of justice and liberty, to the defence
of my-- our flag, but no wishes for my success--no hopes for my
return, but a cold shoulder, a cool “no difference.”

"I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien
unto my mother's children." But I am more calm
now. I am loved, Thou art my betrothed--Laurie is my
sister-- Hallie is my brother-- and I am happy. Yes, indeed am
I, my heart is lighter by far. But I fear I have written
much that is uninteresting, if not painful to you: if so, forgive
me, for my heart was full. Now that baleful “Hypo” is
gone, I can write with greater ease. How I should love to
see you and chat with you and--yes, fold your precious self to
my heart, but mine is the fortune of a soldier, and I will
be a soldier, a stern unflinching one too, save to my dear friends.

I will tell you how I came to wander back in
my reverie. The camp is almost deserted today. Last
evening, or night rather, for it was midnight, the Adjutant
came around, and gave the order to

. Well, I did not go, for I have been ailing
for the past 3 or 4 days and the Surgeon ordered me to keep
quiet. The regiment started about 12.30 crossed the Blue
Ridge and proceeded toward Hillsborough, where they now are.
The object probably is to prevent the enemy from leaving the
Valley. I judge from the activity prevailing in camp that
our “ Little Mac” intends to make a forward move soon, but
new orders must be issued or we shall remain at Harper's
Ferry. for a general order was issued to the effect that the
2d and 12th Army corps are to remain at this place as a
Winter garrison. Ours, you know, is the 12th, and of course the
order relates to us. Still, I do not place too much
confidence in it, for it is not the good luck of the Seventh.
But it is growing dark and I will wait until the candle is
lighted when I will converse again with you.

Good evening, Addie mine. Will you sit
upon my lowly couch while we have a little chat? No, well
sit where you like, your spirit must be with me this,
the evening of the 21st of October. Byron--you love
Byron? So do I. Well do I remember how I used to love "the
Corsair." But about as touching as any lines he wrote, at least
to me, are those commencing “Maid of Athens, ere we part,
Give, O give me back my heart.
But I am not in a poetical mood this evening, so pardon
me if I introduce politics. The election is over and thank
Heaven Vallandigheim is defeated. Will the dog dare again to
appear before honest loyal men? If he were to enter our
camp, I greatly fear he would not leave it alive, so intense
is the hatred existing toward him here. I trust now that
the “2d Tuesday in Oct. ” is past, that the subject of “political
generals” will be consigned to oblivion. I am assured in my
mind that this miserable bickering about politics, mixing
poison with the questions of the greatest importance, has

delayed the war eight months. Political influence at the War
department prevented Mc Clellan from having the cooperation of
Mc Dowell's corps, after the Battle of and advance from Williams
burg . It prevented him from receiving reinforcements (to
any great extent) until after the six days battles . It deposed Gen's.
Fremont and Hunter. It has kept Gen. Banks from a fit
position, and in command of one of the smallest corps in the army.
It whipped us at Bull Run , for by political influence the traitor
Mc Dowell was kept in command. Heaven pardon me if
I am wrong, but I am tired of politics and policitical influences.
It has almost ruined our noble Republic! Away with it, for
tonight at least.

Shall we visit the Hospital? Here we are, in the village
of Harper's Ferry, and in the Hospital. That laughing chink of a boy is
Billy Bennett of our Mess. (No. 3.) he is caring for Ambrose Trimmer. he
has the fever. Fred. Roberts is here too, not very sick, but not doing
duty. Let us go to St. Pauls Church Hosp. Alexandria. Ah!
Bob. Murray is hopping around on crutches, but will never be fit
for duty again. Geo. Moore is here, not very well. He cant keep
quiet long enough to get well. He sends love--brotherly love
he says, for he is my brother. You do not know the rest, so
we will just see that they are doing well, and will walk home.
Here we are just at the door, now a parting loving kiss, and
“farewell for the present”. Give my love to all, and dream of
me tonight.