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ALS 4 pp. value="1862-02-28" February 28, 1862
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Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case
Charles receives a longed for letter from Adelaide and thanks her for it. He discusses how as a single man it is difficult to find people to vouch for his character, especially as he is in not on amiable terms with his father's family. He chastises Mollie for disapproving of Adelaide taking time to write, and then describes his religious sentiments professing his faith is not as it should be, but that the Bible is his most precious book.
Letter from Charles N. Tenney to Adelaide E. Case, 1862 February 28
Camp Tyler, Va.
Feby 28th 1862
My own lovedTo: Addie
;
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 myduty 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 Ineverdoubted.[ 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 maintainstrict 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
"Large Family."but I am sure I could
not like
"Mollie."She must be of a selfish nature
if she could not give you an hour or two to write
to[illeg.] those who are fighting in her behalf,
to secure the priveleges she evennow enjoys
Not thatI 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 eventhat.
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 -- To: 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 loveme.
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, yesmany of those who
profess to have a
"saving knowledge of Christare misguided, is a matter of as little doubt.
Jesus"
"The Bible is true."is one of my
"articles of faith."
"Christ died for all,"is another,
"God is just,"is a third.
From these, you percieve I believe that the way
is open for allwho will, to enter Heaven.
I do not profess to Love the Saviour, as I ought,
butI might. I have my Bible, and I consider
it the most precious of all books.To: Addie
, there
is not a ch[ ^r^] istian in this company! Are you
astonished?Tis true. I shudder to think of
the end, yetI amone of them.
To: 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.
P.S. Do you ever sing.
"Dixie"
My favorite is
"Ever of thee". Our band plays it beautifully.