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The Correspondence of Charles Tenney with Adelaide Case, 1861-1863
Letters of Adelaide Case
1861

Thirteen letters written throughout the year.
1862

Fifty-six letters, including Addie's first declarations of love for Charlie.
1863

Three letters, including one from Addie to Mr. Barnum.
Undated Letters and Fragments

One undated letter and six letter fragments.

Copyright 2005, by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.
Commercial use prohibited. Please see our Conditions of Use.
1861, From Addie to Charlie:

January 19, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes to her "Dear Brother" Charlie about the strange winter weather in Mecca and various doings of their mutual acquaintances. Referring to prior correspondance, she expresses sympathy for the sorrow he related in the letter, apparently due to the fact that his own sister does not write him. Fearing that she is "selfish in asking," Addie inquires as to why Charlie's sister does not write. She returns later to the selfishness theme when she writes of her fears for her friends on the front, though tempers it with, "Dear Charlie. how willingly would I take your position in this war if I could do so."
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June 23, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes that although Charley's latest letter was "very welcome" she does not appreciate his flattery, and if he wishes to remain her friend he should avoid it in the future. She goes on to describe how she was moved by the portrait of Col. Elsworth that Charley sent in his letter. Addie refuses Charley's request to exchange ambrotypes, her reasons being the short duration of their acquaintance and a vow she once made to herself never to exchange pictures with any man except her fiance. She closes by letting him know that her sister, Laura, does know that they correspond and passes on Laura's advice to Charley to "always do what he knows to be right."
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August 10, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie fears her earlier letter to Charlie may not have reached him since it was sent to Camp Dennison (where he no longer is). She informs him that the 19th Regiment has recently returned to town, and says she is concerned about her brother Hallie, who is in the 7th Regiment, but who may be coming home in six weeks.
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September 10, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Mecca, September 10, 1861 Addie has heard Charles participated in a fight and desperately wants a letter. She says the newspaper listed brother Hal as a casualty but later contradicted it. Addie also comments, "suspense is almost as bad as reality."
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September 26, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Mecca, September 26, 1861 Addie has received his engraving of Camp Denison. She comments on her feelings of worthlessness during the ar and beseeches Charlie to write. She progresses to "Affectionately--Addie C. Case."
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October 3, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie apologizes for writing in pencil, assuring Charlie that this does not indicate a change in her feelings for him, but merely her lack of a pen and her need to write immediately as she has the chance to send the letter by Captain Aspen. She wonders what he is doing, and is quite anxious about him, having a "presentiment of evil" which she is struggling to overcome. She encloses a gift she has made for him, and urges him to come visit soon. She also expresses anxiety for and a wish to see Hal.
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October 12, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Besides regular things Addie answers Charlie regarding his inquires about James Beebe, she asks him about Hal, tells him about her dream, discusses improper behavior of Charlie's sister, asks about Seth. Coon [rest of the letter is illegible].
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October 16, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Adelaide apologizes for not writing and says she has been very busy, including having just returned from the funeral of her uncle, "Old Squire Sperry". She recounts the first snowfall, lamenting the fact that sleigh-rides and "kissing parties" are not possible because the snow doesn't last. Although she complains mildly of having to write to so many correspondents, she tells Charlie that he is her favorite, and would not dream of burning his letters, as he has suggested, but rather saves them in a special location in her trunk.
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October 27, 1861
Modernized
Letter
 In Addie's letter of October 27th, 1861, she writes about a recent death in her home town of Mecca, Ohio and reflects on the uncertainty of life. Her letter is flirtatious and playful. She talks, for example, about another man's interest in her--a member of Tenny's regiment--and says that she would rather be courted by Charlie. She also reflects on whether women prefer flattery to other forms of attention. And she tells him about going to a Ball for the 6th Ohio Cavalry, which she enjoyed, and asks him to guess who she would rather have been with.
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December 7, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie describes a recent visit with George Moore who brought news of Charlie's company. She also provides details about an unwanted evening visit from James Beebe. She mentions her plans for the upcoming winter and spring, and becomes passionate when describing a lecture she attended by a missionary Reverend, reflecting on the possibility that the present war might free America from "the curse of slavery".
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December 19, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		East Mecca at Aunt Sperry's, December 19, 1861 Addie says she thinks she will go to Oberlin in February to attend school.
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December 19, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		Addie insists that she can only think of Charlie as a brother, not as a sweetheart. She asks him to do the same. She worries that his move to Romney from Charleston means more danger.
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December 26, 1861
Modernized
Letter 		In a hastily written letter, Addie reassures Charlie that she has both received letters from him and sent weekly letters to him. She comments upon her daily activities (tea, Lodge, Lyceum), mentions mutual friends and family (Hal and Laurie), and wishes Charlie a belated Merry Christmas.
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Addie's Letters: 1861 1862 1863 Undated


1862, from Addie to Charlie:

January 1, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes to Charlie, thanking him for his "very acceptable" Christmas present. She also shares her thoughts on the ringing in of the new year. She is upset to think that the war will continue and she fears for Charlie's safety. In response to a previous letter from Charlie, she says that she has been writing to him every week.
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January 10, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie sits with an ill schoolmate. She catches Charlie up on news of mutual acquaintances. In addition to answering several of Charlie's questions about Mecca and her social life, she thanks him for the picture he sent her.
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January 12, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie expresses her feelings of horror at the war and says that until war began, she spent little time thinking of her country. She asks if Charles will return home on furlough before she and Laura leave for Oberlin in a little more than a month.
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January 26, 1862
Modernized
Letter		 Addie reveals that she sees Charlie only as a brother, not a lover. She is conflicted over her feelings, worried about hurting Charlie, and concerned over the impact on family and friends. Hoping that Charlie does not take the news badly, Addie points out that loving him as a brother places him in the highest esteem, and that it is not an empty and cold declaration. Addie closes the letter praying for a guardian angel to watch over Charlie.
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February 2, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie tells Charlie that she is a free spirit. She encourages Charlie to accompany her brother on a home visit. She tells how she maneuvers in her hometown to conceal her affection for Charlie. In her youth, she explains, she felt she should not be loved, and she tells Charlie what she thinks is her true nature.
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February 3, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie makes reference to a sketch of Charles' and a reference to a portrait of her. She admits to her longing for his presence and her distress about the casualities of the war as well as rumors which are in conflict with reports in the paper.
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February 4, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		After expressing her love, Addie explains to Charlie the work of the Soldiers Aid Society. Other topics she covers in the letter are the closing of the school and the drilling of another oil well in Mecca.
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February 9, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Mecca, February 9, 1862 In a largely illegible letter, Addie muses about how to handle their correspondence with other people, and she wonders how Charlie ever chanced his "abrupt question to a little country rustic like myself."
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February 9, 1862 [second letter]
Modernized
Letter 		Addie is very happy that Charlie has written her that he loves her. She writes back about her love for him. Her brother, Hal, is home on leave and wishes that he could have come home at the same time.
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February 11, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Adelaide writes to Charlie describing her thoughts concerning the frequency of their correspondence, her readiness for marriage, her feelings of affection for him and his being at war (the Battle on the Potomac).
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February 13, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie describes her recent activities and her preoccupation with Charlie. She conveys hometown news, including the murder of woman by her husband, thanks Charlie for a portrait he sent her, and encloses a portrait of herself.
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February 19, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Writing from the schoolroom, Addie relates a nightmare she had about Charlie being ill and delirious. She is worried about him because she has not heard from him in quite some time. Refering to the recent Union victory at Fort Donelson, Addie writes about the atrocities of war.
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February 23, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie first describes her worry when there is no letter from Charlie, and her joy when one arrives. She then explains that the George family of singers is visiting Mecca, and the two daughters, Jesse and Mollie, are staying with Addie's family. She names two song sung by the girls, "The Sword of Bunker Hill" and "Union for ever for me!", and describes the effect of the performaces on herself. Addie then responds to Charlie's tale of his personal history in his most recent letter to her, and describes the changes in her own emotions towards him, from sisterly love to true love for a "noble pure and high minded man." The letter indicates that her brother Hal is home on furlough, for he teases her about a possible visit from Charlie.
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February 25, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Adelaide writes to Charles from Mecca. The letter is concerned with personal matters including her and Charles's health and comments about, and reactions to, information in previously exchanged letters. Persons mentioned in the letter include Hal (Hallie), Laurie, and Capt. Aspen.
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March 12, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Oildom, visiting Dora, March 12, 1862 Addie is visiting her sister Dora, but she plans to go home as school closed two weeks ago. She is sad has not heard from Charlie for a long time.
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March 14, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie sits outside in the unseasonably warm March weather, fetches her writing desk from her aunt's house, and describes the scene for her Charlie. She wonders what can possibly keep him longer in the army now that (she thinks) certain victories have been won by the Union forces. This leads her to reflect on how painful it is for people at home, worrying over the soldiers at the front, but how glorious it is for those who die in battle. She is interrupted by her aunt's call to dinner. Addie continues her letter two days later, telling Charlie how sad she feels much of the time, with dark thoughts of all the war casualties. She ends abruptly with mention of meeting a mutual friend, also named Charlie, soon to go back to the front.
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March 23, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie is worried about not having received any letters from Charlie for two weeks. She refers to her dear Auntie and hopes Charlie will meet her in the future, and also comments on his and her own health, and a speech by Carl Schurp which she promises to send him later.
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April 1, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie expresses concern about Charles' wounded arm and her belief that he is downplaying its severity, as well as sadness for others (Fred; Arthur Cavanah) who were wounded or died. She mentions a conversation she had with a friend, Laurie. Addie worried when she heard about a battle and then did not hear from him for three weeks. Having been offered a six month position as a teacher, she seeks his opinion on whether or not she should accept. She urges him to come home before she starts teaching. At the end, she asks if Charlie knows Edwin Williams and Will Braden of the 29th Ohio Regiment.
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April 8, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie has received another letter from Charlie, where he has discussed a move, and expresses that all are safe. She discusses several poems and their authoresses. She expresses her worry after hearing of the battle at Winchester. She tells him of several lady friends she will introduce him to when he visits next. She wants to know his opinion about her becoming a summer school teacher.
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April 13, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie mentions being upset after reading about the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and she anticipates with dread the Battle of Yorktown, which she expects to occur soon. She asks Charlie to send her a full-length photograph of himself, and she mentions the burial of Wallace Coburn of Bazetta, a nearby township, who was a soldier in the Seventh Ohio Regiment.
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April 16, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		In addition to writing Charlie news of their mutual friends in Mecca, Ohio, Addie expresses genuine joy and optimism towards life. Waxing poetic about budding trees and singing birds, she proclaims "Life seems grand to day, and blessed. Indeed I think I am blessed. Yes, dearest blessed with your love." Addie also reveals that she has taken a teaching position in East Claridon and will begin in less than two weeks.
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April 20, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie discusses the use of pet names in the letters. She explains her decision to begin teaching in East Claridon, Ohio. She thanks Charles for his recent gifts to her and urges him to continue to write to Laura after Addie leaves for East Claridon. Finally, Addie mentions the visit of Laura and the receipt of a letter from John Chaffee.
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May 5, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes to Charles about her first day as a schoolmarm. She tells him about the antics of her young students and the benefits she derives from students that are the same age as herself. She also, in glowing terms, decribes the countryside near the Cuyahoga river.
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May 6, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		On Thursday Evening, May 6th, 1862, Addie writes to Charlie about her continuing experiences as a school teacher in East Claridon, Ohio. In the teaching tradition of the time, she boards around and in this case, she is boarding with Libbie Armstrong. In this letter, she focuses on her experience with two of her students, Kate and Mary Page. Both students refuse to join the class in morning and afternoon Bible readings and this causes Addie much distress. Addie also continues her conversation about her love and longing for Charlie.
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May 16, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes of being proud to be a "Yankee girl"; her anger that women cannot show their patriotism by fighting; and her physical appearance. She describes to Charlie her first experience as a traveling teacher, which she refers to as "boarding around."
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May 18, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie tells Charlie about her recuperation from a bad headache by listening to music. She also describes a visit with a mother of one of her students. While there, the mother read a part of a letter from the mother's brother. The letter describes the lack of feeling by the soldier upon seeing the dead and dying on the field on the day after a battle. Addie expresses her shock at his callous observations.
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May 26, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie has not heard from Charles in three weeks and fears the worst. She laments that her dreams may prove true, that he has been killed, and prefers death for herself rather than the intolerable suspense of not knowing. Trying to end the letter more on a more positive note, she goes talks about her enjoyment of school teaching. Finally she indicates at the end of the letter that she has just received two letters from Charlie.
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May 27, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Writing during the break of one of her morning teaching sessions at Claridon, Addie expresses her pride at Charlie's noble achievements. She describes an encounter with Mr. Richardson at Mr. Armstrong's, whom she found "insolent." After school, she resumes her writing, in which she renews her request for a portrait of Charlie and relates to him her punishment of one of the boys for swearing. She made him read the commandment from the Bible (Exodus 20:7) against taking the Lord's name in vain, which had the intended effect.
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June 4, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		East Claridon, June 4, 1862 Addie muses about her school, 30 scholars from 4 to 17 years old, who study writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar, algebra and orthography, and she lists the names of texts used. She asks Charlie what he thinks of the retreat of General Banks and discusses her views of the occupation of Winchester. She also tells of her feelings of very old and very young men going to war.
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June 14, 1862 [TO DO -- no transcript]
Modernized
Letter 		East Claridon, June 14, 1862 Addie has learned of the Battle of Shiloh and hopes fervently that Charlie can come home. She describes a conversation with head of family at one of her boarding places who was "half secesh" and who sees nothing to fight for.
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June 18, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		East Claridon, June 18, 1862 Addie has received Charlie's letter from the 5th, she discusses retreat from Winchester and says she has heard that Rebels have mutilated the monument to Mrs. (George) Washington.
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June 24, 1862 [TO DO -- no transcript]
Modernized
Letter 		East Claridon, June 24, 1862 Addie says her brother Hal has reenlisted, she describes hardships endured by women with "suspense over their soldiers eating their hearts away. She thinks its providential that Charlie was impelled to remain at Luray while rest of regiment went on to Port Republic.
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July 2, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie writes to Charlie on July 2nd about conflicting reports in the newspaper that Richmond had fallen or was again Uncle Sam's. She wishes for peace to be declared on "that memorable day," the 4th. Her letter writing, which was interrupted by the coming of her scholars, continues on July 3rd. Addie has heard "that desperate fighting was going on at Richmond. that 1200 of our brave men were already lying cold and insensible on the field", yet she yearns to be with him.
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July 6, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie tells Charlie that she is writing from Colebrook, Ohio on her way home to Mecca as school has been closed for haying. She comments on a punishment Charlie received and on several of the Union generals, and closes by telling Charlie that the friendliness of a certain Mr. Richardson is repulsive to her.
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July 17, 1862
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Letter 		Addie says she has read the military order prohibiting furloughs, even for sick and wounded, and admonishes Charles to be careful of his health so she won't worry. She further talks about mutual friends and a photograph she received from Charlie.
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July 31, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Addie, writing to Charlie from East Claridon, expresses concerns over military activities in Richmond as well as possible interference from England. Addie updates him on her current activities and articulates her longing to be with him.
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August 11, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Schoolroom, East Claridon, August 11, 1862 Addie describes an incident in which she had to punish young female student with two blows with her hand. She comments on a line in Charlie's letter to her in which he writes "My life is nothing if by its sacrifice my country can be saved," and Addie adds that such a sacrifice would also sacrifice her life.
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August 31, 1862
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Letter 		East Claridon, August 31- September 1 (cont.), 1862 Addie tells of constant rumors of sacrifice and defeats on the Rappahannock and gives her description of friends who are considered "cowards."
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September 10, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Writing from East Claridon, Ohio, where she works as a schoolteacher, Addie expresses her despondancy at not receiving letters from Charlie and her discouragement at news of recent advances by Confederate forces in Maryland, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. She relates her neighbors' comments about the War and expresses her frustration at their pessimism. She looks forward to her brother's return home in a few days, expresses her love for Charlie, and wishes that he, too, could return home soon.
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September 15, 1862
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Letter 		In a letter to Charlie, Addie forgives him for his infrequent letters. She goes on to give her opinion on General McClelland, General Pope and the condition of their troops. She ends her letter with her feelings about her year at school.
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September 22, 1862
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Letter 		Clevaland, at Dora's home, September 22, 1862 Addie longs for Charles' return and comments again on unfavorable opinion of many in Ohio of McClellan. She has long discussion of attitudes of Ohioans about the war.
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September 28, 1862 [BAD IMAGES]
Modernized
Letter 		Mr. Holcomb's residence, near Mecca, September 28, 1862 In an answer to Charlie's letter of the 21st, Addie wonders how she ever lived without Charlie and asks if he has any regrets.
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October 4, 1862
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Letter 		Unknown Location, October 4, 1862 Addie is visiting her uncle's house as "maid of all works" while her aunt is away. She answers Charles' letter from the 25th and comments on his being in Virginia overlooking the Blue Ridge and wants him to describe it to her. She says her love of country is paramount to "everything but God and you." Addie gives glowing opinion of the "gallant Seventh Ohio." She says she is listening to Uncle reading about battle of Sharpsburg and watching him wipe away tears and remarks sadly on General Hooker's wounds. She says people in Ohio now more enthusiastic about McClellan and comments on character of Generals Pope and McDowell.
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October 12, 1862
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Letter 		Mecca, October 4-12, 1862 On pink Eagle U.S. stationary, Addie writes that she has two letters from Charlie, one from the 18th of August and another the 20th of September, and says she is more interested in hearing about Charlie's adventures than travels of Generals. She chastens him for thinking he writes too "politically" and describes reports of different battles in Missouri and Chambersburg.
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October 25, 1862

Modernized
Letter 		Addie experiences conflicting emotions about the role Charlie and the other men in her life should play: is their place at home or in the army? She gently scolds Charlie for not writing more often, but tries hard to take an interest in the vicissitudes of his life as a soldier and the technicalities of the campaign. She asks him to come home on furlough, and excuses herself for not writing at length, as her mother has not yet fully recovered from her illness.
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November 2, 1862
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Letter 		Mecca, November 2, 1862 Addie learns of Charles' illness and hopes he has fully recovered; she hadn't realized he was so ill.
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November 9, 1862
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Letter 		Feeling somewhat depressed, Addie writes to Charlie about what is bothering her: she has not heard from him in two weeks and her sister Laura is soon to be married. Turning to political news, she mentions her relief at the electoral defeat of Clement Vallandigham: Ohio's Democratic congressman who was opposed to the war on the grounds that it violated states and individuals rights.
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November 16, 1862
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Letter		 Addie admonishes Charlie for not having written her in almost three weeks, and then apologizes for opening a letter that he wrote to Hal. She promises to forward the letter to Hal in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he is finishing school. Laurie, she informs Charlie, has married Mr. Thompson and the newlyweds are on their "tour" of Mr. Thompson's friends in Columbiana County. She prays that Laurie never regrets her decision, but continues, "I can not dwell on the matter without pain." She shows her support for General George McClellan and expresses her disapproval of President Abraham Lincoln's removing McClellan from command, going as far as calling the President a traitor. Jealousy and political influences she feels have kept the best officers from positions of leadership, thus prolonging the war.
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November 23, 1862
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Letter 		Farmington, November 23, 1862 Addie writes she has learned of Charles' illness and is suffering for him; she is glad he is in current position rather than performing the arduous duties of camp. She likes her new school she is attending in Farmington where she is studying Algebra, Latin and Music.
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December 8, 1862
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Letter 		Farmington, December 8, 1862 Addie has for several days had "unwelcome forebodings" because has not heard from Charlie and spent yesterday reading all of his old letters, which detail all his troop movements thus far.
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December 10, 1862
Modernized
Letter 		Farmington, December 10, 1862 Addie has received his "dear" letter from the 25th and is so happy, though greatly disturbed because his health is so impaired. In response to his request, she gives him advice on an application for a discharge. She says that though it might seem unpatriotic of her, she feels they both have done their duty.
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December 17, 1862
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Letter 		Farmington, December 17, 1862 Addie has heard nothing since last letter and is agonizing between hope and despair over whether Charlie will be discharged. She describes her daily routine as a student.
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December 28, 1862 [TO DO -- no transcript]
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Letter 		Farmington, December 28, 1862 Addie has received letters from the 15th,18th, and 19th and is saddened by news of his deteriorating health. She prays feverishly that God will let strangers care for him tenderly.
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December 31, 1862 [TO DO -- no transcript]
Modernized
Letter 		Farmington, December 31, 1862 Addie writes that Charles' love has sustained her through the past year, though the year has been sad for the country except "thank God tomorrow slavery ceases." She comments on evils of slavery and consequences it has provoked and bemoans fate in not being with "beloved Charlie."
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Addie's Letters: 1861 1862 1863 Undated
1863, from Addie to Charlie:
January 7, 1863
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Letter 		Farmington, January 7, 1863 Addie worries greatly because has not heard from Charles.
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January 15, 1863 [RBS2006]
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Letter 		Farmington, January 15, 1863 In a kind letter from Messers. Coon and Barnum, Addie learns that Charlie has received a furlough but has suffered a relapse and may not be able to take it. She describes a dream in which she is transported to a hospital with wounded soldiers where she finds Charlie.
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Undated Letters and Fragments, from Addie to Charlie:

Undated letter (17th) n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
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Fragment 1 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Large: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Fragment 2 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Large: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Fragment 3 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2
Large: 1 | 2
Fragment 4 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Large: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Fragment 5 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Large: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Fragment 6 n.d.
Modernized
Letter 		SUMMARY
Images Small: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Large: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
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