Monday, June 4, 2012

1862 June 5 Luray C.H. Page Co. Va

                                                  June 5th
                            Luray C.H. Page Co. Va.
My darling Addie--I hardly know how
to write, as it has been so long since I wrote
you--but darling, I have not written one
here to anyone since I penned my last
which was written nearly a month ago.
I know you will think me ungrateful
or at least sick or dead.  But since the
11th of May, we have been constantly marching
Out of 25 days we have marched 20, having
marched to Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock
and back by way of Manassas Junction &
the Gap to the Valley again.  Now, Addie
I am indignant, I will tell you why.
         Gen. Shields and Gen. Banks had a
quarrel while in N. market, which resulted
in the transfer of Gen. S--'s command to Gen
McDowell's Dept. To obtain the transfer, he,
Shields--misrepresented the matter to the War
Dept. stating that the Valley was safe from
all attacks by the Enemy &c &c--that

[page 2]
Banks could safely hold it, and as soon as
our division left the Valley, Jackson returned
with 25000 strong, and you know how he
advanced killing sick[?] [?] (Goodness, how
poor this ink). After marching 20 days
and nearly half of the period stormy, when
we arrived at Luray, we were pretty well
nigh "used up."  This morning Shields
issued an order to the effect that those who
had no shoes, or other clothing, and who were
otherwise unable to march could remain at
Luray C. H., but they would be considered
cowards!  Also that those officers who were unwil=
ling to follow him through rain and mud "could
resign and he would fill their places with brave
men."  I wonder if he thinks that men, capable of
doing just as much benefit to the Country as himself
are to be marched through rain, mud, sunshine
and dust, exposed at night to storms, dews &c
drawing but 2/3 rations of Pilot Bread and Coffee
without salt meat of any kind, and almost destitute
of clothing simply to gratify his ambition.
He rides a horse, and when one horse gets tired

[page 3]
has two more to choose from, with "carte blanche"
orders t confiscate others, while we dogs of soldiers
that we are--trudge along knee deep (pardon
the expression) in the mud and water, easily carrying
our muskets of 12 or 14 lbs weight, 3 days rations,
canteens of water, 40 rounds of ammunition and a blanket
perchance a knapsack--Oh! yes so easily!
Well, Addie, human nature has its limits of
endurance, and I confess mine has been nearly
reached.  My constitution is not made of iron, nor
can I claim to be able to march forever, and I
find myself, at  4 P.M. this day, "one of Gen.
Shields cowards." Do you wonder my love if I
blush at the thought, or upon the imputation of so
debasing a title?  Of all things, I detest a coward,
for he is capable of any mean action, but, if it is
cowardly to stop when worn out physically, and
mentally, and destitute of apparel,--and that
when the Quarter=masters and Surgeons refuse
to carry the sick in wagons and ambulances,--why
I am a coward, and I have the audacity to
stand and justify myself in the act.  But, my
own, I should not have this done, but I was

[page 4]
positively commanded by Lieut Brisbine,
& Dr. Denig to remain.  I am not in the
Hospital, nor with the sick, but I reported
to the Provost Marshall, and am now doing
Provost duty, there are, in the Church where I
am quartered, nearly 100 men, from different
regiments, in nearly the same condition as myself.
We are in command of Lieut. West of the 62d R.
and he is a fine young man too.  He has
organized us into a company, pro. tem.
and appointed the subordinate officers. I am
second sergeant. There is another church
near here with nearly 80 men in, and
still another with  139 130, and there are
other houses literally filled with destitute
men. Besides there are lying sick in
Hospital fully 300 men and for 48 hours
(with the a few exceptions) they have had no
medical treatment whatever.  Will Borden
is one of these.  I have been to see  him
several times to=day, and I found him
lying upon the floor of the Court House, with
nothing but one blanket, and that too, while
fever is actually killing him.  Oh! Addie
I never thought we would have so heartless supe-
riors. Gen Tyler,--to his credit be it said--
has tried to mitigate our sufferings, but what
could he do, while an ambitious superior
commands him? Simply nothing.
       You remember I wrote to you or Laurie
of Chaplain Wright's sermon on the four great
evils of the army. Growling, or fault finding
was one of them.  I did not meant to write in
a grumbling sort way, but I confess it does
sound very like it.  I simply wrote
the truth, however, unpleasant as it is.
I am wiling and anxious to do all in
my power to crush this horrible rebellion,

[page 5]
but, Addie, it is conceded by all here that
such useless marches as the one S__'s division
has just made, and is still making, will
never end the rebellion.  The sequel proved
it to be worse than useless, for had he remained
in the Valley, Jackson would never have returned
and our lines would have been extending instead
of contracting.  Happily, the enemy, fearing
the power of this Division, are falling back.
But it would have been far different, had
we remained, as we were, a "terror" to Jack=
son's men.  "What is past cannot
be recalled." however, and it is best for me
to "reconit" a little, and forbear 23 months
longer, even if we do have to march.

[letter of Charles N. Tenney, of the 7th Ohio Infantry to Adelaide Case will continue on the sixth]

MSS 11616

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