My own precious darling
I have just returned
from "Roll-Call" and seated myself in this
comfortable room with pen in hand to pour
out on paper thoughts, for your eyes Love,
which shall again remind you of my strong
devotion for my own loved one.
I received the kind letter from Messrs
Coon and Barnam, last evening. Nothing
could have given me greater pain than to
know that you, dearest; had suffered a relapse.
Your last letter was so hopeful and cheering
that I was much encouraged, but as you
say dearest, "There is many a slip, 'twixt
the cup and the lip." May God in his
great mercy give you strength, so that
you may not again be brought to your
bed. I think there was nothing which kept
me from utter despair, except the knowledge
[page 2]
that you had received a furlough, and that
God permitting, you will soon be home.
But love, will not the exertion be too great?
Will not the journey be too long for you
to undertake in you now weak state?
O Charlie, darling one, I tremble. Would that
you were but here. But I will be hopeful and
trust in God's goodness.
Seth informed me that the arrival of any
letters gave you great pleasure. I was gratified
to know it: I feared they were written with so
much sadness that they would but tend to
make you worse. But darling, do not read any
sad thoughts, read only the happy ones, or at
least do not dwell upon the sad ones.
I will try and write cheerful loving letters
just such as you dear patient Charlie need.
How happy I should be love, would I but
watch over you as you return to health,
I do not believe any one can do quite
as well as I should. How devoted I should
be. When the pain tortured you, I would try
[page 3]
gentle words, and as none but your Addie has
a right to utter. Then when you were able
and could endure it, I would read some a[?]
work from which we could obtain instruction and
for me, patience. Would we not be happy
dearest? In my dreams I was with you
last night. I went to sleep wishing that
I could fly to you, had no sooner fallen
into a gentle slumber than I was lifted
from my bed, and wafted far far away
over mountains, hills, rivers, cities and towns
on on till at last I found myself in
a dark comfortless room surrounded by me
Some were lying on rough beds others waling
around as if tired of life and wished
to walk into eternity. Upon inquiring I
was told t hat I was in a Hospital, and that
those pitiful objects were dear brave soldiers.
Mentally I asked if Charlie was there
and began searching: Earnestly I gazed in
each face hoping to see one familiar glance
one loving one but vainly, until I looked in
one corner and noticed a rude couch of straw
[page 4]
occupied by my Charlie. It needed no
second glance to convince me, besides over
it bent kind Seth Coon his face animated
and his blue eyes brimming with joy as he
asked "How you came." I flew to thee darling
and awoke kissing------Carrie
But darling dear Carrie wishes to write
a word of encouragement, and this with
hers must be all that you must read
at onetime. I will write a line to
the gentlemen who so kindly wrote to me
for you, and if you see proper please give
to them. Hoping soon to have you with
me I remain , as ever thine own true
Addie
[in another hand]
C. Tenney
May I beg the privilege
of addressing a few words to you? Although you
are a stranger to me yet I have heard you so fre-
quently spoken of that I almost feel we are
friends.
It has been with feelings of regret that we
have learned of you illness and be assured you
[cross hatched on page 4]
have the united sympathies of each one of us, as you have our earnest hope
that you may soon recover.
If you will not think it too presumptuous in me- I wold like to
say as Addie is very very anxious for your welfare - can you not through
the kindness of your friends let her hear from you often? If it is but a
line you know it will do her much good. Please pardon if I have said
too much.
Our people are gratified for the regard you sent in Addie's letters
and wish to be remembered kindly to you.
With the sincere hope that you may soon be restored to health - and
your permission
I subscribe myself
Your friend
Carrie Hibber
[Addie and Carrie were teachers together at school in Farmington]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farmington 15th Jan 1863
Gentlemen
A grateful heart prompts
me to address a few lines to you, as
a token of appreciation for all you
kindness toward my friend Mr. Tenney.
I doubt if you are aware of the happi=
=ness it brings me &c to know that absent
friends when ill are tended by those who
are faithful. Although I can not
recompense you as I would were I
differently situated yet you shall ever
have the prayers and blessings of a
grateful heart. May I ask one
request of you gentlemen? Will you
watch over Mr. Tenney as though he
were as dear to you as he is to me?
and will you inform me often in regard
to his health: If so God will reward you
and you will ever be remembered kindly
Addie G. Case
[The last letters in the correspondence of Adelaide Case and Charles Tenney of the 7th Ohio, who succumbed to his illness shortly afterwards]
MSS 11616
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