Culpeper Court House Va.
Aug 18th 1862
My darling Addie,
Dont you think I keep my
promises well? I did not intend to allow
twenty four hours to elapse after I wrote that
short letter, ere I answered your two letters in
full, but Burns has quaintly, yet truthfully
said–“The best laid plans of mice and men
Gang aft aglee.”
What with guard duty, reviews, inspections
&c, our time has been completely occupied, ever
since we came to this camp.
I have been cogitating this morning on vari=
ous subjects, but invariably my thoughts revert
to Ohio, and it is not difficult for you to con-
jecture to what point, so I thought would
have a few moments chat with the immediate
object of my affections. When I received
your darling letters just after the battle, my
heart was inexpressibly lightened, and I felt more
[page 2]
like enduring the hardships which I knew would
inevitably ensue, but I confess they were lighter
or at least they seemed so to me–than we all
expected, But I will not dwell on this.
While we were at Alexandria, I wrote a
letter to you Papa, asking his consent to our
union at any time you might specify, and I
received a reply which made me very happy.
He says “If it is your and Addie’s wish to connect
your destinies for life, you shall have my best
wishes and approval, unless that I shall learn
of some dishonor attached to you, or her.”
Ought I not to be happy, after receiving a
reply like that? do you wonder, my own,
why I took such a course without informing
you? I scarcely know myself, unless it was
that I might have the pleasure of telling you, my-
self, that he is not opposed to our union
Have I your pardon, my Queen, for so palpable
a wrong? Now that there is no obstacle inter-
vening, there remains noting but for you to
denominate a day to consumate our union
I know my darling, that it was you request
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that you should make the first allusion to this,
but I feel an anxiety to know the time when
you will be all mine. But of course there is
the uncertainty of the time when I shall come
home. Pardon me, Addie mine, if I have
made an ill timed allusion, and I will offend
no more.
You ask my opinion of McClellan and his
movements. Really that is a very difficulty question
to answer; however, I will give you my mind.
Now I have ever loved McClellan with all his
strategy and his faults, and it grieves me deeply
to learn of the reverses he sustains from time to
time. But I feel assured that it is no fault of
his. Only look at the disadvantages under which
he has labored. He had a magnificent army when
he landed at Newport News, and he reduced York-
town much quicker than any of his many persecutors
could have done if by an assault, and carried up
his advantage until he reached the very face and front
of the most formidable defences of modern times, and
requested reinforcements. These were denied him (until
too late) and he was forced to assume the defensive
[page 4]
having to sustain a front of more than thirty
miles after having to garrison the entire Peninsula
which he had conquered, and to face the horrors
of disease from the horrible Chickahominy swamps.
At last, despairing of aid, either by direct rein=
forcements or cooperation from the Rappahannock
by McDowell, he was forced to make that most
difficult movement of all–to change his base
by a flank movement in the face of an enemy,–
and this at a time when the rebels were strongly
reinforced and greatly outnumbered him.
Notwithstanding the fact that the enemy wee
defeated in each of the six days battles, he was
forced to hasten on toward the James River, or he
would be left as bad as at first: and I say
boldly, that those who condemn McClellan for the
course pursued by him on the Peninsula, are un=
qualified enemies to the cause of the Union–pro=
vided they know the circumstances. I confess
that for a time, my faith in him began to waver,
but when I closely examined the record, I felt
more confident than ever. It is my opinion
direct attack upon the left flank of
Richmond
that he intends to join Pope’s army and make a
[page 5]
My mind in relation to English intervention is
easily expressed. The grain crop in entire Europe
is a failure this year, and it is a self evident fact
that we must furnish England with bread, and
she must learn, with the South, that “Corn (not Cotton)
is King.” Even that most virulent secession sheet
“the Richmond Enquirer,” despairs of foreign aid.
In case England should be so hotheaded as to inter=
fere in our civil affairs, she will find that she
not only “puts her foot in it,” but gets in all over.
Ireland will surely revolt and throw off the iron
chance and inflict the
yoke, and France will improve the ^ long delayed
revenge for their defeat at Waterloo. No! no! Do not
fear, England is but too glad to remain across the
sea and insult us, but is too cowardly to attack
us. I think she will have her hands full to keep
Canada under her thumb. I am daily expecting to
hear that the long smouldering fires will have
broken out, and Canada declared her independence.
Let it be so,–we will have a powerful ally on
our own shores, and England will tremble.
[page 6]
One remark gave me most sincere pleasure, it is this
that you have ceased to consider any thing I say as
flattery. I have never intentionally used flattery, for
two reasons—1st I know you dislike it–2d, I detest it.
And when I say you are one of the best
living girls, I say so from a deep, firm conviction
of truth and justice–nay do not smile, I am a
good reader of character, and my estimates seldom
fall short.
My darling, I admire your patriotism
but I could not say amen to your sacrificing
your life, should I fall. Would it not be wrong?
You know I enlisted to defend my country- with
my life if needs be, and should I fall, and our
country be saved you should live and enjoy the
fruit of our–of my labor. But I have passed
through fires unharmed, while my comrades fell
around me, and is not that allpowerful God
able to still protect me–while you pray for me?
He will do it.
“Good for you”–the firmness you displayed
in punishing Miss Lizzie will be of immense
advantage to you hereafter, as you will find
[page 7]
Certainly you are a good girl for telling me
your experiences, and my own, you must not
hesitate to make me your confidant, I will be
but too happy to share your trials and assist
you in difficulties.
I have not yet heard from Hallie. I
read in the papers that the regiment was
ordered to report at Columbus on the 25th
of this month, but do not know whether they
have gone or not.
Where is Dora? Did my letter offend
her? If so, kiss her for me, and ask her to par=
don me, will you not. Speaking of “kisses”
reminds me of my dream last night. My bed
was very hard and I was quite restless, and
I had just sunk into a troubled sleep when I
felt a soft hand upon my forehead, I instantly
awoke, the room–it was a pretty chamber–was
light, but no one was to be seen. I hastily
attired myself, and the light expired. I then
lay down upon my bed and closed my eyes
in deep thought. Scarcely had I done so, when
I felt that same soft, warm hand, on my
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forehead. Upon opening my eyes, the light was
again burning, but again no one was to be seen.
As I peered around in a sort of dreamy wonder
I saw a curtain at the opposite end of the room
move sightly, and heard an eager though sup=
pressed breathing. Advancing, I drew the curtain
aside, and entered–“I came–I saw- I” threw my
arms around your lovely form, and pressed your
ruby lips to mine,–and I jumped nearly out
of the tent, treading one someones toes in the ope=
rations. I had turned partly over and hit the
tent, and a great big bug fell upon my nose—
but I feel that loving kiss still–so warm and
genial. Wasn’t it a funny dream?
But I must close. Write very soon, my precious
Addie. Give my love to yourself, and remem=
ber me to Dora.
Ever your devoted Charley.
Direct Co. H. 7th Regt. O.V.I.
Geary’s Brigade, Army of Virginia
via Washington D.C.
[in top left margin of page 1]
I send you a little flower that I
picked upon the battlefield
while the cannon boomed and
the shells were bursting. It
was a very pretty one–of a bright
pink and blue. It grew
upon a creeping vine.
Do you know the name
of it?–Geo Moore and
Little Bob Murray are at
Alexandria
Charles N. Tenney, Co. H, 7th Ohio
MSS 11616