In line of battle 2 miles above Rockville, Md
Sept 9th 1862
My darling Addie
Your very short but withal kind letter of
Aug. 18th I received yesterday and although there is no certainty
of a chance to sen it, I will reply to it today. You will forgive
me for writing on poor quality of paper when I tell you that mine
is all with the company wagon, and this sheet is all I could obtain
out here in the woods. You will under[stand] why I do not oftener write to you
and what can induce me to remain silent for so long a time, I wrote
you a letter a few days since, but could not send it until day before yes
terday–In it, I gave you a very hasty sketch of what we had been doing for
the two or three weeks previous, and said when we could remain 24
hours in a place, I had much to write you. Although we have remained
in our present position for nearly forty eight hours we know not how
soon we may move three, ten or twenty miles but I will do all I can in
the interim. My health (not withstanding the constant exposure)
remains in excellent condition, which I consider somewhat remarkable, as
the officers, who are much better cared for than the men, and very many
of the men are suffering from colds, summer complaints, &c. Perhaps
it is owing to your prayers, and your wish for me to care for my health.
I think I will give you a resume of my daily routine. My first
work after roll call is to prepare my breakfast, consisting of a cup of coffee-
some fried meat and crackers–and a dish of stewed apples or peaches (both
are very plenty here) —After B. until noon I read papers, etc. Then comes
dinner of Coffee & crackers.–then reading, and making entries into my journal
until night, then prepare supper [vide Breakfast.] Then you will
see that time must necessarily lay, and pass wearily by. Occasionally, we can
get up a spirited and lively “confab” relating to the topics of the day in which
Generals have to pass a rigid criticism not always favorable; but then our
opinions do not make any visible alteration in the conduct of the war.
Just now Pope and McDowell are receiving a generous share of anathemas
and invectives while McClellan is idolized. Speaking of generals, I
am tempted to treat you to a little scandal about out division general–
Green. When Gens. Augur and Gray were wounded at Cedar Mountain
Brig Gen Green was next in rank, so assumed command of the division
since which by his familiar manners and the supercilious way
he treats officers in the Ohio regiments he has rendered himself completely
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obnoxious and whenever he makes his appearance, he is met with
“Here comes Greeney!” “Hurrah for our green general!” and the like.
A couple of conundrums are going the rounds–“Why is the 2nd Division
the love of the army?” “Because it is Augur’s” “Why is it now very
unpopular?” “Because it has a green commander.” Green has a son
who is one of his aidecamps. He is a very verdant looking fellow, and he
evidently adores his mustache, which is scarcely perceptible, but
he is no more popular than his father. Latterly Green has acquired the
cognomen of “Night hawk” since he moves us so much after night.
Very likely your curiosity is aroused to know why we are in line of
battle here so long instead of being in camp. Rumor has it that
the rebels are in force in front of us, but we form the center line or reserve
and we await a demonstration on our front. I hardly think they
they will make a push this way, though I learn they have taken Frederick.
I have heard also that the rebels have made a crossing into Ohio
and committed several daring depredations. But then, it is but rumor
and lacks confirmation. I wish you could hear the rumors of the army
for one day, you would say it was the most incongruous mass of infor-
mation you ever heard in your life. I pay no attention to the body of
of them, as it would cause me too much uneasiness, and I do not like
to be disturbed with fears of the “near approach of the enemy,” and such like
apprehensions, for it is imminent enough to endure trouble when
it does come, without knowing any unnecessary trouble.
I saw an article in a late Cleveland leader from W.H.H. McCauly[?]
in which he condemns the removal of Gen. Tyler from the command of
the 3d Brigade and the assignment of Gen Geary to the same, with the
addition of the 28th Pa Regt., thus forming the !st Brigade of the 2d Division.
He also charges Geary with destroying property, and incontinently flying
when there was no enemy within 20 miles. This is false. He did not
authorize the destruction of the property, nor was it done with his knowledge.
neither did he retreat in disorder. He simply obeyed the order from
Washington to fall back to Manassas & he did it with his command
in excellent order. It was the 104th N.Y. who burned the guns
tente &c then retreated in confusion, and they belonged to Duryea’s
brigade. I say (and it will be borne out by the testimony of the
leading generals–Banks, Augur, Pope &c. &c.) that no better Brig. Gen
exists than John W. Geary.
I have been pained to notice the proceedings in the West, and
think much more might have been done by Gens. Grant &
Buell, but it is not for me to censure. Anger and fearful
that some daring rebel will make a raid up into good old
Trumbull Co.? But I guess the “struggles of the dying confederacy, in
the last throes,” will hardly reach so far, even though Maryland does
suffer as evidently she must.
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But I have learned that mail closes at 10.30, and that
we move at 11, so I must write fast, as it is now 10.
Col. Asper and Maj. Crane are both sick and Adjt Molyneaux
commands the Regt. He is a very agreeable man, and of late,
(Singularly enough?) has evinced considerable interest in me.
To what circumstance of luck I am indebted for the above, I
know not.
How does your school prosper? Near its close, are you
not? And how and where is Dora? You have not quarrelled
with her, have you?
You must write me a great long letter next
time, will you not, love? If you do not, I may be tempted to
administer a light rebuke. Your prayers, my love, are
potent, and God is good. Put your trust in him and
he will bring us all in his time.
I must close now. Believe me, I remain
Your own true and faithful Charlie
Co. K. 7th R.O.V.I.
1st Brigade, 2d Division
Banks Corps
Washington D.C.
Charles Tenney to his fiancee Adelaide Case
MSS 11616
