Loudon Heights, near Harper’s Ferry, Va.
Sept. 25th 1862
My own loved Addie
Here I am once more in Virginia–again on
sacred soil. Not only in Va, but way up on the Blue
Ridge, where the very clouds are often under our feet. I
would be very pleasant, if it were not for two very serious
drawbacks.–It is quite cold, and we have to go down
the mountain half a mile for water. There is a kind of
Block house up here, from which we have a splendid view
of the surrounding country, particularly to the north and
west. We can see the church-spires of Martinsburg with the
aid of a field glass.–21 miles distant and were it not for intervening
hills and forests we could see Winchester. Away as far as the
eye can search the Alleghanies raise their lofty peaks, far above
the heights of North Mountain and the Shenandoah Mountain
both of which intervene. As far as romance goes, this is by
far the most interesting place we have been in.
[page 2]
Well, we are here, and romance or reality, we must bear
all without a murmur. I wrote you from Maryland Heights
a few days since, just to assure you of my safety, and said I
had two letters to answer. Last evening, I was again gladdened
by the receipt of another of your priceless missives, and as there is no
prospect of immediate removal, I thought I would devote my time to
replying to the three still unanswered, so “here goes.”
I was very much pleased with your description of, and comments
upon the marriage of Mr. Hathaways. Indeed, I think if I were a
lady, and were engaged to a young man, at such at crisis as
existed at the breaking out of the Rebellion, I should have strenuously
urged my affianced to the rescue of our glorious Union, and if he
were disposed to display the white feather,–as in the case of Hathaway–
I should have summarily dismissed him as unworthy the respect,
not to say love-of any patriotic minded person. Indeed, in my
estimation, the love of our country should be paramount to all but
the “love of God.” If I do battle for my country; am I not vindica=
ting the cause of all we hold dear?–am I not resenting an insult to
every loyal heart, whether male or female? Most assuredly I am, and I
should count myself unworthy the least of your notice, my treasure,
were I to sit idly by, at this portentous moment. truly “coward”
is his name.–“Love, honor and obey!” God bless you, for your outspoken
indignation at such a man. So you thought our
national sky very much darkened, about the 10th of Sept. Has the
obscurity been removed at all within the past 10 days? Yes, it
did sound strangely–“Maryland and Ohio invaded.” and one would
[page 3]
have thought we stood sadly in need of a man of nerve and
fortitude, as in truth we did, but has not Gen McClellan sustained
all I ascribed to him? Has he not refuted the charges of the “Ultra“
press of the north, such as daily emanated from the N.Y. Tribune?
You know the Tribune has always claimed to be the organ of the true
Union party? Well, its influence in the border states, has been anything
but favorable to our cause,–on the contrary, by its indiscriminate
attack upon gen. McClellan, and other generals who did not precisely
agree with that sheet, in every political point of view, however slight,
it has tended to sow distrust and discontent. I have conversed with
very many of the Army of the Peninsula, both officers and men, and they
love McClellan, with a feeling beyond a mere respect. No one knows
the result of an engagement better than the men who participate therein
and I have not conversed with a soldier, officer or private, who will
say that McClellan was defeated in either of the battles before Richmond
but on the contrary, they say that in every case, the enemy was driven
from the field. But in the face of the six days fighting,where the
aims of McClellan was to change his base of supplies, to a point, where
if he could not have the cooperation the troops promised him by the
Secretary of War, he could at least be in a position where the famous
Raid upon Tunstalls St. could not be renewed, –in this case, each day, with
its victory,left him in a situation equally as critical as at first, so
the only alternative was to secure his point at Harrison’s landing, as
he had not the support requisite to an advance upon the works
at Richmond. But those cavillers, ready to use the least seeming advan
tage to cry down a really good general, put their fingers to their
[page 4]
ears, and ran toward Fortress Monroe, crying defeat, defeat.
I know not what the “C. Herald” based its assertion upon that Gen.
McClellan’s army was demoralized but if I know any thing of a body
of men,–and having been in the army 17 months, I ought to.–then Gen.
McClellan’s army was very far from being demoralized, but on the contrary
were in a high state of discipline, though very faint and weary The
plain truth is, if any army was “demoralized”, it was John Pope’s–or that
portion of it commanded by McDowell–notwithstanding the Herald’s
adoration of Gen. Pope. I am sorry Gen. McClellan has no more
friends in the north, but I am sure if the people of the north, knew
this brave man, as well as the army does, they would say with us, and
against the N.Y. Tribune, “he is the man for the times.” I venture this
prophecy–Gen. McClellan’s star shall rise and the nation will praise
his valor and statesmanlike conduct. Have you not noticed
that the Herald, & Tribune have all along evinced a disposition to condemn
our noble president? the aim is the same–to destroy the present administration
As Secretary Seward told G. G. Train a few days since “Put out McClellan
and break up the administration.” you ask “what will become of our
country?” I will tell you as “Mr. Seward told Mr. Train–“You cannot
stop God’s waterworks; the great wheels turn around, the wheat
comes, down, the big millstones move, and the wheat will come
out flour in all good time.” Be of good cheer, my love,to me the prospect
seems clearer than it has since at any time for the past three months,
and we must recollect that “’tis darkest just before day.”
Our men “conquered,” – no, ever: while a hundred patriot
hearts remain, a traitor shall not prosper. I admire your adherence
to this belief, and trust you may never have cause to change your mind.
[page 5]
To change the subject–I must tell you about our occupation
of Loudon Heights. I have already intimated that the position
commands Harper’s Ferry, and the surrounding section of country
to the north and west, and a considerable valley on the south
side of the Ridge, as well as a large portion of the valley of the Monacacy
in Md, thus you will readily see that it is a most important
position to hold. On the 23rd our division was ordered to
prepare to march, and we came up to Harper’s Ferry and forded
the river, which fortunately was neither very deep nor cold We
remained about an hour and a half in Harper’s Ferry, during which
time I examined the Government works which had been destroyed by
fire. We then forded the Shenandoah which is quite dangerous to
cross at this point, and ascended the redoubtable Blue Ridge to
Loudon Heights. These Heights are about seven hundred feet above
the river, and were it not for the want of water no place could
be more pleasant–in warm weather. You would be amused
if you could see our really grotesque style of living. Aside from
the fun we have in removing about 1 1/2 tons of fragmentary rock
from the “side=hill”, and the subsequent gathering of tree tops for a
couch, the culinary operations in themselves are interesting enough to
make a professional and fashionable cook die of merriment. Just
imagine that yourself and partner have one canteen (3 pints) of water
to prepare your breakfast; it to consist of Coffee, Fried crackers, fired
pork (which must be freshened.) and stewed apples. Dont you
think every drop of water would be precious? this is the way we
live here on Loudon Heights. “Sic transit, &c”–on a high hill
[page 6]
But you made inquiry about “the boys.”—“Is he [Geo. Moore] my friend too?”
A naive question truly. Of course, he is. Who is not, who knows you, or have seen
your lovely features? But he is really your friend, and often requests to be
remembered to you. I must tell you what he told me on his return from
home last winter. Said he,–“Charlie, were it not that you have a better
claim upon her affections, I would be tempted to love her myself. She
is the most interesting and noble young lady I ever saw.” How he
learned that I love you, I could not say: I never told him, and yet
he said “she loves you.” George is a noble boy, (boy– ha!-ha!) and is doing
well, I learn. John Chaffee was in the engagement at Culpepper, and at
Clarksburg; from bot of which he came out all right. He is well.
bishop has never been with the regt. since Winchester Battle, and we
received official notice of his discharge a few days since. No one mourns his
exit from the company–“requiescat in pace.” The other boys are doing well.
Now that “Maryland, my Maryland” is liberated from “Southern scum”
the apprehensions of the North must be relieved in a measure. Certain it is,
that Pennsylvania is safe, and if we soldiers of 17 moths standing may be
allowed to judge, the rebel hordes might be driven to a more genial atmos=
phere to their polluted hearts than the north, and that in double quick
time. Here is one thing which inspires me with confidence in “Little
Mac,” In conversing with a captured rebel lieutenant, he told me that “so
long as Pope was in command, they entertained no fears but that the
incursion into Maryland would prove a sweep; but as soon as Gen McClel-
lan took command, they began to tremble. For while they despised Pope,
they respected and feared McClellan.” He said that “he for his part, knew
as soon as he learned the[sic] he had taken Pope’s command, that they were
a whipped army. Is not proof from the enemy conclusive?
I have not yet heard from Hallie, yet I suppose he has
been mustered out of the service ere this, and resumed his duties in his office
has he not? Addie, has your pa ever mentioned to you the
fact of my writing to him from Alexandria, asking his consent to our
union at a time specified by you? I wrote you concerning it from Cul=
pepper, but I guess the letter has never been sent, and is still in the Cap=
tain’s trunk. I received for a reply on e which gave me great satisfac=
tion, and which placed me under a thousand obligations to you–our father
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.”
See first page
[in left hand margin of page 1]
those words have given me most unalloyed pleasure, and ought I not to be grateful? Truly it was a
happy day for me when I first saw my darling Addie. You have a good Father and may God grant
that I may always enjoy his love and esteem. I am patiently waiting for this unfortunate war to be
terminated, so that I may return to claim my precious one; and at the same time I pray
[in top margin of page 1]
that ours may not be the wedding of a Hathaway.
How I wish I had the materials for sketching.
I would like to send you sketches of the things of
interest around the memorable “Harper’s Ferry”. Here
is the ruins of the arsenal which John Brown
took possession of at his famous insurrection.
and the Engine house where he confines his pris=
oners.–the ruins of the bridges across the two
rivers.–the rocky crags, where Brown was want
to observe the proceedings of the people below,
and a hundred other interesting scenes.
But as I have no conveniences for carrying
the materials, that pleasure must be forbidden.
But I percieve that my space is fast
becoming limited, so I must soon close.
Then I have written quite a lengthy epistle
have I not? And does it weary you to read
so long ones? You must write soon, and
good long letters, and remember that
your Charlie is ever faithful, and though
he may sometimes be in a situation
where he cannot write as often or as ex=
tended as he would like, yet he will
do so as often as possible, and will
try to make them as interesting as is
possible.
Give my love to all and write
soon to your loving
Charlie
Charles N. Tenney of the 7th Ohio to his fiancee Adelaide Case
MSS 11616
