In a letter, Tenney says his camp is pleasant, and he would like Addie to visit him, but particularly he would like her to think of him as more than just a friend.

Tenney is en route to Cincinnati. In his letter, he says on board are several wounded from battle of Carnifex Ford and the remains of Col. [ ]Lowe, of the 12th Ohio Regiment, who fell in battle. Tenney describes feelings while engaged in battle at [Coop Lanes] and mentions beauty of the countryside. He also tells of meeting a steamer loaded with Piatt's Zouave Brigade.

Tenney tells of an uprising by the 13th and 10th Ohio Regiments due to "too much whiskey" and the participation of the 7th in quelling it; thirteen men badly wounded and several bruised and badly frightened.

Tenney is on guard duty. He thinks the Kanawha Valley is the most beautiful he has seen and thinks it is a sacrilege" the war will deform it. Tenney also gives a vivid description of passing the charred remains of the Confederate steamer "Julia Moffit" and of the circumstances that sank it. He says he will be glad when the war is over as it is like "hitting friends," but he writes that he believes firmly in continuing his duty.

Tenney writes that the valley has become quiet, so he is off the boat. He describes severe flooding in Charleston with river swelling because of heavy rains; he says the whole town like a "little Venice." Tenney tells of an instance where he went to aid of "Secesh" woman whose entire house and furnishings were ruined with "the more superstitious thinking the flood was a judgment on the South for engaging in the war."

Tenney describes a hanging in Charleston of a Nimrod Bailey, keeper of a lager beer saloon, who shot a soldier who had been making a disturbance in the saloon. Tenney thinks the entire trial and hanging was premature. He also says everyone is having a fine time in Charleston gathering souvenirs of Southern "hospitality."

This is a largely illegible letter in which Tenney appears to be discussing the war's strategy.

Tenney tells of being inspected by Maj. Stemmer (Adam Jacoby) who he thinks is a "very ordinary looking man," gives an interesting account of Piatt's Zouaves, who he says are "the poorest apologies for soldiers I ever saw--on drill their movements are perfectly comical, and as to their principles, there is no gentleman among them."

In this letter, Tenney's romance with Addie intensifies.

Tenney has a long discussion of what he terms "irreparable harm" to the loyal people by the removal of Gen. Fremont (John Charles).

Tenney is in a cabin of the Decatur. He writes a love letter to Addie, with indications that his regiment soon will lose its view of Ohio and head for "the wilds of Virginia, possibly Romney."

Green Spring Run--B & O. Railroad-Tenney picturesquely describes the railroad trip from Parkersburg, traveling in a low freight car, passing through thirteen tunnels in twenty-seven miles. One tunnel was 7/8ths of a mile long, a journey which took them through rough terrain. He also details a new use for Mecca (Ohio) oil in making a bombshell, and discusses military actions of Generals' McClellan (George Brinton) and Halleck (Henry Wager) and the withdrawal of troops from Central Missouri.

Tenney is lonely because he has not heard from Addie. He finds Romney a "veritable Secesh town," and he expects a fight within a few days with 20,000 Rebels 17 miles from town and General Rosecrans (William Starke) poised to take command.

Tenney is sad because mail has been scarce, but he goes on in depth about the "peculiar sort of excitement in standing picket guard" and includes some incidents in which he was involved.

Tenney happily reports he has received Addie's letter and points out to her, apparently in answer to her inquiry, that he has never been intoxicated and has foresworn all use of tobacco, alcohol and playing cards.

Tenney tells of four inches of snow and of fighting at [Blew's Gap], sixteen miles from Romney, with Federals breaking and running. However, Tenney did not participate because he was on picket guard.

Tenney describes a 24-mile retreat from Romney and Springfield toward Cumberland.

Tenney speaks of hundreds of rumors circulating and tells of having a dress parade in which they were told to prepare to march.

Tenney left Romney at midnight, marched eight miles to Springfield (W.Va.) over muddy roads until midnight; at daybreak continued seven miles to Frankford and then to Patterson's Creek Station on the B. & O. Railroad where they are encamped in 6 inches of snow and mud. He concludes with his attempt to write poetry.

Tenney makes an ardent declaration of love to Addie.

Tenney writes an affectionate letter in which he describes Addie's brother Hal's temporary elevation to command of the company. He mentions his sketching and says he will send some sketches of members of the mess. Tenney calls his position a strong one as described by General Lander (Frederick West).

Tenney describes his deep love for Addie despite his lack of an elevated position in life and says he waits anxiously for her response.

Tenney tells Addie not to feel guilty about writing him on a Sunday as "there is an old adage--there are no Sundays in war."

Tenney writes a long and devout love letter with mention that Gen. McClellan has dampened his hopes for a furlough, but thinks he may come home in July if Winchester is taken before then.

Tenney is three miles from [Paw Paw] tunnel on the railroad in tents. He requests a miniature of Addie.

Tenney is near the [PawPaw] Tunnel. He muses to Addie about their romance and how wearily the time passes for him. He describes Washington's birthday celebration the previous day with "arches of evergreen, flags raised, and tents wreathed and decorated in a tasteful manner." The Brigade, consisting of the 7th and 29th Ohio, 110th Pa., 7th Indiana and 1st Va. Regiments, was reviewed by General Lander, who said the "7th is the best regiment in his department." However, Tenney adds, all the best officers in the regiment are resigning and going home. Tenney thinks resignations are due to the fact that the regiment head, Maj. Gen. Erastus Barnard Tyler, is a "ruined and unprincipled head."

Tenney gives details of his day. He says he likes to receive home papers, but asks to withhold sending books as they are too hard to transport.

This item is excerpted from a letter to the editor of an unnamed newspaper in which Tenney writes that many of the best officers of the "Noble Seventh" regiment of Ohio are resigning. He asks if any of the readers might know where the difficulty lies.

Tenney describes to Addie his family background and his religious beliefs.

Tenney describes the ceremony surrounding the funeral of Gen. Lander and the "Noble 7th's" part in it. He asks Addie to marry him.

Tenney briefly notes skirmishes at Cedar Creek and vividly describes in detail what it is like to participate in a bombardment at Strasburg.

Tenney describes realistically and in great detail his participation in the Battle of Kernstown where he suffered a contusion on his right arm. He pictures battlefield scenes and says Col. Tyler (Erastus Barnard) "has retrieved his character as a colonel, but he is Tyler yet."

Tenney protests an embargo on sending mail. He says skirmishes continue everyday and quotes from a talk by a chaplain which he thinks warrants attention--"The cardinal sins of the army are--intemperance, profanity, murmuring and robbery. These, sooner or later, will bite like a serpent and sting like an adder."

Tenney gives intensifying protestations of love to Addie and says there has been snow and hail the last three days.

Tennney says he has heard official counts of what he describes as Union victories and tells of contradictions in the term "glorious victories." He lists numerous rumors flying about in camp concerning various military victories and defeat.

Tenney has left Edinburg on the 17th and arrived at New Market that night. He has a severe cold and tells of an amusing argument in which he tries to convert young southern girl to the Yankee cause.

Tenney comments favorably on Addie's new school teaching career. He glories over the beautiful spring and reminds her that he will be 21 years old soon.

Tenney muses over his sixth birthday present years ago, a copy of Emerson's First Book of Arithmetic . He intimates that his own sister writes to him only because she wants money.

Tenney writes that his group will start a march tomorrow for Fredericksburg. He says several officers have resigned because tents are being taken away for a month, and they must sleep in the open.

Tenney makes bitter and extensive comments on General Shield's treatment of soldiers in the Valley Campaign because of his "personal ambition." He describes illness of soldiers and their pitiful conditions and tells of the march through the Valley to Fredericksburg and back. He also gives a review of the troops by Abraham Lincoln.

Tenney reports he was not at the Battle of Port Republic having remained at Luray Court House. He gives his opinions on what religious attitudes Addie should teach her pupils, saying, "I think I should not compel them to read or learn the Bible, but by kind teachings apparently directed to the entire school, but pertinent to their case, teach them Bible truths."

Tenney describes a march from Front Royal. He tells of discipline he received for walking on the railroad tracks, and vividly writes of a bad storm in camp the previous evening.

Tenney says he tried for a furlough but Sec. Of War has prohibited them. He discusses at length his opinions on why Catholics do not permit their children to read the Bible and describes the Fourth of July celebration with gun salutes from Arlington Heights.

.Tenney writes a long letter to Addie's father in which he describes his character and proclaims his love for Addie. He then requests her hand in marriage, asking for a reply.

In a good letter, Tenney minutely describes the actual set up of his camp with a small drawing. He shows the interior of his tent and its accoutrements. Tenney then adds four recipes, including fried bread, fried crackers, coffee for one, and blackberry stew. He also continues with a description of daily camp life.

Tenney marches to Warrenton, describing the city as a "beautiful little place but rebel to the core--what a blighting curse is secession--rebellion to a great and good government. The first secessionist was Satan."

Tenney says he escaped Cedar Mountain battle without a scratch. The 7th Regiment went in with 290 men and came out with 104, and Tenney lists some names of friends killed and wounded He also tells of his part in the battle.

Tenney notes to Addie that he wrote to her father requesting permission to marry and has received an affirmative reply. He gives a long analysis of his feelings about General McClellan and comments on expectations of foreign aid.

Tenney describes a long move to Maryland, giving details of enemy encounters at Centreville and Fairfax Court House. He also tells of the deaths of Generals Stevens (Isaac Ingalls) and Kearney (Philip) at Chantilly. Tenney says, "General Pope has very poorly met the expectations of the nation," and he rejoices in General McClellan's appointment as commander of the Army of the Potomac.

Tenney is in line of a battle two miles above Rockville, Md. He tells of daily routine in the field and describes its characteristics. He also mentions some "obnoxious" General George Sears Greene, who took command of Cedar Mountain after the wounding of Generals Auger (Christopher Colon) and Geary (John White.)

Tenney gives a detailed and graphic description of Battle of Antietam, including his part in a bayonet charge. He tells of the dead lying in heaps, the 7th holding its own against A.P. Hill's entire division, and panic in the Union brigade. He also describes the horrors he encounters while traversing the field the day after the battle.

Tenney describes the location as one a "great natural beauty. As far as romance goes, this is the most interesting place we have been in." He tells of his arrival in Harper's Ferry and gives a description of the results of the action in the town. He defends General McClellan's actions and gives a long dissertation on role of N.Y. Tribune in its "indiscriminate" attacks on McClellan. Tenney also explains why the love of country should be paramount to the love of God.

Tenney writes to Minnie (Addie's sister) describing recent troop movements and battles. He points out that "Maryland is free from Rebel tread, though polluted by Rebel dead."

Tenney calls Col. Miles (D.S.) surrender at Harper's Ferry the most disgraceful thing of the campaign. He talks of General Geary's taking command at Harper's Ferry and describes General Green as being "very cool and collected in the field" at Antietam. Tenney comments on the Emancipation Proclamation, discusses attempts by Union Army to cut off Confederates from Richmond and indicates disdain for England's recognition of Confederate States.

Tenney remarks on Addie's brother Hal's promotion to Colonel. He describes an 8 by 10-foot log house he and others are building for accommodations. Tenney also gives a lengthy description of why General Pope was defeated on the Rappahannock, including a character analysis of Pope and the Southern Generals Jackson and Lee.

Tenney writes a tender letter with Addie's portrait placed on his Bible. As his regiment proceeds to Hillsborough presumably to prevent the enemy from leaving the Valley, Tenney remains in camp because of an illness. He quotes his favorite lines of Byron, but returns to politics by giving thanks that the Vallandigham (Clement Laird) has been defeated in run for Governor of Ohio. Tenney decries political influence at the War Department and its impact on Union Generals' movements, saying "It has almost ruined our Republic."

Tenney writes from Provost Marshall's office and says his brigade has moved from Loudon Heights to Bolivar Heights, where he is assigned clerk to Captain Church Howe at General Sedgewick's (John) staff. Tenney thinks the regiment may remain there for the winter.

The letter complains of poor health due to liver complaint.

Tenney says his health is better, but he sounds out Adelaide's opinion on whether he should request a discharge. He remarks on McClellan's removal and assesses General Burnside's prospects for success.

At this point, Addie and Charlie are referring to each other as "dear brother and sister," and Addie inquires tactfully why Charlie and his real sister have a troubled relationship.

Addie addresses the letter as "Dear friend," and again emphasizes that Charlie and she should remain purely "friends." She adds that she thinks tintypes should not be exchanged unless a couple is engaged.

Addie still addresses the letter as "Dear Friend." She remarks that the 19th Ohio regiment returned to Mecca "last week," but wishes it had been the "noble 7th," which includes both Charlie and her brother Hal. Addie mentions the reason she had agreed to correspond with Charlie came from the remark he made before leaving, "My home is not what a home should be," which impressed her deeply. Addie signs her letter as "Yours in pure friendship."

Addie has heard Charles participated in a fight and desperately wants a letter. She says the newspaper listed brother Hal as a casualty but later contradicted it. Addie also comments, "suspense is almost as bad as reality."

Addie has received his engraving of Camp Denison. She comments on her feelings of worthlessness during the war and beseeches Charlie to write. She progresses to "Affectionately--Addie G. Case."

On an attractive flag stationary, Addie writes it is a beautiful day, but war has robbed Mecca of much of its beauty because of its loss of young men. She has high praise for her brother Hal, gives some counsel to Charlie on his future life plans, and she says she is "pleased he intends to make a man of himself."

Addie says a presentiment of evil has been hanging over her head and fears Charlie is ill or wounded. She wants to send Charlie a book her friend Dora has been assembling as a gift.

Addie says she has received Charlie's letter from Charleston. She finds Mecca dull and lonely and urges Charlie to accompany Hal if he comes home.

Addie says heavy snowfall brings hope of sleigh rides and parties. She thinks General Freemont (John Charles) is treated unfairly and is more capable than General Hunter (David). Addie mentions that she takes more pleasure in writing to Charlie than any of her other correspondents except Hal. She is disdainful of Charlie's request that she burn his letters, and instead says she will keep them in a box in her trunk.

Addie remarks on the eagerness with which she awaits Charlie's letters and says she does not object to Charles's flattery of her. She attended a recent Union ball in which Charles's captain told her that he (Charles) "is one of the best boys in the regiment."

On flag stationary which reads "Long May It Wave," Addie writes that she has received only one letter from Charlie since September. She tells of a gentleman caller named James Beebe whom she detests, and she relates amusing story about his call. Addie also laments the evils of slavery.

Addie poignantly describes her prayers for Charlie, but only as a "loving sister would pray for a brother." She says she has resisted feelings other than sisterly.

Addie says she thinks she will go to Oberlin in February to attend school.

Addie thanks Charles for sending her his sketch of camp. She writes that she has sent him a very painful letter concerning their relationship.

Addie thanks Charlie for his Christmas gift to her of his portrait, and she reflects on the war as church bells ring in the New Year.

Addie writes that she is not attending any parties as there are none, she beseeches Charlie to take care of her ill brother, and she says Mecca, which had been called "Oildom" because of its oil supplies "is now Mecca again."

Addie wonders if it is wrong to write on the Sabbath. She gives a lengthy commentary on the evils of war and peril to the country and intends to start for Oberlin in a month.

Addie writes a long letter in which she reveals her deepening feelings for Charlie, thanks him for the original poem he has sent her, and laments the fact that General McClellan is forbidding furloughs.

Addie addresses her letter to "darling Charlie" and fervently expresses her deepening love. She thanks him for writing that he is "free from dishonor."

On flag stationary and in a romantic and poetic letter, Addie thanks Charles for the sketch he has sent her of his camp; says she is flattered at his thoughts on receiving her portrait. She also expresses sorrow that so many officers of the Ohio 7th are resigning.

Addie merrily describes activities of groups at Union Hall of the "Soldiers' Aid Society. She says "Oil City" is not dead and describes some of the wells still in operation.

In a largely illegible letter, Addie muses about how to handle their correspondence with other people, and she wonders how Charlie ever chanced his "abrupt question to a little country rustic like myself."

Addie weeps "tears of joy" at the receipt of Charlie's letter and comments on her foolishness at thinking she could disguise her love as being only sisterly.

Addie says she enjoyed Charles' "diary letter," dreads prospects of fighting on the Potomac, and answers Charlie's apparent proposal with a request to let things remain as they are until she can make herself worthy of him.

Addie sends her portrait to Charles and writes town news including story of man who killed his wife of two months.

Addie describes a dream in which she struggled to reach an ill Charlie and bemoans the fact that she has not heard from him. She tells of a school room where she is teaching with "fifty scholars" ranging from five to twenty years of age. She also tells of her religious views.

Addie muses over her evolvement from "friend" to "sister" to "sweetheart."

Addie says "yes" in answer to question as to whether she loves Charlie, and she sends him a miniature of herself as a "sacred gift" and true expression of her love.

Addie is visiting her sister Dora, but she plans to go home as school closed two weeks ago. She is sad has not heard from Charlie for a long time.

Addie reflects on her love for Charlie and tragedy of soldiers' deaths.

Addie says she came home Friday, but has not received any mail from Charlie. She says, "my precious one, my heart, my idol, my all."

Addie receives Charlie's letter of 25th and learns of his wounds in battle.

Addie is dubious about Charlie's statement that the 7th is "all safe" after the battle of Winchester. She says she passed through a wretched week after battle.

Addie says the battle of Pittsburg Landing has been much on her mind. She very much wants a full length photo of Charlie.

Addie sends Charlie some pressed flowers. She comments on the beautiful weather and how life is to be enjoyed, discusses Mecca news, and she reports she is to start teaching in one week in Claridon, Ohio. She says she hates the "letter blockade."

Addie tells Charlie she would not have considered teaching without his approval.

Addie says the banks of little Cuyahoga are the "loveliest place I have ever been in," she discusses her first day of school and her pupils, and she says that being a school marm is a great place to study human nature. She mentions that some lady pupils are as old as she.

Addie says she received Charlie's letter from the 28th. She says she opens school with a chapter from the Bible and has "scholars" memorize selections of their choice. She asks Charlie what she should do about two young girls who won't read the Bible because the whole family are "infidels." She describes Claridon and its people and is thankful that the "letter blockade" is over.

Addie comments on Charlie's report of a little Southern girl "hating Yankees" and says Yankee girls would sacrifice lives to protect the flag. She describes the first of her experiences of "boarding out."

Addie discusses the influence music has on her and (con't 5-19) describes second night of "boarding out."

Addie pines for letter from Charlie and tortures herself with thought of his death(con't 5-27), and in an attempt to be more cheerful, describes her school. She finally receives two letters from Charlie.

Addie has reread Charlie's letters of the 9th and 11th and thinks Charles has a "noble spirit." She describes her experience in punishing a 14-year-old "scholar" who cursed. She said she made him read the Bible to her and thereby converted him to better behavior.

Addie muses about her school, 30 scholars from 4 to 17 years old, who study writing, arithmetic, geography, grammar, algebra and orthography, and she lists the names of texts used. She asks Charlie what he thinks of the retreat of General Banks and discusses her views of the occupation of Winchester. She also tells of her feelings of very old and very young men going to war.

Addie has learned of the Battle of Shiloh and hopes fervently that Charlie can come home. She describes a conversation with head of family at one of her boarding places who was "half secesh" and who sees nothing to fight for.

Addie has received Charlie's letter from the 5th, she discusses retreat from Winchester and says she has heard that Rebels have mutilated the monument to Mrs. (George) Washington.

Addie says her brother Hal has reenlisted, she describes hardships endured by women with "suspense over their soldiers eating their hearts away. She thinks its providential that Charlie was impelled to remain at Luray while rest of regiment went on to Port Republic.

Addie has heard an unconfirmed report that Richmond has fallen (con't 7-3) last night and heard of desperate fighting in Richmond. She heard that 1200 Union soldiers were "lying cold and insensible upon the field," and is tortured by the thought that Charlie might be among them.

Addie writes on her way home from East Claridon for a 3-week vacation from school during haying. She has received Charlie's letter of the 21st and comments on Charlie's punishment he received for walking on the railroad tracks. She says people are losing confidence in General Shields and delights in Charlie's description of a storm.

Even though miles apart, Charlie's words strengthen Addie during separation. She thinks her life would be a "wilderness" if Charlie and her brother Hal were killed and remarks that Hal writes that if both are found dead on the field at Richmond, their last words would be "Onward to victory and Union!".

Addie says her school resumes Monday, and she is glad to be useful again. She describes attending an Aid Society meeting and expresses her views on McClellan versus Pope and her fears that England will enter war on the Union side. She thinks women would be able and willing to shoulder arms.

Addie describes an incident in which she had to punish young female student with two blows with her hand. She comments on a line in Charlie's letter to her in which he writes "My life is nothing if by its sacrifice my country can be saved," and Addie adds that such a sacrifice would also sacrifice her life.

Addie has heard of the battle at Culpeper and expresses great fear that Charlie has been injured but has faith in God to protect him.

Addie tells of constant rumors of sacrifice and defeats on the Rappahannock and gives her description of friends who are considered "cowards."

Addie is grieving because she has not heard from Charlie. She reads that Washington is in danger, Rebels are in force in Maryland, Ohio is invaded, and she is very upset with complacent attitude of fellow townspeople who say "Lincoln means to let them whup us."

Addie pines for Charlie as "surely man was never more worthy of my love than my noble, true-hearted Charlie." She also thinks Hal may come home soon.

Addie has finally received Charles' letter and feels the war picture is "dark and gloomy," but she is glad of Charlie's confidence in McClellan is unshaken for "here his star is fast waning." She says the defeat of General Pope was attributed to the failure of McClellan to bring up his troops because they "were too demoralized to trust them on the field." Addie adds that her school closes "next week."

Addie longs for Charles' return and comments again on unfavorable opinion of many in Ohio of McClellan. She has long discussion of attitudes of Ohioans about the war.

In an answer to Charlie's letter of the 21st, Addie wonders how she ever lived without Charlie and asks if he has any regrets.

Addie is visiting her uncle's house as "maid of all works" while her aunt is away. She answers Charles' letter from the 25th and comments on his being in Virginia overlooking the Blue Ridge and wants him to describe it to her. She says her love of country is paramount to "everything but God and you." Addie gives glowing opinion of the "gallant Seventh Ohio." She says she is listening to Uncle reading about battle of Sharpsburg and watching him wipe away tears and remarks sadly on General Hooker's wounds. She says people in Ohio now more enthusiastic about McClellan and comments on character of Generals Pope and McDowell.

On pink Eagle U.S. stationary, Addie writes that she has two letters from Charlie, one from the 18th of August and another the 20th of September, and says she is more interested in hearing about Charlie's adventures than travels of Generals. She chastens him for thinking he writes too "politically" and describes reports of different battles in Missouri and Chambersburg.

Addie writes that Hal is now a Colonel but has difficulties getting men for his regiment. She wants to know how he could move his "mansion" he erected in the move of the camp. She remarks on General Pope being outflanked for failure to post pickets.

Addie learns of Charles' illness and hopes he has fully recovered; she hadn't realized he was so ill.

Addie has "blues" because hasn't heard from Charlie in two weeks and knows he is ill. She talks of his sister Laurie's upcoming wedding. She is glad Vallandingham (Clement Laird) was defeated as considers him a traitor. Even in Mecca are "Knights of the Golden Circle" dedicated to preserving slavery, which she hates.

Addie says it has been three weeks since has heard from Charlie. She says Laurie is married, and she is sorry McClellan was removed and thinks his undoing came from scheming politicians.

Addie writes she has learned of Charles' illness and is suffering for him; she is glad he is in current position rather than performing the arduous duties of camp. She likes her new school she is attending in Farmington where she is studying Algebra, Latin and Music.

Addie has for several days had "unwelcome forebodings" because has not heard from Charlie and spent yesterday reading all of his old letters, which detail all his troop movements thus far.

Addie has received his "dear" letter from the 25th and is so happy, though greatly disturbed because his health is so impaired. In response to his request, she gives him advice on an application for a discharge. She says that though it might seem unpatriotic of her, she feels they both have done their duty.

Addie has heard nothing since last letter and is agonizing between hope and despair over whether Charlie will be discharged. She describes her daily routine as a student.

Addie has received letters from the 15th,18th, and 19th and is saddened by news of his deteriorating health. She prays feverishly that God will let strangers care for him tenderly.

Addie writes that Charles' love has sustained her through the past year, though the year has been sad for the country except "thank God tomorrow slavery ceases." She comments on evils of slavery and consequences it has provoked and bemoans fate in not being with "beloved Charlie."

Addie worries greatly because has not heard from Charles.

In a kind letter from Messers. Coon and Barnum, Addie learns that Charlie has received a furlough but has suffered a relapse and may not be able to take it. She describes a dream in which she is transported to a hospital with wounded soldiers where she finds Charlie

Addie writes to Messers. Barnum and Coon and thanks them for their kindness to Charlie and asks them to "watch over Mr. Tenney as though he were as dear to you as he is to me."