January 22, 1863: Henry Warner to his Parents

Henry Warner Jr. was the younger brother of John Riddle Warner, the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore.  Henry served in  Independent Battery G from August 1862 until June 1865.These family letters are preserved as part of the Marianne Moore family papers.

Transcript:

Fort Delaware Thursday 22d Jan 1863

Dear Parents

Your letter of Monday last I have this moment just received & read—The mail of yesterday was delayed in Delaware City by one of the most tremendous storms of 24 hours duration that has been known in these surroundings for years.—I should have received your letter yesterday but for this curse. There was a slight lull in the tempest for a few hours this morning which allowed the mail boat to get over—but the wind is commencing to howl again and I do not know whether or not the mail boat will be able to get off again—This will explain delay any how when it reaches you—I could not attempt to describe the power of the wind all yesterday and especially last night—The tide also rose to an unprecedented height and threatened to overflow the island at every dash of the waves—It seemed as if the spirits of the power of darkness were abroad on the air—The strength of the wind was so great that it was almost impossible for one to keep his feet out side—Barrels and articles of that kind were blown clean to the river and caps and hats flew in every direction—It tore our storm flag all to tatters but beyond this there was no damage done on the island that I could hear of—I have now some conception of a storm at sea—John has not answered my letter yet and although I have been indebted to him for favors which I shall not forget, yet some times I cannot but think his conduct rather unbrotherly—I appreciate your remarks about being contented in my present position, I did not intend to complain—About Col. Clarkes movements and visit I have been kept pretty well posted—Mr Boles wrote me a letter last week with a full description of his visit to his regiment along with McCandless—I will answer that letter about the last of the month—Boles is very kind to take the trouble to write me so long a letter—I am “tickled” to think Clarke “has got his fill of it”—Boles said Annie was thinking of renting his house as he was going to move, how is that?—Every thing goes on as usual here—One of our men Gen. Bepler a brother of Adam B. (that old [omnibus?] man) was discharged day before yesterday from our company on account of Lung disease—I still continue in good health—my Gum Blanket was of good service to me these last few days

With Respects to all friends

I remain as ever

Your affec. Son Henry

To day completes my 5 mo. since I was mustered into service

Citation: Henry Warner Jr., autograph letter to John Riddle Warner. Fort Delaware, 22 January 1863. Moore VI:5:15