John Riddle Warner, a Presbyterian minister, was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. George Eyster was his brother-in-law and lived in Chambersburg. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.
Transcript:
Chambersburg, Sept. 9th 1862
Dear John,
Mary received Jennie’s letter to-day. We had had some idea that you would be nervous in consequence of the nearness of the rebel combatants, but did not dream that you would be so terrified as to think of packing up. In the name of conscience how must your community at large feel when one of its Ministers allows his wife to prepare to flit. John my good fellow, be of better cheer. In any event dont run. We have had some great excitement here, but all are beginning to feel better. Some have been threatening to flee to the mountains; others have been seeking a place to bring their treasure; a few have packed up their movable property and sent it out of the County, to Lancaster, in a single instance, but the sojourners in Federal Hill will do no such thing, come who may or what may. There is no danger of the rebels visiting either you or us for the present. By this time George B. is engaging their best attention. In the event of their repelling his friendly salutation, we may possibly behold their faces. I cannot believe that God has again placed that young commander at the head of the Union Army for any other purpose than to lead it to victory. So cheer you up my lively lads. Wait a little longer. Let the wild world wag as it will, we’ll be gay and happy still, or at least we’ll try to be. Don’t think that I regard and disown the aspect of affairs in any spirit of levity. But it is true, we are many of us too much inclined to take trouble on interest. I’ll send you a copy of the Transcript where you can read the local news of the week pretty fully. Mary had a letter from Mrs. Dick yesterday, in which she stated that the news of her husbands death had been confirmed. I clip and send you a paragraph from a letter of one of the editors of the Valley Spirit to that paper, dated Alexandria, Sept. 5, in which honorable mention is made of the Captain. I offer a brief tribute to his memory this week in the Transcript. Captain Kerns, (Rev. Mrs. Fisher’s son) who was shot through the leg some months ago at Mechanicsville, was severely wounded and taken prisoner about the same time Captain Dick fell. A special messenger has just returned from Washn, without learning anything further with regard to him. We are expecting mother to come upon us suddenly all in a fright. I trust, however, that you will not allow Jennie to write to Hugh and advise him to go away with his family. From a remark in her letter to Mary, I am fearful she might do this. If we have anything newer or more exciting than the rebel advance I’ll write again.
Yours truly
Geo Eyster
If you get too weary come over, a come over anyhow.
Citation: George Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Chambersburg, Pa.; 9 September 1862. Moore VI:05:10