Rev. John Riddle Warner was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War, he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mary Craig Eyster was his sister-in-law, who lived in Chambersburg. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.
Transcript [excerpt]
Shippensburg, August 4th / 64
Dear Brother,
There is still great excitement here, and continual rumors of the rebels returning. I just feel as if I would like to get to some quiet place where we would feel more secure than we do here. We came in to Mrs Crossans yesterday, will stay here a day or two, one of Carolines children is sick. We are all well. Hugh was down yesterday, says Mother & all are well, they were very uneasy about us. George came down this morning on his way to Somersett – he made me get on the train and go as far as Harrisburg, to get some things, but the stores were all shut. I returned this morning. George seemed to think that the rebels would not come back – but rumor says that there is a large force coming. Averill’s baggage train has just passed through towards Chambersburg, they say that Altoona is threatened, and they were ordered this way. I feel sometimes as if I did not know what to do. I wish very much you were here, suppose if there is any danger you will come, you know every one has their own family to take care of. We were to spend this afternoon with Cousin E. Dick but as I went to Harrisburg with George we could not go, will go to-morrow. Hope you may be home soon. I have received several donations of clothing. As soon as Aunt Rachel’s girl comes home we will go out there. Hettie has loaned us a trunk. I intend to get but little, or nothing, until things are more settled, we can get along with what we have for awhile. Lizzie’s baby died Monday night was buried yesterday. Wish you would write. If you think the rebels are coming be sure and come home.
Yours off,
Mary
Citation: Mary Craig Eyster, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Shippensburg, Pa.; 4 August 1864. Moore VI:06:08