June 11, 1863: Mary Craig Eyster to Jennie Craig Warner

Jennie Craig Warner was the grandmother of the poet Marianne Moore. During the Civil War she lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mary Craig Eyster was her sister and lived in Chambersburg. These family letters are preserved as part of the Marianne Moore family papers.

Transcript [excerpt]:

June 11^th 1863

Dear Jennie

I scarcely have time to write, but I felt that I must do it. We had quite an excitement here on Wednesday, expecting that the rebels were about to make a raid. Mother became very much alarmed, and determined to go to Shippensburg the next morning. I set to and cut out the body, sleeves, and cape, of her new dress, and made them that afternoon, with Caroline’s assistance. C [illeg.] home in the evening trains. We were very glad to get the good news of the rebels being whipped (if they were only whipped.) Mother intended going home to-day, but when the rumor got out about the rebels coming, she had me to write that she would not go. This morning I have just written for them to meet her on Monday. I have been that busy since you were here, that I have scarcely time to turn around…

Citation: Mary Craig Eyster, autograph letter signed to Jennie Craig Warner. [Chambersburg, Pa.?]; 11 June 1863. Moore VI:05:21