February 2, 1864: Letter to John Riddle Warner

Rev. John Riddle Warner was the grandfather of the poet Marianne Moore and during the Civil War, he lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This letter refers to a lecture he developed on the Battle of Gettysburg. These letters are preserved as part of Marianne Moore’s family papers.

Transcript:

Phila. Feb. 2^nd 1864—1341 Lombard St.

Rev. J.R. Warner

My dear Brother

We have just completed arrangements for the repetition of your Lecture, in the “American Academy of Music” on Tuesday Evening Feb. 23^rd or three weeks from to-day. There can be no backing out as the Academy is leased for that night and the Trustees obligated to pay $125 for its use. Nothing will be left undone by your humble servant to secure a large audience. We are to send 1000 complimentary tickets to the soldiers in our city Hospitals, and with this I shall mail a letter to Geo Curtain, inviting him to be present to introduce you, and also through him extending an invitation to all the military officers of the State on furlough, and especially to the Heroes of Gettysburg. With the above facts before you I trust you will be by for a while and recuperate for the great work. Strengthen your voice as much as possible, especially keep up the sound at the close of your sentences. Some at the back part of the church did not quite hear some words when your voice got low. Now you understand me and you will pardon me when you know how deeply interested I am in your success. Knowing your audience in part will be so and such, perhaps you might have a special word for so & such you know? I think you will do yourself a kindness by coming on the Saturday before. I fear you may catch cold or expose yourself by staying over that Sat. in Adams Co. At all events you must be here on Monday—and as I said for your own sake, better come on Saturday and get quieted & rested, & well ready for the greatest event of your life of its kind—We would have secured the Academy for Thursday Evening of same week, but that is the day set apart by Gen’l Assembly for prayer on behalf of Colleges Seminaries &c. Hoping you reached your home safely and that God will preserve your health and give you strength for your great work, I am dear brother Yours in the blessed gospel

Wm McElwer

Mrs McE joins me in kind regards &c

Citation: William McElwer, autograph letter signed to John Riddle Warner. Philadelphia, 2 February 1864. Moore VI:6:2