About this Letter
Concern for Levi
John S. Green, writing from the U.S. Hospital in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, informs his parents that he has heard from Marvin but not from Levi. According to Marvin, the last time Levi was seen, he was about 4 miles from the field and may have been taken as a prisoner. John requests that his parents write to him if they hear from Levi. John also inquires about the boxes and the last five dollars he sent, and asks his parents to let him know the dates of any letters they receive from other family members. The letter is dated July 22, 1864.
About this Letter
Concern for Levi
FROM JOHN S. GREEN TO MY DEAR PARENTS – JULY 22, 1864
U.S. Hospital – Chestnut Hill Philad. My dear parents I now take the oportunity to write to you to inform you that I have heard from Marvin but not from Levi Marvin says that the last that was seen of Levi he was about 4 miles from the field and he suposes that he was taken prisoner but he did not know he wants us to write if we hear from Levi. Marvin is in Washington now but I don’t know how long he will stay there you must write if you should happen to hear from Levi.
Ma I want you to write and tell me if you have recieved them boxes yet and the last five Dollars that I sent. And if you hear from the boys I want you to tell me what date their letters are dated so I can know Marvins letter was dated the 15th of this month. No more. John S. Green
Researcher’s Note: I had a chance to work with my father before his death, and he pointed me toward Wilson’s Raid on Southside & Danville Railroad June 22–30. It is believed that Levi was captured June 23, 1864; initially sent to Andersonville, GA, and later died at Lawton/Millen, GA as pow.
The location of his capture is believed to be at the Staunton River Bridge, also known as Roanoke Station, which was a crucial transportation hub during the American Civil War. Located in Halifax County, Virginia, it was a vital link in the Southside & Danville Railroad, which connected the Confederate capital of Richmond to the Confederate-controlled areas in southern Virginia and North Carolina.
The Union forces attacked the bridge, which was defended by Confederate forces under the command of Captain Benjamin L. Farinholt. Despite the arrival of 642 reinforcements, the Union forces were repulsed and suffered heavy casualties. The Confederate defense of the bridge ensured the survival of the Richmond & Danville rail supply line, which was crucial for supplying the Confederate army. The battle ended with a Confederate victory, and the area where the battle took place is now preserved as part of Staunton River Battlefield State Park.