About this Letter
The letter from Levi D. Green to his brother, dated June 22, 1863, is a personal correspondence from a soldier in the American Civil War. In the letter, Levi expresses his longing for news from home and requests a likeness of his brother. He writes about his current situation, stating that he is well and still stationed in Suffolk, Virginia, but does not know when he will be moved. Levi also mentions the weather and the wildlife in the area, and comments on the lack of writing from his brother, suggesting that girls may be the reason for the decrease in correspondence. Levi asks for stamps and plans to send money soon after he draws his pay. The letter concludes with Levi sending his best regards and enclosing two persimmon seeds.
The letter serves as a glimpse into the life of a soldier during the Civil War, highlighting the separation and isolation that soldiers faced. Levi’s mention of wanting a likeness of his brother and his request for more frequent writing highlights the importance of personal connections and the longing for home that soldiers experienced. The letter also touches on the mundane aspects of military life, such as the weather, the work of splitting cedar, and the abundance of wildlife in the area.
Overall, the letter from Levi D. Green to his brother is a personal and intimate piece of historical correspondence that provides insight into the experiences of soldiers during the American Civil War.
Letter Transcript
FROM LEVI D. GREEN TO DEAR BROTHER – JUNE 22, 1863
Suffolk, VA. Dear Brother Not having heard from you in more than a month I thought I would write once more and see if I could not get some word from home. I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you the same I am still in Suffolk and I don’t know when we will be moved but I hope not very soon I want you to send me your likenefs as soon as you can put a paper around it and a stamp on it and direct it and it will come all straight and I will send you money enough to pay all expenses when I get paid send me that little one you had last summer. I don’t see what is getting into you you don’t write as often as you did before you went to school. I guess them girls take up your attention mostly you said you would write often but you don’t write as often as you used to I want you to send me some stamps I am going to draw my pay in a few days and then I will send you some money to get some for I can’t buy any in this place. it is warm here yet it rained yesterday and last night it rained our bunk most full but we laid on piles and did not get wet we lay on boards split out of cedar we split them ourselves most of the lumber used here is split like staves but longer and wider there is plenty of wild geese and duck here in Nansemond River Every time I go on picket I see thousands of them if you was here you could make your living hunting there is plenty of Rabbits here to little grey ones there is plenty of bears down in the swamps about three miles from here tell William I have not forgot how to hay it yet I guess I should like to be there to make sugar in the spring with you be sure and send that likenefs to me and I will send mine to you in my uniform gun and all I can’t think of any more to write this time so good Bye write soon this from your brother Levi Green to John Green write soon if you please this from Levi Enclosed find two persimmons seeds L. D. Green