1863 Civil War Letter By Private Davis Green, 77th York - Soldier Hanged
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:193052 |
An interesting letter written in January 1862 by Private Davis Green of the 77th New York Volunteers. Written on patriotic stationery from Camp Hillhouse near Saratoga, Green described the typical sickness in camp and lack of pay. The most interesting part of this short letter is when Green described the hanging of another soldier, “Langman, ” who had shot an orderly sergeant. “He stood it like a soldier and a man, ” Green wrote. “He did not even tremble when he went on the s...caffold. He bade his fellow soldiers farewell and died, and I tell you that it was a solemn sight….” The letter reads:
Jan the 18 / 62Camp Hillhouse
Dear Father & MotherI have not written in a long time to you & perhaps you think that I have forgot you, but I have not. I often think of you. I am well at present and I hope that this will find you the same. There is a great deal of sickness in camp and a great many home sick, but I am thankful that I am not in that way yet. I wish some time that I was home, yet camp life goes well as can be expected. Our regiment has not been paid off and I do not [know] when we shall be and three cents big as five dollars when they were north, but when I get it I shall send you some and then you may send me something in the kind of eatables if you see fit, for we do not get anything very good, only where we buy it and that cost a mighty dear here. Yesterday I saw Langman hung for shooting his orderly sergeant. He stood it like a soldier and a man. He did not even tremble when he went on the scaffold. He bade his fellow soldiers farewell and died, and I tell you that it was a solemn sight, but if I stay here three years I shall [see] more just such scenes. But I hope not. I received papers from Dave which helps pass time away. I do not think of anything more at present so good bye from your affectionate son.Davis Green
PS give my compliments to Ambler folks.
The letter was written on three pages of a patriotic stationery sheet measuring about 5” x 8”. It is in very good condition with minor foxing and toning. Creased where originally folded. There is a repair made along the top fold.
Please see my other items for more interesting Civil War letters, documents, and images. I'm happy to combine shipping on multiple purchases.
Foreign shipping is provided through eBay's global shipping program.
Jan the 18 / 62Camp Hillhouse
Dear Father & MotherI have not written in a long time to you & perhaps you think that I have forgot you, but I have not. I often think of you. I am well at present and I hope that this will find you the same. There is a great deal of sickness in camp and a great many home sick, but I am thankful that I am not in that way yet. I wish some time that I was home, yet camp life goes well as can be expected. Our regiment has not been paid off and I do not [know] when we shall be and three cents big as five dollars when they were north, but when I get it I shall send you some and then you may send me something in the kind of eatables if you see fit, for we do not get anything very good, only where we buy it and that cost a mighty dear here. Yesterday I saw Langman hung for shooting his orderly sergeant. He stood it like a soldier and a man. He did not even tremble when he went on the scaffold. He bade his fellow soldiers farewell and died, and I tell you that it was a solemn sight, but if I stay here three years I shall [see] more just such scenes. But I hope not. I received papers from Dave which helps pass time away. I do not think of anything more at present so good bye from your affectionate son.Davis Green
PS give my compliments to Ambler folks.
The letter was written on three pages of a patriotic stationery sheet measuring about 5” x 8”. It is in very good condition with minor foxing and toning. Creased where originally folded. There is a repair made along the top fold.
Please see my other items for more interesting Civil War letters, documents, and images. I'm happy to combine shipping on multiple purchases.
Foreign shipping is provided through eBay's global shipping program.
