Letter from Sol Levy, 1940

A two-page letter from Jewish American Sol Levy (1865-1944) written on a transatlantic steamer from France to New York City. Levy shares news of the outbreak of World War II, describes the conditions on the ship, and notes the large number of Jewish passengers.

Sol Levy was born in 1865 in Alsace-Lorraine, a region that alternately fell under the control of Germany and France in the 19^th century and during World Wars I and II in the 20^th century. After migrating to the United States in 1882, Levy moved to Louisville and worked as a wholesale merchant, establishing the Gould-Levy Company in 1907.

Mss. A L668, Folder 2, Levy-Wolff Family Papers, The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Kentucky

Mss. A L668 Folder 2 Item 01

French Line S. S. ILE DE FRANCE Wednesday 10 A. M.

Dears

We do not get very much information but it is reported that War has been declared I still have faith that it will be compromised some way? I hope my card written at Havre & posted there by me a card written & sent from Southampton also, we did not leave Havre until Saturday noon & Southampton Sunday 6 A. M. were we took on a great many passengers The steamer has never before been so crowded beds are even made up in the Engine room everybody is glad to be on at all & hope to get to N. York by Sunday the weather is not very favorable. Fog this A.M. & not much of the fog horn as we do not want our point known to the enemy I am as always a good traveler sleep real fine of course in spite of this & good company my thoughts are with you & hope you look upon the situation with common sense and make the best of it, The Boys

of course I know it's very sad but everything has been here before & we must hope for the best I am happy that you are out of the danger Zone & hope it will remain so just have a peacfull home this much is in your Power we have a great many Jewish passengers amongst them the family from Nashville that Robert met in Strasbourg a few years ago. well this is all for to day, Thursday 4 P.M I am feeling fine we had a good deal of Fog yester day also during the night & of course had to go slow I slept well & we have some news but do not know what to believe at any rate it is war & of couse my thoughts are with you when I read of the Battles on the Rhine & Mosel of couse I think of our Boys but we must make the best of it & trust to the [illegible] We are told we will get to New York Friday night or Saturday A. M. but it is guess & again I say do not worry too much as we need all the strengh we have to preserve & more tomorrow. Friday noon beautifull weather we are due in New York tonight & will leave steamer tomorrow all is well & hope you are will send Cabel as soon as we can & hope same will reach you without delay & will write from Louisville good bye Keep up courage with Love to all Your brother Sol