Hoffman, John Evans Papers, 1862-1863
Held by The Filson Historical Society
Creator: John Evans Hoffman
Title: Papers, 1862-1863
Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for this collection, contact the Curator of Special Collections.
Size of Collection: 1 cubic foot
Locator Number: Mss./A/H699
Scope and Content Note
The collection consists of approximately 35 letters written to Lt. John E. Hoffman from his father and other relatives. The letters reveal information regarding daily life in West Virginia, such as business activities and disease epidemics, and divided loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy. Additional letters from Union officers are concerned with desertion and rescue of captured soldiers. A diary kept by Lt. Hoffman in 1863 describes daily military life and duties of a cavalry officer. Diary entries briefly mention military engagements in northern Virginia and the Gettysburg Campaign. There are also numerous military records concerning procurement and distribution of equipment and supplies.
Biographical Note
John Evans Hoffman was born October 7, 1842, in Preston County, Virginia near what is now Morgantown, W.Va. He was the second oldest child and oldest son of John H. and Louisa F. (Evans) Hoffman. He had four sisters and two brothers. His father was a merchant and later a general claims agent during the Civil War. Hoffman enlisted in the 3 rd Virginia Cavalry Regiment (U.S.) in late 1861. During 1862 and 1863, he served as a 1 st Lieutenant in Company C and saw action primarily in northern Virginia and Maryland, including the Battle of Brandy Station and the Gettysburg Campaign. He regularly supplied his father with information and records regarding status of soldiers in his unit and assisted them in sending payments and claims to family members in West Virginia. While attempting to rescue some fellow members of his regiment who had been captured by Confederate forces, Hoffman was mortally wounded near Hazel River, Va. on November 24, 1863,
List of Folders
Folder 1: Correspondence; December, 1862 – June, 1863
Folder 2: Correspondence; July – December, 1863
Folder 3: Diary; January – November, 1863
Folder 4: Military records: receipts, lists of procured equipment, supplies, commission certificates
Folder 5: Miscellaneous documents: undated letter, poetry, tin-type
Subject Headings
Confederate States of America. Army – Surgeons
Desertion, Military – United States
Epidemics – West Virginia
Gettysburg Campaign, 1863
Hoffman, John Evans, 1842-1863
Maryland – History – Civil War, 1861-1865
Military discipline – United States
United States – History – Civil War, 1861-1865 – Cavalry operations
United States – History – Civil War, 1861-1865 – Prisoners and prisons
United States – History – Civil War, 1861-1865 – Public opinion
United States. Army – Equipment and supplies
United States. Army – Guard duty
United States. Army – Military life – History – 19th century
United States. Army West Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865)
United States. Army. New York Cavalry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865)
Virginia – History – Civil War, 1861-1865
West Virginia – History – Civil War, 1861-1865