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