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Davis Hosmer Papers

The Davis Hosmer Papers primarily consists of correspondence written by him and letters he received from friends and family. In addition, there is correspondence between other Hosmer family members. The subjects of the letters convey the difficult realties that soldiers and their families faced during the war. There are often references of death, religion, and perceptions of the war, as well as discussions about everyday life in camp and at home. Additionally, this collection contains a diary Davis kept that recounts his daily actions during his service. This diary is not extensive in detailed content but does identify Davis’ actions each day in short summaries. All of the correspondence and diary is written in cursive English

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Drawing from a friend, Eugene, to Davis Hosmer, No Date
A drawing of Davis Hosmer and his friend as children. Eugene wrote him a poem as well- "April Fool day is past, so you are the biggest fool at last."
Letter from Jane Hosmer to David Hosmer, 1862 (estimated)
In this letter dated 1862 Jane Hosmer states that her brother's letter was received with gladness. She wants Davis to recount how he felt being in the thick of battle, she commends him for his bravery and informs him that all is well at home.
Letter from Sarah Hosmer to David Hosmer, 1862 (estimated)
In this letter dated 1862 Sarah Hosmer tells Davis that she wishes the war would end and that peace would reign throughout the land. She was pleased to receive his letter.
Letter from C.E. Lincoln to Nathan Hosmer, 1862 (estimated)
In this letter dated c. 1862 a receipt given to Nathan Hosmer from C.E. Lincoln. The family rented $3.00 worth of pews and Mr. Lincoln asks for a similar receipt to be paid.
Letter from Ares Onthank to Davis Hosmer, 1862 September 7
In this letter dated Sep. 7 1862 Ares Onthank details his regiment's movements to Davis Hosmer as they travel to Washington. They met a slave along the way and went to his master's house, ended up destroying the property and killing the master's dog.
Letter from James L. Hosmer to Nathan Hosmer, 1862 September 25
In this letter dated Sep. 25 1862 James L. Hosmer is still in the hospital when he wrote this letter to his uncle. He is going much better He was taken prisoner and given very little food.
Letter from Davis Hosmer to his parents, 1862 September 26
In this letter dated Sep. 26, 1862 Davis Hosmer has begun training. He and his fellow soldiers ran through some drills in the morning, but were giving the aftenoon off. He has $1.73 for expenses left.
Letter from Amory S. Haynes to Francis and Sarah Hosmer, 1862 October 2
In this letter dated Oct. 2, 1862 Amory Haynes has not written to Francis and Sarah Hosmer for a while now so he thought they might like to hear from him. He is going fine as he talks about life in his regiment.
Letter from Samuel B. Haynes to Davis Hosmer, 1862 October 11
In this letter dated Oct. 11, 1862 Samuel Haynes is glad to hear that Davis Hosmer is doing well and asks him to say hello to Marcellus Nixon on his behalf.
Letter from Davis Hosmer to his parents, 1862 October 13
In this letter dated Oct. 13, 1862 Davis Hosmer is still in training. He had a wonderful time visiting his parents who came by to see him. He appreciates the extra clothes and other provisions they gave him and requests that next time, they should send him some pie and butter.
Letter from Amory Hayes to Davis Hosmer, 1862 October 17
In this letter dated Oct. 17, 1862 Amory Haynes received a letter from Davis Hosmer and shared details of his experience so far during the war.
Letter from Nellie M. to Davis Hosmer, 1862 October 23
In this letter dated Oct. 23, 1862 Nellie M. tells Davis Hosmer that it has been ages since she has seen him. She has been teaching for some time. He encourages him to write back if he so wishes.
Letter from Jane Hosmer to Davis Hosmer, 1862 October 25
In this letter dated Oct. 25, 1862 Jane Hosmer wishes that her brother would come home on Saturday because she has not seen him in a while. The family will try and send some provisions to him soon.
Letter from Davis Hosmer to his sister, 1862 October 25
In this letter dated October 25, 1862 Davis Hosmer points out that the troops might be moving to Boston. He is not sure when he will be home next.
Letter from Nathan Hosmer and Rebecca Hosmer to Davis Hosmer, 1862 November 19
In this letter dated Nov. 19, 1862 Davis's parents think about and worry about him constantly. They have sent many supplies to him including camphor which he can use if he ever feels feverish.
Letter from Davis Hosmer to his sister, 1862 November 20
In this letter dated Nov. 20, 1862 Davis Hosmer writes that he suffered some illness, but took some of the medicine his parents sent for him. He writes from his regiment's new location at New Bern, NC.
Letter from Samuel Hayes Hosmer and Jane Hosmer to Davis Hosmer, 1862 November 30
In this letter dated Nov. 30, 1862 Samuel Hayes Hosmer and Jane Hosmer both inquire after Davis Hosmer's health while informing him that all is well at home
Letter from Davis Hosmer to his parents, 1862 December 7
In this letter dated Dec. 7 1862 Davis Hosmer remains on guard duty often having to work long hours without rest. At the end of the letter, he lists some provisions that his parents should send to him.
Letter from Nathan Hosmer to Davis Hosmer, 1862 December 16
In this letter dated Dec. 16, 1862 Davis' father wishes to write to his son again, but is informed that he must wait until he hears from Davis Hosmer first.
Letter from Jane Hosmer to Davis Hosmer, 1862 December 20
In this letter dated Dec. 20, 1862 Jane Hosmer tells Davis Hosmer that the war has hit close to home. She also informs him about what is going on at home.

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