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Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Benjamin F. Hosford Letter, 1861, Ms2023-125, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Benjamin F. Hosford Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in March 2016.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Benjamin F. Hosford Letter was completed in October 2023.

Biographical Note

During the American Civil War, Benjamin F. Hosford served as a private of Company F of the 2nd Connecticut Infantry Regiment in the Union Army in 1861. At the age of 29, he was killed in action while the captain of Company D of the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery Regiment at the Battle of Cedar Creek on October 19, 1864, at the age of 29. He is buried in Forest View Cemetery, Winsted, Connecticut.

External sources:

"Capt Benjamin F. Hosford", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125186912/benjamin-f-hosford , accessed October 30, 2023.

"Hosford, Benjamin F." (2nd Connecticut Infantry), National Park Service's Civil War soldier database, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=4B4DE9A9-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A , accessed October 30, 2023.

"Hosford, Benjamin F." (2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery), National Park Service's Civil War soldier database, https://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=4A4DE9A9-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A , accessed October 30, 2023.

"Benjamin F Hosford" in the U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/945877:1555 , accessed October 30, 2023.

Scope and Content

The Benjamin F. Hosford Letter is from Hosford to his mother on July 14, [1861], while stationed in Falls Church, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It contains information about the Union Army's movements preparing in a week's advance for what will become known as the First Battle of Bull Run. Also, he discusses problems with the mail in Virginia, as well as issues with taking Confederates as prisoners.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Benjamin F. Hosford Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).