I I 45i1U. s^3^ -^-^v^fc^^ia^^i^ "HB'-'''/''' Glass. Book -^ 461 PRESENTED BV {j t) / j IL^ MILITSRY RECORD BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL John William Hofmann, UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS. (LfiTE COLONEL OF THE FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT PENNSYLVHNIS ¥ETERflN VOLUNTEERS, INFANTRY.) -# *< 6 V /S^t II MILITHRY RECORD n OF BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL John William Hofmann, UNITED STATES VOLUNTEERS. (LATE COLONEL OF THE FIFTY-SIXTH REGIMENT PENNSYLVflNIH VETERHN VOLUNTEERS, INFANTRY.) PHILADELPHIA: A. W. .\uNER, Printer, Tenth & Race Streets. .1 MILITARY RECORD OF — B¥T. Brig. Gent J, Wm, Hofmsnn, U. S. V. John William IIofmann was born in Pliiladelphia, February 18th, 1824, second son of John IIofmann, a native of Fiirth, Germany ; who settled in Phila- delphia as a Manufacturer of Woolen Hosiery, and was for many years engaged in manufacturing for the U. 8. Army. In the year 1840, J. Wm. IIofmann became a member of the Military Company of Junior Artillerists, commanded by Captain Frederick Fritz, afterwards by 1st Sergeant Robert Beckenback. He served in the ranks of this Company until the year 1843, when he became a member of the Artillery Corps of Wasliington Grays commanded by Captain Jolm McAdam, Captain Peter C. Ellmaker, and Captain Thomas P. Parry. He continued to serve in the ranks of this Corps until the opening of the War of the Rebellion, in xVpril, 1861. Special service during this period : — A tour of Camp Duty at Paoli, Pa. September, 1840- On Duty to Suppress Riot in Philadelphia, August, 1842. On Duty to vSuppress Riot in Philadelphia, January, 1843. On Duty to Suppress Riot in Philadelphia, May, 1844. On Duty to Suppress Riot in Philadelphia, July, 1844.' A tour of Camp Duty at New Hope, Pa. July, 1855. On the evening of April 15th, 1861, when the President's Proclamation call- ing for 75,000 troops to suppress the Rebellion was published in Philadelphia, the Artillery Corps of Washington Grays authorized Captain Parry, then commanding the Corps, to offer its services as part of the quota of troops to be furnished by the State of Pennsylvania. Of some sixty members of the Corps then present, over fifty, including the subject of this record, signed the roll, pledging themselves for field service with the Corps. On the following day he was tendered the appointment of Captain in the First Regiment of Philadelphia City Guards^ commanded by Colonel Charles P. Dare, and which Regiment had then been accepted for three months service in the field, and was subsequently known as the 23rd Regiment, although, as will be seen, a portion of its troops were the very first to be mustered into the U. S. Service, of the quota furnished by the vState of Pennsylvania. See Appendix for numbers referred to. Having been released by Captain Parry from his pledge, to serve in the ranks of the Corps of Washington Grays,^ he accepted the proffered commission, and immediately commenced recruiting his company to the maximum, On Sunday, April 21st, he, witli his company, were mustered into the United States Service bv Major Charles F. Rufl', V. S. A., M. (). to serve for three months.'* At an early hour on the 22nd of April, he drew clothing and blankets for his Company, and in a few hours later moved from the Company's rendezvous to the State Arsenal, where he drew arms — old flint-lock muskets, altered to purcussion- locks and three rounds of ammunition, but.received no accoutrements. At 4 P. M. with his company forming one of a detachment of four companies, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel (afterwards Major-General) D. B. Birney, moved South, by rail, via the Philadelphia, VVilmington and Baltimore Railroad. For two weeks he was stationed with his company at Newark Station, Del., engaged in guarding the station, where a large amount of Government Paper was stored — and the railroad from Stanton to Elkton, Md. He was relieved by a detachment of the Gth Regi- ment Penna. Vols., on the 7th of May, and moved to Perryville.'^ On the 8th of May he was detailed to escort with his company, a large shipment of specie, by Steamer Ariel, to Annapolis.** On the night of the 18th, he was detailed to move with his company, via rail, towards Bush River Bridge, where he arrested a num- ber of persons who had been engaged in the destruction of the R. R. Bridges over Bush River and Ginipowder River on the night of April 20th." On May 21st, he was detailed to move with the Iron Battery-car to Bush River and guard the bridge, which had then been rebuilt.*' May 29th, rejoined the Regiment and moved by rail, via Bahimore to the ('amp of Instructions at Ciiambersburg, Pa., where the troops for the army of General Robert Patterson were then assembling." The Regiment was assigned to the Brigade commanded by Colonel (afterwards Major General) George H. Thomas and to the Division commanded i)y Brevet Major General George Cadwalader. June 7th, the Brigade moved to Greencastle, Pa., and on the 15th, to Williamsport, Md., next day, Sunday, June 16th, the army forded the Potomac River at tliis place and moved to Falling Waters, Va., where it bivouaced. On the night of the 17th, returned, reforded the river, and went in camp on the Conococheaque Creek. On July 2nd, the army again forded the river at Williamsport, moved on Martinsburg. The enemy under Stonewall Jackson, was encountered at Hokes Run, near Falling Water and was driven back, the troops then went into camp. The next day the column moved to and occupied Martinsburg. Captain Hofmann with bis company were detailed to form part of the Provost Guard, which was under the command of Major George Spear, of the Regiment.* On the loth of July, the army under General Patterson, moved to Bunker Hill, and encamped. On the 17th it moved to Charlestown. July 21st, the Regi- ment moved to Harper's Ferry, then through the ruins of the U. S. Armory to the Potomac River which was forded at that point, the Regiment then bivouaced at Sandy Hook, and next day took cars via Baltimore for Philadelphia where it arrived on the 23rd, and in a few days afterwards was mustered out of service. Captain Ilofmann's Company "E" being mustered out on the .'51st of July, 1861. After a few weeks rest. Captain Hofmann commenced to recruit a company for the new 23rd Regiment Pa. Vols., and while so engaged was tendered ihe appointment of Major in the 56th Regiment then being organized by Colonel S. * Major Spear became the Colonel of the 6ist Reg't Pa. Vols., and was killed while at the head of the assaulting column that captured the enemy's works at Fredericksburg, May 3rd, 1S63. A. Meredith for tlie three years service. A few days subsequently lie was ap- jjointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment. In tiie latter j^art of September, Colonel Meredith was assigned to duty as Commandant of Camp Cnrtin at Harris- burg, Pa., a camp of rendevous and instruction and at which place the regiment was assembling. Lt. Col. Ilofraann entered upon duty September 27th, '" aiding in organizing the Regiment, and in the absence of (^ol. Meredith commanding the Camp up to March 8th, 1862, ^' when the regiment, under command of Colonel Meredith moved by rail, via Baltimore, to Washington, and encamped on Kalorama Heights, then moved to Fort Albany and in a few weeks later to the " Lower Potomac," where it was for some lime engaged in guarding government property. Then moved to Aquia Creek Landing, and engaged in rebuilding the railroad from that point to Fredericksburg. The work being completed the regiment was engaged in gnai-d duty at Belle Plain, then in guarding the railroad from Potomac Creek Bridge to the Rappahannock River, up to August 8th, having been in the meantime assigned to Doubleday's Brigade, King's Division, McDowell's Corps. Lt. Col. Hofmann was constantly with tlie regiment, discharging the duties of his station. On the 8th of January, 1863, he was promoted to be Colonel, vice, Meredith, promoted to be Brigadier General. August 1st, 1864, he was appointed Brigadier General by Brevet, in the Ignited States Volunteers, and subsequently was assigned by the President to duty according to his brevet rank. March 8th, 1865, he was mustered out by reason of expiration of his term of service. During the whole term of his services he was never wounded, nor reported sick, and with a few exceptions, was with his Regiment or Brigade in all their skirmishes and battles, and intervening marches ; having during his term of service participated iu the following operations : As Lieut. Col. marched with his Regiment from Fredericksburg to Cedar Mountain, August 9—11, 1862. With the Regiment in the Action at Rappahannock Station, August 21, 1862. With the Regiment in the Action at Sulphur Springs, August 26, 1862. Commanded Regiment, Battle of (xainsville. Commanded Regiment, Battle of (iroveton, Commanded Regiment, Battle of Bull Run, Commanded Brigade, Battle of South Moimtain, ' Commanded Brigade, Battle of Antietam, Commanded Brigade, Action at Union, Va. Commanded Regiment, Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Commanded Regiment, Burnside Movement ( Mud March ), January 17—22, 1863. Commanded Regiment, Second Battle of Fredericksburg, April 29, 1863. Commanded Regiment, Battle of Chancellorsville, August 28, 1862. August 29, 1862. August 30, 1862. September 14, 1862. September 17, 1862. November 2—3, 1862. Commanded Regimouf, Action at Beverly Ford, Commanded Regiment, Battle of Gettysburg, ' ' May 1—3, 1863. June 9, 1863. Julv 1—3, 1863. 6 Commanded Regiment, in Action at Mine Run, Nov. 28—30, 1863. Commanded Brigade, Movement on tlie Rapid Ran, Fehrnary 6—7, 1864. Commanded Regiment, Battle of Wilderness, ^^ May 5—7, 1864. ("ommanded Regiment, Battle of Alsop's Farm, May S— 12, 1864. Commanded Regiment, Battle of 8pottsylvania, May 13—22, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Battle of North Anna,^"' May 23, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Battle of Totopotomoy, June 1, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Battle of Bethesda Church,"' .June 2, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Action of Chickahoniiny Bridge, .June 8, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Movement to and across the James, .June 16, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Assault mi tlie lines of Petersburg, June 18, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Siege Operations to August 17, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Battle on Weldon Railroad at Yellow House, August 18—19, 1864. (Commanded Brigade, Battle on Wehlou Railroad at Yellow House,^ ' August 21, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Siege Operations to September 29, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Battle of Pegram's Farm,'' October 1, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Action at Hatcher's Run, October 29, 1864. Commanded Brigade, Siege Operations to December 6, 1864. Cornmandetl Brigade, Movement on Hicksford, Destroying Railroad, December 7—12. 1864. Commanded Brigade, Siege Operations to March 8, 1865. Termination of Field Service. At the recpiest of the members. General Hofmann I'ommanded the Artillery Corj)s of Washington Grays on their annual parade February 22nd, 1866 — in honor of the day — (the parades had been suspended 1862 — 6 by reason of the members, with few exceptions, being in service in the field as commissioned officers). The Corps paraded over one hundred members and moved as a battalion of four com- panies, whicli were commanded by General Gvvyn, General Davies, Colonel C'. Ross Smith, Bvt. Colonel W. C. Ward. The Corps after having visited the Hall of Independence, was reviewed in front of the Union League House, on Broad Street, bv General Meade- ' ** In May, 1869, General Ilofniann was elected to and accepted the command of the Second Brigade, of tiie First Division, National Gnards of Pennsylvania, com- manded by Major General C'harles M. Prevost. Continued in command of the Brigade until August, 1S71, wlien General D. W. C. Baxter, commanding the Tliird Brigade and General Hofmann l)oth resigned tlieir commission to facilitate con- solidation. The consolidation having been eliected General Baxter declined a re- election, and General Hofmann was re-elected to the command, and continued in command of the Brigade until November, 1873, when he resigned hi.- coaimission. Special service during this period : Commanded his Brigade at the Dedica- tion of the Lincoln Momument in Fairmount Park, September 22nd, 1871 ; Com- manded his Brigade at tlie Funeral of General Meade, November lltli, 1872; Commanded the Division, July 4th, 1873, at Dedication of the Grounds, in Fair- mount Park, for the World's Exposition and celebration of the Centennial Anni- versary of American Independence. Commanded Division at Review by Governor Hartrantt, November 27th, 1873. During the widely extended Riots in July and August, 1877, General Hof- mann, as a member of the Artillery Corps of Washington Grays, then conmumded by Lieutenant W. C. Zane, served as a private in the ranks July 20th to August 5th, when the troops were discharged. Having been on duty at Altoona, Pittsburg and Scranton, Pa During his service in the field General Hofmann served in the following Armies, Corps, Divisions, Brigades and Regiments, and under the officers named therewith : Army of the Depaktment of Pennsylvania, Commanded by Major General Robert Patterson. Division— Commanded by Bvt. Maj. Gen. George Cadwalader. Brigade — Commanded by Colonel (afterwards Maj. Gen.) George H. Thomas. Regiment — 23rd Penna. Volunteers, Colonel Clias. P. Dare. Army of Northern Virginia, Commanded by Major General John Pope. Corp.s — Commanded by Major General Irvin McDowell. Division — Commanded by Brigadier Generals Rufus King, Hatch and Doubleday. Brigade — Commanded by Brig. General Abner Doubleday. Regiment — 5Gth Penna. Volunteers, Colonel S. A. Meredith. Army of the Potomac, Commanded by Maj. Gen'l George B. McClellan. Commanded by Maj. Gen'l A. Burnside. Commanded by Maj. Gen'l Jos. Hooker. Commanded by Maj. Gen'l George G. Meade. Corps — Commanded by Maj. Gen'ls Hooker, Meade, Reynolds, Doubleday, Newton, Warren. Divisions — Commanded by Brig. Gen'ls A. Doubleday, Jas. S. Wadsworth, L. Cutler, (Jhas. Griffin, R. B. Ay res, S. W. Crawford. Brigade — Commanded by Brig. Gen'ls Doubleday, L. Cutler, J. C. Rice, Col. E. B. Fowler, 14th Brooklyn. i Prisoners and TROPH]f:s Captired Bv Tkoops Serving Undi k Command of General Hofmann. Prisoners : At the Battle of North Anna, May •28rd, 18(54, 100 prisoners. At tlie Battle of Weldon R. R. August •2Ist, ISM, 275 prisoners. For conspicuous gallantry in aiding in the capture of the prisoners August 21st, Private W. Smith, Co. B, 95th N. Y., serving as a Mounted Orderly on the Staff' of General Hofmann, received the Congress Medal of Honor. Battle Flags: One Battle Flag, captured in the Battle of Weldon Railroad, August 18th, 18(i4, by Private Jennings, 56th Regiment, Penna. Vols., the Congress Medal of Honor was awarded. One Battle Flag, captured in the Battle of Weldon Railroad, August 21st, 18(j4, by First Sergeant Shilling, Co. H, 3rd Del. Vols, the Congress Medal of Honor was awarded. One Battle Flag, captured in the Battle of Weldon Railroad, August 21st, 1864, by Captain Hatch, 76th New York Vols One Battle Flag, captured in the Battle of Weldon Railroad, August 21st, 1864, by Adjutant Ayres, 3rd Del. Vols. ( For the two last-named flags no Medal was awarded, the captors being Commissioned Officers.) APPENDIX. — ■■ — « — ^ — No. 1. Headquarters 1st Regiment Artillery, Phil/U)J5lphla., Janiiaiy 24th, 1845. ORDEKS— No. 68. Extuact; The following named non-commissioned officers and privates of this Kegiment having displayed exceeding good conduct and gallantry on the 7th day of July last, under the most disheartning circumstances, such of them as still re- main in the Regiment will be distinguished agreeably to military usage and regu- lations of the army, by wearing a Red-Chevron on each arm above the elbow pointing upwards. It will be cfjnsidened an honorable batlge of gallant and merito- rious conduct, * * « « * Company " C " ( Washington Grays ) Corporal J, Wm, Hofmann, By Order of A. J. Pjleasonton, Colonel. S. B. H. Vanxe, Adjutant. HEAr)Qt\\RTEES 1st Brio., 1st Div. N. G. Pa. Philadelphia, March 25th, 1874. I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the Order-book of the First Regiment Artillery, now in my possession. J. P. Bankson, Brig. General. To Brig. General J. W. HOFMANN, with Compliments of J. P. Bankson. 10 Philadelphia, April IGtli, 1861. Dear Will : I liiive been offered and have accei)ted the Adjutancy of the First Regiment Pliihidelphia City Guards, Connnanded by Col. C P. Dare, and which has been accepted as one of the regiments of tJie quota of trnops to be fur- nished by our State under the President's Proclamation calling 75,000 troops to serve in the field for three months. I am authorized to ofl'er you a Captaincy, and I submit, that we can be of more service as officers in this regimeni, than if we continued to serve in the ranks in tiie Grays, and the old corps will get the credit of our services all the same. If you think well of it, call at the store to-morrow at 10 A. M., and I will introduce you to Lt. Col. Birney who has charge of the matter of preparing the regiment for the field. To J. Wm. Hofmaxn. To F. A. lioYT, Es(]. Yours truly, II. W. Arnold- No. 8. Philadelphia, October 2(!th, 18S2. Dear Sir: — In reply to your inquiry I would state that .J. Wm. Hofmann was a private and non-commissioned otiieer for several years of the Washington Grays, under my command and others, and at the breaking out of the rebellion was among the first to volunteer with the corps in answer to the President's call for troops. On the following day, he called upon me to say that he had been offered a captain's connuission in anotlier conutaand (Col. Dare's liegiment) but as he had volunteered to serve with the Grays of which he w'as then an active member — he could not consistently accept the offer without consulling me. Having perfect confidence in his ability, I advised him to accept the offer without hesitation, which he did. Respeetfullv yours, Thos. p. Parry. No. 4. 1607 Filbert Street, March l.")tli, ISfiU. General: — It would give me great pleasvn-e to comply with your request to furnish you with my official certificate that you were the first officer mustered into the United States Service in this city at the opeuiug of the late rebellicm," if I were not precluded, indeed prohibited from furnishing any official information in regard to Musters by a General Order from the War Department, without permis- sion previously obtained. Tke fad however remains, that you were the first officer mustered into the United Stales Service in this cilij at the opening of the late rebellion, and it would give me great pleasure to so certify that fact officially were I permitted to do so. Very respectfully, C. F. Ri'PF. To Gen'l J. W. Hofmann, U. S. Vols. 3423 Bridge St., Philadelphia, Pa 11 JVo. 5. Headquarters Camp Susquehanna, Perryville, Mav 7tli, 1861. Special Orders No. 4. Captain Hofniann will be relieved at Newark, Captain Barr at Elkton, Captain Betson at North-East, and Lieutenant Wilson at Charles- ton by detachments from Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Vols. Col Nagle. On being relieved their detachments will immediately proceed to Perryville, and the Commanding Officer will report to Headquarters for instruc- tions. By order of Chas. P. Dare, H. W. Arnoi^d, Adjutant. To Captain IIofmann, Colonel Conniianding. No. G. Headquarters, Perryville, May 8th, 1861. Co E, 1st Regiment P. C. G. Captain: — You will proceed with fifty men on board the Steamer Ai-iel, to act as escort for Government Specie to Annapolis, on your arrival there, you will report to the Commanding OfKcer, and return at once to this post, unless you receive further orders By order of Chas. P. Dare, Colonel Commanding. Bailey, Orderly. No. Ga. " In Arms for the Defence op Our Country." Headquarters 1st Reg't of Artillery, Philad'a City Guards, Third Regiment, First Divison, P. V. Camp Havre de Grace, May 11th, 1861. To Captain J. W. Hofmann. Sir: — The pleasure of your company is solicited to dine with me to-morrow, Sunday, at 2 o'clock, P. M. Yours truly, For D. B. Birney, Lt. Colonel Commanding. H. W. Arnold, Adjutant. To Major F. J. Porter, Assist. Adj't Gen'l. No. 7. Headquarters Camp Susquehanna, Perryville, Md., May 19th, 1861. Major: — I have the honor to report that last evening signal rockets were reported in the direction of Aberdeen, I immediately proceeded to Havre de Grace, Lt. Col. Birney being absent, and finding that they 12 Were not tlie code agreed upon, considered no reinforcements nt-ces?ar\-, T praceedecl to Aberdeen, to ascertain why the rockets liad been fired, nnd at that post they were reported to have been seen in the direction of PerrymansviUe. Taking guard to that point I fonnd all quiet. Inforniatitm having been given in relation to Cajrtain Benedict H. Rean, in command of the Spesutia Rangers, Wm. B. Michaels and Tlionias Wilson Capt. Hofmann of Company " E," 1st Reg't P. C. G. ( 23rd P. V.) arrested them, The first as in command of forces liostile to the United States, and the two latter- named gentlemen as having been engaged in the destruction of the bridges. The arrests were made quietly, and every consideration sliown to gentlemen detained. There were taken to Pen-yville and lo'lgid at my quarters*. From representations mude by Capt. Rean, and by otliers partic&, the SpesHtia Rangei-s have not been engaged, or intending to engage, in acts against the Government. His action in opposing the destruction of the bridges, as represented by creditable parties, induced his release on parole of honor to appear when wanted, Tlie (Others I believe to have been engaged in the destruc- tion of the bridges, and that the evidence will be ample to sustain the fact. I am now detaining them until 1 receive instruction from Headquarters. I have the honor to be. Very rei^peetfiilly, Your old Lvt. Charles P, Dare, Commanding the Post. iVo. S. Headquarters Camp Susquehaxxa, Perryville, Md., May 21st, 1861. Special OKin^K No 9. Cajitain Hofmann will hold his Company in readiness to move to-morrow at eleven o'clock, provided with three days rations. On receiving orders to march, he will proceed with the Railroad Battery to Bush River and take ix>st at the east end of the bridge. All reports will be made direct to Headquarters. By order of Chas. P. Dare, Colonel Commanding. C< S. GiLIJNGHAM, Adiutant, y^o, if. HEAiKiUARTERS 23rd, Regiment P. V. Camp Reilly, May 29th, 1861. Captain Hofmann, Commanding Co. E — ' Hold yovn- Company in readiness to strike their tents and move at an hour's notice. By order of Chas. P. Dare, Colonel Commanding. A. F. DonAoaN, Orderlv, 13 No. 10. Philadklpiiia, Sei)tcnil)er 20;]i, 1861. Dear Sir: M'ill you so to Ilarrishnrg and report yourself to Colonel Bidtlle? I will be up on Monday. Yours res]x>ctfullv, S. A. Meredith. To Lieut. Col. J. Wjr. IIofmaxx, No. 11. Headquarters Pennsylvaxia ]\Iiutia, Harri.-^iu-rg, October lltli, ISfil. Lt. Col. Hofmanx, Comd'g Camp Curtin. CoLOXEL — I liave requested the Secretary of the Commonwealth to send a Clerk to Camp Curtin to make out the General Election Returns. — There are no blanks, and it had therefore better be done under the supervision of a person familiar witli the subject. I am, respectfully, Crakj Biddle, a. D. C. No. 12. Purcelviele, Va. November 1st, 1862. To Lt. Col. IIOFMAXX, Comd'g 2nd Brigade. General Reynolds directs that you place yourself under command of CJeneral Pieasonton. A. DOUBLEDAY. Brier. Gen'l Comd'g Division. riEAlKirARTERS CAVALRY BRIGADE, November 3rd, 1862. To Gex'L DofBLEDAY. Comd'g 1st Division, 1st Army Corps. Gexerae — I shall not take your brigade any further, Jiut direct it to report to you from where it is in front of Union. It rendered me good service yesterday and met with a few losses. We drove the enemy steadily throughout the day. Very truly yours, A. Peeasonton. A true copy for Lt. Col. Hofmaxn. A. DorSLEDAY, Bvt. Maj. Gen'l, U. S. A. Headquarters 1st Divisiox, 1st Corps, November 4th, 1862. Coloxee; The General is very happy over your success, and congratulates you and your command. He directs that you remain until the division comes up. We are expecting to move to-day. I am, very respectfully, your obt. svt. E. P. Haestead, Cap't and A. A. G. To Lt. Col. HoFM.\.NX', Comd'g 2nd Brigade. 14 No. 12a. Tlie Brignde ( Donbleday's Old Ilrigado) tlien con^^isted of the 1st Xew Hampshire I.iglit Battery, Lt. Edgell, Comd'g. 7tli Rei>'t Indiana \'ol. Intantrv, Lt. Col. Cheek. C'oind'g. 5Gth Keg't Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry, Maj. Smith, Comd'g. TGtii Rcg't New York Vols. Infantry, Maj. Livingstone, Comd'g'- U5th Reg't New York Vols. Infantry, Lt. Col. Post, Comd'g. No. 12b, Camp of thp: 56th Regiment Penna. Vols. Near Pratt.s Landing, Va, January 17th, 1863, To Kis Excellency, Andrew G. Ci'rtin, Governor (rf Penna. (tovernor : The jjosition of Colonel in this Regiment having become vacant by the promotion of Colonel S. A. Meredith, we the officers of the regiment do most respectfully — but earnestly rerpiest that the same may be filled by our present Lieut. C(donel J. Wm. Hofmann. Lt. Col. Hofmann has been with the Regiment .-ince its organization, and from the time we left Ilarrisburg in Mareli last — up to the present moraenii has not been oft' of duty a day. He has been in coniniand of the Regiment since August 28th, until now except for two months when he was in command of the Brigade to which we are attached. During this time lie has been at the head of his command in the Battles of Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Union and Fredericksburg, in each of which, he by his bravery, coolness and military skill won the admiration of those under him, and the approbation of his superior officers. Possessing as he does, all the qualities of a soldier and a gentleman, we feel confident your Excellency could not place tlie connnand in more fitted hands, nor more satisfactory to those composing this command. We are, (Tovcrnor, very respec:tfully, Your obt. sevts. John B. Smith, Major; Jacob F. Chur, Adj't ; Henry Paschall, 1st Lt. and Quarter-master; George B. Osborn, Captain, Comd'g Co. A ; J. A. Cunningham, Cap't, Comd'g Co. B; F. Williams, Cap't, Comd'g Co. D; M. Runkle, Lt. Comd'g Co. F ; J. R. Helmbold, Cap't Co. G ; I. N. Burritt, 2nd Lt. Comd'g Co. H; H. A. Laycock, Cap't, ('omd'g Co. I; Samuel Healy, 1st Lt ; D. J. Dickson, 2nd Lt. ; J. I). Hubler. 2nd Lt.— all the ofKcers present with the regiment. Cap't E. P. Halstead, A. A. G., 2nd Brigade, 1st Div. 1st A. C. Endorsed : HeaIiqi-arters 2nd Brig., 1st Div., 1st A. C. Jantiary 18th, 186.3. I cannot loo strongly urge that the within petition be granted, Lt. Col. Hofmann has earned for himself a most enviable reputation in this division. His Regiment is one of the be.st in the service through his instru- mentality. When he was in command of this Brigade his superiors all acknowl- edged his good conduct, skill and bravery. It will be a great disappointment to us all if he is not promoted. A. DoLBEEDAY. Brig, Gcn'l Volunteers. 15 No. 12c. After thk Close of the GETTYSBURe; Campaig:s-. The Officers niul Men of tlie oGth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volnn- Iteers, presented Colonel Ilofnmnn witli a richly nionnted testimonial sword, sash, Ijelt and spurs, handsomely encased. The scahhard bearincr the inscri[)tion, "'To Colonel J. Wni. Hofniann, from the oflicers and men of ids command," and the names of tlie battles and actions in wliicii tlie regiment had been engaged. Xo. 13, IlEADQfARTERS, 1st DIVISION, 1st A. C. November 5th, 1SG3, To THE GOVERNCUI OF PeXNSYLVAXIA. Sir: In noticing in llie papers to day an account of the proposition for a National Cemetery at Gettysburg, for the men that fell theref in July hvst, I am reminded tiiat I have neglected a duty which I owe to one of your regiments, the 56th, and its brave commander Col J. Win. Ilofmann. That Regiment is in the 2d Brigade of this Divisiim, and was at that time under mv command. It was ray fortune to be in tlie advance on the morning of July 1st. When we came upon the ground in front of the enemy. Col. ITofmann's Regiment, ( being the second in the column,) got into po.sition a moment sooner than the others, the enemy now advancing in line of battle within easy musket range. The atmos- phere being a little thick, I took out my glass to examine the enemy, being a few paces in rear of Col. Ilofmann, lie turned to me and enquired " is that the enemy ? " my reply was "yes!" turning to his men he commanded "Ready, Right-Oblitpie, Aim, Fire," and the battle of Gettysburg was opened. The fire was followed by other Regiments instantly, still that battle on the soil of Pennsylvania was opened by her own sons, and it is just, that it should become a matter of History. When Col. Hofmann gave tlie command "aim," I doubted whether tlie enemy was near enough to have the fire effective, and asked him if he was within range, not hear- ing my cpiestion, fired and I received my reply in a shower of rebel bullets by which many of the Col's men were killed and wounded, my own horse and those of two of my staff were wounded at the same time. I desire to say to your Excallency, that the 56tli is one of the very best Regiments in the service, and tiiat Col. Hofmann is, witliout qualification, one of the best Officers, brave, faithful and prompt, and a most excellent discipli- narian. I most earnestly hope that his faithful services maybe suitably rewarded. I hope also that you will cause proper measures to be taken to give that Regiment the credit, which is their due, of having opened that memorable battle. "\'g,2.y respectfully, your obedient servant, L. Cutler, Brigadier General. Ko. 14. In tiie battle of the Wilderness, on the afternoon of May 6th, 1864, at the crossing of the Orange Court House and tlie Brock Roads, Col. Hofmann commanded the detachment consisting of troops from the 56tli, 142nd, 143rd, 149th, 150th Penna. Vols., and from the 76lh, 95th and 147th N. Y. and 6tli Wis. Vols., which drove the enemy out of the works they had captured on the Brock Road and upon which they liad for a moment planted their colors. (See Nos. 31 & 32.) 16 No. 15. At tlie l>attle of Xortli Anna, May 23rd, 1864, Col. Hofmann's Brlgfade (L'nd Brig. 4tli Div., 5th A. C, formerly the l.st Div., 1st A. C.,) consisted of the 56th Regiment Penna. V. V., the 76th, 95tli and 147th New York Vols. No. 10. At the battle of Bethesda Church, June 2nd, 1864, Col. Hofmann's Brigade consisted of the 3rd and 4th Del. Vols., 56th and 157th Penna. Vols., 76th, 95th and 147th N. Y. Vols., (and 46th N. Y. Vols, temporary.) No. 17. At the close of the battle of Yellow House, on the Weldon R. R., .\ugust 21st, 1864, Col. Ilofraann was the recii)ient of a Trophy-Testimonial of a Revolver and Pair of Spurs, captured in the battle and presented by the men of the 4tli Del. Vols. No. IS. At the battle of Pegram's Farm, October 1st, 1864, Col. Hofmann's Brigade (now the 3rd Brig., 3rd Div., 5th A. C.,) consisted of the 56th, 121st, and 142nd Pa. Vols., 76th, 94th, 95th and 147th New York Vols. No. ISa. Army op the Potomac, Headquarters 3d Brigade, 3d Divi.sion, 5th A. C. Before PETER-SBURa, November 15th, 1864. To THE Officers and Mex Of the 56th Regt. Penna. Vet. Vols. The duty devolves upon me, to announce to you that, I have received the appointment of Hrevet Brigadier (General of United Slates Volunteers. Under these circumstances it is not probable tiiat I shall again return to the command of the regiment. The honor that has thus been conferred upon me, is an honor conferred upon you. It is an acknowledgment to you, of the ser- vices that you performed in the good cause, under my conmiand, whether as your regimental or as your brigade commander. For the honor that I have received, I am under obligations to you. I thank you, again and again, for the manner in which you have sustained me in my efforts to faithfully discliarge the duties of a citizen of this Great Republic in the hour of her trial. Continue to bear in mind, in the future as you have done in the past, that the honor of one member of this Great Federal compact has been entrusted to your hands, — Guard it well — wherever you carr}' her flag, whether in camp, or on the march, or on the field of battle, carry it with honor, so that when this fra- tricidal conflict shall Ije ended, when the stars and stripes shall again triumphantly float over all the land, from the Lakes to the Gulf, and from Ocean to Ocean, when we can again extend the fraternal hand to those who now are arrainged against us in deadly strife, that we may then look upon our flag with pride, and in our hearts feel, that in the hour of our country's peril, we did our duty. J. Wm. IIofmann, Col. 56th Regt. Penna. Vet. Vols., Brevet Brig. Gen. Cora'd'g Brigade. No. 10. The last service of Gen'l Hofiuann as a member of the Artiller_y Corps of Wa>huigton Grays, had been on tiie morning of February 22d, 1861, he then served as a cannoneer in the tletachment of Grays, that fired the National Salute at the Hall of Independence, as President-elect Lincoln, then on his way to Washington, lioistel t!ie Union fl:ig over tlie Hall. No. 20. Headquarters 1st Division, 1st Army Corps. November 2d, 1863. To THE Secretary of War. Sir : — I have served in the same division Avith C'olonel Hofmann, •''fith Pa. ^'()ls., for over a year. He has been under ray com- mand since March last. I have had abundant opportunity both in camp and in tlie field to observe his conduct. 1 have seen him in different engagements, and under all circumstances his conduct has been all I could desire. As a disciplinarian he has no superior within my knowledge. His coolness, skill and bravery in action are beyond question.. It was his regiment wliicli opened tlie liattle of Gettysburg, and his conduct in that engagement should entitle him to the commendation of the government if he had no other claims. I most sincerely hope that he may receive the promotion that he has so richly earned. Very respectfully, L. Cutler, Brigadier General. No. 21. Office of Commissioner for Exchange. Fortre-ss Monroe, November 17th, 1863. To Colonel J. W. Hofmann. Commanding 56th Pa. Vols. ]\Iy' Dear Colonel : — It gives me great pleasure to offer my te.stimony as to your conduct, character and capabilities as a soldier, whilst you were under my command as Lt. Col. of the 56th Reg't Pa Vols. I have often had cause to congratulate myself in having you as my first officer. I have always found you prompt, efficient and cool, under whatever circumstances. The discipline which you enforced, and the manner in which you handled the regiment, have often excited my admiration. There is no one whom I know, more capable of filling, with credit to himself and government, a higher position in the army, and no one whom I should be better pleased to see obtain tliat promotion which you have so richly deserved. I am, Colonel, Very truly yours, S. A. Meredith, Brigadier General. 18 JVo. 22. Washington, D. C, Novenil)er 23d, 1863. To THE President U. S. Colonel J. Wm. Ilofiiiann, 56tli Reg't Pa. Vols., is a high-toned gentleman and a skillful soldier. I douht if there is a better drill officer in the service. He has been engaged in eight large battles and .several minor engagements in all of which he was distingnished for coolness, courage and ability. He commanded a brigade in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam and Union, and on these as on every occasion, he won the tribute of respect and admiration from all liis superiors in rank, as tiie ofiiclal reports will abundantly testily. I hope his well-earned promotion will not be much longer delayed. A. DOIBLEDAY, Major General Vols. No. 23. Headquarters 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army CV)Rps. Camp near Rappahannock Station. November 25th, 1863. To His Excei^t^ency, Abraham Lincoln, President U. S. Sir : — It gives me great satisfaction to commend to your most favorable notice Colonel .J. W. Hofmann, commanding 56th Pa. Vols., for promotion to Brigadier General. His claim.s to this position consist in his long-continued and faithful .services in the field, his skill and bravery in l)attle, and his great abilities as a disciplinarian and tactician. I am, most resjiectfully. Your obedient servant, J. C. Rice, Brig. General. No. 24. Washington, D. C, December 14th, 1863. To His Excellency, The President. Sir: — I beg to commend Colonel Hofmann of tiie 56tii Reg't Pa. Vols., to you, as an officer eminently worthy of your notice, and justly entitled to promotion to the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers. Col. Hof- mann served in the first division, 1st corjjs, under my immediate command, from December, 1862, to .Inly 10th, 1863. In the crossing of the Rappahannock on April 29th, Col. ITofmann's Regiment was deployed as skirmishers to cover the storming party, and handled his regiment with marked ability, rendering efficient service. In the forced march to Chancellorsville, in the long march to Getty.s- burg, and on the battlefield of Gettysburg, under the severest trials to which a regi- ment can be exposed, Col. Hofmann discharged his duties with the highest courage, good jndgment and fidelity. 19 In all the duties of a soldier and commander, in camp, in court- martial, court of inquiry, on the march and on the battlefield, Col. H. has exhi- bited, under my immediate observation the highest and best qualities. I therefore recommend him to your Excellency's favorable con- sideration, with entire confidence in his worthiness. I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, Jas. S. Wadsworth, Brig. General Vols. No. 25. Headquarters 3d Division, 5th A. C. October 3d, 1S64. Will Gen'l Hofmann allow the staff of the 3d Division to congratulate him on liis deserved promotion. Nothing could be more gratifying to those who have seen Gen'l Hofmann in the field, than this tardy acknowledgment of liis services by the department. With most hearty wishes for further promotion and continued success. We remain. General, Ever your friends, Geo. B. Osborn, Lt. Col. H. A. Laycociv, Captain. Jas. p. Meade, 1st Lt. A. C. M., On behalf of Staff. No. 20. TTpon the occasion of his assignment to duty b}' the President, accord- ing to his grade of Brigadier Generakby brevet. General Hofmann was presented with a richly-bound testimonial copy of Jomini's Life of Napoleon, by the members of his "Old Staff." No. 27. Headquarters Fifth Army Corps. April 2d, 18G5. General: — It afibrds me pleasure to testify that your reputation as an officer whilst with the otli Corps was not only such as to merit and command the respect and confidence of your officers, bat such as to elicit, and deservedly, the commendation of all who were associated with you in the service. Many regrets were expressed when you were mustered out, but as the war is about ended, I feel that it may have been the means of saving your life, and congratulate yon upon your safety. Please accept. General, my warmest wishes for your future prosperity .in life, and believe me very truly your friend, Charles Griffin, Brevet Major General. To Gen'l J. W. Hofmann, Philadelphia. 20 XoTTAWAY Court House, Va., April 23tl, 1865. General: — I take pleasure in addressing ^on, and re-calling your services whilst, for a short time, nnder my command. I considered yon one of the bestbrigide commanders, recommended vou for the appointment of Brigadier General, and asked that you be permanently assigned to a brigade in my division. I regretted that your full commission was not given, and your services thus made available to the government. I should be happy, should you so desire, that yon should receive a commission in the permanent organization, and I hope those who have served with distinction, will be selected on the re-organization of the army. I am, General, very sincerely and truly. Your friend, E. B. Ayres, Bvt. Maj. Gen'I. To Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. W. Hofmann, Philadelphia. J^o. 29, Headquarters 95th N. Y. Vols. Near Arlington, Va., May 20th, 1865. Dear General : — Herewith iind testimonial to the character of private Johnson, and, as this gives the opportunity, please accept also, sir, the wishes of myself and officers, that in civil life you maybe as prosperous and hajipy as your military career has been useful and honorable. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, James Creney, Lt. Col. Comd'g 95th N. Y. Vols. To J. W. HOFMANN, Bvt. Brig. Gen'I, U. S. V. No. 30. Headquarters Military Division of the Atlantic. Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 20th, 1865. BvT. Brig. Gen'l J. W. Hofmann, Col. 56th Reg't Pa. Vols. General : — In reply to your note of this date, I take great pleasure in bearing testimony to the high character y(ju bore whilst in the army, for intelligence, energy and zeal, in the discharge of your duties, and for conspicuous gallantry on the field of battle. I recommended yon on several occasions for promotion to the grade of Brigadier General, and always considered you were eminently entitled to this reward, and regretted that you only received the brevet of that grade, in acknowl- edgement of your distinguished services. Very respectfully, yours, George G. Meade, Maj. Gen'I U. S. A. 21 No. 31. Philadelphia, April 4th, 1866. Benj. J. Los.-iX(;, Esq. Dear Sir : — Believing that your History of the Rebellion will hereafter be looked upon as f/ie authority, I take the liberty of addressing you to call your attention to an error made by several correspondents and newspapers, in Jlay, 186-4, wdiich has since been incorporated in works claiming greater dura- bility. The credit of the expulsion of the enemy from our works on the Brock Road, on the afternoon of May 6lh, 1864, has been very generally given to Gen'l (Colonel) Carroll's Brigade, of the 2d A. C, instead of, to the command of Gen'l, then Colonel Hofmann, to whom I think it is due. ( 'olonel Carroll was ordered to advance, but there being s;ome delay, Gen'l Rice, who commanded that portion of the line, ordered Colonel Hofmann to charge with the remnant of the 4th Divi- sion 5th A. C. (504 officers and men). General (Colonel) Hofmann's command charged, drove the enemy from the works which they had secured, and possessed them before General Carrol's Brigade moved forward. I was, at that time, the Assistant Adjutant Gen'l to General Rice, and as such carried the order to Gen'l Hofmann, and accompanied the trooji in the charge. * * * * Very respectfully, yours, J. Harrison Lambdin, Late Brevet L't-Col. and Ass't Adj't Gen'l, 3d Division, 5th A. C. No. 32. MiLWAUKiE, May 31st, 1866. General J. W. Hofmann. My Dear General: — * * * * Towards evening (May 7th, 1864), Gen'l Rice joined me, and we moved ofi'on the Brock Road for Spottsylvania C. H. As soon as Gen'l Rice joined me he reported that the day before you drove the enemy out of our works which they had entered, and that General Han- cock gave you the credit for saving the day. He especially requested that I should report the afi'air and give you tlie credit. He was very earnest about it. I did so, not only in my report of the campaign, but also in a letter asking your promotion. Gen'l Rice showed me the position you took on our march to Spottsylvania. ■j* * -x- * * Very truly, yours, L. Cutler, (Bvt. Maj. Gen'l U. S. Vols., late Comd'g 4th D., 5th A. C.) No. 33. No. 119 East 17th Street, New York. May 9th, 1866. To Gen'l J. W. Hofmann. Dear General : — I have always had a high opinion of your worth and character as a man, and braverj' and patriotic zeal as a soldier, and for the constancy that sustained you through all our terrible and exhausting campaigns. General Cutler, whose opinions I always respect and value, early on your coming under my command, called mj' attention to yourself as deserving of promotion, and one that could be relied upon no matter how trying the situation, and my observation has verified liis verdict. You have a right to the proud consciousness of being among the most worthy of those, whose constancy and efforts through all trials, finally secured, by tlie blessing of providence, the success of our cause. Very respectfully, Yours truly. G. K. Warren. Formerly Maj. Gen'l Vols., Comd'g 5th A. C. JV^o. 34. 217 S. Broad St., Dec. 6th, 1870. Dear General: — The engineer department has sent me several copies of the publishers maps, of the battlefields of tbe Array of the Potomac, and as I know no one in this city, who participated more actively, and was more distinguished than yourself, in most, if not all of these battles, it gives me great pleasure to send you one set of these maps. The set consists of maps of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Harper's Ferry, and two sheets fi-om Gettyi^burg to Appomatox C. H. In addition there is a series from the Wilderness to Appomatox (1 H. These maps are from actual surveys, made by autliority o Congress, since the close of the war. Very trully yours. To Brig. Gen'l Hofmann, Geo, G. Meade, Pa. N. G. Maj. Gen'l. 9 N. 8th Street. No. 35. Headquarters of the Infantry Corps of State Fencibles, CJity Armory, Broad below Race. Philadelphia, January 8tli, 1874. Brig. Gen'l .J. W. Hofmann, ^ No. 9 North 8th St. General: — At a Stated Meeting of tiie Infantry Corps of State Fencibles, Captain J. W. Ryan, attached to the Second Brigade, First Division, N. G. of Pa., held at the Armory, on the evening of December 8lh, 1873. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted. Resolved — That this Corps learns with regret of the resignation of Brigadier General J. Wm. Hofmann, Commandant of the Second Brigade, First Division, N. G. Pa., one of its most efficient officers. Resolved — That in the loss of the services of this able commander, a void is created in the division, wliieli cannot well be filled. His courtesy as a gentleman, and bearing as a soldier, having endeared him to the officers and men of his command. That they part with him with feelings of sadness, and wish that in his retirement, he may exiterience that prosperity ami happiness to which he is so justly entitled. Resolved — That a Copy of these Resolutions be forwarded to General J. W. Hofmann. James Page, President. Charles Berger, Ass't Secretary. 23 No. 36. Official. Adjutant's Officer, Old Guard, Washington Grays. Philadelphia, November 2d, 1875. Gen'l J. W. PIufmann. Dear Sir: — On the first inst., you were unanimously elected an Honorary Member of tiie Old Guard, Washington Grays. Very respectfully, Austin J. Montgomery, Adjutant O. G. W. G. Ao. 37. Headquarters 1st Brigade, 1st Division, N. G., Pa. Philadelphia, August 0th, 1877. General Orders, ^ No. 10. ) Tlie General Commanding the Brigade desires to con- gratulate the officers and men of his command. * * * * * Special mention is here made that in the ranks of the Artillery Corps of Washington Grays, there were found serving as privates, Brigadier Gen'l Hofmann, formerly commanding a brigade in this division ; Major Thompson Lennig, formerly As.s't Adj't Cien'l of the 1st brigade, of this division, and Major Ziegler, formerly division quartermaster upon the stafi"of Gen'l Bankson, all vol- unteers for this emergency, and performed faithfully every service required of them. * i:- * * * E. Wallace Mathews, Brigadier General Commanding. APPENDIX B General Hofniann Is a member of the following organizations, ftmnded upon Military service. THE OLD GUAED OF WASITINGTOX GRAYS. Organized April 19th, 1S57. Incorporated March 3d, 1S60, A reqnisite for membership. — Seven years continuous honoral)lc service in the Artillery Corps of Washington Grays. Membersliip at formation. MILITARY ORDER of the L0\^\L LEGION of the UNITED STATES. Organized April loth, 18G5. A requisite for membership. — Service as a Commissioned Officer in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps, of the United States, in the war for the preser- vation of the integrity and supremacy of the National Government. Contlnuou-' service, or, an honorable discharge. Motto. — "Lex Regit, Arma Tuentnr." Received as a Companion, February 7th, 1866. GRAND ARMY' OF THE REPUBLIC— George G. Meade Post, No. 1. Department of Pennsylvania. A requisite for membership. — Service in the L^nion Army during the war, for tlie preservation of the Union, and an honorable discharge. Mustered in as a Comrade, April 12th, 1880.