Guide to the John Hobart Davis Papers, 1832-1920

Collection Overview

The papers of John Hobart Davis span the years 1832-1920, but the bulk of the collection is the Civil War correspondence, 1862-1865. Davis chiefly wrote the letters to his sister, Elisa E. Davis, with a few letters to other family members, such as his brother Frank. Private Davis was stationed at Camp Beaufort, Me. (1861, Dec. - 1862, Feb.); Ship Island, Miss. (1862, Mar. - 1863, Feb.); Fort Jackson, La. (1863, Feb. - Aug.); Pass Manchoc, La. (1863, Aug. -Sept.); Fort Stephens, La. (1863, Oct. - 1864, July); and Washington, D.C. (1864, Aug. - 1865, Apr.).

Topics discussed in the collection include Davis' attitude toward Blacks, especially his prejudice toward Black officers, foraging raids behind enemy lines and the Battle of Blair's Landing, (also known as Pleasant Hill Landing) as well as aspects of camp life, such as guard duty, artillery practice, drills, and practice skirmishes, pay furloughs, sutlers, camp recreation, and breaking up camp. Some letters are illustrated with maps or drawings. Included also are diaries, photographs, and miscellaneous writings.

Descriptive Summary

Title: John Hobart Davis Papers, 1832-1920
Creator: Davis, John Hobart, 1843-1918
Extent: 1 Linear Foot, 400 Items
Repository: Duke University. David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Language: English.

Series Quick Links

Correspondence Series
Writings and Diaries Series, 1860-1874 and undated
Miscellany Series, 1832- 1870 and undated

Administrative Information

A majority of collections are stored off site and must be requested at least 24 business hours in advance for retrieval. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibility and Privacy Rights form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The status of copyright interests in these papers is unknown. For further information, see the section on copyright in the Regulations and Procedures of the Rubenstein Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Correspondence Series

1861, Dec. - 1862, Feb.

Box 1

1862, Mar. - Dec.

Box 1

1863, Jan. - June

Box 1

1863, July - Dec.

Box 1

1864, Jan. - Apr.

Box 1

1864, July - Dec.

Box 2

1865, 1920

Box 2

Writings and Diaries Series, 1860-1874 and undated

Writings and Diaries

Box 2

Miscellany Series, 1832- 1870 and undated

Miscellany

Box 2

Historical Note

John Hobart Davis, a resident of Portland, Maine, volunteered for a three-year term of service with the U.S. Army in 1861. As a private in F Company of the 13th Maine Infantry Regiment, he was variously stationed at locations in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. Davis was a clerk, and later was in charge of ordnance and then of supplies. In Washington, D.C., he served in a U.S. Army Hospital in the ordnance department and then as paymaster. He was discharged in December, 1864.

After the war, Davis returned to Portland and became an officer in the Casco Bank. In 1869, he married Jennie E. Constable, and they had two sons, Marshall and Raymond. He died on November 11, 1918.