Benjamin was a Union veteran and died in Libby prison.
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Hoch, Benjamin F.* 20 Aug 1862
Private Hoch was age 28 when he entered service. Captured 24 Aug 1864 near Clinton, Louisiana; he died 3 Nov 1865 at Cahaba, Alabama. There is no burial information given in the Roll of Honor.
Note: I originally used the death date above of Nov 3, 1865.
The Cahaba prison closed down in March of 1865. So perhaps the death year is actually 1864, which agrees with the next item. Thanks to contributor: [email protected] for pointing this out.
Sons of Union Veterans: burial at Federal Military Cemetery [Marietta National Cemetery], Marietta, GA. Moved from Cahawba Park in Alabama. So far listing of men buried in Marietta does not include Benjamin F. Hoch. However a Benjamin F. Hoch served in the 114th and 120th Ohio Inf. He enlisted in Co I (eye) 120th OH Inf on 20 Aug 1862 at age 28. He died as a POW on 3 Nov 1864 at Cahaba, AL.
The POWs at Cahaba were originally buried near the prison, but then they were moved to a Federal Cemetery in Montgomery, Ala. before final interment at Marietta National Cemetery.
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Following transcribed by Jean Dawson Historian for Henry Hoch Sr., letters written by Benjamin Hoch s/o George & Polly Kitzmiller Hoch, written to his Sister Hulda and a brother
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September 30, 1862 at Camp Mansfield.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I take up my pen to wright a few lines in answer to your letter which I received on the 27th. I was glad to hear that you were all well at that time and I hope that you may all enjoy the same blessing . I am well and have been since I came to camp there is lots of fun in camp life or has been hear but I expect to see some hard times before we get through. We expect to leave hear on the first or second of October. We are going to Camp Dennison down to Cincinnati or at least that is the report now and where we will go from there I do not know. When you wright to me tell me whether George Haddle has gone to war or not if he has not tell me what he is doing and tellhim to wright to me soon and tell me all the news good or bad and indifferent tell him that I have written two or three letters to him. I have only received two or three letters from Cumberland Co. There was one letter come to Mansfield on last Saturday week Jacob Au lifted it for me and he lost it some place between town and home. Who it was from I do not know unless it was from William Allen (looks like) I had written to him sometime ago and I have not received no answer yet but suppose that it was from him. Hulda when you wright to me direct if the same as you did the other one and if we leave hear it will be forwarded to wherever we go to by the postmaster. You said that I should get my likeness taken and send to you. I had got it taken and intented to send it to you before I received your letter. I saw marget yesterday and all the rest of the family they were in Camp . Miss Cate? And Lyia Hoover was along with them. I must tell you about the work that we have to perform every day, except Sunday in the morning at 5 o'clock the drum beats for roll call we have breakfast at 6 we go out to drill at 7 drill till 8 and then the guard is mounted at 9 we go out drill and rill to 10 then we come in and have dinner at 12 the drum beats for officers drill at l o'clock the company go out at 4 and drill to five and then the drum beats for dress parade and then for supper roll call at 6 and then at 8-1/2 we have roll call and at 9 the drum beats for lights out then we are all in bed. We have prayer meeting on Sabbeth receiving and on Weddnesday evening in our captains quarters last night we had a regimental prayer meeting in the amoury. We have preaching every Sabbath at 2-1/2 o'clock. Now as new is getting I will bring my letter to a close for this time. By sending my best respects to you and all inquiring friends and especially to the ladies that may chance to inquire for me and especially to my Martha Haddle and Marg. Cope show them my picture. ?apothing more but remains your Brother B. F. Hoch. H I Hoch direct the same as you did the other and if we move it will be forward to me.
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Benjamin wrote a letter to his sister Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl on May 21, 1863 while stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Transcribed by Jean Dawson, Historian for Henry Hoch Sr.
May 21, 1863 Camped 3 miles to the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you to let you know how I have been getting through this world fro sometime back. I have enjoyed good health ever since I am in the army with the exception of a little neuralgea. We left Millikins Bend on 13th of March and we have been put through ever since through April we was building bridges and flat boats all the time as we moved down through Lousiana and we crossed the Mississippi river 60 miles below Vicksburg our boat run the blockade not the gunboats onl, but there was eight transports run the blockade and they run the blockade at grand gulf we got on the boats 6 below grand gulf and we landed about 128 miles below the gulf on the Mississippi shore and we marched from about one o'clock to about 2 in the night over hills and hollows to we came to stompers hill where we run aboard a lot of Reb and we fought them on 2 hours and then they stomped unto day light and then we fought them all day and took all their cannons out one piece when they got away with them they ski doled through the night in there was none of them there we started after them about 9 o'clock in the morning we followed them to Fort Gibson where they had burned the bridge where we had to build another before we could follow them in three hours from the time we commenced the bridge we had the troops crossing in the place of a bridge that cost at the cost $20.00 and then we started after them again and we (balance of letter) was not copied. But back page of letter was " I was in store that was deserted there was a great many nice things that the boys were taking and the only thing that I took out was a few skeans of thread and a pair of nice kid gloves which I will send to you that will do for when you and James W. gets married. But please send me word when it comes of and I will try and come home and help pluck the turkey." A picture of the gloves is in the history and bottom of gloves is This is the pair of gloves that Ben sent to Hulda. They are 144 years old. The original gloves and letter is in the possession of Virginia Dail Coplea, w/o Robert Daihl deceased. She lives in 2007 on the Daihl Homestead north of Lincolnville Church, Lincolnville, Indiana. She also has George Hoch's Bible, his baptism Sampler Picture and many many more Hoch items. Copies of almost all the records she has is in the History Books under Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl's section.
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Oberville Parish, La January 14, 1864: Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am enjoying good health at present and hoping that these few lines will find you and all the rest of the friends. Mother sisters and brothers enjoying the same great blessing. Well I am this surrounded old south is a great place in the winter as when it snows up north it rains hear. When we have snow and ice up north hear there is rain and mud up north they make garden in the spring and set there cabbage hear they make garden about the 14 of November and set there cabbage. About the 15 for there is plent of cabbage about town (last line is unreadable) Apples there is none peaches there is not many hear in Mississippi they was more and to the peaches and blackberries, figs and various other fruits hear in La the figs oranges banana and various other fruits to numerous to mention the vast quantities of sugar and molasses cotton is raised in large quantities sweet potatoes is one of the cheaf productions of the land of Dixie the weather here been wet the roads are very bad the weather changeable yesterday and today the weather is very pleasant today seems more like a May morning then a January morning the leaves are on the orange trees and the French mocking bird sings sweetly the children running about town in their barefeet everything seems gay and happy the street is crowded with teams for several days back hauling cotton business is beginning to resume its proper channel again. But oh the warriors of war is the land.
Well Jane I heard sometime since that you was going to be chased on the broomstick this spring with Mr. James Waddle well he is or was when I left home a fine young man and I suppose he maintains his reputation but consider well when you are doing before you do go into such a contract for it is a lifetime matter you cannot quit it if you don't like it six months after for it is then to late to mend the matter. But be sure that you are right and then go ahead and I wish you well. Well that is enough of that I received a letter from Taylor Au a few days since said he told me that Elder was out there when he was writing he did not say if he was going to sty or if he was going out on a (vifite) When you receive this letter please write soon and give me all the news for I have't received one from anyone only mart since we (unreadable last line). I am beginning to think that you Disone me because I am fighing for my country if there is anything that you ought to be proud of is that you have a brother that is willing to fight for the glorious old flag and for the union and for liberty. But I hope that this wicked and needless war will soon be over and peace and quiet shall be restored again and we shall learn was now the river is rising fast and the trade on the river brisk everything dear is you and james wants to a pleasant trip after the knot is tied come down and see me and I will try and give you as much hardtack and salt horse as you can eat. Coffee and tea as much as you can drink. I will give you the very best I have and I will give you the soft side of a pine board to ly on for a bed. Well as paper is getting short and news scarce I will close for this time. By sending my Best respects to you Mother and all my sisters and brothers and friends that may chance to inquire for me give my kind regards. Mother Waddle and her girls and any love to the ladies generly that may chanct to enquire for me nothing more. But remains as ever your affectionate brother. B.F. Hoch Write soon and direct to B. F. Hoch Plaquenine, La in care of Capt Au..
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Chastents Plantation La: Feb. 22, 1864. Dear Brother:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to let you know how and I am getting along through this rebel war. I am in the enjoyment of good health at present and have been ever since I came into the army with the exception of a spell of the greuralges, but a few does of quinine soon nock that. I have never been in a hospital yet or never road in and ambulance since a day since I am in the army. I have been always ready for the hardtack and sal mule sometimes they did not rest very well and at other times I thought they was really good especially after a hard days march then we could sit down and take a cup of coffee and two or three hardtack and couple piece of salt mule or sowbelly salt mul or horse is what call our salt beef you may think that we have very rough times, but it is all for our country and to save the union and the old stars and stripes. Three cheers for the red white and blue. Our army and Navy forever three cheers for the read white and blue. Well I have just been to dinner we had beans park and beef on light bread and coffee for dinner since we have been here and at plaquimine we have had a good time the regt is still at plaquemine but our company and company has been 22 miles below superintending the building go a levee for the last five weeks, but we are throught with that (balance is undreadable) and we are going to build a house for us to quarter in the stockade and house is to connect together the house is to be large enough for about 75 men to quarter in and it is to be built so that we can fight in it if the guarrilles come at us the stockade is to keep cavalry housed in our captain has command of the Post we may stay hear all summer for all we know now the weather is fine hear the planters has been planting sugarcane for the pst 2 weeks and we are being preparing there land for cotton there is some planters going to plant barley this season of cotton there is one planter in the neighborhood that is going to plant 2300 acres of cotton. The labor is all done by hired negroes they seem to do very well. Well this is a very rich country if a man has a little money and some hear can make money fast if this cruel war is over this will be one of the finest country in the united states. The people are union mind but not generally because they love the union, but because that they have to be union but there is some as good uniton men hear at there is in the north there is one man that I know that has kept the stars and stripes ever since the war commenced he was threaten to shot and threatened to be hung if he destroyed but he did not and till has it yet and he says he will die before he will part. Oh if there was only more such men in the north this war would have been over long since well as news is scarce and paper to will close for this time by sending my best respects to you and all the rest of the friends and my love to the ladies , nothing more but remaines my affection Brother B. F. Hoch (Elder Hoch)
Write soon and tells one all the news and tell one what you are going to do this summer tell taylor to write also & I will write to him soon.
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Chastants Plantation March 5, 1864. Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you in answer to your very welcome letter of Febuary ll. Which I received yesterday morning and was glad to hear that you were all enjoying good health except Miller and hoping that she may soon be sent good health and I hope you may all enjoy the same great blessing. Well I suppose that you have cold weather up north yet and more then likely sleighing. While we have spring and almost summer here the planters have been plowing and planting cane for the last four weeks the Peach and Plumb trees have been in bloom for a week past the trees of the forest are putting forth there leaves the medows are grown the birds sing sweetly every thing seems gay and happy but the horrors of war still hanges over the land but I think we long that this cruel war will be crushed to rise not more or at least I hope so . Well you stated in your letter that Mother wanted to know my opinion about the war if it is soon going to close or if it has fused again. Well my opinion is that this summer will close this cruel war and it is the opinion in the highest official cirles that this summer will end this wicked and unholy war. We are building a stockade and it house for to quarter in the house is to be made protecting ourselves it is on a plantation of a rebel captain he is playing guarrller out in the woods and swamps of nero river and emite river and he has been in the habit of making raids out on his plantation and capturing a Sicket Host that was stationed there he and a company captured eight men since we are here at this place it is about three miles to his farm we expect to have our house ready in about ? days to move into there is no rebels around hearexcept Captain Doyl and a few guarrilles. And if Gen Sherman is successful they will have to leave there soon or starve for he will cut them off from the main army at Mobile then there are some of which he will and before long Richmond will be ours for they are preparing to evacuate Richmond and ? the day that they leave that place they may as well lay down there arms for they are gone up the State of Florida is cut of from them entirely and there was where they got all there beef from and that is stopped. Gen Grant has taken the Nitre beds of Georgia from them and that is cutting of there Cartridge and I think that before this summer is over we will have the whole southern confederacy of the people in the north do there part or this time next year the soldiers will be at home. But if the copper heeds still keep croaking and discouraging enlisting and fighting against the draft and still giving the south encouragement by telling them to hold out to the presidential election and the north will be divided and fight among themselves, this is what has kept up the war this long already. It is the cursed copperheads that voted for wood for Govnor of Penslvania and for Valendingham of ohio and all such trators as them they are the ones that are prolonging the war (balance of last line is not readable). Well that is enough of that for this time well end. How dose the operation of Marenda setting married gowing down with Mother and what for it looking fellow is he and what sort of a man is he and what is his occupation but please keep that part of the letter to your self. Mr. & Mrs. Books my kind regards and tell them that all the harm that I wish thme is a whole house full of young Books tell them that I want them to get there photographs taken and send them to me you get yours taken and send it along with them as soon as Uncle Sam comes around and gives me some money I intend to get mine taken and send it home so you can see how I look after soldiering eighteen months. Well there is some fine looking ladies down in the sunny south but they are nice to look at and that is all. Well as paper is scarce and the sheet is pretty near full I will close for this time by sending my love to you and all the rest of my brothers and sisters give my love to my Mother and my best respects to all inquiring friends. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Waddle and family. Northing more at present but remained your affection B. F. Hoch H E Hoch. Direct to B F Hoch Plaqusonime, La in care of Capt Au Co D 720 Regt Pvtirect to B F Hoch Plaqusomine, La in Care of Capt Au Co D 720 regt pvt via cairo ?
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New River Landing, La April 6, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am in the enjoyment of good health and I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same great blessing. Well Jane I received a letter from you this morning that was written the 20th of Dec and I received on about 2 weeks since of Feb. 14th, you stated in your letter of Dec. that you had written 2 or 3 times to me but only received one from me. Since I left Ohio I have written at least 6 or 7 since I am in the army. In your Dec. letter you said that Mary Ann says that she cannot (can't read last line). She says that to her and said that I would come home and marry her she tells a cursed lie I have never written, but one letter to her since I am in the service and that was when I was in the rear of Vicksburg. She heard where I was and she writ to me wanting to know what I was going to do if I was going to marry her or not I write to her that I had done all that I was going to do that I did not consider it mine and I was neather going to pay her or marry her either and she might make the best out of it and I still think so if you hear such stuff from her consider it a lie for she always was good at making lies . I answered your letter of the ll of Feb last week and told you all the news except that I received a letter from James Ewing on Sunday last. He was well at the date of this letter. We have received some reinforcements lately the rebs are still in our rear only guarrillas there was at report yesterday morning that they were going to attact us yesterday at l0 o'clock but they did not come and this morning at 3 our cavalry went out after them I received a letter from Waddle not long since I have received 2 from him and have written 2 to him you stated in your letter that Marenda was going to be married on the 25 James told me in his letter that she had gotten into trouble again if it is correct please tell me all about the affair tell me all the news good bad and indifferent. Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and girls and all enquiring friends and give my love to the ladies of gravel Church that may chance to enquire fro me. Give my kind regards to Mother and sisters and brothers. Write soon and often and oblige your affection. Brother B. F. Hoch, H J Hoch. When you receive this please write forthwith and tell me if you received it as soon as you can get mine I will sent it also, Direct B.F. Hoch Co. D, 120 Regt OVI Baton Rouge, La Via Cairo Ill In care of Capt. Au. I will send you Capt Aus Photograph please take care of it for me till I call on it.
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New River Stockade, La: April 17, 1864. Dear Brother: (From what I can tell this was to his brother Elder Hoch) It is with the greatest pleasure that seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you in answer to your letter which I received this afternoon and was glad to hear form you and t hear that you were all well at that date. I am enjoying health at present. Well I heard of Sampson and family and George Rapp and his family in Ohio. But I understood that they were going to Illinois. And you sad that they were going to Indiana. Well you talked of Old Abe calling for 200,000 more men and you said that if he would hold on that he would have all the men. Well all I have to say is if he needs all to put down this rebellion I think that they all ought to go . Heard a few days since that he was going to call all the males for six months for the protection of the states if he does I think that they outght to go willingly to protect there State from the destruction of the Rebel Army all that I have to say is if you have to go go willingly and do your duty faithfully and more especially for the protection of your own State and homes this wicked rebellion must be. Please read this to yourself. Well Elder I heard a rumor that Levi was likely to fail and my money was not to safe in the property if there is anything in the wind
Of that kind please let me know and I will try to save it by some means I am going to try to get a furlow and come home soon. Whether I can succeed or not I don't know but I intend to try. The regt is at Baton Rouge now. And I think that it will stay there this summer. How long we will stay hear I donot know. We are camped on the plantation of a reb Capt. He is guarrilling in the swamps of the Nero and Emite Rivers it is reported today that they are going to attact us this week. But that has no report ever since we are hear there is 3000 rep on the other side of the Emite. But I don't believe it. There was a battle up Red River last week, but how it ended I am not able to say there is various reports, but you will hear soon. Please write soon and give me all the news. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the ladies that enquire of me. Northing more but remains your affectionate brother B. F. Hoch. Direct to Baton Rouge, La instead of Plaquimine.
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Morganzas Bend, La July 8, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself this pleasant afternoon to write you a few lines in answer to your very welcome letter which I received in (Unknown word) and was glad to hear that you and all the rest of the friends was in the enjoyment of good health at the date of your letter. Hoping that you may all long enjoy that great blessing. I am also well at present and have been except a little neuralgee once and awhile but a few doses quinine soon knocks that on the head as long as I get nothing worse I think I am very safe . I received a letter from Mrs. Miller today and was glad to learn she has got well again. I am also very glad to hear that the folks still keep up the notion of getting married for I think that it is very nesisary to keep recruiting the infantry if this war does come to a close I am glad to hear of Mar Mours and said Ewing hitching teems to trot double awhile I think William needed a good woman and I think that Gade will make one and I think that Gade needed at good man and I think that she got one. Well Jane I hardly know what to write to you that will interest you for there is no news of importance in this department and from the army of the Potomac sooner than I do but I think that the fate of Richmond is sealed and is doomed to fall soon very likely before this reaches you Sherman is attending to Johnson in Georgia right also. Well Jane you talked about me coming home but when we are in the service we cannot come home, when we pleas we have to come when they choose to leave you but I am coming by and by. The weather is warm hear but there is frequent showers there is plenty of roasingears hear three weeks ago where there is corn planted. But where the army passes along there is not much corn or cotton left. They expect to remain hear awhile the negroes are building a fort and we are to stay hear to the fort is done and if we stay hear till that is done we will stay hear sometime yet the 19th Army has went to New Orleans and I heard yesterday evening that they were ordered to leave on gulf steamers with 16 days ration and without knapsacks (last line cannot read).Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the Ladies and more repectly to Mrs Waddle tell her that I am fat ragged and sassy tell her that I would be much pleased to receive a letter from her and Genny Finly if they think me worthy of writing to. Tell her that I would have written to them long since if I had thought a letter from me would have been excepted. Give my respects to Mother and all the sisters and brothers, Nothing but remains your affection Brother B.F. Hoch HJHoch
Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and family tell Lizzi that Ben is coming home to see how much she has growed since I left. Write soon Direct to New Orleans
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Hoch, Benjamin F.* 20 Aug 1862
Private Hoch was age 28 when he entered service. Captured 24 Aug 1864 near Clinton, Louisiana; he died 3 Nov 1865 at Cahaba, Alabama. There is no burial information given in the Roll of Honor.
Note: I originally used the death date above of Nov 3, 1865.
The Cahaba prison closed down in March of 1865. So perhaps the death year is actually 1864, which agrees with the next item. Thanks to contributor: [email protected] for pointing this out.
Sons of Union Veterans: burial at Federal Military Cemetery [Marietta National Cemetery], Marietta, GA. Moved from Cahawba Park in Alabama. So far listing of men buried in Marietta does not include Benjamin F. Hoch. However a Benjamin F. Hoch served in the 114th and 120th Ohio Inf. He enlisted in Co I (eye) 120th OH Inf on 20 Aug 1862 at age 28. He died as a POW on 3 Nov 1864 at Cahaba, AL.
The POWs at Cahaba were originally buried near the prison, but then they were moved to a Federal Cemetery in Montgomery, Ala. before final interment at Marietta National Cemetery.
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Following transcribed by Jean Dawson Historian for Henry Hoch Sr., letters written by Benjamin Hoch s/o George & Polly Kitzmiller Hoch, written to his Sister Hulda and a brother
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September 30, 1862 at Camp Mansfield.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I take up my pen to wright a few lines in answer to your letter which I received on the 27th. I was glad to hear that you were all well at that time and I hope that you may all enjoy the same blessing . I am well and have been since I came to camp there is lots of fun in camp life or has been hear but I expect to see some hard times before we get through. We expect to leave hear on the first or second of October. We are going to Camp Dennison down to Cincinnati or at least that is the report now and where we will go from there I do not know. When you wright to me tell me whether George Haddle has gone to war or not if he has not tell me what he is doing and tellhim to wright to me soon and tell me all the news good or bad and indifferent tell him that I have written two or three letters to him. I have only received two or three letters from Cumberland Co. There was one letter come to Mansfield on last Saturday week Jacob Au lifted it for me and he lost it some place between town and home. Who it was from I do not know unless it was from William Allen (looks like) I had written to him sometime ago and I have not received no answer yet but suppose that it was from him. Hulda when you wright to me direct if the same as you did the other one and if we leave hear it will be forwarded to wherever we go to by the postmaster. You said that I should get my likeness taken and send to you. I had got it taken and intented to send it to you before I received your letter. I saw marget yesterday and all the rest of the family they were in Camp . Miss Cate? And Lyia Hoover was along with them. I must tell you about the work that we have to perform every day, except Sunday in the morning at 5 o'clock the drum beats for roll call we have breakfast at 6 we go out to drill at 7 drill till 8 and then the guard is mounted at 9 we go out drill and rill to 10 then we come in and have dinner at 12 the drum beats for officers drill at l o'clock the company go out at 4 and drill to five and then the drum beats for dress parade and then for supper roll call at 6 and then at 8-1/2 we have roll call and at 9 the drum beats for lights out then we are all in bed. We have prayer meeting on Sabbeth receiving and on Weddnesday evening in our captains quarters last night we had a regimental prayer meeting in the amoury. We have preaching every Sabbath at 2-1/2 o'clock. Now as new is getting I will bring my letter to a close for this time. By sending my best respects to you and all inquiring friends and especially to the ladies that may chance to inquire for me and especially to my Martha Haddle and Marg. Cope show them my picture. ?apothing more but remains your Brother B. F. Hoch. H I Hoch direct the same as you did the other and if we move it will be forward to me.
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Benjamin wrote a letter to his sister Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl on May 21, 1863 while stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Transcribed by Jean Dawson, Historian for Henry Hoch Sr.
May 21, 1863 Camped 3 miles to the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you to let you know how I have been getting through this world fro sometime back. I have enjoyed good health ever since I am in the army with the exception of a little neuralgea. We left Millikins Bend on 13th of March and we have been put through ever since through April we was building bridges and flat boats all the time as we moved down through Lousiana and we crossed the Mississippi river 60 miles below Vicksburg our boat run the blockade not the gunboats onl, but there was eight transports run the blockade and they run the blockade at grand gulf we got on the boats 6 below grand gulf and we landed about 128 miles below the gulf on the Mississippi shore and we marched from about one o'clock to about 2 in the night over hills and hollows to we came to stompers hill where we run aboard a lot of Reb and we fought them on 2 hours and then they stomped unto day light and then we fought them all day and took all their cannons out one piece when they got away with them they ski doled through the night in there was none of them there we started after them about 9 o'clock in the morning we followed them to Fort Gibson where they had burned the bridge where we had to build another before we could follow them in three hours from the time we commenced the bridge we had the troops crossing in the place of a bridge that cost at the cost $20.00 and then we started after them again and we (balance of letter) was not copied. But back page of letter was " I was in store that was deserted there was a great many nice things that the boys were taking and the only thing that I took out was a few skeans of thread and a pair of nice kid gloves which I will send to you that will do for when you and James W. gets married. But please send me word when it comes of and I will try and come home and help pluck the turkey." A picture of the gloves is in the history and bottom of gloves is This is the pair of gloves that Ben sent to Hulda. They are 144 years old. The original gloves and letter is in the possession of Virginia Dail Coplea, w/o Robert Daihl deceased. She lives in 2007 on the Daihl Homestead north of Lincolnville Church, Lincolnville, Indiana. She also has George Hoch's Bible, his baptism Sampler Picture and many many more Hoch items. Copies of almost all the records she has is in the History Books under Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl's section.
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Oberville Parish, La January 14, 1864: Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am enjoying good health at present and hoping that these few lines will find you and all the rest of the friends. Mother sisters and brothers enjoying the same great blessing. Well I am this surrounded old south is a great place in the winter as when it snows up north it rains hear. When we have snow and ice up north hear there is rain and mud up north they make garden in the spring and set there cabbage hear they make garden about the 14 of November and set there cabbage. About the 15 for there is plent of cabbage about town (last line is unreadable) Apples there is none peaches there is not many hear in Mississippi they was more and to the peaches and blackberries, figs and various other fruits hear in La the figs oranges banana and various other fruits to numerous to mention the vast quantities of sugar and molasses cotton is raised in large quantities sweet potatoes is one of the cheaf productions of the land of Dixie the weather here been wet the roads are very bad the weather changeable yesterday and today the weather is very pleasant today seems more like a May morning then a January morning the leaves are on the orange trees and the French mocking bird sings sweetly the children running about town in their barefeet everything seems gay and happy the street is crowded with teams for several days back hauling cotton business is beginning to resume its proper channel again. But oh the warriors of war is the land.
Well Jane I heard sometime since that you was going to be chased on the broomstick this spring with Mr. James Waddle well he is or was when I left home a fine young man and I suppose he maintains his reputation but consider well when you are doing before you do go into such a contract for it is a lifetime matter you cannot quit it if you don't like it six months after for it is then to late to mend the matter. But be sure that you are right and then go ahead and I wish you well. Well that is enough of that I received a letter from Taylor Au a few days since said he told me that Elder was out there when he was writing he did not say if he was going to sty or if he was going out on a (vifite) When you receive this letter please write soon and give me all the news for I have't received one from anyone only mart since we (unreadable last line). I am beginning to think that you Disone me because I am fighing for my country if there is anything that you ought to be proud of is that you have a brother that is willing to fight for the glorious old flag and for the union and for liberty. But I hope that this wicked and needless war will soon be over and peace and quiet shall be restored again and we shall learn was now the river is rising fast and the trade on the river brisk everything dear is you and james wants to a pleasant trip after the knot is tied come down and see me and I will try and give you as much hardtack and salt horse as you can eat. Coffee and tea as much as you can drink. I will give you the very best I have and I will give you the soft side of a pine board to ly on for a bed. Well as paper is getting short and news scarce I will close for this time. By sending my Best respects to you Mother and all my sisters and brothers and friends that may chance to inquire for me give my kind regards. Mother Waddle and her girls and any love to the ladies generly that may chanct to enquire for me nothing more. But remains as ever your affectionate brother. B.F. Hoch Write soon and direct to B. F. Hoch Plaquenine, La in care of Capt Au..
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Chastents Plantation La: Feb. 22, 1864. Dear Brother:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to let you know how and I am getting along through this rebel war. I am in the enjoyment of good health at present and have been ever since I came into the army with the exception of a spell of the greuralges, but a few does of quinine soon nock that. I have never been in a hospital yet or never road in and ambulance since a day since I am in the army. I have been always ready for the hardtack and sal mule sometimes they did not rest very well and at other times I thought they was really good especially after a hard days march then we could sit down and take a cup of coffee and two or three hardtack and couple piece of salt mule or sowbelly salt mul or horse is what call our salt beef you may think that we have very rough times, but it is all for our country and to save the union and the old stars and stripes. Three cheers for the red white and blue. Our army and Navy forever three cheers for the read white and blue. Well I have just been to dinner we had beans park and beef on light bread and coffee for dinner since we have been here and at plaquimine we have had a good time the regt is still at plaquemine but our company and company has been 22 miles below superintending the building go a levee for the last five weeks, but we are throught with that (balance is undreadable) and we are going to build a house for us to quarter in the stockade and house is to connect together the house is to be large enough for about 75 men to quarter in and it is to be built so that we can fight in it if the guarrilles come at us the stockade is to keep cavalry housed in our captain has command of the Post we may stay hear all summer for all we know now the weather is fine hear the planters has been planting sugarcane for the pst 2 weeks and we are being preparing there land for cotton there is some planters going to plant barley this season of cotton there is one planter in the neighborhood that is going to plant 2300 acres of cotton. The labor is all done by hired negroes they seem to do very well. Well this is a very rich country if a man has a little money and some hear can make money fast if this cruel war is over this will be one of the finest country in the united states. The people are union mind but not generally because they love the union, but because that they have to be union but there is some as good uniton men hear at there is in the north there is one man that I know that has kept the stars and stripes ever since the war commenced he was threaten to shot and threatened to be hung if he destroyed but he did not and till has it yet and he says he will die before he will part. Oh if there was only more such men in the north this war would have been over long since well as news is scarce and paper to will close for this time by sending my best respects to you and all the rest of the friends and my love to the ladies , nothing more but remaines my affection Brother B. F. Hoch (Elder Hoch)
Write soon and tells one all the news and tell one what you are going to do this summer tell taylor to write also & I will write to him soon.
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Chastants Plantation March 5, 1864. Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you in answer to your very welcome letter of Febuary ll. Which I received yesterday morning and was glad to hear that you were all enjoying good health except Miller and hoping that she may soon be sent good health and I hope you may all enjoy the same great blessing. Well I suppose that you have cold weather up north yet and more then likely sleighing. While we have spring and almost summer here the planters have been plowing and planting cane for the last four weeks the Peach and Plumb trees have been in bloom for a week past the trees of the forest are putting forth there leaves the medows are grown the birds sing sweetly every thing seems gay and happy but the horrors of war still hanges over the land but I think we long that this cruel war will be crushed to rise not more or at least I hope so . Well you stated in your letter that Mother wanted to know my opinion about the war if it is soon going to close or if it has fused again. Well my opinion is that this summer will close this cruel war and it is the opinion in the highest official cirles that this summer will end this wicked and unholy war. We are building a stockade and it house for to quarter in the house is to be made protecting ourselves it is on a plantation of a rebel captain he is playing guarrller out in the woods and swamps of nero river and emite river and he has been in the habit of making raids out on his plantation and capturing a Sicket Host that was stationed there he and a company captured eight men since we are here at this place it is about three miles to his farm we expect to have our house ready in about ? days to move into there is no rebels around hearexcept Captain Doyl and a few guarrilles. And if Gen Sherman is successful they will have to leave there soon or starve for he will cut them off from the main army at Mobile then there are some of which he will and before long Richmond will be ours for they are preparing to evacuate Richmond and ? the day that they leave that place they may as well lay down there arms for they are gone up the State of Florida is cut of from them entirely and there was where they got all there beef from and that is stopped. Gen Grant has taken the Nitre beds of Georgia from them and that is cutting of there Cartridge and I think that before this summer is over we will have the whole southern confederacy of the people in the north do there part or this time next year the soldiers will be at home. But if the copper heeds still keep croaking and discouraging enlisting and fighting against the draft and still giving the south encouragement by telling them to hold out to the presidential election and the north will be divided and fight among themselves, this is what has kept up the war this long already. It is the cursed copperheads that voted for wood for Govnor of Penslvania and for Valendingham of ohio and all such trators as them they are the ones that are prolonging the war (balance of last line is not readable). Well that is enough of that for this time well end. How dose the operation of Marenda setting married gowing down with Mother and what for it looking fellow is he and what sort of a man is he and what is his occupation but please keep that part of the letter to your self. Mr. & Mrs. Books my kind regards and tell them that all the harm that I wish thme is a whole house full of young Books tell them that I want them to get there photographs taken and send them to me you get yours taken and send it along with them as soon as Uncle Sam comes around and gives me some money I intend to get mine taken and send it home so you can see how I look after soldiering eighteen months. Well there is some fine looking ladies down in the sunny south but they are nice to look at and that is all. Well as paper is scarce and the sheet is pretty near full I will close for this time by sending my love to you and all the rest of my brothers and sisters give my love to my Mother and my best respects to all inquiring friends. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Waddle and family. Northing more at present but remained your affection B. F. Hoch H E Hoch. Direct to B F Hoch Plaqusonime, La in care of Capt Au Co D 720 Regt Pvtirect to B F Hoch Plaqusomine, La in Care of Capt Au Co D 720 regt pvt via cairo ?
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New River Landing, La April 6, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am in the enjoyment of good health and I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same great blessing. Well Jane I received a letter from you this morning that was written the 20th of Dec and I received on about 2 weeks since of Feb. 14th, you stated in your letter of Dec. that you had written 2 or 3 times to me but only received one from me. Since I left Ohio I have written at least 6 or 7 since I am in the army. In your Dec. letter you said that Mary Ann says that she cannot (can't read last line). She says that to her and said that I would come home and marry her she tells a cursed lie I have never written, but one letter to her since I am in the service and that was when I was in the rear of Vicksburg. She heard where I was and she writ to me wanting to know what I was going to do if I was going to marry her or not I write to her that I had done all that I was going to do that I did not consider it mine and I was neather going to pay her or marry her either and she might make the best out of it and I still think so if you hear such stuff from her consider it a lie for she always was good at making lies . I answered your letter of the ll of Feb last week and told you all the news except that I received a letter from James Ewing on Sunday last. He was well at the date of this letter. We have received some reinforcements lately the rebs are still in our rear only guarrillas there was at report yesterday morning that they were going to attact us yesterday at l0 o'clock but they did not come and this morning at 3 our cavalry went out after them I received a letter from Waddle not long since I have received 2 from him and have written 2 to him you stated in your letter that Marenda was going to be married on the 25 James told me in his letter that she had gotten into trouble again if it is correct please tell me all about the affair tell me all the news good bad and indifferent. Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and girls and all enquiring friends and give my love to the ladies of gravel Church that may chance to enquire fro me. Give my kind regards to Mother and sisters and brothers. Write soon and often and oblige your affection. Brother B. F. Hoch, H J Hoch. When you receive this please write forthwith and tell me if you received it as soon as you can get mine I will sent it also, Direct B.F. Hoch Co. D, 120 Regt OVI Baton Rouge, La Via Cairo Ill In care of Capt. Au. I will send you Capt Aus Photograph please take care of it for me till I call on it.
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New River Stockade, La: April 17, 1864. Dear Brother: (From what I can tell this was to his brother Elder Hoch) It is with the greatest pleasure that seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you in answer to your letter which I received this afternoon and was glad to hear form you and t hear that you were all well at that date. I am enjoying health at present. Well I heard of Sampson and family and George Rapp and his family in Ohio. But I understood that they were going to Illinois. And you sad that they were going to Indiana. Well you talked of Old Abe calling for 200,000 more men and you said that if he would hold on that he would have all the men. Well all I have to say is if he needs all to put down this rebellion I think that they all ought to go . Heard a few days since that he was going to call all the males for six months for the protection of the states if he does I think that they outght to go willingly to protect there State from the destruction of the Rebel Army all that I have to say is if you have to go go willingly and do your duty faithfully and more especially for the protection of your own State and homes this wicked rebellion must be. Please read this to yourself. Well Elder I heard a rumor that Levi was likely to fail and my money was not to safe in the property if there is anything in the wind
Of that kind please let me know and I will try to save it by some means I am going to try to get a furlow and come home soon. Whether I can succeed or not I don't know but I intend to try. The regt is at Baton Rouge now. And I think that it will stay there this summer. How long we will stay hear I donot know. We are camped on the plantation of a reb Capt. He is guarrilling in the swamps of the Nero and Emite Rivers it is reported today that they are going to attact us this week. But that has no report ever since we are hear there is 3000 rep on the other side of the Emite. But I don't believe it. There was a battle up Red River last week, but how it ended I am not able to say there is various reports, but you will hear soon. Please write soon and give me all the news. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the ladies that enquire of me. Northing more but remains your affectionate brother B. F. Hoch. Direct to Baton Rouge, La instead of Plaquimine.
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Morganzas Bend, La July 8, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself this pleasant afternoon to write you a few lines in answer to your very welcome letter which I received in (Unknown word) and was glad to hear that you and all the rest of the friends was in the enjoyment of good health at the date of your letter. Hoping that you may all long enjoy that great blessing. I am also well at present and have been except a little neuralgee once and awhile but a few doses quinine soon knocks that on the head as long as I get nothing worse I think I am very safe . I received a letter from Mrs. Miller today and was glad to learn she has got well again. I am also very glad to hear that the folks still keep up the notion of getting married for I think that it is very nesisary to keep recruiting the infantry if this war does come to a close I am glad to hear of Mar Mours and said Ewing hitching teems to trot double awhile I think William needed a good woman and I think that Gade will make one and I think that Gade needed at good man and I think that she got one. Well Jane I hardly know what to write to you that will interest you for there is no news of importance in this department and from the army of the Potomac sooner than I do but I think that the fate of Richmond is sealed and is doomed to fall soon very likely before this reaches you Sherman is attending to Johnson in Georgia right also. Well Jane you talked about me coming home but when we are in the service we cannot come home, when we pleas we have to come when they choose to leave you but I am coming by and by. The weather is warm hear but there is frequent showers there is plenty of roasingears hear three weeks ago where there is corn planted. But where the army passes along there is not much corn or cotton left. They expect to remain hear awhile the negroes are building a fort and we are to stay hear to the fort is done and if we stay hear till that is done we will stay hear sometime yet the 19th Army has went to New Orleans and I heard yesterday evening that they were ordered to leave on gulf steamers with 16 days ration and without knapsacks (last line cannot read).Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the Ladies and more repectly to Mrs Waddle tell her that I am fat ragged and sassy tell her that I would be much pleased to receive a letter from her and Genny Finly if they think me worthy of writing to. Tell her that I would have written to them long since if I had thought a letter from me would have been excepted. Give my respects to Mother and all the sisters and brothers, Nothing but remains your affection Brother B.F. Hoch HJHoch
Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and family tell Lizzi that Ben is coming home to see how much she has growed since I left. Write soon Direct to New Orleans
Benjamin was a Union veteran and died in Libby prison.
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Hoch, Benjamin F.* 20 Aug 1862
Private Hoch was age 28 when he entered service. Captured 24 Aug 1864 near Clinton, Louisiana; he died 3 Nov 1865 at Cahaba, Alabama. There is no burial information given in the Roll of Honor.
Note: I originally used the death date above of Nov 3, 1865.
The Cahaba prison closed down in March of 1865. So perhaps the death year is actually 1864, which agrees with the next item. Thanks to contributor: [email protected] for pointing this out.
Sons of Union Veterans: burial at Federal Military Cemetery [Marietta National Cemetery], Marietta, GA. Moved from Cahawba Park in Alabama. So far listing of men buried in Marietta does not include Benjamin F. Hoch. However a Benjamin F. Hoch served in the 114th and 120th Ohio Inf. He enlisted in Co I (eye) 120th OH Inf on 20 Aug 1862 at age 28. He died as a POW on 3 Nov 1864 at Cahaba, AL.
The POWs at Cahaba were originally buried near the prison, but then they were moved to a Federal Cemetery in Montgomery, Ala. before final interment at Marietta National Cemetery.
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Following transcribed by Jean Dawson Historian for Henry Hoch Sr., letters written by Benjamin Hoch s/o George & Polly Kitzmiller Hoch, written to his Sister Hulda and a brother
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September 30, 1862 at Camp Mansfield.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I take up my pen to wright a few lines in answer to your letter which I received on the 27th. I was glad to hear that you were all well at that time and I hope that you may all enjoy the same blessing . I am well and have been since I came to camp there is lots of fun in camp life or has been hear but I expect to see some hard times before we get through. We expect to leave hear on the first or second of October. We are going to Camp Dennison down to Cincinnati or at least that is the report now and where we will go from there I do not know. When you wright to me tell me whether George Haddle has gone to war or not if he has not tell me what he is doing and tellhim to wright to me soon and tell me all the news good or bad and indifferent tell him that I have written two or three letters to him. I have only received two or three letters from Cumberland Co. There was one letter come to Mansfield on last Saturday week Jacob Au lifted it for me and he lost it some place between town and home. Who it was from I do not know unless it was from William Allen (looks like) I had written to him sometime ago and I have not received no answer yet but suppose that it was from him. Hulda when you wright to me direct if the same as you did the other one and if we leave hear it will be forwarded to wherever we go to by the postmaster. You said that I should get my likeness taken and send to you. I had got it taken and intented to send it to you before I received your letter. I saw marget yesterday and all the rest of the family they were in Camp . Miss Cate? And Lyia Hoover was along with them. I must tell you about the work that we have to perform every day, except Sunday in the morning at 5 o'clock the drum beats for roll call we have breakfast at 6 we go out to drill at 7 drill till 8 and then the guard is mounted at 9 we go out drill and rill to 10 then we come in and have dinner at 12 the drum beats for officers drill at l o'clock the company go out at 4 and drill to five and then the drum beats for dress parade and then for supper roll call at 6 and then at 8-1/2 we have roll call and at 9 the drum beats for lights out then we are all in bed. We have prayer meeting on Sabbeth receiving and on Weddnesday evening in our captains quarters last night we had a regimental prayer meeting in the amoury. We have preaching every Sabbath at 2-1/2 o'clock. Now as new is getting I will bring my letter to a close for this time. By sending my best respects to you and all inquiring friends and especially to the ladies that may chance to inquire for me and especially to my Martha Haddle and Marg. Cope show them my picture. ?apothing more but remains your Brother B. F. Hoch. H I Hoch direct the same as you did the other and if we move it will be forward to me.
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Benjamin wrote a letter to his sister Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl on May 21, 1863 while stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Transcribed by Jean Dawson, Historian for Henry Hoch Sr.
May 21, 1863 Camped 3 miles to the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you to let you know how I have been getting through this world fro sometime back. I have enjoyed good health ever since I am in the army with the exception of a little neuralgea. We left Millikins Bend on 13th of March and we have been put through ever since through April we was building bridges and flat boats all the time as we moved down through Lousiana and we crossed the Mississippi river 60 miles below Vicksburg our boat run the blockade not the gunboats onl, but there was eight transports run the blockade and they run the blockade at grand gulf we got on the boats 6 below grand gulf and we landed about 128 miles below the gulf on the Mississippi shore and we marched from about one o'clock to about 2 in the night over hills and hollows to we came to stompers hill where we run aboard a lot of Reb and we fought them on 2 hours and then they stomped unto day light and then we fought them all day and took all their cannons out one piece when they got away with them they ski doled through the night in there was none of them there we started after them about 9 o'clock in the morning we followed them to Fort Gibson where they had burned the bridge where we had to build another before we could follow them in three hours from the time we commenced the bridge we had the troops crossing in the place of a bridge that cost at the cost $20.00 and then we started after them again and we (balance of letter) was not copied. But back page of letter was " I was in store that was deserted there was a great many nice things that the boys were taking and the only thing that I took out was a few skeans of thread and a pair of nice kid gloves which I will send to you that will do for when you and James W. gets married. But please send me word when it comes of and I will try and come home and help pluck the turkey." A picture of the gloves is in the history and bottom of gloves is This is the pair of gloves that Ben sent to Hulda. They are 144 years old. The original gloves and letter is in the possession of Virginia Dail Coplea, w/o Robert Daihl deceased. She lives in 2007 on the Daihl Homestead north of Lincolnville Church, Lincolnville, Indiana. She also has George Hoch's Bible, his baptism Sampler Picture and many many more Hoch items. Copies of almost all the records she has is in the History Books under Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl's section.
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Oberville Parish, La January 14, 1864: Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am enjoying good health at present and hoping that these few lines will find you and all the rest of the friends. Mother sisters and brothers enjoying the same great blessing. Well I am this surrounded old south is a great place in the winter as when it snows up north it rains hear. When we have snow and ice up north hear there is rain and mud up north they make garden in the spring and set there cabbage hear they make garden about the 14 of November and set there cabbage. About the 15 for there is plent of cabbage about town (last line is unreadable) Apples there is none peaches there is not many hear in Mississippi they was more and to the peaches and blackberries, figs and various other fruits hear in La the figs oranges banana and various other fruits to numerous to mention the vast quantities of sugar and molasses cotton is raised in large quantities sweet potatoes is one of the cheaf productions of the land of Dixie the weather here been wet the roads are very bad the weather changeable yesterday and today the weather is very pleasant today seems more like a May morning then a January morning the leaves are on the orange trees and the French mocking bird sings sweetly the children running about town in their barefeet everything seems gay and happy the street is crowded with teams for several days back hauling cotton business is beginning to resume its proper channel again. But oh the warriors of war is the land.
Well Jane I heard sometime since that you was going to be chased on the broomstick this spring with Mr. James Waddle well he is or was when I left home a fine young man and I suppose he maintains his reputation but consider well when you are doing before you do go into such a contract for it is a lifetime matter you cannot quit it if you don't like it six months after for it is then to late to mend the matter. But be sure that you are right and then go ahead and I wish you well. Well that is enough of that I received a letter from Taylor Au a few days since said he told me that Elder was out there when he was writing he did not say if he was going to sty or if he was going out on a (vifite) When you receive this letter please write soon and give me all the news for I have't received one from anyone only mart since we (unreadable last line). I am beginning to think that you Disone me because I am fighing for my country if there is anything that you ought to be proud of is that you have a brother that is willing to fight for the glorious old flag and for the union and for liberty. But I hope that this wicked and needless war will soon be over and peace and quiet shall be restored again and we shall learn was now the river is rising fast and the trade on the river brisk everything dear is you and james wants to a pleasant trip after the knot is tied come down and see me and I will try and give you as much hardtack and salt horse as you can eat. Coffee and tea as much as you can drink. I will give you the very best I have and I will give you the soft side of a pine board to ly on for a bed. Well as paper is getting short and news scarce I will close for this time. By sending my Best respects to you Mother and all my sisters and brothers and friends that may chance to inquire for me give my kind regards. Mother Waddle and her girls and any love to the ladies generly that may chanct to enquire for me nothing more. But remains as ever your affectionate brother. B.F. Hoch Write soon and direct to B. F. Hoch Plaquenine, La in care of Capt Au..
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Chastents Plantation La: Feb. 22, 1864. Dear Brother:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to let you know how and I am getting along through this rebel war. I am in the enjoyment of good health at present and have been ever since I came into the army with the exception of a spell of the greuralges, but a few does of quinine soon nock that. I have never been in a hospital yet or never road in and ambulance since a day since I am in the army. I have been always ready for the hardtack and sal mule sometimes they did not rest very well and at other times I thought they was really good especially after a hard days march then we could sit down and take a cup of coffee and two or three hardtack and couple piece of salt mule or sowbelly salt mul or horse is what call our salt beef you may think that we have very rough times, but it is all for our country and to save the union and the old stars and stripes. Three cheers for the red white and blue. Our army and Navy forever three cheers for the read white and blue. Well I have just been to dinner we had beans park and beef on light bread and coffee for dinner since we have been here and at plaquimine we have had a good time the regt is still at plaquemine but our company and company has been 22 miles below superintending the building go a levee for the last five weeks, but we are throught with that (balance is undreadable) and we are going to build a house for us to quarter in the stockade and house is to connect together the house is to be large enough for about 75 men to quarter in and it is to be built so that we can fight in it if the guarrilles come at us the stockade is to keep cavalry housed in our captain has command of the Post we may stay hear all summer for all we know now the weather is fine hear the planters has been planting sugarcane for the pst 2 weeks and we are being preparing there land for cotton there is some planters going to plant barley this season of cotton there is one planter in the neighborhood that is going to plant 2300 acres of cotton. The labor is all done by hired negroes they seem to do very well. Well this is a very rich country if a man has a little money and some hear can make money fast if this cruel war is over this will be one of the finest country in the united states. The people are union mind but not generally because they love the union, but because that they have to be union but there is some as good uniton men hear at there is in the north there is one man that I know that has kept the stars and stripes ever since the war commenced he was threaten to shot and threatened to be hung if he destroyed but he did not and till has it yet and he says he will die before he will part. Oh if there was only more such men in the north this war would have been over long since well as news is scarce and paper to will close for this time by sending my best respects to you and all the rest of the friends and my love to the ladies , nothing more but remaines my affection Brother B. F. Hoch (Elder Hoch)
Write soon and tells one all the news and tell one what you are going to do this summer tell taylor to write also & I will write to him soon.
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Chastants Plantation March 5, 1864. Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you in answer to your very welcome letter of Febuary ll. Which I received yesterday morning and was glad to hear that you were all enjoying good health except Miller and hoping that she may soon be sent good health and I hope you may all enjoy the same great blessing. Well I suppose that you have cold weather up north yet and more then likely sleighing. While we have spring and almost summer here the planters have been plowing and planting cane for the last four weeks the Peach and Plumb trees have been in bloom for a week past the trees of the forest are putting forth there leaves the medows are grown the birds sing sweetly every thing seems gay and happy but the horrors of war still hanges over the land but I think we long that this cruel war will be crushed to rise not more or at least I hope so . Well you stated in your letter that Mother wanted to know my opinion about the war if it is soon going to close or if it has fused again. Well my opinion is that this summer will close this cruel war and it is the opinion in the highest official cirles that this summer will end this wicked and unholy war. We are building a stockade and it house for to quarter in the house is to be made protecting ourselves it is on a plantation of a rebel captain he is playing guarrller out in the woods and swamps of nero river and emite river and he has been in the habit of making raids out on his plantation and capturing a Sicket Host that was stationed there he and a company captured eight men since we are here at this place it is about three miles to his farm we expect to have our house ready in about ? days to move into there is no rebels around hearexcept Captain Doyl and a few guarrilles. And if Gen Sherman is successful they will have to leave there soon or starve for he will cut them off from the main army at Mobile then there are some of which he will and before long Richmond will be ours for they are preparing to evacuate Richmond and ? the day that they leave that place they may as well lay down there arms for they are gone up the State of Florida is cut of from them entirely and there was where they got all there beef from and that is stopped. Gen Grant has taken the Nitre beds of Georgia from them and that is cutting of there Cartridge and I think that before this summer is over we will have the whole southern confederacy of the people in the north do there part or this time next year the soldiers will be at home. But if the copper heeds still keep croaking and discouraging enlisting and fighting against the draft and still giving the south encouragement by telling them to hold out to the presidential election and the north will be divided and fight among themselves, this is what has kept up the war this long already. It is the cursed copperheads that voted for wood for Govnor of Penslvania and for Valendingham of ohio and all such trators as them they are the ones that are prolonging the war (balance of last line is not readable). Well that is enough of that for this time well end. How dose the operation of Marenda setting married gowing down with Mother and what for it looking fellow is he and what sort of a man is he and what is his occupation but please keep that part of the letter to your self. Mr. & Mrs. Books my kind regards and tell them that all the harm that I wish thme is a whole house full of young Books tell them that I want them to get there photographs taken and send them to me you get yours taken and send it along with them as soon as Uncle Sam comes around and gives me some money I intend to get mine taken and send it home so you can see how I look after soldiering eighteen months. Well there is some fine looking ladies down in the sunny south but they are nice to look at and that is all. Well as paper is scarce and the sheet is pretty near full I will close for this time by sending my love to you and all the rest of my brothers and sisters give my love to my Mother and my best respects to all inquiring friends. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Waddle and family. Northing more at present but remained your affection B. F. Hoch H E Hoch. Direct to B F Hoch Plaqusonime, La in care of Capt Au Co D 720 Regt Pvtirect to B F Hoch Plaqusomine, La in Care of Capt Au Co D 720 regt pvt via cairo ?
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New River Landing, La April 6, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am in the enjoyment of good health and I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same great blessing. Well Jane I received a letter from you this morning that was written the 20th of Dec and I received on about 2 weeks since of Feb. 14th, you stated in your letter of Dec. that you had written 2 or 3 times to me but only received one from me. Since I left Ohio I have written at least 6 or 7 since I am in the army. In your Dec. letter you said that Mary Ann says that she cannot (can't read last line). She says that to her and said that I would come home and marry her she tells a cursed lie I have never written, but one letter to her since I am in the service and that was when I was in the rear of Vicksburg. She heard where I was and she writ to me wanting to know what I was going to do if I was going to marry her or not I write to her that I had done all that I was going to do that I did not consider it mine and I was neather going to pay her or marry her either and she might make the best out of it and I still think so if you hear such stuff from her consider it a lie for she always was good at making lies . I answered your letter of the ll of Feb last week and told you all the news except that I received a letter from James Ewing on Sunday last. He was well at the date of this letter. We have received some reinforcements lately the rebs are still in our rear only guarrillas there was at report yesterday morning that they were going to attact us yesterday at l0 o'clock but they did not come and this morning at 3 our cavalry went out after them I received a letter from Waddle not long since I have received 2 from him and have written 2 to him you stated in your letter that Marenda was going to be married on the 25 James told me in his letter that she had gotten into trouble again if it is correct please tell me all about the affair tell me all the news good bad and indifferent. Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and girls and all enquiring friends and give my love to the ladies of gravel Church that may chance to enquire fro me. Give my kind regards to Mother and sisters and brothers. Write soon and often and oblige your affection. Brother B. F. Hoch, H J Hoch. When you receive this please write forthwith and tell me if you received it as soon as you can get mine I will sent it also, Direct B.F. Hoch Co. D, 120 Regt OVI Baton Rouge, La Via Cairo Ill In care of Capt. Au. I will send you Capt Aus Photograph please take care of it for me till I call on it.
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New River Stockade, La: April 17, 1864. Dear Brother: (From what I can tell this was to his brother Elder Hoch) It is with the greatest pleasure that seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you in answer to your letter which I received this afternoon and was glad to hear form you and t hear that you were all well at that date. I am enjoying health at present. Well I heard of Sampson and family and George Rapp and his family in Ohio. But I understood that they were going to Illinois. And you sad that they were going to Indiana. Well you talked of Old Abe calling for 200,000 more men and you said that if he would hold on that he would have all the men. Well all I have to say is if he needs all to put down this rebellion I think that they all ought to go . Heard a few days since that he was going to call all the males for six months for the protection of the states if he does I think that they outght to go willingly to protect there State from the destruction of the Rebel Army all that I have to say is if you have to go go willingly and do your duty faithfully and more especially for the protection of your own State and homes this wicked rebellion must be. Please read this to yourself. Well Elder I heard a rumor that Levi was likely to fail and my money was not to safe in the property if there is anything in the wind
Of that kind please let me know and I will try to save it by some means I am going to try to get a furlow and come home soon. Whether I can succeed or not I don't know but I intend to try. The regt is at Baton Rouge now. And I think that it will stay there this summer. How long we will stay hear I donot know. We are camped on the plantation of a reb Capt. He is guarrilling in the swamps of the Nero and Emite Rivers it is reported today that they are going to attact us this week. But that has no report ever since we are hear there is 3000 rep on the other side of the Emite. But I don't believe it. There was a battle up Red River last week, but how it ended I am not able to say there is various reports, but you will hear soon. Please write soon and give me all the news. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the ladies that enquire of me. Northing more but remains your affectionate brother B. F. Hoch. Direct to Baton Rouge, La instead of Plaquimine.
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Morganzas Bend, La July 8, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself this pleasant afternoon to write you a few lines in answer to your very welcome letter which I received in (Unknown word) and was glad to hear that you and all the rest of the friends was in the enjoyment of good health at the date of your letter. Hoping that you may all long enjoy that great blessing. I am also well at present and have been except a little neuralgee once and awhile but a few doses quinine soon knocks that on the head as long as I get nothing worse I think I am very safe . I received a letter from Mrs. Miller today and was glad to learn she has got well again. I am also very glad to hear that the folks still keep up the notion of getting married for I think that it is very nesisary to keep recruiting the infantry if this war does come to a close I am glad to hear of Mar Mours and said Ewing hitching teems to trot double awhile I think William needed a good woman and I think that Gade will make one and I think that Gade needed at good man and I think that she got one. Well Jane I hardly know what to write to you that will interest you for there is no news of importance in this department and from the army of the Potomac sooner than I do but I think that the fate of Richmond is sealed and is doomed to fall soon very likely before this reaches you Sherman is attending to Johnson in Georgia right also. Well Jane you talked about me coming home but when we are in the service we cannot come home, when we pleas we have to come when they choose to leave you but I am coming by and by. The weather is warm hear but there is frequent showers there is plenty of roasingears hear three weeks ago where there is corn planted. But where the army passes along there is not much corn or cotton left. They expect to remain hear awhile the negroes are building a fort and we are to stay hear to the fort is done and if we stay hear till that is done we will stay hear sometime yet the 19th Army has went to New Orleans and I heard yesterday evening that they were ordered to leave on gulf steamers with 16 days ration and without knapsacks (last line cannot read).Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the Ladies and more repectly to Mrs Waddle tell her that I am fat ragged and sassy tell her that I would be much pleased to receive a letter from her and Genny Finly if they think me worthy of writing to. Tell her that I would have written to them long since if I had thought a letter from me would have been excepted. Give my respects to Mother and all the sisters and brothers, Nothing but remains your affection Brother B.F. Hoch HJHoch
Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and family tell Lizzi that Ben is coming home to see how much she has growed since I left. Write soon Direct to New Orleans
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Hoch, Benjamin F.* 20 Aug 1862
Private Hoch was age 28 when he entered service. Captured 24 Aug 1864 near Clinton, Louisiana; he died 3 Nov 1865 at Cahaba, Alabama. There is no burial information given in the Roll of Honor.
Note: I originally used the death date above of Nov 3, 1865.
The Cahaba prison closed down in March of 1865. So perhaps the death year is actually 1864, which agrees with the next item. Thanks to contributor: [email protected] for pointing this out.
Sons of Union Veterans: burial at Federal Military Cemetery [Marietta National Cemetery], Marietta, GA. Moved from Cahawba Park in Alabama. So far listing of men buried in Marietta does not include Benjamin F. Hoch. However a Benjamin F. Hoch served in the 114th and 120th Ohio Inf. He enlisted in Co I (eye) 120th OH Inf on 20 Aug 1862 at age 28. He died as a POW on 3 Nov 1864 at Cahaba, AL.
The POWs at Cahaba were originally buried near the prison, but then they were moved to a Federal Cemetery in Montgomery, Ala. before final interment at Marietta National Cemetery.
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Following transcribed by Jean Dawson Historian for Henry Hoch Sr., letters written by Benjamin Hoch s/o George & Polly Kitzmiller Hoch, written to his Sister Hulda and a brother
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September 30, 1862 at Camp Mansfield.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I take up my pen to wright a few lines in answer to your letter which I received on the 27th. I was glad to hear that you were all well at that time and I hope that you may all enjoy the same blessing . I am well and have been since I came to camp there is lots of fun in camp life or has been hear but I expect to see some hard times before we get through. We expect to leave hear on the first or second of October. We are going to Camp Dennison down to Cincinnati or at least that is the report now and where we will go from there I do not know. When you wright to me tell me whether George Haddle has gone to war or not if he has not tell me what he is doing and tellhim to wright to me soon and tell me all the news good or bad and indifferent tell him that I have written two or three letters to him. I have only received two or three letters from Cumberland Co. There was one letter come to Mansfield on last Saturday week Jacob Au lifted it for me and he lost it some place between town and home. Who it was from I do not know unless it was from William Allen (looks like) I had written to him sometime ago and I have not received no answer yet but suppose that it was from him. Hulda when you wright to me direct if the same as you did the other one and if we leave hear it will be forwarded to wherever we go to by the postmaster. You said that I should get my likeness taken and send to you. I had got it taken and intented to send it to you before I received your letter. I saw marget yesterday and all the rest of the family they were in Camp . Miss Cate? And Lyia Hoover was along with them. I must tell you about the work that we have to perform every day, except Sunday in the morning at 5 o'clock the drum beats for roll call we have breakfast at 6 we go out to drill at 7 drill till 8 and then the guard is mounted at 9 we go out drill and rill to 10 then we come in and have dinner at 12 the drum beats for officers drill at l o'clock the company go out at 4 and drill to five and then the drum beats for dress parade and then for supper roll call at 6 and then at 8-1/2 we have roll call and at 9 the drum beats for lights out then we are all in bed. We have prayer meeting on Sabbeth receiving and on Weddnesday evening in our captains quarters last night we had a regimental prayer meeting in the amoury. We have preaching every Sabbath at 2-1/2 o'clock. Now as new is getting I will bring my letter to a close for this time. By sending my best respects to you and all inquiring friends and especially to the ladies that may chance to inquire for me and especially to my Martha Haddle and Marg. Cope show them my picture. ?apothing more but remains your Brother B. F. Hoch. H I Hoch direct the same as you did the other and if we move it will be forward to me.
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Benjamin wrote a letter to his sister Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl on May 21, 1863 while stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Transcribed by Jean Dawson, Historian for Henry Hoch Sr.
May 21, 1863 Camped 3 miles to the rear of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you to let you know how I have been getting through this world fro sometime back. I have enjoyed good health ever since I am in the army with the exception of a little neuralgea. We left Millikins Bend on 13th of March and we have been put through ever since through April we was building bridges and flat boats all the time as we moved down through Lousiana and we crossed the Mississippi river 60 miles below Vicksburg our boat run the blockade not the gunboats onl, but there was eight transports run the blockade and they run the blockade at grand gulf we got on the boats 6 below grand gulf and we landed about 128 miles below the gulf on the Mississippi shore and we marched from about one o'clock to about 2 in the night over hills and hollows to we came to stompers hill where we run aboard a lot of Reb and we fought them on 2 hours and then they stomped unto day light and then we fought them all day and took all their cannons out one piece when they got away with them they ski doled through the night in there was none of them there we started after them about 9 o'clock in the morning we followed them to Fort Gibson where they had burned the bridge where we had to build another before we could follow them in three hours from the time we commenced the bridge we had the troops crossing in the place of a bridge that cost at the cost $20.00 and then we started after them again and we (balance of letter) was not copied. But back page of letter was " I was in store that was deserted there was a great many nice things that the boys were taking and the only thing that I took out was a few skeans of thread and a pair of nice kid gloves which I will send to you that will do for when you and James W. gets married. But please send me word when it comes of and I will try and come home and help pluck the turkey." A picture of the gloves is in the history and bottom of gloves is This is the pair of gloves that Ben sent to Hulda. They are 144 years old. The original gloves and letter is in the possession of Virginia Dail Coplea, w/o Robert Daihl deceased. She lives in 2007 on the Daihl Homestead north of Lincolnville Church, Lincolnville, Indiana. She also has George Hoch's Bible, his baptism Sampler Picture and many many more Hoch items. Copies of almost all the records she has is in the History Books under Hulda Jane Hoch Daihl's section.
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Oberville Parish, La January 14, 1864: Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am enjoying good health at present and hoping that these few lines will find you and all the rest of the friends. Mother sisters and brothers enjoying the same great blessing. Well I am this surrounded old south is a great place in the winter as when it snows up north it rains hear. When we have snow and ice up north hear there is rain and mud up north they make garden in the spring and set there cabbage hear they make garden about the 14 of November and set there cabbage. About the 15 for there is plent of cabbage about town (last line is unreadable) Apples there is none peaches there is not many hear in Mississippi they was more and to the peaches and blackberries, figs and various other fruits hear in La the figs oranges banana and various other fruits to numerous to mention the vast quantities of sugar and molasses cotton is raised in large quantities sweet potatoes is one of the cheaf productions of the land of Dixie the weather here been wet the roads are very bad the weather changeable yesterday and today the weather is very pleasant today seems more like a May morning then a January morning the leaves are on the orange trees and the French mocking bird sings sweetly the children running about town in their barefeet everything seems gay and happy the street is crowded with teams for several days back hauling cotton business is beginning to resume its proper channel again. But oh the warriors of war is the land.
Well Jane I heard sometime since that you was going to be chased on the broomstick this spring with Mr. James Waddle well he is or was when I left home a fine young man and I suppose he maintains his reputation but consider well when you are doing before you do go into such a contract for it is a lifetime matter you cannot quit it if you don't like it six months after for it is then to late to mend the matter. But be sure that you are right and then go ahead and I wish you well. Well that is enough of that I received a letter from Taylor Au a few days since said he told me that Elder was out there when he was writing he did not say if he was going to sty or if he was going out on a (vifite) When you receive this letter please write soon and give me all the news for I have't received one from anyone only mart since we (unreadable last line). I am beginning to think that you Disone me because I am fighing for my country if there is anything that you ought to be proud of is that you have a brother that is willing to fight for the glorious old flag and for the union and for liberty. But I hope that this wicked and needless war will soon be over and peace and quiet shall be restored again and we shall learn was now the river is rising fast and the trade on the river brisk everything dear is you and james wants to a pleasant trip after the knot is tied come down and see me and I will try and give you as much hardtack and salt horse as you can eat. Coffee and tea as much as you can drink. I will give you the very best I have and I will give you the soft side of a pine board to ly on for a bed. Well as paper is getting short and news scarce I will close for this time. By sending my Best respects to you Mother and all my sisters and brothers and friends that may chance to inquire for me give my kind regards. Mother Waddle and her girls and any love to the ladies generly that may chanct to enquire for me nothing more. But remains as ever your affectionate brother. B.F. Hoch Write soon and direct to B. F. Hoch Plaquenine, La in care of Capt Au..
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Chastents Plantation La: Feb. 22, 1864. Dear Brother:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to let you know how and I am getting along through this rebel war. I am in the enjoyment of good health at present and have been ever since I came into the army with the exception of a spell of the greuralges, but a few does of quinine soon nock that. I have never been in a hospital yet or never road in and ambulance since a day since I am in the army. I have been always ready for the hardtack and sal mule sometimes they did not rest very well and at other times I thought they was really good especially after a hard days march then we could sit down and take a cup of coffee and two or three hardtack and couple piece of salt mule or sowbelly salt mul or horse is what call our salt beef you may think that we have very rough times, but it is all for our country and to save the union and the old stars and stripes. Three cheers for the red white and blue. Our army and Navy forever three cheers for the read white and blue. Well I have just been to dinner we had beans park and beef on light bread and coffee for dinner since we have been here and at plaquimine we have had a good time the regt is still at plaquemine but our company and company has been 22 miles below superintending the building go a levee for the last five weeks, but we are throught with that (balance is undreadable) and we are going to build a house for us to quarter in the stockade and house is to connect together the house is to be large enough for about 75 men to quarter in and it is to be built so that we can fight in it if the guarrilles come at us the stockade is to keep cavalry housed in our captain has command of the Post we may stay hear all summer for all we know now the weather is fine hear the planters has been planting sugarcane for the pst 2 weeks and we are being preparing there land for cotton there is some planters going to plant barley this season of cotton there is one planter in the neighborhood that is going to plant 2300 acres of cotton. The labor is all done by hired negroes they seem to do very well. Well this is a very rich country if a man has a little money and some hear can make money fast if this cruel war is over this will be one of the finest country in the united states. The people are union mind but not generally because they love the union, but because that they have to be union but there is some as good uniton men hear at there is in the north there is one man that I know that has kept the stars and stripes ever since the war commenced he was threaten to shot and threatened to be hung if he destroyed but he did not and till has it yet and he says he will die before he will part. Oh if there was only more such men in the north this war would have been over long since well as news is scarce and paper to will close for this time by sending my best respects to you and all the rest of the friends and my love to the ladies , nothing more but remaines my affection Brother B. F. Hoch (Elder Hoch)
Write soon and tells one all the news and tell one what you are going to do this summer tell taylor to write also & I will write to him soon.
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Chastants Plantation March 5, 1864. Dear Sister: It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write a few lines to you in answer to your very welcome letter of Febuary ll. Which I received yesterday morning and was glad to hear that you were all enjoying good health except Miller and hoping that she may soon be sent good health and I hope you may all enjoy the same great blessing. Well I suppose that you have cold weather up north yet and more then likely sleighing. While we have spring and almost summer here the planters have been plowing and planting cane for the last four weeks the Peach and Plumb trees have been in bloom for a week past the trees of the forest are putting forth there leaves the medows are grown the birds sing sweetly every thing seems gay and happy but the horrors of war still hanges over the land but I think we long that this cruel war will be crushed to rise not more or at least I hope so . Well you stated in your letter that Mother wanted to know my opinion about the war if it is soon going to close or if it has fused again. Well my opinion is that this summer will close this cruel war and it is the opinion in the highest official cirles that this summer will end this wicked and unholy war. We are building a stockade and it house for to quarter in the house is to be made protecting ourselves it is on a plantation of a rebel captain he is playing guarrller out in the woods and swamps of nero river and emite river and he has been in the habit of making raids out on his plantation and capturing a Sicket Host that was stationed there he and a company captured eight men since we are here at this place it is about three miles to his farm we expect to have our house ready in about ? days to move into there is no rebels around hearexcept Captain Doyl and a few guarrilles. And if Gen Sherman is successful they will have to leave there soon or starve for he will cut them off from the main army at Mobile then there are some of which he will and before long Richmond will be ours for they are preparing to evacuate Richmond and ? the day that they leave that place they may as well lay down there arms for they are gone up the State of Florida is cut of from them entirely and there was where they got all there beef from and that is stopped. Gen Grant has taken the Nitre beds of Georgia from them and that is cutting of there Cartridge and I think that before this summer is over we will have the whole southern confederacy of the people in the north do there part or this time next year the soldiers will be at home. But if the copper heeds still keep croaking and discouraging enlisting and fighting against the draft and still giving the south encouragement by telling them to hold out to the presidential election and the north will be divided and fight among themselves, this is what has kept up the war this long already. It is the cursed copperheads that voted for wood for Govnor of Penslvania and for Valendingham of ohio and all such trators as them they are the ones that are prolonging the war (balance of last line is not readable). Well that is enough of that for this time well end. How dose the operation of Marenda setting married gowing down with Mother and what for it looking fellow is he and what sort of a man is he and what is his occupation but please keep that part of the letter to your self. Mr. & Mrs. Books my kind regards and tell them that all the harm that I wish thme is a whole house full of young Books tell them that I want them to get there photographs taken and send them to me you get yours taken and send it along with them as soon as Uncle Sam comes around and gives me some money I intend to get mine taken and send it home so you can see how I look after soldiering eighteen months. Well there is some fine looking ladies down in the sunny south but they are nice to look at and that is all. Well as paper is scarce and the sheet is pretty near full I will close for this time by sending my love to you and all the rest of my brothers and sisters give my love to my Mother and my best respects to all inquiring friends. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Waddle and family. Northing more at present but remained your affection B. F. Hoch H E Hoch. Direct to B F Hoch Plaqusonime, La in care of Capt Au Co D 720 Regt Pvtirect to B F Hoch Plaqusomine, La in Care of Capt Au Co D 720 regt pvt via cairo ?
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New River Landing, La April 6, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that seat myself to write a few lines to you to let you know that I am in the enjoyment of good health and I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same great blessing. Well Jane I received a letter from you this morning that was written the 20th of Dec and I received on about 2 weeks since of Feb. 14th, you stated in your letter of Dec. that you had written 2 or 3 times to me but only received one from me. Since I left Ohio I have written at least 6 or 7 since I am in the army. In your Dec. letter you said that Mary Ann says that she cannot (can't read last line). She says that to her and said that I would come home and marry her she tells a cursed lie I have never written, but one letter to her since I am in the service and that was when I was in the rear of Vicksburg. She heard where I was and she writ to me wanting to know what I was going to do if I was going to marry her or not I write to her that I had done all that I was going to do that I did not consider it mine and I was neather going to pay her or marry her either and she might make the best out of it and I still think so if you hear such stuff from her consider it a lie for she always was good at making lies . I answered your letter of the ll of Feb last week and told you all the news except that I received a letter from James Ewing on Sunday last. He was well at the date of this letter. We have received some reinforcements lately the rebs are still in our rear only guarrillas there was at report yesterday morning that they were going to attact us yesterday at l0 o'clock but they did not come and this morning at 3 our cavalry went out after them I received a letter from Waddle not long since I have received 2 from him and have written 2 to him you stated in your letter that Marenda was going to be married on the 25 James told me in his letter that she had gotten into trouble again if it is correct please tell me all about the affair tell me all the news good bad and indifferent. Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and girls and all enquiring friends and give my love to the ladies of gravel Church that may chance to enquire fro me. Give my kind regards to Mother and sisters and brothers. Write soon and often and oblige your affection. Brother B. F. Hoch, H J Hoch. When you receive this please write forthwith and tell me if you received it as soon as you can get mine I will sent it also, Direct B.F. Hoch Co. D, 120 Regt OVI Baton Rouge, La Via Cairo Ill In care of Capt. Au. I will send you Capt Aus Photograph please take care of it for me till I call on it.
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New River Stockade, La: April 17, 1864. Dear Brother: (From what I can tell this was to his brother Elder Hoch) It is with the greatest pleasure that seat myself this evening to write a few lines to you in answer to your letter which I received this afternoon and was glad to hear form you and t hear that you were all well at that date. I am enjoying health at present. Well I heard of Sampson and family and George Rapp and his family in Ohio. But I understood that they were going to Illinois. And you sad that they were going to Indiana. Well you talked of Old Abe calling for 200,000 more men and you said that if he would hold on that he would have all the men. Well all I have to say is if he needs all to put down this rebellion I think that they all ought to go . Heard a few days since that he was going to call all the males for six months for the protection of the states if he does I think that they outght to go willingly to protect there State from the destruction of the Rebel Army all that I have to say is if you have to go go willingly and do your duty faithfully and more especially for the protection of your own State and homes this wicked rebellion must be. Please read this to yourself. Well Elder I heard a rumor that Levi was likely to fail and my money was not to safe in the property if there is anything in the wind
Of that kind please let me know and I will try to save it by some means I am going to try to get a furlow and come home soon. Whether I can succeed or not I don't know but I intend to try. The regt is at Baton Rouge now. And I think that it will stay there this summer. How long we will stay hear I donot know. We are camped on the plantation of a reb Capt. He is guarrilling in the swamps of the Nero and Emite Rivers it is reported today that they are going to attact us this week. But that has no report ever since we are hear there is 3000 rep on the other side of the Emite. But I don't believe it. There was a battle up Red River last week, but how it ended I am not able to say there is various reports, but you will hear soon. Please write soon and give me all the news. Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the ladies that enquire of me. Northing more but remains your affectionate brother B. F. Hoch. Direct to Baton Rouge, La instead of Plaquimine.
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Morganzas Bend, La July 8, 1864: Dear Sister:
It is with pleasure that I seat myself this pleasant afternoon to write you a few lines in answer to your very welcome letter which I received in (Unknown word) and was glad to hear that you and all the rest of the friends was in the enjoyment of good health at the date of your letter. Hoping that you may all long enjoy that great blessing. I am also well at present and have been except a little neuralgee once and awhile but a few doses quinine soon knocks that on the head as long as I get nothing worse I think I am very safe . I received a letter from Mrs. Miller today and was glad to learn she has got well again. I am also very glad to hear that the folks still keep up the notion of getting married for I think that it is very nesisary to keep recruiting the infantry if this war does come to a close I am glad to hear of Mar Mours and said Ewing hitching teems to trot double awhile I think William needed a good woman and I think that Gade will make one and I think that Gade needed at good man and I think that she got one. Well Jane I hardly know what to write to you that will interest you for there is no news of importance in this department and from the army of the Potomac sooner than I do but I think that the fate of Richmond is sealed and is doomed to fall soon very likely before this reaches you Sherman is attending to Johnson in Georgia right also. Well Jane you talked about me coming home but when we are in the service we cannot come home, when we pleas we have to come when they choose to leave you but I am coming by and by. The weather is warm hear but there is frequent showers there is plenty of roasingears hear three weeks ago where there is corn planted. But where the army passes along there is not much corn or cotton left. They expect to remain hear awhile the negroes are building a fort and we are to stay hear to the fort is done and if we stay hear till that is done we will stay hear sometime yet the 19th Army has went to New Orleans and I heard yesterday evening that they were ordered to leave on gulf steamers with 16 days ration and without knapsacks (last line cannot read).Give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to the Ladies and more repectly to Mrs Waddle tell her that I am fat ragged and sassy tell her that I would be much pleased to receive a letter from her and Genny Finly if they think me worthy of writing to. Tell her that I would have written to them long since if I had thought a letter from me would have been excepted. Give my respects to Mother and all the sisters and brothers, Nothing but remains your affection Brother B.F. Hoch HJHoch
Give my respects to Mrs. Waddle and family tell Lizzi that Ben is coming home to see how much she has growed since I left. Write soon Direct to New Orleans
Family Members
Siblings
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Levi K. Hoch
1824–1874
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Margaret Ann Hoch Au
1826–1884
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Sampson P. Hoch
1828–1909
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Caroline Hoch Rapp
1830–1899
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Miranda Hoch Christlieb
1833–1877
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Mary Agnes Hoch
1835–1837
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Benjamin F Hoch
1837–1864
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Jemima Hoch Miller
1839–1891
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Henrietta "Etta" Hoch Brant
1841–1927
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Elder Hoch
1843–1912
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Huldah Jane Hoch Daihl
1845–1911
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George Washington Hoch Jr
1847–1927
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Gustavus Adolphus "Gus" Hoch
1851–1922
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