Mystery - Sylvester G. Hosmer, 45th Mass.
I have a letter of Major General John G. Foster, Commander of the Dept. of the Ohio and leader of the Goldsboro Expedition to Col. Codman commanding the 45th Mass. Vols. dated June 3, 1863 stating "I send Hosmer back to his regt.Please see that he returns at once to his duty."There were two Hosmers in the 45th Mass. but Davis had died several months before this letter, leaving only Sylvester G. Hosmer as anyone in the regiment bearing that name.He was listed as a 25 year old farmer when he enlisted in 1862.He died in 1891.The mystery part of this is, why would a Major General, Commander of a whole department, have any interest in a mere private's returning to his duty?Why would he handwrite a letter rather than have some flunky do it?Are there any legends (or facts for that matter) in the family as to some special services Private Hosmer might have performed that would induce the Major General commanding to take any particular interest in him?Any information would certainly be greatly appreciated.Rev. Neale Lanigan