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The Civil War
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Samuel Hoyt's Term of Service
Hoyt enlisted and served for three years. -
Marriage
Like the soldier in this romanticized painting by George Cochran Lambdin, Hoyt married just days before reporting for duty.
(The Consecration, 1861, Indianapolis Museum of Art) -
Army Life Begins
Samuel Hoyt is listed as "present" with Company G of the 83rd Pennsylvania at Lake Erie. -
Battle of Gaines' Mills, Virginia
Although there is no evidence that Samuel Hoyt assisted with balloon reconnaissance, he is listed as present when it was in use.
(Photo from Civil War Trust) -
Harrison's Landing
An unsuccessful battle involving a night-time march, Harrison's Landing triggered Samuel Hoyt's first asthma attack. He cited the condition as a reason he needed a pension in 1891.
(Lincoln Reviewing the Survivors at Harrison's Landing. 1864. Library of Congress) -
Provost Guard
During the fall and winter of 1862, Samuel Hoyt often served as provost guard, a military police function. He was present at Harpers Ferry and Fredericksburg.
(Harpers Ferry, Library of Congress 1862) -
Battle of Antietam
Samuel Hoyt survived the bloodiest day of the Civil War.
(Bloody Lane, Alexander Gardner, 1862, National Park Service) -
Promoted to Corporal
Although he was a private at the end of the war, Hoyt was promoted to corporal and sergeant temporarily, serving as a commissary officer. -
Gettysburg
Samuel Hoyt's 83rd Pennsylvania served alongside the 20th Maine to hold Little Round Top at the critical Battle of Gettysburg. Hoyt's general, Strong Vincent, was mortally wounded that day, but Hoyt survived. -
Spotsylvania Court House
Samuel Hoyt was present and, surprisingly, unwounded, during the long slog of Grant's Overland Campaign.
(Spotsylvania Court House, 1864, National Park Service) -
Discharge
Samuel Hoyt completed his service in the summer of 1864 and received $100 as his final payment.
