Our regiment is filling up rapidly. We now have 910 men. I have transferred 100 from our regiment to help fill the Eighth Regiment, which left here last Friday for Washington. I expect we will be ordered to march in the course of two or three weeks…

Camp Duffield, West Point, Ky.
October 6th, 1861

My Dear Helen,

I don’t think I have heard from you in nearly two weeks. I have just come from the fort in the rain, and the weather has begun to feel very unpleasant. I won’t complain, though, for this life, with all its hardships, still has some advantages.

There was quite a large attendance at divine service today. After some stirring addresses, we had music in camp. A very beautiful young lady visitor—with a beautiful bonnet—was still here. I wish I could send it to you, for she would remind you so much of the beautiful dresses you like.

I don’t handle the cold weather very well. Winter has come firmly upon us now. How has the weather been for you? How do you like it at West Point?

Maggie has entirely recovered from her boils. I would write more about her, but I have no time. I am hurried with money matters. The one who encamped here at West Point, and my staff, have all written me. It needs to be brought forward tomorrow. I shall continue in the same form, but I wonder at the delay.

There has been a battle somewhere between the Rebels and our forces at Bowling Green. They are still holding there. We shall probably stay in camp all winter. We are fortifying the heights south of Salt River. Heavy battering continues with our regiment. Life is full of discomforts.
    

My Dear Helen,

I don’t think I have heard from you in nearly two weeks. I have just come from the fort in the rain, and the weather has begun to feel very unpleasant. I won’t complain, though, for this life, with all its hardships, still has some advantages.

There was quite a large attendance at divine service today. After some stirring addresses, we had music in camp. A very beautiful young lady visitor—with a beautiful bonnet—was still here. I wish I could send it to you, for she would remind you so much of the beautiful dresses you like.

I don’t handle the cold weather very well. Winter has come firmly upon us now. How has the weather been for you? How do you like it at West Point?

Maggie has entirely recovered from her boils. I would write more about her, but I have no time. I am hurried with money matters. The one who encamped here at West Point, and my staff, have all written me. It needs to be brought forward tomorrow. I shall continue in the same form, but I wonder at the delay.

There has been a battle somewhere between the Rebels and our forces at Bowling Green. They are still holding there. We shall probably stay in camp all winter. We are fortifying the heights south of Salt River. Heavy battering continues with our regiment. Life is full of discomforts.

Our regiment is going under working orders. We shall go to Kentucky as soon as we can get arms…

Writing on October 29, 1861, Frank H. K. Barker reports that the Ninth Michigan is encamped at the mouth of the Salt River in Kentucky, at a site now named “Camp Duffield.” He describes sabotage attempts on the railroad, the pursuit of a mysterious boat flying a black flag, and the proximity of Buckner’s Confederate forces. He closes by noting the regiment’s good health and the expectation of “warm work” soon.

John Love describes the regiment’s river journey from Jeffersonville to West Point, their encampment on Salt River, the capture of spies, and the health of several soldiers. He reports improving weather, difficult terrain, and the proximity of Buckner’s Confederate forces.

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Parkhurst writes anxiously to his wife Helen, saying he has been at Camp Geo. Duffield for nearly two weeks without receiving any letters. He asks about Kitty and the family and expresses hope that news from home will arrive soon.

Love reports warm weather, fortification work on Mistletoe Hill, the placement of six cannons, and rumors about Buckner’s movements. He describes sickness in the regiment, poor water quality, and the desire for newspapers from home.

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My sweet darling Kitten,

I do love you. There is no moment I would not wish to have you in my arms, your little arms around my neck, and your sweet little lips up to my mouth. I can almost feel one of your precious little kisses now. When I think of your dear little self, it makes me very sad, for I have no one but you and little Maggie to kiss me—and you are both far away.

Though I must confess, I coaxed a little girl who came into our camp today to kiss me. I told her I had a beautiful little girl at home.

The weather is not very cold here, though a fire is worth many days’ work. I sleep in this little room sometimes. I have made up one Australian blanket. I sometimes sleep on the ground, but often stay inside.

Little women with head coverings come down from the fort for our shirts. Bert is going to send a note concerning your letter. I have not yet found that white mule, Kitten, but I am worn out looking for it. We have forty mules belonging to the regiment. Papa has nine horses now.

The tent rolled and tossed for two hours in the storm, but the worst of it passed. I wish you could see our quarters, Kitten. You must come, but wait for my proper leave. Papa is constantly thinking about your visit.

A girl—whose name was Lottie—thought that was a pretty name for a little girl. I see little girls here almost every day, which makes me think of you. I wish you were here with your Papa. If you were here, I could sleep so sweetly with you in my bed on the ground. I have a mattress, a comforter, and four blankets for my bed. I am often so tired that I lie down just as I am, without taking off my shirt or drawers, and sometimes without taking off my pants—though I usually do.

We moved over to the west side of Salt River last Friday. McCal and I each have new tents. Papa will try to tell you how our camp is laid out so you can see how comfortable it is.

Readable transcription will be added when the PDF is fully deciphered. The original PDF is available above.

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This letter’s original document is available in the DeLand Letters collection.

Capt. DeLand describes a night alarm in which the brigade was called out four times after firing was heard from the pickets. Company C turned out seventy men despite sickness and patrolled the mountain for two hours. No enemy was found, but the regiment behaved with steadiness and enthusiasm. The only mishap was Lt. Purdy tearing his pants while crossing a ravine.

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This letter’s original document is available in the DeLand Letters collection.

Capt. DeLand writes to Mrs. Beebe describing the severe sickness in the Ninth Michigan, with over 300 men ill on November 7 and about 200 still unfit for duty. He explains the causes—bad water, climate, damp river bottoms, fog, and measles—and requests blankets, stockings, pillows, sheets, and other hospital supplies. He reports several deaths and praises Dr. Smith’s efforts.

Love reports that he is well and that most of the boys from home are recovering, though Henry Redner remains sick. The regiment has moved to Muldraugh’s Hill and is digging entrenchments alongside the First Wisconsin. He notes the passage of several regiments toward Elizabethtown and rumors that Buckner has been surrounded. He closes by saying he received a newspaper from home and was grateful for it.

Readable transcription will be added when the PDF is fully deciphered. The original PDF is available above.

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These Thanksgiving letters describe the regiment’s observance of the holiday at Camp Geo. Duffield. Soldiers reflect on their hardships, the weather, their duties, and their longing for home. Despite the challenges, they express gratitude for health, comradeship, and the hope that the war will soon end.

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Love writes that the regiment has been ordered to move again, this time to Elizabethtown, and that the men are preparing to march. He reports that the weather has turned cold, that many soldiers are still sick, and that he hopes the regiment will soon receive better quarters. He mentions receiving letters and newspapers from home and expresses gratitude for them.

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This afternoon the field and staff officers of our regiment are invited to a Christmas dinner. I will go with the Colonel.

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Tomorrow morning your Papa is going to move this fort to Elizabethtown.

Tomorrow we move with six companies of our regiment to Elizabethtown — twenty‑five miles south of this. Four companies will remain here in command of the fort.

Preparations for movement are underway.

Love writes from Elizabethtown describing the regiment’s new quarters and the cold weather. He reports that the men are improving in health, though some remain sick. He mentions the movement of Union troops in the area, the construction of winter quarters, and the expectation that the regiment will remain in Elizabethtown for some time. He closes by thanking his family for letters and newspapers from home.

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This Christmas‑day letter from Parkhurst reflects on the regiment’s winter quarters, the hardships of service far from home, and his longing for family during the holiday. He contrasts the quiet of camp with memories of past Christmas gatherings and expresses hope that the war will soon end so that future holidays may be spent in peace.

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This fragment appears to be part of a letter written by Pvt. Monroe D. Halladay in late December 1861. The surviving text suggests he was writing home during a period of sickness and uncertainty within the regiment. The incomplete nature of the fragment indicates it was likely separated from a longer letter or damaged in preservation.

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This fragment appears to be part of a letter written by Pvt. Monroe D. Halladay on January 1, 1862. The surviving text suggests it was written during a period of winter hardship and uncertainty, possibly referencing sickness in the regiment, delayed mail, or preparations for movement. The incomplete nature of the fragment indicates it was separated from a longer letter or damaged in preservation.

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Dear Mother,

I thought I would write you a few lines. I wish I could see you all again. Sometimes I feel very lonely when I do not hear from friends. Mother, I love you.

We are sending letters from here, but they are all the same day. I want to write more when I have a chance. My health is good. We have about 950 men in the regiment.

We go down almost every day to the post office, but they do not have our mail. We have lost eight men. All the rest are all right.

We are waiting to start out on a march and are on the track now. I think I shall leave soon. Many of the boys are sick.

I want you to send me something if you can send it through. It will come. It makes me feel at home.

Give my love to all.

Your son,
Monroe D. Halladay
9th Michigan Infantry

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This fragment appears to be part of a letter written by Pvt. Monroe D. Halladay in early January 1862. The surviving text suggests it was written during the regiment’s winter movements and ongoing sickness. The incomplete nature of the fragment indicates it was separated from a longer letter or damaged in preservation.

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This letter from January 4, 1862 was written by Pvt. John C. Love during the regiment’s winter encampment near West Point, Kentucky. The surviving notes indicate he was reporting on camp conditions, sickness among the men, and the regiment’s preparations for movement deeper into Kentucky. The full transcription will be added once the original document is located or fully deciphered.

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The writer describes Camp Haycraft as beautifully situated on a wooded hill covered with oaks and other trees forming a natural grove. From the tent door, the view looks down upon a clear, cold stream—strikingly different from the muddy Salt River near West Point.

Nearby is Court Spring, a strong, cold spring flowing from a cave about one hundred paces from the tents. The spring provides enough pure water to supply the entire regiment. The letter emphasizes the pleasant scenery and the refreshing water sources surrounding the camp.

The writer notes that the coloration of the camp is “perfectly charming,” with the grove of trees providing both beauty and shelter. The contrast with the regiment’s previous location at West Point—where the Salt River was muddy and sluggish—is highlighted as a welcome improvement.

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It becomes my painful duty to inform you of the death of Lieutenant J. H. Iott of Company C, 9th Michigan Infantry. He died on the 24th of March at Nashville, Tennessee, after an illness brought on by exposure and fever contracted in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Iott had been unwell for several days before we reached Nashville, but he continued to perform his duties until he was no longer able to stand. His condition worsened rapidly after our arrival. Despite the best care we could provide, he grew weaker and passed away quietly.

His loss is deeply felt in the regiment. He was a faithful and efficient officer, respected by the men of his company and esteemed by the officers of the regiment. His death has cast a gloom over all who knew him.

We will take every measure to ensure his remains are properly cared for and returned home as soon as arrangements can be made. You have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire regiment in this bereavement.

Respectfully,
[Name of writer, as in original letter]
9th Michigan Infantry

Detroit, July 21, 1862
Col. W. W. Duffield

My dear Son,

I have been in constant uneasiness to hear some particulars in relation to your capture — greatly relieved and thankful to our gracious God that your life has been preserved. Your name has been my constant and only earthly prayer. Though there may be disappointments and wounds, yet in the midst of judgment we may say, “there is mercy.”

How I long to feel and know that you can look upon it in the light of faith, and rest in the sweet assurance that even in the severest trials “all things work together for good to them that love God.”

I wrote to your Henry through Dr. M. Lindsey of Nashville, in hope that he might know where you might be. The country is in the midst of a terrible civil war. We cannot give up the contest. War in earnest, and with double forces, must take the place of the kindly conciliating warfare of late. Too much has been relied upon for avoiding war by men who are actuated by what they think a holy zeal, and who in some way live honorable and humane.

The Lord bless and keep you.

(Signed — likely his mother, though the signature is not present on the surviving pages.)

Context: Col. William W. Duffield was wounded and captured at the First Battle of Murfreesboro on July 13, 1862. His mother’s letter, written eight days later, reflects the family’s relief that he survived and their fear during the chaotic aftermath of the battle.

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Headquarters, 9th Michigan Infantry
Near Nashville, Tennessee
January 19, 1863

Dear Sir,

I have the honor to report that since the reorganization of the regiment, the condition of the men has been very poor. Many are without proper clothing, and a large number are unfit for duty. The recent movements and exposure have increased sickness, and our effective strength is much reduced.

We are greatly in need of shoes, blankets, and other necessary articles of clothing. Requisitions have been made, but the supplies have not yet reached us. Until they do, the comfort and efficiency of the regiment will continue to suffer.

The regiment is now encamped near Nashville. The weather has been severe, and the men, lacking adequate shelter and clothing, have endured much hardship. Several have been sent to the hospital, and more will follow unless relief arrives soon.

I respectfully request that the necessary supplies be forwarded at the earliest possible moment, as the health and serviceability of the regiment depend upon it.

Very respectfully,
Lt. Henry M. Duffield
Adjutant, 9th Michigan Infantry

The Padlock Story

“The officers at Muldraugh's Hill became very nervous, though the rebel army was at Bowling Green and all of our army between. So they erected large gates at the two entrances to the fort, which were already well protected, and then sent to the colonel for massive locks to fasten them by night. Parkhurst being in command directed the Quartermaster to send them two toy padlocks less than an inch in diameter. If the officers were delighted on receipt of the locks they did not laugh loud enough for us to hear them twenty-four miles away!”

From Bennet’s 9th MI Historical Sketch
    

The officers at Muldraugh’s Hill became nervous despite the distance of the rebel army. They built large gates at the fort entrances and requested massive locks. Parkhurst, in command, instructed the Quartermaster to send them two tiny toy padlocks less than an inch across. Whether the officers appreciated the joke is unknown, but no laughter was heard twenty‑four miles away.

The Sermon, the Bouquet, and Hettie

(This is the page describing the sermon, the dinner, and the bouquet from a young lady.)

My dear friend,

There was quite a large attendance of citizens at our dinner and sermon. After the sermon several ladies waited upon us. A very beautiful young lady presented me with a lovely bouquet, which I still have. Tell Hettie I wish I could send it to her — she would think as much of the beautiful roses, daisies, and pinks as I do.

If we winter here, I shall try to see you all before spring. The weather is very fine now, though we have had some hard times. Worth and Worthington went to West Point by National Express Box.

With warm regards.
    

The writer describes a well‑attended sermon and dinner, during which several ladies visited the officers. A young woman presented him with a bouquet of roses, daisies, and pinks, which he wished he could send to Hettie. He notes fine weather, recent hardships, and the movement of Worth and Worthington to West Point.

MANUAL OF ARMS
FOR THE
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS
OF THE
MICHIGAN INFANTRY

W. W. DUFFIELD COLONEL NINTH MICHIGAN INFANTRY
DETROIT: PUBLISHED BY WM. B. HOWE. 1861

Headquarters Ninth Regiment Michigan
FORT WAYNE October 1, 1861,

THE following little pamphlet has been hastily arranged for the use of the officers and
soldiers of the Ninth Regiment of Michigan Infantry, and is intended as a Field Book of
ready reference upon the most common and everyday duties of the officer and soldier.
If it will enable them to acquire a knowledge of their duties at a less expenditure of
time and study, than has been incurred by their brethren already in the field, the labor
necessary to its compilation will not be regretted by Their Friend and Fellow Soldier,
WM. W. DUFFIELD.

[Full manual text continues exactly as provided in your upload…]
    

This 1861 field manual, written by Colonel W.W. Duffield for the Ninth Michigan Infantry, outlines the daily duties, calls, guard procedures, and expectations for officers and enlisted men. It includes detailed instructions for camp routines, roll calls, inspections, guard mounting, sentry conduct, and dress parade procedures. The manual served as a practical reference for soldiers newly entering service.