Love Letters — 9th Michigan Infantry
These letters were written by Private John C. Love, Company C, 9th Michigan Infantry, during the
winter of 1861–62 at West Point and Fort Duffield. They are among the most vivid personal accounts of life on
Muldraugh’s Hill — riverboat travel, sickness, storms, fort construction, rumors of Buckner, and the daily grind
of soldiering.
Letter Index
- November 1, 1861 — Arrival at West Point
- November 7, 1861 — “Unsivilised Kentucky”
- November 20, 1861 — Digging the Intrenchments
- December 1, 1861 — Storms, Snow, and Review
- December 20, 1861 — Smallpox Vaccination & Fort Completed
- December 23, 1861 — “Send pies, cakes, and apples”
- January 4, 1862 — Typhoid Deaths & Marching Orders
November 1, 1861 — Arrival at West Point
Original Letter
Letter describing the riverboat trip, arrival at West Point, spies captured, and early sickness.
Exact Transcription
West Point Kentucky Nov. 1 '61
Dear Parents,
It has been some time since I have writen to you...
(Full transcription already provided in your Love Nov 1 file)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the November 1 letter.
November 7, 1861 — “Unsivilised Kentucky”
Original Letter
Letter describing Kentucky as “fifty years behind the age,” fortifying Mistletoe Hill, and rumors of Buckner.
Exact Transcription
West Point, Kentucky, Nov. 7th, 1861
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I drop you a few lines...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the November 7 letter.
November 20, 1861 — Digging the Intrenchments
Original Letter
Letter describing work on the fort’s earthworks, Wisconsin troops assisting, and rumors of Buckner’s surrender.
Exact Transcription
West Point Ky. Nov. 20th 1861
Dear Parents,
It is with pleasure that I sit myself down after my days work...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the November 20 letter.
December 1, 1861 — Storms, Snow, and Review
Original Letter
Letter describing storms, tents blown down, snow, parade, and poor Belgian muskets.
Exact Transcription
West Point, Kentucky December 1
Dear Father and Mother,
I received a letter from you Friday...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the December 1 letter.
December 20, 1861 — Smallpox Vaccination & Fort Completed
Original Letter
Letter describing vaccination, sickness, rumors of Buell vs Buckner, and the fort’s completion.
Exact Transcription
West Point, Kentucky, Dec 20th 1861
Dear Father and Mother,
I received a letter and three papers today...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the December 20 letter.
December 23, 1861 — “Send pies, cakes, and apples”
Original Letter
Short note sent as Capt. DeLand departed for Jackson.
Exact Transcription
West Point Kentucky Dec. 23
Dear Parents,
I take the present oportunity of dropping you a few hasty lines...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the December 23 letter.
January 4, 1862 — Typhoid Deaths & Marching Orders
Original Letter
Letter describing typhoid deaths, marching orders, sickness, and rumors of Buell’s movements.
Exact Transcription
West Pointe, Ky Jan 4th 1862
Dear Parents,
I take the present oportunity of writing you a few lines...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Cleaned modern version of the January 4 letter.