DeLand Letters — 9th Michigan Infantry
Captain Charles V. DeLand of the 9th Michigan Infantry wrote some of the most detailed and vivid
accounts of the regiment’s early service at West Point and Fort Duffield. His letters, published in the
Jackson Citizen, describe mud “ankle deep,” measles sweeping through camp, condemned Belgian muskets,
the exhausting labor of fort construction, and the famous “night alarm” of November 13, 1861.
Letter Index
- November 12, 1861 — News from the 9th Regiment
- November 13, 1861 — Night Alarm
- November 18, 1861 — Camp Life & Belgian Muskets
- November 22, 1861 — Thanksgiving Letter
- November 28, 1861 — Fortifying the Hill
November 12, 1861 — News from the 9th Regiment
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your DeLand Nov 12 document)
Readable Version
Captain DeLand reports on the regiment’s arrival at West Point, the miserable river-bottom camp,
sickness spreading through the ranks, and the early work on Muldraugh’s Hill.
November 13, 1861 — Night Alarm
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your DeLand Nov 13 document)
Readable Version
DeLand describes the famous “night alarm,” when the brigade was called to arms four times in one night.
The regiment stood in line for hours, expecting an attack from Buckner’s forces.
November 18, 1861 — Camp Life & Belgian Muskets
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your DeLand Nov 18 document)
Readable Version
DeLand writes about mud “ankle deep,” measles spreading through the regiment, and the condemned Belgian
muskets issued to the men — “not worth the powder to fire them.”
November 22, 1861 — Thanksgiving Letter
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your DeLand Nov 22 document)
Readable Version
DeLand describes Thanksgiving in camp, the men’s spirits, and the ongoing sickness that continued to
weaken the regiment.
November 28, 1861 — Fortifying the Hill
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your DeLand Nov 28 document)
Readable Version
DeLand reports that the regiment is “fortifying the hill,” describing the early construction of what
would become Fort Duffield. He notes the heavy labor, the cold weather, and the men’s determination.