Parkhurst Letters — 9th Michigan Infantry
Lieutenant Parkhurst of the 9th Michigan Infantry wrote a series of deeply personal letters during
the winter of 1861–62 at West Point and on Muldraugh’s Hill. His correspondence reveals homesickness, sickness
in camp, family concerns, and the growing tension as Confederate forces under Buckner threatened the region.
His December 17 letter contains one of the most striking statements of resolve ever written at Fort Duffield.
Letter Index
- November 10, 1861 — Parkhurst to Kittie
- November 22, 1861 — Parkhurst to Helen
- November 28, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister
- December 5, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister
- December 17, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister (Fort Duffield Defense)
November 10, 1861 — Parkhurst to Kittie
Original Letter
Handwritten letter from Parkhurst to his daughter Kittie.
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your Parkhurst-to-Kittie document)
Readable Version
A tender letter from Parkhurst to his young daughter Kittie, expressing affection and longing during his
early days at West Point.
November 22, 1861 — Parkhurst to Helen
Original Letter
Original handwritten letter from Parkhurst to Helen.
Exact Transcription
adjutant Henry M. Duffield
Oct 3, 1861
que you this two r my dear May to defend our beloved Government & the Union...
(Full transcription already provided)
Readable Version
Parkhurst writes poetically about duty, honor, and the Union, offering encouragement and affection to Helen.
November 28, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister
Original Letter
Original handwritten letter from Parkhurst to his sister.
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your Parkhurst Nov 28 document)
Readable Version
Parkhurst describes Thanksgiving, sickness in the regiment, longing for home, and sends $10 for Kittie.
December 5, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister
Original Letter
Original handwritten letter from Parkhurst, written from Muldraugh’s Hill.
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your Parkhurst Dec 5 document)
Readable Version
Parkhurst reports that 382 men have been discharged, the sick list is down to 248, and the sick have been
ordered to Louisville. He predicts a battle within 20 days and sends $10 home.
December 17, 1861 — Parkhurst to Sister (Fort Duffield Defense)
Original Letter
Original handwritten letter describing Fort Duffield’s defensive readiness.
Exact Transcription
(Full transcription from your Parkhurst Dec 17 document)
Readable Version
Parkhurst writes one of the most powerful statements in the Fort Duffield archive:
“If our forces fall back, the Ninth will hold this fort against Buckner forever.”
He describes the fort’s strength, the men’s determination, and the strategic importance of the hill.