Captain Charles V. DeLand of the 9th Michigan Infantry left behind some of the
most descriptive letters of the Civil War. Written from West Point, Kentucky, his letters
published in Jackson newspapers in late 1861 document the miserable first camp on the river
flats, the rapid spread of sickness, the construction of the earthwork fort that would become
Fort Duffield, and the daily challenges of guarding one of the key approaches
to Louisville.
most descriptive letters of the Civil War. Written from West Point, Kentucky, his letters
published in Jackson newspapers in late 1861 document the miserable first camp on the river
flats, the rapid spread of sickness, the construction of the earthwork fort that would become
Fort Duffield, and the daily challenges of guarding one of the key approaches
to Louisville.
Letters
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Letter 1 — November 12, 1861: “News from the 9th Regiment”
Mud, sickness, measles, bad water, condemned muskets, and the earliest description of the fort.
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Letter 2 — November 13, 1861: “Night Alarm at West Point”
A nighttime false alarm sends the entire brigade scrambling to arms.
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Letter 3 — November 28, 1861: “The Sick of the Michigan Ninth”
A desperate appeal for blankets, bedding, and supplies as sickness overwhelms the regiment.
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