Fort Duffield Collection
The Duffield family left behind some of the most emotionally powerful documents connected to
Fort Duffield. These letters — written by Col. William W. Duffield, his mother, his brother
Henry Duffield, and other family members — reveal the private fears, hopes, and affections
behind the public military story.
They include the famous “capture letter” of July 21, 1862, Henry Duffield’s poetic reflections, and
correspondence that ties directly into the Michigan regiments stationed at West Point.
Letter Index
- July 21, 1862 — “Capture” Letter to Mother
- Dec 13, 1861 — Henry Duffield to Bethune
- Adjutant Henry Duffield — Poem / Reflections in Verse
- Miscellaneous Duffield Family Fragments
July 21, 1862 — “Capture” Letter to Mother
Original Letter
Handwritten letter from Col. William W. Duffield to his mother, written after his capture at the Battle of
Murfreesboro. This is one of the most important Duffield family documents.
Exact Transcription
(Insert full transcription from your July 21, 1862 Duffield letter file)
Readable Version
July 21, 1862 — Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Col. Duffield writes to reassure his mother after his capture. He describes the battle, the confusion,
the moment he was taken prisoner, and his determination to remain strong. His tone is gentle, protective,
and deeply affectionate.
December 13, 1861 — Henry Duffield to Bethune
Original Letter
Handwritten letter from Henry Duffield to Bethune, written during the early months of the war. This letter
is part of the Duffield family’s broader correspondence connected to Fort Duffield.
Exact Transcription
(Insert full transcription from your Henry Duffield Dec 13, 1861 letter file)
Readable Version
Henry writes warmly to Bethune, describing camp life, family concerns, and the emotional strain of the
regiment’s early service. His tone is reflective and steady.
Adjutant Henry Duffield — Poem / Reflections in Verse
Original Document
Handwritten poem or reflective verse by Adjutant Henry Duffield, preserved in the Duffield family papers.
Exact Transcription
(Insert full transcription from your Henry Duffield poem file)
Readable Version
A reflective piece written by Henry Duffield, blending poetry with personal sentiment. It offers a rare
glimpse into the emotional world of an officer serving far from home.
Miscellaneous Duffield Family Fragments
Original Fragments
Damaged or partial Duffield family letters preserved in the Civil War Miscellaneous Collection.
Exact Transcription
(Insert transcriptions from your Duffield fragments file)
Readable Version
These fragments preserve small but meaningful pieces of Duffield family correspondence — affectionate notes,
mentions of home, and reflections on the regiment’s movements.