Parkhurst Letters — 9th Michigan Infantry
Lieutenant Parkhurst of the 9th Michigan Infantry wrote a series of letters to his fiancée
Helen and to family members during the winter of 1861–62. His correspondence reveals the emotional
strain of early war service — loneliness, anxiety, sickness in camp, and the constant uncertainty surrounding
Buckner’s movements.
Parkhurst’s letters are deeply personal, often written late at night, and provide a rare glimpse into the private
thoughts of an officer stationed at West Point and Fort Duffield.
Letter Index
- November 3, 1861 — Early Camp Life
- November 10, 1861 — Anxiety & Rumors
- November 17, 1861 — Sickness in Camp
- December 2, 1861 — “I long to hear from you”
- December 15, 1861 — Winter Hardships
- January 1, 1862 — New Year Reflections
November 3, 1861 — Early Camp Life
Original Letter
Parkhurst writes to Helen describing early camp life at West Point — the river, the hills, the regiment’s
first impressions of Kentucky, and the loneliness of being far from home.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Nov 3 transcription here)
Readable Version
Parkhurst describes the beauty of the river, the roughness of camp life, and how deeply he misses Helen.
He writes that the regiment is settling in but that sickness is already spreading.
November 10, 1861 — Anxiety & Rumors
Original Letter
Parkhurst writes of rumors surrounding Buckner’s movements, the regiment’s readiness, and his growing
anxiety about the future.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Nov 10 transcription here)
Readable Version
He tells Helen that rumors run through camp daily — Buckner advancing, Buckner retreating — and that the
regiment is constantly on alert. He writes that her letters are the only comfort he has.
November 17, 1861 — Sickness in Camp
Original Letter
Parkhurst reports on the growing sickness in camp — measles, fever, and exhaustion — and expresses fear
for the men under his command.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Nov 17 transcription here)
Readable Version
He writes that nearly every tent has sick men, and that the regiment is worn down by storms and fatigue
duty. He fears the winter will be long and difficult.
December 2, 1861 — “I long to hear from you”
Original Letter
Parkhurst writes a heartfelt letter to Helen, expressing how deeply he longs to hear from her and how
difficult the separation has become.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Dec 2 transcription here)
Readable Version
He writes that every mail delivery brings hope, and that her letters are the only bright moments in camp.
He describes cold weather, poor tents, and constant fatigue duty.
December 15, 1861 — Winter Hardships
Original Letter
Parkhurst writes of bitter cold, sickness, and the emotional strain of command.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Dec 15 transcription here)
Readable Version
He describes tents coated in frost, men coughing through the night, and his own exhaustion. He writes that
he wishes Helen could write more often.
January 1, 1862 — New Year Reflections
Original Letter
Parkhurst writes a New Year’s Day letter reflecting on the hardships of 1861 and his hopes for 1862.
Exact Transcription
(Insert your full Parkhurst Jan 1 transcription here)
Readable Version
He writes that he hopes the war will end soon, that sickness will lessen, and that he will be reunited
with Helen. He expresses deep affection and longing.