April 3rd, 1863 Camp Carthage, TN

This letter represents a dilemma that I suspect all historians and genealogist face.  There is a term used in it that is offensive today but was accepted at the time.  Because this is a transcription of the original source, I have left it in.  Also, the intent of it’s use by David Perkins Putnam does not appear to have been offensive. If that would have been the case, I would star the word or words out. If this was a secondary source, I would change the term to a more appropriate term.  I am not a professional historian or genealogist,  and therefore do not know what the standard is for how to handle this.


Camp Carthage, Tenn.  (Ed. note: SE of Nashville on Cumberland R.)
April 3, 1863


My dear parents
   
Yours of 19th inst. was recd. Ten days after date – first from home for a long time. Contained in the letter was a paper of pepper and nine postage stamps. The stamps I needed, but the pepper I did not. I have enough for six months to come.
   
If it be possible to send them - I would like some Cream of Tartar. This can be sent same as pepper. Our water is not good, & the surgeon says it would be a benefit to have a little Tarter to put in the water before drinking. One thing more, some nutmeg this I presume will have to be grated and sent in a letter also, as papers will not be brought through by mail.
   
Well, as you say, it is wrong not to let folks at home know when we are sick I will just state that I have not since we arrived here had as good health as when in the Valley – have had an attack of the diarrhea; but have now got it checked & am I think all right again.
   
I manage to get a little milk now & then which does me more good than anything else I can get, but it digs pretty deep into a fellow’s pocket to get luxuries in this country.
   
We have a force of rebels on three sides of us, West, North & South:. the entire population are of the same stripe. The Negros are the only friends we have in this state. We are strongly fortifying this place & will hold it at all hazards. Gen. Crook issued an order yesterday for all citizens who are now or may hereafter seek protection within our lines (capable of bearing arms) will be forced to take up arms and support the stars and stripes; this if carried into effect will be a great thing.
     
I bought about three pints canned  raspberries of the sutler the other day. They cost 1.00 but they were so nice I could not resist the temptation.
     
You have spoken several about the folly of indulging in the use of profane language: this is something that I have never been guilty of and by the Grace of God never will, I consider it an indication of the defeat(?) of manliness, firmness and the want of principle  in we poor creatures of the dust, to rise up and blaspheme against our Creator.
     
I expect at the end of three years Geo. will be the most successful agriculturist in Athens Co. and May will be a model cook. Alice a great scholar, Betty and Ella will be at some Eastern Seminary. Sarah, well, she will be housekeeping  in some little log cabin far back in the woods.
   
I expect Col. VanVorhes is at home. (Ed. note: Promoted to Colonel, 92nd O.V.I. Regt. on Aug. 15, 1862 from position of 1st Lt., 18th O.V.I. Regt.. Resigned Mar. 22, 1863). Tell Frank’s folks he is very well, I. Cooley has been pretty sick but is now much better and will get along if he takes proper care of himself. Cal Wells is quite sick.

     Much love to all Affectionately Your son
               David Putnam

Letters directed to Crook’s division, up the Cumberland , Carthage, Tenn. will reach here much sooner than when directed to Nashville.
                                                                                   D. Putnam