Dear father,
Yours of the 20th Nov. has just come to hand, together with three papers, tea, pepper and six postage stamps: quite a little fortune in the way of varieties.
Pepper I find to be a great benefit, and I honestly believe,that if there were more of it used in the army, the hospitals would be less needed than they are at the present.
The boys are still busy building barracks for the coming winter. We have some 25 or 30 already up – will move into them as soon as finished. The boys as a general thing enjoy good health; I am gaining every day – have gained some twelve pounds since we left the Point. We have plenty to eat & wear now. Steamboats come within five miles of our camp & as soon as the river rises they will be able to land at our camp.
Our cavalry boys surprised a camp of Rebel cavalry while at breakfast early one morning last week & took some one hundred & fifty prisoners, killed & wounded several, took quite a number of wagons and teams & made a general sweep of their goods; they (the Rebels) were camped some distance above us, they were taken down passed (sic) our camp Saturday morning. (Ed. note: this may have been the battle of Pocataligo Creek in which the 92nd O.V.I. was involved in Nov., 1862).
As I stated in a former letter, Cal Wells’ wife received her money safely.
I think the prospect for obtaining a furlough this winter is rather dark – expect I will not be able to secure one, but I shall nevertheless make an attempt – can no more than fail.
I would be happy to assist mother in storing away some of her good things, my teeth did once or twice feel pretty long & wolfish, but we have plenty now, and a prospect of plenty during the winter.
The cousins ( Ed.note: seven Putnams in the 92nd including Lt. Douglas Putnam of Harmar) are well & send much love to all the Glade friends. What is the prospect of war matters at home now?
Frank is getting along first rate, says tell his family he is all right- hopes they are prepared for winter.
Much love to all
Your affect. son D. Putnam
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