(Ed. Note”: In the east Lee had started to move his army toward the confrontation at Gettysburg. During the previous week a series of cavalry battles were fought along the Blue Ridge in Virginia to prevent the Union Army from learning of Lee’s moves. In one of these at Middleburg, Va., on June 19, my great, great uncle, Charles C. Putnam, a sergeant and guidon bearer in the 1st Maine Cavalry, was killed.)
My dear Parents,
Your letter of 12 inst. has come to hand.We are still camped on the pike or at our old camping place, our whole brigade is now here and each regt. within a few steps of each other. The weather is becoming pretty dry again. I should much love to step in some evening and aid in disposing of some of those nice strawberries and cream which are only to be found on Harnily Run.
Tell Mrs. Goodspeed I have not seen any letters directed to Isaac (Cooley) as yet, but if any arrive I will redirect them and mail; Isaac had all his personal effects with him consequently I cannot send them home.
I do not occupy a Shelter tent - We three officers have a nice large wall tent with a fly which we put up in front, which makes a nice porch – tent is about 10 ft and 8 and 8 in height – quite a little house and very comfortable.
I was mustered out of the service and discharged last week, and remustered as Lieut. for three years into the service of the U.S.A. (Ed. note: His service records indicate these two separate requirements were met on June 1 so he is now a 2nd Lt. still in Co. A replacing Hiram Rosser who was promoted to 1st Lt.)
Almost every day I either hear of or see some old friend in this army: Cousin Sam, Jno. Huff, Arthur Chapin, Walt Pepperl and his brother are within a mile from us. Black is here’ running about – don’t know exactly what his business is. Cousin David has been relieved as Adjutant and received a place in a company. (Ed. note: Cousin Dave is “jersey” David E. Putnam of Marietta now with Co. D).
I dont believe you have half as many flies as we have; they are a great plague evening around every where.
I do hope you will conclude to visit the fair at Cleveland this fall- think it would do you both good and especially Mother. I would like to have a good fine comb. It can be sent in a letter – can get none here which are worth the breaking.
I expect George and the girls are busy with the little chicks and turkeys – hope they will raise a large flock.
Frank and Mat Scott are well and getting along. After the old folks(?) know then send respects to their friends.
I received a letter from Cousin Emma they were all well then.
We now get news very regular. Nashville papers same day they are published. Louisville and Cincinnati the day after – we also get them as cheap as when at home – Gen. Rosecrans has ordered that they be sold at five cents each -–bully for old Rosy – (Ed. note: Although Rosecrans had a quick temper he always was very concerned about the welfare of his men. Shelby Foote in his three-volume work “The Civil War – A Narrative” states this to be the main reason that Rosecrans was so slow in responding to Lincoln’s demands for aggressive action).
Much love to all
affectionately
David Putnam
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