Dear Father
Yours of 4th instant has come to hand; its news were read with much pleasure but this pleasure has been turned to apprehension by late news from the Potomac army. It is now rumored here that Hooker’s army is badly defeated and sadly cut up and is again “back on this side of Jordan”. (Ed. note : this will have been news of the battle of Chancellorsville on May 3). Oh how I hope this is false. Are we to expect nothing but eternal defeat from that army? Well, I must cease this manner of thinking; it will accomplish nothing and only add to our troubles.
The weather is now very warm, boys and officers are working on the fortifications and I am left behind to attend to company business,
Tell Sarah her acid was first rate. Made me several healthful drinks. Our Sutler has arrived with a large stock of lemons, I have (as the surgeon directed) bought some for the purpose of making drink – think they do me much good. As well as I would like to receive that box of fruit which you say you have started yet I am sorry you have sent it as it will not reach this place. I know I have written not to attempt to send one through. We may move at any moment and besides it will not be shipped from Nashville – things have changed greatly since Mr. VanVorhes (I cannot now call him Col.) left. Even papers are not permitted to be brought upon the boats. You are rather premature in your manner of directing the box, unless it was intended for Jersey Dave. There is no other Lt. Putnam than he in the 92nd Regt.
This is what I wish to speak about. You are ere this aware that Golden has received his commission as Major and taken his place as such. Therefore there is a vacancy in our Co. but we have not enough men in the company to entitle us to three officers, consequently we must have more men before the place can be filled. There is but 77 enlisted men now belonging to the Co. and probably some three or four of them will be discharged soon which will leave us but about 72 whereas we must have 80 before we can muster three commissioned officers. I can obtain my commission but cannot be mustered as an officer until the Co. is filled.
When does the draft begin in Ohio? It is possible that we may have an opportunity of sending some one to Athens County for the purpose of recruiting for the Co. If there is any person about there who desires to join a first class Co. send them to the Co. A, 92nd O.V.I.
Frank is well. We were paid two months wages last week which amounts to $26.00. Frank sent $20.00 to his wife by the Chaplain, it will be left by him at Athens in charge of Esq. Golden, care of Geo. Putnam. I did not send any home as I believe what money I kept before has saved me from fever, that I think I could not have obtained without money which has done the good work. Money is poor trash when compared to health
Isaac Cooley has been sent to the Nashville hospital – is very unwell – it is possible there to obtain a furlough. We did all we could to influence the surgeon to let him go home before he left here – said he would try and serve him.
Much love to all
affect. your son D. Putnam
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