April 14th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 14, 1864


My dear Parents

Your letter of March 31st I have received and I would have answered it before this had I not been too busy.

I am prospering and doing as well as could reasonably be desired – have good health, comfortable quarters and plenty good food – have been lately feasting on potatoes, krout(sic) and canned tomatoes which I had the good fortune to purchase from our Div. Commissary. I also sent a man to Chattanooga last week with a written request to the Sanitary Agent  stationed at that place desiring him to send me some vegetables for my little Command of one hundred men. I received 4 barrels potatoes which have done the boys much good; they seem to feel about 100% better – think I shall have to trespass on their generosity again before long.

I am much obliged to Matt. for his good opinion – fear he will make me vain – I only help I may do my duty and thereby receive an approving conscience.

I was out day before yesterday with my mounted men beyond our lines picking up stragglers: I visited several families and conversed with certain individuals of the several families. They all seemed glad to see us – were friendly and talkative.

I was out yesterday with a flag of truce to make arrangements for taking a woman within the Reb lines, her home is in Miss. We found the Rebs out about two miles, they, after some few objections, concluded to receive their friend, so we left her to pursue her way home and enjoy the sweets of
her darling Dixie. We met a Col., Lt. Col., Maj., Capt. and two Lts. They seemed very friendly, talked and laughed as though we were old friends, they said it was much more pleasant to meet under a flag of truce  than meeting as we sometimes do. One man had on a pair of common course           boots for which he paid $125. such as the U.  S. Gov. furnishes for $4. At $11. per month it would require his services  as soldier something over eleven months simply for a pair of boots!!

We have had considerable rain lately but quite warm and fine growing weather. Corn should have been planted before this yet no one has even commenced plowing as yet,  neither do I think they will do so as long as the Gov. supplies their immediate needs.

I am getting tired having written most all day. My respects to Bob, Harry, and the rest of the darkies.

Much love to all the family
Affect. your son
David Putnam