April 8th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 8, 1864

My dear Parents:
   
Your letter of March 25th is before me. In my last to Sarah I told her that it would not do to attempt to forward another book – it would not reach here; I hope the letter was received in time to prevent the box from starting, it might come safely through to Chattanooga, but it would not come further.  I think I see Geo. and the rest busy preparing materials for Glade C. candy.

I am glad Robert Scott is with you, & supposed him still to be in Ky. driving team for the govt. Why did he quit? I presume he could not endure being so far from Tick’s Ridge – poor fellow I sympathise with him, give him my compliments. I hope he may be successful. Matt. had better remain at home until he is entirely well the army is no place for a person who has the scurvy. You say you are “looking forward to another draft”. When did the last draft take place? The 121st Regt. is not in our div. it may be in this Corps. I will keep my eyes open perhaps I may sometime see my new cousin.
I visited the summit of Taylor’s Ridge a few days since, the place is noted as being the ground over which Hooker’s men charged and drove the Rebs. on 27th of Nov. last, it is quite a high mountain running north and south immediately west and in front of Ringgold. From the top I obtained one of the most beautiful and extensive views of the surrounding country I have ever witnessed. Far to the west and north west lies old Lookout, Chattanooga and the long range of the Raccoon Mts. intervening is the valley of the Chickamauga Creek and the Tenn. river.  Almost directly east is Tunnel hill gap through which can be seen far, far off a high range of mts. I know not what they are – the Mexican Range perhaps: the high Mts. Are south west. Almost due north some sixty miles off can be distinctly seen a spur of the Cumberland Mts. This spur lies between N.C. and Tenn. This spur is now covered with some ten or fifteen feet of snow which makes them appear like huge snowballs sitting in top of a stump. Citizens say snow remains on the top during eight months of the year.
I believe this place is more healthy than W. Ga. Everybody is looking healthy and happy.
We had a grand review yesterday. Our division was viewed by Genls. Thomas, Palmer and Bainds. Gen. Hooker came down in the evening but did not reach here until the show was over.

Please hereafter direct my letters to Headquarters, 3rd Division, 14th A.C. and not to the Regt. I have given up all hope of being able to return to the Regt. soon as I have receipted for a considerable amount of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores, Clothing, Camp and garrison equipage, etc., etc. belonging to the guard and escort. I now have quite a little command; 60 Inft. who do guard duty about Headquarters and 40 mounted men who act as Gen. Bainds’ escort – 100 in all. For all people I have to make returns monthly & quarterly to the Chief of Ordnance and Adj. Gen. at Washington which gives me plenty to do. Much love to all

                                    Affectionately your son
                                           David Putnam