In the field, Ga.
June 28, 1864
Dear Parents
Your and Sarah’s letters dated about the 15th informing that you had started a bundle, I have received. As you sent it by express it will not come further than Chattanooga, that being the most southern point where an office is established.
Since I last wrote our Corps has moved about three miles to the right. The enemy has established their lines about two miles in front of Marietta, their center resting on Kenasaw Mountain and their flanks running back in the shape of a flat A. They have a strong position and seem intent on holding it. We have had some pretty severe fighting but the Rebs wont drive worth a cent. I have not now command of the Provost Guard but am commanding a company of cavalry acting as Genl. Baind’s escort.
The weather during the last week has been very hot – doesn't seem as though the sun was more than 10 or 15 ft. high yet the nights are cool and pleasant. I saw and had a short talk with Lt. Col. D. H. Moore about a week since; he was looking well. I also met Lt. Mahon, King Blackston’s partner last week, he don’t appear nearly so effeminate as when he used to sell clothing – he is very strong and is enjoying fine health. The 14 Corps is now lying between the 4th and 20th Corps but I think we will move further to the right either this evening or early tomorrow morning. If the Rebs make a final stand here so much the better for I don’t believe this campaign will end until we have a general engagement. We have already had a long trot after them and the army needs rest. Moreover I am about as far South as I have a desire to be during the hot months, but if nothing else will do I am willing to follow them to Cuba and whip them, then cross over into Mexico, call on our French brethren and have a talk about matters and things especially as to what friend Max. ( ed. note, French emperor Maximillian installed in Mexico) intends doing in America. Well I see by papers that Ohio has again taken to her arms that vile traitor and banished man Vallandigham. If the Government cant keep him out of the N.S. line there had better nothing be said about him, but let him henceforth live in peace, abuse the administration, organize mutinies and use his unholy influence for the promotion of Secesh interests.
Give my respects to Bob. Hope his interests are in a flourishing condition on Ticks Ridge.
The Rebs shell our camp whenever they feel disposed. One of my men while standing by my side the other day was wounded by a fragment of a shell; this morning they threw over pieces of R. R. iron also pieces of shell which ( ) from this way. Ah, when thirty of forty cannon are roaring at the same time, it presents a grand spectacle together with the music of screaming and bursting shells, whistling solid shot, such a sight would repay the travel of a 1000 miles.
Love to all
D. Putnam
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