Ringgold, Ga.
May 3, 1864
My dear Parents
I have received your letter of April 22nd.
Everything is quiet here now although we have had two or three brushes with the Rebs within the last week.
The weather is warm – sometimes hot – nights cool. Trees and shrubs are clothed fully in their summer garb - corn by this time – had it been planted - would be about kneehigh, but the earth is not yet turned, nor is there any likelihood of ploughing being done in this vicinity during 1864.
Our Div. left camp yesterday morning at 4 and marched through the gap toward Tunnel Hill: We encountered the Rebs out about 1 1/2 miles - pitched into them, and after some pretty severe skirmishing broke their lines and drove them at double quick beyond Tunnel Hill where we stopped: having accomplished the desired object we about faced and returned to camp.
One place where a force of the enemy was camped we found their breakfast ready but nary a Reb to partake of the sumptuous repast, which consisted of corn meal and water and water and corn meal made into a paste and roasted on the coals; we found several cakes still cooking but had not time to refresh ourselves by partaking of these tempting morsels.
It is my private opinion the next time we call on these hot cake gentry there will be something if not more. I don’t think our gents will wait for the mighty Militia; but will advance soon. Banks is not commanding this army.
Jim Davis staid with me last night – will probably obtain the Sutlership of the 14th O.V.V.I.
My box of provisions is doing an immense amount of good. Every person who has had the honor of supping with me since the arrival of the box has declared the several articles were too good for soldiers or that they were not canned for soldiers: well I satisfied them by affirming that they were put up especially for soldiers. My old clothes are no more.
If Uncle Mose has bought the McKee farm it is all right. It is just as good a place as I want and if those Home Guards will attend to their own interests and let others alone I guess – well the fact is, I havent yet seen a place in any part of Ky. Va. Tenn. Ala. or Ga. Which begins to compare with Ohio for a home.
Papers do not come through regularly have received but two or three. Army stores are being rapidly brought forward to this place some fifty or sixty cars loaded come in daily. Lt. Rosser has returned. Matt. has not come yet. Frank is well. Jono. has gone to Nashville to help drive mules to the front. Will makes a good soldier.
I expect Geo. is busy looking after the lambs, colts, calves, etc.
Much love to all
Affectionately
David Putnam
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