Headquarters Co. A 92nd O.V.I.
Savannah, Ga.
January 13th 1865
My dear Parents:
Although I have received but one letter from home since Nov. 6th 1864 and that from Sarah I will still continue writing. Part of the army is yet in and around Savannah, but we expect soon to be again on the warpath – Sherman knows not Winter, Spring, Summer nor Autumn quarters for his army, and I am glad of it, and regret that more of our generals have not the same spirit.
We have now a great advantage over the Rebs, and we ought to improve this advantage by quick and well directed blows at the heart of rebellion, and our work will be accomplished, and an honorable and lasting peace crown our efforts, and that great boon – liberty – shall be universal on American soil.
I was somewhat disappointed in the late message of the president yet he is firm in the steps he has already taken and seems to intimate that the time will come when the army will have the privilege of pursuing more vigorous measures with the Rebs.
Many Officers who have escaped from Reb dungeons have come within our lines since our occupation of Savannah, and they all attribute to the Negro population of the country through which they have passed, the success of their escape. They – the Negros – could at all times be trusted and were the only friends our officers found in a forty days march.
Savannah is being strongly fortified. These forts when completed will mount about 175 heavy guns. The city is to be garrisoned. The people of Savannah have voted themselves back into the old Union. The last of Sherman’s army – Kilpatrick’s Cavalry – was reviewed in the streets of Savannah yesterday. Secty. Stanton & Genls. Halleck and Meigs were present. The obstructions are being rapidly removed from the mouth of the Savannah river so that we now have some large ships at our wharves all the time.
I wish you could all be here about one week and live on fresh oysters. I have been feasting on them until I begin for the first time to almost dislike them.
They are brought up from the coast in large quantities and we purchase them at the wharf for $1.00 per bushel. (Ed. note: Several sentences about food costs are unreadable. Next an unreadable sentence ending in “with Co. A”) I have invoiced and turned over all my property at Div. Headquarters, and receipted for the ordnance, ordnance stores and camp & garrison equipage belonging to Co. A 92nd and am consequently comdg. the company. I have one 1st Lt. to assist me – C. B. Goodrich from Marshfield.
Capt. Rosser, Lt. Goodrich and self have formed a mess; we all bunk together and have gay times. I like it much better than at Div. Headquarters. I’ve spent most of the time in Brigade and Battalion drills; will have Brigade drill this P.M. Ben is busy polishing up my sword & belt – he says he wants his Capt. to look more shiny than any other officer in the regt. Noble fellow!
There are some large fine churches in Savannah. I attend services during Sabbath; have heard some fine sermons. The weather is at times quite warm although we have some nights light frosts. Oh how I sympathize with you folks up near the north pole in the frigid zone; how you must suffer this winter while we soldiers are luxuriating in the sunny climes of Ga. (Ed. note: unreadable sentence ending in Atlanta) Tell George he must get the teams ready and in good condition for the spring campaign in the cornfields. Ella, Mary and Alice will commence the spring campaign by giving the old setting hens all the eggs they want so as to make provisions for the soldiers while in winter quarters.
Sarah and Betsy will of course pursue their work, Latin, Algebra and Chemistry as closely as Gen. Thomas has Hood.
My health is good, better, best. I send an Ambrotype so you may judge by sight.
Send letters thus - Capt. David Putnam
Co. A, 92nd Regt. O.V.I.
1st Brigade, 3rd Div. Savannah, Ga.
14th Army Corps
Much love to all
Affect. your son
David Putnam
P.S. Have you rec’d my money yet?
D.P.
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