January 23rd, 1865, Camp 92nd Ohio Vol. Inftr., Near Savannah, GA

CAMP 92ND Ohio Vol. Inftr.
Near Savannah Ga.

January 23rd, 1865

 My dear Parents:

Yours of 9th inst. has just come to hand – first I have received since Nov. 8, 1864. You may be sure it was a very welcome message.

You speak of the great oil excitement throughout Athens County – has oil yet been found on or near Harnily farm or has any attempt yet been made to discover it? If $50 per acre can be obtained for the farm it is a large price. The two pairs socks have safely arrived and I am now enjoying them. I wish you would send me a pair of suspenders – long as can be had – my old ones are about played and I can get none here.

We are now camped about nine miles from the city of Savannah -  having moved out a few days since with the intention of beginning another campaign but we have recently had heavy rains which so raised the water in the swamps and flooded the roads to such an extent that we are forced to lay still a short time and wait for more favorable weather.

Have not seen any snow this winter and but very little frost – weather has been warm most of the time. The frogs have sung their songs of welcome to the Yankees all winter, and now as spring is beginning in this country they are more noisy than ever.

Some of the Eastern troops have arrived to do garrison duty at Savannah - part of Sheridan’s command – well if they cannot capture cities to garrison I suppose we can, and if they will hold all the country we capture they will be doing something at least.

I miss my oyster suppers very much. While we were near the city I feasted on them in every form but now goodby oysters until some other sea port is captured.

I am glad to hear that the money got through safely. Jona. Smith is on detached duty, there being nothing for him since we left Atlanta. He did not receive pay when the army was paid at Kingston – he not being with us but was left at Atlanta when we were back after Hood. (Ed. note: long unreadable sentence)

You will probably hear that the army is on the warpath in S.C.

 Give much love to all the little folks.
                        Affectionately your son,
                                            D. Putnam