Wednesday, February 5, 2020

July 26th, 1864, Headquarters, 3rd Div., 14th Army Corps

Headquarters
3rd Div., 14th Army Corps
In the field, Ga.

July 26, 1864

My dear Parents

Yours of 10th inst. containing fifteen postage stamps I have received.

Since I last wrote the army has advanced, and our div. is now encamped and fortified within two and one half miles of Atlanta.

Our largest guns have thrown some shells into the city, doing but little injury except the burning of a few buildings. Johnson is not now commanding the Rebel forces, having been relieved the 16 and Hood assumed command. The enemy is still fortifying about the city which is already nearly surrounded by very strong works – this looks much like he means fight – since he assumed command he has made several desperate charges on our lines all of which have been successfully repulsed with much loss to the Jonnies.

I do not need a hat since I recently bought one. I have a good gold pen although my writing doesn’t bear witness to the fact. I send by the Pro. Mar. to Chattanooga for my bundle of shirts kerchiefs towels to some time since and he has brought them through safely and I am now enjoying the comforts of a good large shirts, they fit nicely.

The weather for a few days past has been more cool and pleasant. I have been receiving Messengers regularly.

Please send me in letters now and then some yarn so that I can darn my socks, also a skein of linen thread.

The boys from our locality are doing well. Jess Russell is with Pro. Guard at Brig. Hdq. They have been talking some lately of making me Div. Quartermaster on Gen’l Baind’s staff. Do you think it would be right for me to accept the position, or make another effort to be relieved and return to the Regt.? Because officers according to Col. Brough’s order who are on detached duty are not entitled to promotion when a vacancy occurs. What had I best do?

Much love to all
                       Affectionately etc.
                              David Putnam

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