July 12, 1863, Camp near Winchester, TN

Camp near Winchester, Tenn.
July 12, 1863

My Dear Parents:

Yours of July 4th I received last evening. Letters are very welcome in this part of country. We are now camped within one mile of the rail road leading from Tullahoma to Chattanooga: it is now in our possession from Nashville to this place & supplies are shipped via this road to Tullahoma – will as soon as the bridge crossing the Elk river is repaired we able to bring supplies up to this place; then we will without doubt move forward. The roads are in bad condition, caused by the heavy & almost incessant rains we have had during our entire march.
   
Wheat crop is good in this part of the state – has been harvested some three weeks. Our Quartermasters are busying them-selves gathering forage in the way of whole fields of wheat., oats and hay; Blackberries are very plenty & the boys improve every opportunity of obtaining a lot. They are doing us all much good. I took charge of some twenty men and went out to pick berries for the Co. – found a great many -  apples are beginning to be very good stewed.
   
About arrangements on the farm, you must do as you think best without reference to me: two years is a long time to wait for something so uncertain – if I shall be so fortunate as to return sound I will want nothing but a chance to farm, as to be a good agriculturist is the height of my ambition.
   
If we have a few more such successes as God has been crowning our cause with for the last week or two  (Ed. note: Battle of Gettysburg and capture of Vicksburg ) I hope the end is not far distant, don’t you?
   
Lieut. Rosser says you must have a good fat Southdown & a big fat turkey ready for our special benefit this winter.
   
The man who was killed in a skirmish in Hoover’s Gap from our Co. was named Lee West, perhaps you knew him (Regimental records report this as the battle of Hoover’s Gap).




By Map by Hal Jespersen, www.posix.com/CW, CC BY 3.0, Link
   
How do Chapman’s get along? Tell Harry I hope he has not forgotten that letter. Tell John to take good care of the horses, & have them broken so that Geo. can manage. Is Sarah going back to school in the fall? Has mother got a girl? If she has not she must have one this summer. Frank and Mat are well & doing finely.

Give much love to all
Affectionately
Your son, D. Putnam

June 23rd, 1863 Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 23, 1863


(Ed. Note”: In the east Lee had started to move his army toward the confrontation at Gettysburg. During the previous week a series of cavalry battles were fought along the Blue Ridge in Virginia to  prevent the Union Army from learning of Lee’s moves. In one of these at Middleburg, Va., on June 19, my great, great uncle, Charles C. Putnam, a sergeant and guidon bearer in the 1st Maine Cavalry, was killed.)

My dear Parents,

Your letter of 12 inst. has come to hand.We are still camped on the pike or at our old camping place, our whole brigade is now here and each regt. within a few steps of each other. The weather is becoming pretty dry again. I should much love to step in some evening and aid in disposing of some of those nice strawberries and cream which are only to be found on Harnily Run.
   
Tell Mrs. Goodspeed I have not seen any letters directed to Isaac (Cooley) as yet, but if any arrive I will redirect them and mail; Isaac had all his personal effects with him consequently I cannot send them home.
   
I do not occupy a Shelter tent -  We three officers have a nice large wall tent with a fly which we put up in front, which makes a nice porch – tent is about 10 ft and  8 and 8 in height – quite a little house and very comfortable.
   
I was mustered out of the service and discharged last week, and remustered as Lieut. for three years  into the service of the U.S.A. (Ed. note: His service records indicate these two separate requirements were met on June 1 so he is now a 2nd Lt. still in Co. A  replacing Hiram Rosser who was promoted to 1st Lt.)
   
Almost every day I either hear of or see some old friend in this army: Cousin Sam, Jno. Huff, Arthur Chapin, Walt Pepperl and his brother are within a mile from us. Black is here’ running about – don’t know exactly what his business is. Cousin David has been relieved as Adjutant and received a place in a company. (Ed. note: Cousin Dave is “jersey” David E. Putnam of Marietta now with Co. D).
     
I dont believe you have half as many flies as we have; they are a great plague evening around every where.
     
I do hope you will conclude to visit the fair at Cleveland this fall- think it would do you both good and especially Mother. I would like to have a good fine comb. It can be sent in a letter – can get none here which are worth the breaking.
   
I expect George and the girls are busy with the little chicks and turkeys – hope they will raise a large flock.

Frank and Mat Scott are well and getting along. After the old  folks(?) know then send respects to their friends.
   
I received a letter from Cousin Emma they were all well then.
 
We now get news very regular. Nashville papers same day they are published. Louisville and Cincinnati the day after – we also get them as cheap as when at home – Gen. Rosecrans has ordered that they be sold at five cents each -–bully for old Rosy – (Ed. note: Although Rosecrans had a quick temper he always was very concerned about the welfare of his men. Shelby Foote in his three-volume work “The Civil War – A Narrative” states this to be the main reason that Rosecrans was so slow in responding to Lincoln’s demands for aggressive action).

     Much love to all
     affectionately
                               David Putnam

May 25th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn.May 25, 1863



My dear parents:

Yours of 15th May has just come to hand – being first for some time.

I am very glad to learn that you at home are all once more well.
   
We are getting along at Carthage after our old fashion, except that  the health of our regt. is very much improved: the boys seem almost as though they were an entirely different race than they were six weeks ago. The weather is very fine although pretty warm, and is now becoming somewhat dry – have had no rain for two week Strawberries were ripe some two weeks ago and cherries are now beginning to ripen, I doubt if you at home can beat this.

I suppose you have ere this heard of the death of Isaac Cooley: He died at Louisville, KY. I know nothing of the particulars of his death as he left here some weeks since and we had heard nothing concerning him until we heard that he was dead.
   
We have lately turned over our old guns and have been furnished with new ones – the Springfield Rifle – we thought we were fortunate in getting our old guns when we did, but they were mere squibs compared with our present arms: we now have the best & best finished guns in the division – said to be the best now manufactured. (Ed. Note: My wife, Caroline Wright, and I were born and raised in Northampton, Ma., twenty miles north of Springfield, Ma., where these rifles were produced, a manufacture location of rifles for the U.S. Army till after the first world war.)
   
We have also been furnished Shelter tents – “Dog houses” as the boys call them – they are very small about seven feet in length and three feet-six inches in width: each man has his tent and will be obliged to carry his house on his back when we march.
   
A rebel spy was hung here last week by order of Gen. Rosecrans; he was executed publicly in a large field; almost the entire division was present, but I did not attend the execution myself.
   
When does the conscription act take effect? There will probably be someone sent to Athens Co. to recruit for her two companies in the 92nd Regt. pretty soon.  I have already stated my reasons in two of my last letters why we must have more men, consequently it is not necessary to state them here, but I do sincerely hope that who ever he may be, he may meet with many friends who will aid him in securing men.
   
The Rebs intercept our mail between this point and Gallitin every now and then, which makes us minus a good many letters.

Give my regards to Harry and tell him that I am very much obliged for his token of remembrance in the way of maple sugar: Tell him I never forget my old Bachelor friends.  Tell John that he must not lose too much sleep these short nights. Have Scott’s folks heard from Andy yet?
     
I received a letter from Sarah the other day . Shall answer soon.
   
What will wool be worth this year? How much will you have?  Tell George I hope I may soon leave the war, & come home.  He must work hard this summer and raise plenty corn & potatoes & take good care of the lambs.

     Much love to all
     Affectionately
     D. Putnam

May 11th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn. May 11, 1863


Dear Father
   
Yours of 4th instant has come to hand; its news were read with much pleasure but this pleasure has been turned to apprehension by late news from the Potomac army. It is now rumored here that Hooker’s army is badly defeated and sadly cut up  and is again “back on this side of Jordan”. (Ed. note : this will have been news of the battle of Chancellorsville on May 3). Oh how I hope this is false. Are we to expect nothing but eternal defeat from that army? Well, I must cease this manner of thinking; it will accomplish nothing and only add to our troubles.
   
The weather is now very warm, boys and officers are working on the fortifications and I am left behind to attend to company business,
   
Tell Sarah her acid was first rate. Made me several healthful drinks.  Our Sutler has arrived with a large stock of lemons, I have (as the surgeon directed) bought some for the purpose of making drink – think they do me much good. As well as I would like to receive that box of fruit which you say you have started yet I am sorry you have sent it as it will not reach this place. I know I have written not to attempt to send one through. We may move at any moment and besides it will not be shipped from Nashville – things have changed greatly since Mr. VanVorhes (I cannot now call him Col.) left. Even papers are not permitted to be brought upon the boats. You are rather premature  in your manner of directing the box, unless it was intended for Jersey Dave. There is no other Lt. Putnam than he in the 92nd Regt.
   
This is what I wish to speak about. You are ere this aware that Golden has received his commission as Major and taken his place as such. Therefore there is a vacancy in our Co. but we have not enough men in the company to entitle us to three officers, consequently we must have more men before the place can be filled. There is but 77 enlisted men now belonging to the Co. and probably some three or four of them will be discharged soon which will leave us but about 72 whereas we must have 80 before we can muster three commissioned officers. I can obtain my commission but cannot be mustered as an officer until the Co. is filled.
   
When does the draft begin in Ohio? It is possible that we may have an opportunity of sending some one to Athens County for the purpose of recruiting for the Co. If there is any person about there who desires to join a first class Co. send them to the Co. A, 92nd O.V.I.

Frank is well.  We were paid two months wages last week which amounts to $26.00.  Frank sent $20.00 to his wife by the Chaplain, it will be left by him at Athens in charge of  Esq. Golden, care of Geo. Putnam. I did not send any home as I believe what money I kept before has saved me from fever, that I think I could not have obtained without money which has done the good work. Money is poor trash when compared to health

Isaac Cooley has been sent to the Nashville hospital – is very unwell – it is possible there to obtain a furlough.  We did all we could to influence the surgeon to let him go home before he left here – said he would try and serve him.

Much love to all
affect. your son D. Putnam

April 17th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn. April 17, 1863



Dear Parents
   
Yours of 10th inst. was received last night. I was very glad to hear from home once more: Our mails have not been very regular lately, consequently when they do come they are doubly appreciated by the boys. We are in as bad a fix here as you are at home about news – have none at all therefore it is almost impossible to write anything worth reading. If you do not get letters oftener than once in two weeks the mail is at fault and not me, for I write regularly once a week.
   
I would much enjoy a dozen or two of your green apples. I dreamed last night of being at home and eating apples and some of Ma’s nice mince pies, curley cakes and lemon pies: but away with such thoughts – it is not meat(sic) for soldiers to indulge in such thoughts.
   
I am much rejoiced to learn that the spring elections are terminating all right. Capt. Golden has not yet and I believe there is not much prospect of his having justice done him in the way of promotion. It does seem strange to me that a man should be so basely wronged twice without any explanation. Fearing is Col., Doug Lt. Col, and jersey Dave has received a commission and will probably be appointed adj. of the regt. .A Sergt with no less influence can be promoted to rank of first Lieut.  yet the ranking Capt. from Athens Co. cannot become Major -  well, thanks be to the fates, “every dog will have his day.” (Ed. note: this paragraph contains references to a variety of events which may have appeared earlier in letters now lost. Many promotions occurred on Mar. 22. Col. Van Vorhes left; Benjamin Dana Fearing of Harmar (Fearing House now belonging to the Historical Society) was promoted from Lt. Col. to Col. of  92nd  ; “jersey” David E. Putnam (of Harmar)  with Co. F was promoted from Sergt. To 1st Lt.. and Adjutant . In fact, as noted earlier, Capt. Golden was promoted to Major but the approval had not yet filtered down from Washington).
   
John Higgins (another Co. A private) deserted Fe. 4 while we were lying at Ft. Donelson -  since then we have heard nothing from his whereabouts but supposed he was at home.
   
We are still having fine weather. The grass affords good pasture, trees are most all leafed out -  the birds are gay with song and busy building their summer habitations; but still the sickness of our Regt. does not  decrease – have lost by death since we left Nashville from the  Regt. sixty-one. Many more are still sick. Cal Wells is very sick – his recovery is very doubtful. Cooley is yet very weak may get well. Frank and Mat Scott are all right. That Cream Tartar does the water much good. (Ed. notes: Some years earlier it had been recognized by Pasteur that tartaric acid was effective in controlling the bacteria responsible for several diseases. About ten years later he recommended its use to control wild yeast strains that caused unpleasant taste in beer production. See “CHEMICAL HERITAGE”, Vol. 20, No. 4, page 40, for more details. The 92nd contained over 900 men when formed in Aug., 1862. It had lost 61 men to disease in 7 months, a rate typical of the Civil War!)

     Much love to all affectionately
                your son David Putnam

April 3rd, 1863 Camp Carthage, TN

This letter represents a dilemma that I suspect all historians and genealogist face.  There is a term used in it that is offensive today but was accepted at the time.  Because this is a transcription of the original source, I have left it in.  Also, the intent of it’s use by David Perkins Putnam does not appear to have been offensive. If that would have been the case, I would star the word or words out. If this was a secondary source, I would change the term to a more appropriate term.  I am not a professional historian or genealogist,  and therefore do not know what the standard is for how to handle this.


Camp Carthage, Tenn.  (Ed. note: SE of Nashville on Cumberland R.)
April 3, 1863


My dear parents
   
Yours of 19th inst. was recd. Ten days after date – first from home for a long time. Contained in the letter was a paper of pepper and nine postage stamps. The stamps I needed, but the pepper I did not. I have enough for six months to come.
   
If it be possible to send them - I would like some Cream of Tartar. This can be sent same as pepper. Our water is not good, & the surgeon says it would be a benefit to have a little Tarter to put in the water before drinking. One thing more, some nutmeg this I presume will have to be grated and sent in a letter also, as papers will not be brought through by mail.
   
Well, as you say, it is wrong not to let folks at home know when we are sick I will just state that I have not since we arrived here had as good health as when in the Valley – have had an attack of the diarrhea; but have now got it checked & am I think all right again.
   
I manage to get a little milk now & then which does me more good than anything else I can get, but it digs pretty deep into a fellow’s pocket to get luxuries in this country.
   
We have a force of rebels on three sides of us, West, North & South:. the entire population are of the same stripe. The Negros are the only friends we have in this state. We are strongly fortifying this place & will hold it at all hazards. Gen. Crook issued an order yesterday for all citizens who are now or may hereafter seek protection within our lines (capable of bearing arms) will be forced to take up arms and support the stars and stripes; this if carried into effect will be a great thing.
     
I bought about three pints canned  raspberries of the sutler the other day. They cost 1.00 but they were so nice I could not resist the temptation.
     
You have spoken several about the folly of indulging in the use of profane language: this is something that I have never been guilty of and by the Grace of God never will, I consider it an indication of the defeat(?) of manliness, firmness and the want of principle  in we poor creatures of the dust, to rise up and blaspheme against our Creator.
     
I expect at the end of three years Geo. will be the most successful agriculturist in Athens Co. and May will be a model cook. Alice a great scholar, Betty and Ella will be at some Eastern Seminary. Sarah, well, she will be housekeeping  in some little log cabin far back in the woods.
   
I expect Col. VanVorhes is at home. (Ed. note: Promoted to Colonel, 92nd O.V.I. Regt. on Aug. 15, 1862 from position of 1st Lt., 18th O.V.I. Regt.. Resigned Mar. 22, 1863). Tell Frank’s folks he is very well, I. Cooley has been pretty sick but is now much better and will get along if he takes proper care of himself. Cal Wells is quite sick.

     Much love to all Affectionately Your son
               David Putnam

Letters directed to Crook’s division, up the Cumberland , Carthage, Tenn. will reach here much sooner than when directed to Nashville.
                                                                                   D. Putnam

February 23rd, 1863 On Board Steamer Fitzhugh

On board Steamer Fitzhugh Feb. 23, 1863

My dear Parents
   
Yours of the 14th instant has been duly received, was right glad to receive a letter from home once more as it was the first word that I had heard since I was at home – over one month.
   
We have left our camp near Nashville, and are now on board steamer Fitzhugh at Nashville wharf  waiting further orders; do not know whether we will go up the Cumberland river or down, but probably the former. Hope we will, as it much more healthy than down the river.

   
I am glad that our money has arrived safely.I have no preferences as to how the money I sent shall be invested.
   
The box of provisions came through in good condition; tell Geo. and May that we used the last of their corn the other day and the boys said it tasted much like home.
   
As to there being a change in our company, I know not whether there will be or not -  Capt. Golden has tendered his resignation – do not know whether it will be accepted or not. (Ed. note: Elmer Golden’s resignation was not accepted and he was promoted from Capt. of Co. A to Major on March 22, 1863).
   
Cousin Doug’s place has not yet been filled. (Ed. note: Douglas Putnam, Jr. of Harmar. Promoted from 1st Lt. to Major and Adjutant on Feb. 1, 1863. Promoted to Lt. Colonel on March 22, 1863).
     
A great many of our boys are now sick with the measles and mumps, some five or six of our company are at the hospital in Nashville.
     
Yesterday  was Washington’s birthday, would that we now had a Washington to lead and direct our army: but fear we shall be doomed to disappointment, for I truly believe that the hundredth part of Washington’s capacity as a true patriot, general and leader, does not exist in the cranium of any of the leaders of our present army.
   
The person who accused Co. A of 92th Regt. ( 92nd Ohio Volunter Infantry – O.V.I.) of being a “disgrace to said Regt.” was forced some days since to acknowledge her to be the best drilled Co. in the Regt. and also at inspections, the most neat in appearance.
   
Tell Grandma I shall as soon as possible write.
   
Frank, Will, Ike, Mat, and Cal are all well as usual. (Ed.note: probably Franklin Leaman, William Matheny, Isaac Cooley, Matthew Scott and Calvin Wells).
   
I expect you had better continue to direct to Nashville.

     Affectionately your son
     D. Putnam

January 26th, 1863 On Board Coltage

On Board Coltage Jan. 26, 1863

Dear Parents.

     Our Brigade** has been ordered south, and our regiment has embarked on three steamers bound for the sunny south – do not know at what point we shall disembark but our destination is generally supposed to be Nashville, Tenn.
     
The boys are all happy to exchange the desolate appearance of the Kanawha for the more active service of General Rosecrans* command.
     
Our Major has resigned and cousin Doug (Ed. note: from Harmar) has been recommended to fill the vacancy by the officers of the regiment in place of Capt. Golden who is in the regular line of promotion.
     
I cannot tell where you had better direct your letters; but  when we stop I will immediately inform you of my whereabouts.

     Much love to all,
     Affectionately, your son
     D. Putnam

P.S. I forgot to mention in my last that I found my two pairs of socks which you sent by mail.


*  See “Victorius Loser William S. Rosecrans” by Albert Castel, in TIME LINE, Part 1, July/Aug., 2002 and Part 2, Sept/Oct., 2002.
** Brigade: “Commanded by a brigadier general. Brigades were the common tactical infantry and cavalry units of the Civil War. A brigade usually included from four to six regiments – though the number varied extensively as the war went on. Some brigades included as few as two regiments; others were made up of the remnants of as many as fifteen regiments. Confederate brigades were more likely than those of the Union to be made op of regiments from the same state”. Quoted from “The Library of Congress Civil War Reference” edited by Margaret Wagner, Gary Gallagher and Paul Finkelman, Simon & Schuster, 2002.

January 23rd, 1863 Camp Coals Mouth

Camp Coals Mouth Jan. 23, 1863

Dear Father,
   
In accordance with my promise I embrace the first opportunity of writing a few lines.
 
 We arrived at Harmar safely, where we laid over Monday night, Tuesday & Tuesday night – waiting for a boat bound for Gallipolis. This gave me plenty of time to visit all the friends at H. -  Will Gardner is still there & says when he returns home he is bound to join the 10th Ohio Cavalry now forming at Toledo - I would not have recognized him if I had met him in a strange place – he has grown tall and changed much otherwise.


   

Wednesday morning at four o’clock  we went aboard the large side wheel steamer St. Patrick bound for Cin. On our way down I witnessed such a scene as I hope never to see again; two deck passengers who had been indulging pretty freely in wine, got into a dispute which ended in one stabbing the other, so that he died in the course of an hour: his right arm was nearly severed from his breast; besides a severe wound in the side & back - it was the strongest and most direct appeal for the cause of temperance that I have ever heard or seen.
   
Arrived at Gallipolis where we went aboard the Gov. steamer “Oritor No. 2”– started  for camp Thursday, 4 AM. Caught a deer on our way  up while attempting to swim the river. Found my box safe at Gallipolis, it is now safe in my tent and part of its contents distributed among the boys. It would do you good to see how much good it does the boys to get a little grub from America (as they say) once more.
   
Our Major Smith has resigned, or at least it is so reported upon good authority – hope the report may prove false because he is a first rate man and a good officer (Ed.note: Noelesia A. Smith; in fact did not resign until Feb. 1, 1863).
   
Boys all well. No more furloughs will be given just now – perhaps not this winter.

     Affectionately, your son
     D. Putnam

December 14th, 1862 Kanawha Valley

Kanawha Valley
Dec. 14, 1862

Dear Father

Yours of the 5th inst. was duly received. Day before yesterday Ellis arrived in camp bringing with him boots for Mat Scott, Cal Wells & for myself a pair of boots and gloves: they came just in the right time, as we are beginning to have some cold weather and mud. The boots are the best & most needed article we could have received at this time, they are the best fit I have ever had.

You say you have made arrangements with Dan Law about sending the Messenger regularly, this will be a great treat – not only for me, but to all the boys, for when a Messenger is known to be in the company it goes from man to man until the whole company have committed to memory the most interesting items, & especially the doings of the Aid Society.

This is Sunday: the boys have ceased from labor, the first Sunday since we entered the valley; we have been quite busy for the last three weeks building little cabins for our winter quarters. We have four for each company 20 ft.by 22 ft. with fireplaces, chimneys and well covered with boards – will I think be very comfortable. 

We have no chaplain as yet – think we will not have one. 

We have fine weather now for this time of the year - are I think having our Indian summer.

I wrote to Grandma last week in answer to her letter – suppose she has received it ere this. I put in this letter some soldier trimmings for Geo., that he may uniform himself whilst he is practicing some of his “retreat” tunes on his drum.

We have a good baker among us now, so that we have soft bread about half the time. He is from Harmar – Jno. Hiserman – who had a bakery in H.

The boys are most all getting along first rate, but little sickness. Frank is all right, talks of going into the regular army if he finds a good opportunity.

Much love to all affect.
your son D. Putnam

December 4th, 1862 Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA VALLEY DEC. 4, 1862

Dear father,

Yours of the 20th Nov. has just come to hand, together with three papers, tea, pepper and six postage stamps: quite a little fortune in the way of varieties.

Pepper I find to be a great benefit, and I honestly believe,that if there were more of it used in the army, the hospitals would be less needed than they are at the present.

The boys are still busy building barracks for the coming winter. We have some 25 or 30 already up – will move into them as soon as finished. The boys as a general thing enjoy good health; I am gaining every day – have gained some twelve pounds since we left the Point. We have plenty to eat & wear now. Steamboats come within five miles of our camp & as  soon as the river rises they will be able to land at our camp.

Our cavalry boys surprised a camp of Rebel cavalry while at breakfast early one morning last week & took some one hundred & fifty prisoners, killed & wounded several, took quite a number of wagons and teams &  made a general sweep of their goods; they (the Rebels) were camped some distance above us, they were taken down passed (sic) our camp Saturday morning. (Ed. note: this may have been the battle of Pocataligo Creek in which the 92nd O.V.I. was involved in Nov., 1862).



As I stated in a former letter, Cal Wells’ wife received her money safely.

I think the prospect for obtaining a furlough this winter is rather dark – expect I will not be able to secure one, but I shall nevertheless make an attempt – can no more than fail.

I would be happy to assist mother in storing away some of her good things, my teeth did once or twice feel pretty long & wolfish, but we have plenty now, and a prospect of plenty during the winter.

The cousins ( Ed.note: seven Putnams in the 92nd including Lt. Douglas Putnam of Harmar) are well & send much love to all the Glade friends. What is the prospect of war matters at home now?

 Frank is getting along first rate, says tell his family he is all right- hopes they are prepared for winter.

                                     Much love to all
                                                  Your affect. son D. Putnam

November 9th, 1862, Camp Gauley

Camp Gauley, Nov. 9, 1862

My Dear Parents

Yours of the 30th inst. was duly received – was very glad to hear from home once more. We are now staying near Gauley bridge, some 30 miles above Charlestown; have been here about one week, do not know how long we will remain here. The Rebels still continue to keep 25 or 30 miles in advance – are now stationed on New river.


We have some pretty hard times, have had no tents since we left the Point, although we have had considerable rain and two or three snow storms. We have been on half rations for nearly one week, but I believe I feel better than when we drew full rations. I am very well and have been with the exception of a slight cold now and then.

That pepper which you sent is a great addition to my grub; as we get none in the army and cannot buy it here it is doubly a benefit.

You say you have not much to write but will write for the “ sake of inducing me to write more often”, I think I have been very prompt in writing, for I have written three letters since I have received one from home. (Ed. note: This complaint will be a regular feature in David’s letters. It is obvious that mail delivery was highly unreliable during the war even when the distance was not great)
   
I congratulate “Julia Ann” in her matrimonial career.

We are now encamped on the battle ground where Lightburn fought the Rebs in his retreat; here he made a halt, burnt the wire bridge which spans the Gauley river, he also burnt many government storehouses and exploded two magazines; There are many balls both cannon and rifle lying about on the ground, and shells are about as thick as hops.

The 36th, 28th, 11th  and 30th O.V.I. regiments passed down the river toward the Point this afternoon- they have been through Md. – were at the late battles in that state. (Ed. note: All of these regiments were involved in the battle of Antietam on Sept. 17 and the 11th, 28th and 36th were part of Burnside’s force that attacked across the famous bridge over Antietam Creek late in the afternoon. This spot is a high point of any visit to the battlefield).

I will draw a gum (sic) blanket soon, but there is no provision made for boots – would like to have a pair if I could get them from home, large No. nine & especially at the instep. Mat. Scott ( Ed. note: Matthew Scott, another Company A private from Athens County, who remained a private until his discharge in June, 1865) says he would be glad if you would tell his folks to send him a pair at the same time.  Also Cal Wells wishes his folks to send a pair at the same time. He has written to Mr. Wells to that effect, or that he would send him a pair but did not mention to him to send them with mine -  would be glad if you would let them know.

The cousins are all well and send much love to the friends at the Glade (Ed. note: This shows up later as Hickory Glade, evidently the name of the Putnam farm). I would love to call in and take a drumstick and a little currant jam at your thanksgiving dinner but it is vain to wish: hard bread, pork, beans and coffee are not to be scoffed at. Those grapes which you sent were a great feast among the boys, they have been passing around ever since they arrived.

     Much love to all,
                    Your affectionate son   D. Putnam

October 12th, 1862 Point Pleasant, Va.

Point Pleasant, Va.
Oct. 12, 1862

My Dear Father -
   
As this is about the first leisure time I have had since we landed here, I will endeavor to write a few lines home. We are now encamped nearly one fourth of a mile above Pt. Pleasant on the bank of the Ohio River on the old fair ground in Mason, Va. Our march through from Portland was not near so fatiguing as when we marched from Gallipolis to Portland enroute for Marietta, as we were on our way two days instead of one. (Ed. note: It is probable that this march was one made by Companies A, B and D from their mustering in point at Gallipolis on Sept. 17 to join the other 7 companies mustered in at Camp Marietta).







The boys are all well (with the exception of a few slight colds) and in good spirits: Frank is much more steady than he was a while ago; he says tell his family he is well and feels about right. He sent $22.00 home by Mr. Matheny which is not quite as much as he might have sent but it was the most I could induce him to send. (Ed. note: probably Franklin Leaman who may have worked on the Putnam farm in Athens County. This man is one of several Co. A men to whom reference is made repeatedly in David’s letters. These references show the close relationships between officers and men in volunteer regiments formed from relatively small geographical areas. The 92nd O.V.I. regiment was made up almost entirely of men from southeast Ohio. Mr. Matheny may have been the father of William Matheny, another Co. A private who later drowned off a steamboat in the Cumberland River).

There is now quite a large force at this place, there must be between fifteen and sixteen thousand in and around here, and there are continually reinforcements arriving. Morgan's brigade which is now at Portland awaiting clothing etc. will shortly be here.

This place is well fortified for some three or four miles back in the country; so that we think we are able to resist a force of thirty or thirty-five thousand of the enemy.

It is the general impression here that we will not make an advance up the Kanawha river until the arrival of gunboats.

Our pickets captured two rebel soldiers about twelve miles out from town night before last; they are now in camp under guard, poor miserable, dirty, half clad and down hearted looking creatures. It is evident from their conversation that their game is pretty nearly played out.

They say they have been sadly deluded by their leaders - are sorry that they were so foolish as to enter the southern army - have been in the army about one year and have received no money but script which is worth about as much as brown paper.
   
Those testaments which you gave me for distribution, were distributed the same evening while the men were in line at roll call; the(y) seemed to take them very thankfully and on our march during resting time I observed more than one searching the pages of his book with seeming earnestness.

I have written to mother today. I have paid for my watch at Marietta.

Cal Wells (Ed. note: Calvary H. Wells, Athens TWP, age 22. Died at Carthage, Tenn., 20 April, 1863.  Buried at Nashville.) gave another $30.00 to send to his wife. He says he would be very thankful if you will see that she gets it; he does not like to trust some of his friends at home as he feels that they have not treated him right since he left home. (that is, they have sold some of his property and not handed the proceeds over to his wife as he directed.)

Tell Geo. (Ed. note: David’s younger and only brother) that he must get the corn all husked and hauled in before winter. Tell Betty & Ella (Ed. Note: Two of David’s five sisters) I would like to have some of those good griddle cakes that they used to bake.

Much love to all
affectionately, your son  D. Putnam

Jump of Topic: David Perkins Putnam's Civil War Letters

While going through some of my parent's documents I found a set of Civil War records they had transcribed from David Perkins Putnam.  He was not a direct ancestor, but my father had received them from someone in southeaster Ohio. Though I think my father had planned on publishing these, I don't think they ever were.  I am going to post the transcriptions here.


Here is the summary that my father put together:

David Perkins Putnam

Born Aug. 19, 1841 in Marietta, Ohio

Son of George Putnam and Susan Allen Westcott, married Sept 16, 1840 in Marietta. Descendant of General Israel Putnam (after whom Marietta’s Putnam street is named) and General Putnam’s son, Colonel Israel Putnam, who settled in Belpre in 1788.

First of 7 children ( David, Sarah, Elizabeth, Susan Ella, George Israel, May and Alice).

Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, 2nd Lt., 1st Lt. and eventually Capt. in the 92nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry regiment. This regiment was formed in Sept. of 1862 with companies A, B and D mustered in at Gallipolis and the other seven companies at Camp Marietta. It appears that most of the men in Co. A came from the Athens area while most of the regiment were from Washington county. 

David served from 1862 to 1865, the entire time with the western army and this service included Sherman’s.. campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and then to Savannah and to Virginia at war’s end.

Entered army on Aug. 1, 1862. Co. A of 92nd O.V.I. mustered in on Sept. 17, 1862 in Gallipolis. D.P. appointed sergt in Co. A on this date. Promoted to 1st sergeant in April, 1862, to 1st Lt. of Co. I on Feb. 3, 1863 and to Capt. of Co. A on Nov. 18, 1864.Mustered out of service June 10, 1865 near Washington, D.C.  David’s army service record supplements the information in his letters, especially in periods not covered by the letters.

David and his parents moved to a farm in rural Athens county sometime between 1841 and 1861. After the war he married Lucia Smith. They had only one daughter who died young. He died in Athens, Oh., in March , 1914, and his obituary was published in the Marietta Times on March 19, 1914.

 David’s letters home were provided by Stephen Morgan Wells, of Dover, N.H., the grandson of   David’s brother, George. George was a long time resident of Athens, Oh., and the founder of a jewelry store in Athens.

The letters have never been published before. Included herein are exact copies of  David’s very neatly handwritten originals. In a very few cases I have omitted or changed a few words to make the letters more easily read and one of the  letters from Chattanooga, Tenn. in Oct., 1863, may not be transcribed since the ink has faded so badly.

By Robert E. Putnam
     
I am  the 6th cousin, 3 generations removed, of David Perkins Putnam. Our mutual ancestor was John Putnam of Aston Abbotts, Buckinghamshire, England, and Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony, the first Putnam to come to North America. He arrived in either 1639 or 1640 and was granted land in Salem Village (now Danvers) in 1641. Nancy Putnam Hollister is the first cousin, four generations removed of David Perkins Putnam.