February 27th, 1864, Chattanooga, TN

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.
FEB. 27, 1864

My dear Parents:
   
Yours of 19th inst. has arrived.
   
The bag I found yesterday at the express office came on the morning train – molasses broken open – all out but about half pint – two other cans covers off but things not injured – it is a very fine box – fruit candy and cakes all of the first water. Nut candy best I ever saw or tasted. Cakes, - I only have to say of them that they are much lighter. Not quite so hard and sweeter than even gov. Hard Tack.  When I am eating some of the contents of the box I sometimes almost wish my neck something after the fashion  of a Crane’s – think I could enjoy myself hugely. I am very, very glad that the box came safely through and imagine I can now defy the scurvy for some time, as all the fruit is antiscorbutic.
Capt. Stearns who is rooming with me makes himself very agreeable. When I open a can or break off a small piece candy he hums about and reminds me of the cousins I once found on a certain tree while attempting to hive a swarm of bees.

 When I last wrote I expected to have been far from here ere this - I am still serving the machine here at Headquarters – have read no orders ordering me to the front – I have given up all hopes of being relieved from here soon. The division  left here on 22nd – can hear nothing definite from the front – they met the enemy between Ringgold and Tunnel Hill – drove them some distance. Rebs made a stand - , had some severe fighting, drove the enemy beyond Tunnel Hill and within three miles of Dalton. Wounded are being brought in as fast as possible. I understand our Brigade has been hotly engaged – 92nd particularly – loss considerable – have heard no particulars today – do not know the loss of Co. A. Will write again as soon as news arrives. The 92nd has been in another fight and I was not with them, Oh, why couldn’t they have released me from here in time to go with them. I did all I could to be with them but the powers that be assigned me to other work, so I suppose I must be contented.

 In my last letter I sent a photo of Gen. Baind. I now enclose another photo. You will notice that he (Gen. Thomas or some other person) seems to be in remarkably poor health.

I see by paper that Coz. Mary is married to a soldier, good for her , she is patriotic – “wont join(?) the ranks of the militia”.

Chattanooga has changed much since the cars have been running through-

resembles one of the most business parts of Cin. I stood by the depot a few days since and from standpoint counted twelve locomotive and cars in proportion. There is one regt. colored gentlemen here – look like old veterans.

              Very affectionately,
                             David Putnam

Feb. 28th News from front this morning states that 92nd lost but few  - none killed in Co. A.                                             D. Putnam

February 13th, 1864, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Feb. 13, 1864

My dear Parents
   
Your letter of Feb. 1st has come to hand with its good news concerning the great number of young men who are joining the army. Since the last notice given by the President that there will be a draft for 500,000 men on the 10th March next, the fever to enter the veteran service has materially revived, and many who would otherwise not have reentered the army are now preparing for another three years campaign provided their services shall be needed so long by the Government.

Where did that man Putnam who figures so conspicuously in the Ohio legislature as an Olds supporter come from? Who is he and what is he going to do? He must have assumed the name, I can’t persuade myself that he belongs to the old stock; if he does he is nothing more than a mere offshoot – a sucker.

Our (Baind’s) Div. was to have moved this morning but the order was countermanded. We are now ordered to be ready with ten days rations to march early Monday morning the 15th – do not know exactly in what direction we will move, but from what little I can learn by keeping my ears and eyes open I think we will go forward, or through to Knoxville -  I may be laboring under error but ere this reaches you we will probably be marching – more would be contraband. I still hold my old position at Div. Headquarters. I have also been provided with a horse, saddle and bridle so that a march will not be quite so tough as heretofore when I have had to walk and carry a certain amount of traps or leave them behind.
   
With this I send you a small Ambrotype – not as good as some, but best I could obtain in this place – looks rather poor. It can be cut round and made as small as desired. Give my humblest regards to the young lady who presides over the destinies of the little ones who attend the Family Run Academy, if all in your letter was all right – not unless - I visited the 92nd a few evenings since. Frank was better -  Matt about the same – will not be able to march – will be left here – Smith and Russell well except a little homesick.

When you write it would be best to direct in this manner and on a march
Co. A, 92nd Regt. O.V.I., 1st Brig.,3rd Div. 14th A.C.(Ed. note: Army Corps), Chattanooga, Tenn.
 letters will follow.           

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

February 8th, 1864 Chattanooga, TN

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.
Feb. 8, 1864

My dear Parents
   
One more week is numbered with the past and yet no word from home,  except a Messenger and an Independent which is next to a  letter. I have been reading Mr. Beecher’s sermon this morning, wherein he discourses at some length upon the Character and Reputation of man; I think it a Master sermon and was very much interested in it.

We have no preaching in camp now – our Chaplains have all, or most all, either resigned, been discharged or played out – dont believe they do much good in the army anyhow, as they are generally pretty rough cases, and second or third rate men at the best – there are however few, very good and energetic men among them; they perhaps are a blessing to us.

The 92nd has been assigned to the duty of disinterring the bodies of the soldiers buried in and about this place, including those who fell at Chickamauga, and transferring them to the new cemetery which is located on a beautiful knoll, about three fourths of a mile southeast of Chattanooga, where at some future time Gen. Grant proposes to erect a suitable monument: all the labor to be done by the soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland. It is very disagreeable, some bodies having been buried nearly four months. It is estimated that there are from three to five thousand bodies to move, and if our Regt. has no assistance it will take them at least three months to accomplish the task.

The Rebs have withdrawn their forces from our immediate front – they have evacuated Dalton; I suppose the movement was executed principally because of the immense number of men who were daily deserting from the sinking ship which is unable to stem the storm of patriotism raging in the bosoms of Blue Coats – while her decks are so heavily ladened (sic) with her cargo of Chivalry. Large numbers of refugees are continually arriving from the vicinity of Knoxville – having been ejected from that part of the country by the provost marshal. They are indeed  a poor wretched appearing set of mortals. A large depot stored with clothing was burned at this place last night – cause of fire not yet known – loss supposed to be above $100,000.

I am still with the provost guard – have been for the last week acting Provost Marshal of the Div. during Capt. Johnson’s absence – don’t know when I shall be able to rejoin the 92nd – talked with the Gen. about being released – he said perhaps he would let me off and perhaps not.

We are having very fine weather. I expect some boys up north will have a severe run of Spring fever between this and 10th of March. 500,000 men!! Good! Hope it won’t dwindle again down to a few companies of volunteers. Recruits are coming in daily – our Regt. is getting her proportion; Co. A has rec’d six new recruits and six transferred from the 17th O.V.I. – they are some who would not reenlist – twelve in all for Co. A – begins to look somewhat as she did in Kanawha Valley. Jont Smith and Will Russell joined the Co. this week; they are both looking well. Matt and Frank are suffering with a slight attack of scurvy – are able to be about – caused by absence of vegetable diet – there will be considerable suffering from this disease if the army is not provided with more vegetables soon. I am very well, never felt better in my life – don’t know but I would feel a little extra if I could see the 500,000 in the field.
   
Am sorry to learn of Proff. Guthares death.

                                 Much love to all
                                                        Aff. your son
                                                                               D. Putnam

January 27th, 1864, Chattanooga, TN

This is another letter with terms that would not be appropriate today.  I do not think he meant anything derogatory and therefore have left it in.


Chattanooga, Tenn.
Jan. 27, 1864

My dear Parents

Your letter of Jan. 11th is now before me, right glad was I again to hear from home after so long a drought of news from America. With the letter also came 18 postage stamps.
You speak of having very cold weather up there in America, well, we have had some pretty sharp cold at this foreign port, much colder than I expected to feel in this latitude: during the last week or ten days however we have been enjoying very fine weather, quite warm, so that a shade is the most comfortable place during greater part of the day.

We have a new Major in 92nd Regt. – Capt. Morrow of Co. C has at last after a long course of wire working obtained the position. Several others have also taken another step up, and even poor little I, have been put up one more round and have been mustered in as 1st Lieut. of Co. I - as there are no other officers in the Co. I shall take command until others are appointed. Will probably soon be ordered back to the Regt. Capt. Johnson, our Div. Provost-Marshall is to leave us for Nashville. I will fill his place during his absence. When he returns I shall do all in my power to rejoin the 92nd.
Squads of Rebs from one to one hundred are almost hourly arriving within our lines at this place, deserters from Johnson’s army; they all represent things as being very adverse to the Southern cause. They hope the “Yanks” will soon march to the Gulf  and plant the Stars and Stripes throughout the entire Southern Confed, they say most of the Ky., Tenn., some Geo. troops are closely guarded to stop desertion and that they had never heard of Lincoln’s  Amnesty – Would not suffer it to be circulated among their troops.

Large numbers of boxes are being sent through by express to the boys, a box would come through safely but I don’t know whether it would be good policy to start one or not – I think we will be on the move soon, probably for Knoxville – can learn nothing definite.

The cars are very regular – three or four long trains arrive daily loaded down with Hard Tack.. A regiment of Negros came in a few evenings since, about one thousand strong- look as though they might make good soldiers. When marching in line their eyes resemble a white chalk mark drawn across a black board. Much love to all

                            Affectionately your son
                                      David Putnam

January 18th, 1864, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Jan. 18 1864

My dear parents

I have not received a letter from home since my last, yet one week has passed since I last wrote, and to save a partially bankrupt credit from total ruin I must dispatch another draft for Hickory Glade and Co.

We are doing very well here at Chattanooga, the same old monotony of inactive camp life – nothing new except the cars are making regular trips between this and Nashville, three trains arriving daily and the boys are getting full rations – the first since the battle of Chicamauga the 19th of Sept.,1863 notwithstanding to the contrary the many newspaper commentaries. It would have done you good to have heard the cheers and seen the happy faces in this army on the first arrival of the trains.
You say you believe the rebels are about “cornered”, and their cause on its last legs.  Well, I doubt, I believe they are preparing their army for a vigorous resistance of our further advance and that the approaching campaign will be the bloodiest of the war so far.  In confirmation of these assertions I simply refer to the unanimous statements of deserters who are daily coming into our lines; they all say the enemy is working day and night to strengthen his armies, is conscripting all – sending the old and infirm to the rear to do garrison and guard duty and thereby relieve their old soldiers, who with their able bodied conscripted fellows and are immediately transferred to the front, by such means the Rebel Government expect to have at its command by the opening of the spring campaign the most powerful army which has yet been in the field.  How does the inactivity, slowness and evident hesitation of our own government compare with the efforts and actions of the enemy?  I claim that the government at Washington has acted bad faith toward the soldiers of the US and the soldiers know it. We were promised a draft the 5th of Jan. and that the soldiers in the fields should receive speedy aid from their friends at the north, and our reduced ranks should be immediately filled by those who were to be drafted the 5th or by the middle of Jan. at the utmost limit of time yet notwithstand all these promises we are now informed that we must now wait until the 1st of march before we shall have our rightful expectations realized, (quite probable not then.) These fair promises induced many whose term of three years had nearly expired to re-enlist; and “going into the veteran business” was all the talk in the camps of those whose term of enlistement had so nearly closed as to admit them to join their fate once more with that of the dear old union. Many old and battle scared fellows promised to re-enlist, yes many regts. were patiently awaiting the mustering officer and pay master to link their fortunes with those who has already gone into the veteran service, when lo, tidings arrive that there will be no draft the 5th and the consequence was that they declined to re-enter the service and in a short time will be mustered out of service, returned to their homes and thus their invaluable services are lost to the government.

And again, I notice by the tone of the papers that it is expected all old regts. will re-enter the army. If a regt. refuses to do so it is spoken of rather slightly and it is intimated that when the boys who compose such regt. do return, the people will turn to them a cold shoulder. Is such conduct right? Is it honorable? Is there any thing to justify it? The people have given of their treasure willingly and liberally, as the late doings of the G.M.S. Fair clearly demonstrates; and we soldiers honor them for their patriotism so far as it goes, but silver, gold and green backs are not going to disperse and vanquish the armed foes  of our government.  We must have men if we wish to hold what territory we have already wrested from our enemies at immense cost of life and limb and still pursue our advantage thus far gained successfully; yes, and that right speedily before the opening of the spring campaign – all that a man hath will be given in exchange for a chance of his life.

I received last evening a notice that Douglas Putnam Jr.( Ed. note: Prob.”Cousin Doug” from Marietta) and M. E. Reppert would be at home Wed. evening Jan. 12th. I cannot see them at home but sincerely congratulate them.

Give my respects to Andy Scott. Matt and Frank all right. How is Major Golden’s health? Much love to all
                                    Affectionately your son
                                                    D. Putnam

November 26th, 1863, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Nov. 26, 1863

My dear Parents,

Yours of 12 inst. has come to hand.

I improve the earliest opportunity of letting you know that I am safe, as you have probably heard of a great battle being fought at this place and are uneasy as to the results. Today is Thanksgiving Day and we have great reason to be thankful. A battle has been fought and we by the aid of God, have gained a great victory.

Yesterday about three PM our forces stormed the rebel stronghold on Missionary Ridge amid a perfect storm of shot & shell drove them from their position, captured their artillery, many prisoners & the whole Reb. horde are rapidly retreating. Our forces are in rapid pursuit - prisoners have been arriving all day it is estimated that we are good for 18000 prisoners (Ed. Note: An exaggerated estimate.  The Confederates reported 4,146 men missing in action at Missionary ridge.) & 50 pieces artillery.


By Kurz & Allison - Library of Congress, Public Domain, Link

I am in my tent today. I was stunned by the explosion of a shell close to my side & some bruised by a section of a shell striking me on the left side that is all – will be able for duty in a short time. (Ed. Note: Not a bad report for David’s first time in major combat.)

Frank and Mat are safe. Sergts. Port & Goodrich were wounded. Pvt. Minian wounded. R. Hanbibber killed of our Co. Capt. Whittlesy Co. F killed. Lieut. Townsend Co. I killed. Cousin Doug wounded in foot. Adjutant wounded in head. Loss of 92nd killed, wounded & missing about 50. Maj. Golden was not in the fight, was sick in camp.

Give yourselves no uneasiness relative to my care as I shall undoubtedly be able for duty again in two or three days.

Ah, yesterday was the most glorious day of my life; it is worth a whole lifetime of hardship to enjoy one hour pursuing the Gray Backs. happy, happy day.

Give much love to all
         Affectionately, etc.
                       David Putnam

November 20th, 1863, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Nov. 20 1863

My dear Parents,

I have been writing regularly since I left home and yet I have not received a single word relative to home since Oct. 26 or the day I left for the regiment.

I am feeling first rate and am improving every day – have not been excused from duty since my arrival.

We are kept pretty busy – day before yesterday Gen. Turchin put us through on brigade drill, I had command of Co. K during the drill.

Yesterday we were on fatigue duty, building a fort. Today our entire brigade consisting of seven regiments are on Picket. The 92nd occupy the outer line of skirmishers or the rifle pits and I have charge of twenty-two men who have positions within three hundred feet of the Reb. Line of pickets – they are dirty, greasy and ignorant looking creatures you may be certain. We are not permitted to hold communication with them although they are within nice speaking distance of us.

Nov. 21

Came off of Picket this morning & feel tired but otherwise very well. Times begin to assume a stirring appearance; heavy connonading on our right and left  this morning filled up now and then with the roar of musketry. I think, yes almost know, that we will have an engagement here soon.

The weather has been quite warm and pleasant for the past three weeks, but we are now having some showers..

The paymaster has visited us lately and left us a few of Uncle Sam’s Green Backs. I enclose a check for two hundred and ninety Dollars ($290.) two hundred & fifty of which is mine, twenty Frank’s and twenty Mat. Scotts which he wishes you to hand to his father. Mine you can find use for somewhere. R. McCarley of Athens is our State Agent, the money has been paid over to him. Our Co. small as it is has sent home $2235.

How does Lieut. Rosser succeed in recruiting? How many has he enlisted? Maj. Golden is not well. Cousin Doug is very well now Mat. Scott has returned to the co. and is looking pretty well.  Frank is as rugged as he can be.  Are Sarah + Betty at school this term? Are you going to have a winter school in our district this winter?  How does John get along now? Is he as proud as ever? Hope he has ere this time learned who Maxy is.

Give much love to Geo.May, Alice and all the rest.
                                      Affectionately your son  D. Putnam

P.S.   We have a new Sutler he is an old Athenian, Malan Atkinson formerly of the 18th O.V.I. I have this morning purchased a cot bed from him which will be a great comfort – much better than sleeping on the ground.
     David Putnam

November 4th, 1863, Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, Tenn.
Nov. 4, 1863

My dear parents
 
I wrote you a few lines while at Nashville, which I presume you have ere this received.

I arrived at this place safely Monday morning – was just one week on my way and found the boys posted in fortifications on top of a high mountain and in good spirits - were very glad to get the bundles which I brought from home for them.

They have been on one fourth rations for some time but prospects are beginning to brighten since boats have commenced running between this point and Bridgeport.

The Rebs frequently try to shell us (from) Lookout Mountain but they either fall short or explode above us and are consequently harmless: they however managed to hit the hospital building yesterday with a solid shot which went through the entire building, no person was injured.

Maj. Golden is looking very well. Cousin Doug. is not very well. Frank is very well – Mat Scott is still at Cowan Station – have not seen him.

My haversack filled at home did good service, I ate meals from it in the several states of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, and had a little left when I got here.

The weather is very hot here now – seems like August.

I’m feeling first rate – Cousin Sam has handed in his resignation, will probably be accepted.

At Cincinnati I bought a coat & gum blanket which are of a good quality.

Well, the Rebs have opened their batteries on us from Lookout, so I must go out & see them waste their ammunition as there is no danger to be apprehended from their 32 pounders. They bursted one of their largest guns yesterday.

     Much love to all. Affectionately,
             your son  David Putnam

July 20th, 1863, Camp near Winchester, TN

Camp near Winchester, Tenn.
July 20, 1863

My dear Parents:

Your letter of 11th July has come to hand. We are still camped in the same place as when I last wrote. You speak of not having received any word from me since we left Murfreesboro. I don’t know why this is, I have written every opportunity & given a description  of our engagements & movements as nearly as possible. (Ed. note: These engagements would have been the battles of Hoover’s Gap and Tullahoma in which the 92nd was involved. The missing letter(s) may have been intercepted by Confederate raiders).

The Rail Road is now in good condition from this point to Nashville & the government is rapidly running in a large stock of provisions, preparing I think to a forward movement on Chattanooga. We are having very pleasant weather although it is pretty warm sometimes.

Our mail arrives regularly each day; we also get Newapapers and Telegraph dispatches which keeps us pretty well informed as to the movements of the other parts of the army.

Well, where is Morgan now? I think it a pity that he should be permitted to travel through two states almost without even a check on his career. Where are the old women and girls? Yes, where are the men of Ohio & Indiana? Are they all cowards or Butternuts? (Ed. note: These sarcastic comments on Morgan’s raid through southeast Ohio were premature. Less than a week later Morgan and the 364 survivors of his original 2600 men surrendered in Ohio just northwest of Wheeling and were put into the Columbus penitentiary . However, the disastrous raid had as planned slowed down Rosecrans’ advance on Tullahoma. For a complete description of the raid see Shelby Foote, Vol. 2, “The Civil War”).
   
I have received the comb mother sent, it is a very fine one – was glad to get it as my old one was about gone.

The paymaster has arrived  & we will be paid tomorrow; this will give me money enough to pay my debts  & leave what I will require until we get more.

I hope Ella will continue to improve her time with her books, there should be at least one individual in each family devoted to literature. Who is teaching in our district now? Hope you have a good one. Tell Geo. I am sorry he has been sick, but am very glad he is now well & and raising plenty turkeys & chickens for next Christmas. I hope May will keep her promise & write free letters. I hope you still think of attending the State fair this fall.

Frank & Mat are well. Give my respects to J.R. &  when his dignity finds leisure I hope he will condescend to answer my letter.
 
Much love to all
Affectionately your son
     David Putnam

This is the last letter until one sent from Chattanooga, Tenn., over two months later. In the meantime David was furloughed home to recuperate from a serious case of chronic diarrhea. His service record contains a large number of letters on this subject including his application on July 20, the regimental surgeon’s letter supporting the application which notes that he has had the condition for five months, a series of approvals by the 92nd     Regt.’s Col. Fearing, 3rd Brigade’s Gen. Crook, 4th Division’s Gen Reynolds and the 14th Army Corps’ Gen. George Thomas on July 22. The original 20 days leave was twice extended, the second time by a surgeon of the 18th O.V.I. in Athens on Oct. 9. During this period the 92nd was part of Rosecrans’ advance to Chattanooga during which it participated in the battles of Lane Chapel, Ga., Chickamauga, Ga., and Chattanooga, Tenn. So he missed participation in the events that earned Gen.Thomas the title of “Rock of Chickamauga”.