Family Mysteries

I've added a new page to highlight the family mysteries.  She if you can solve some of them for us!

Charlotte Dawes Bible

I mentioned Charlotte's bible in the last post.  There is a lot of info written in here which I haven't included before.  AS I mentioned, there appears to have been two people entering information into it based on hand writing.  The second one was probably mu mother.  He is it all transcribed:

Page 677

• First Hand Writing
• Fanny Fowler daughter of Joseph & Charlotte Wright was born at Northampton December 3rd, 1821
• was married April 24th, 1844

Page 678

• First Hand Writing
• Joseph Wright, son of Asa & Esther Wright, was born at Northampton April 28th, 1778 was married Dec 18th, 1812 to Charlotte Dawes she was born in Boston, March 18th, 1786
• Elizabeth, Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton Dec 2nd, 1813
• Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte born Dec 9th 1816, died Dec 11th, 1816
• Joseph, son of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton Feb 27th, 1817
• Asa, son of Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton August 23rd, 1819
• Second Hand Writing
• Orange - son of Joseph + Charlotte April 12, 1822
• Harriet M Clark - wife of Asa Born Dec 17, 1822
• Francis Clark Wright, son of Asa and Harriet Born April 5, 1850
• Charles Blake Wright Aug 19, 1856 son of Asa and Harriet
• David Joy Wright Feb 9, 1851 son of Asa and Harriet
• Jane Caroline Reed - wife of David Joy Wright Feb 12, 1846
• Edward Nims Wright son of Jane and David Joy April 3, 1884
• David Sanders Wright son of Jane and David Joy April 16, 1887
• Florence Edna Smith wife of David Sanders Wright Mar 19, 1892
• Catherine Sanders Wright daughter of Florence + David S. Nov 19 20
• David Joy Wright July 3, 1922 Son of Florence + David S.

Page 679

• First Hand Writing
• Fanny Fowler daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte was born at Northampton December 3 1821
• Third Hand Writing
• Died Feb 3, 1845
• Second Hand Writing
• Charles Merrick Wright May 25, 1924 son of Florence + David S
• George Edward Wright March, 1927 son of Florence + David S
• Florence Caroline Wright daughter of Florence + David S May 12, 1930
• Forth Hand Writing
• Elizabeth Daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte dide December 11 1876
• daughter of said Joseph & Charlotte borne Dec 2 1813 dide Dec 11 1876
• Third Hand Writing
• Fanny Fowler Feb 3, 1845: Age 23 - wife of J.F. Anable
• Joseph Wright -1878 (Joined the gypsies?)
• Asa May 11, 1883 Orange August 14 1884 - Bound out as boys?
• Harriet Clark Wright wife of Asa Aug 24, 1894
• Frances Clark Wright March 26, 1851
• David Joy Wright May 2, 1908
• Second Hand Writing
• Edward Nims Wright - April 20, 1949
• David Sanders Wright - Jan 18, 1967

Page 680

• Second Hand Writing
• Florence E. Smith Wright Nov 28, 1937

Biography of Charlotte Dawes(1786-1846)-W9

Charlotte Dawes(1786-1846)-W9
Birth: March 18th, 1786 in Boston, MA

Father: UNKNOWN
Mother: UNKNOWN

Married: Joseph Wright on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA

Children:

• Elizabeth Wright(1813-1876)
• Infant(1815-1815)
• Infant Daughter(18167-1816)
• Joseph Wright(1817-1878)
• Asa Wright(1818-1883)-W4
• Fanny Fowler Wright(1821-1845)
• Orrin or Orange Wright(1823-1884)

Death: May 17th, 1846 in Northampton, MA

Charlotte Dawes birth record

Charlotte Dawes was born on March 18th, 1786 in Boston, MA.  There is no record of her parents.  She first appears in documents when she married Joseph Wright on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA when she was 34 years old.  They were married by the Justice of the Peace, Samuel Fowler.

Charlotte's Practice Signature in her bible

Their first child, Elizabeth was born on December 2nd, 1813 in Northampton, MA.  They lost a child at birth on April 22nd, 1815.  The lost another child in December of 1816.  She was born on December 9th and died on December 11th. Their first son, Joseph was born on February 27th, 1817 followed by Asa on August 22, 1818.

The 1820 U.S. Census shows Joseph living in Northampton, MA.  This census only lists the number of people living with him an not who they are, but there is something of a mystery here.  Joseph is listed as working in Manufacturing,

Category	Number	Who
Free White Males Under 10	4	Joseph, Asa, Unknown, Unknown
Free White Male 10-15	1	Unknown
Free White Female Under 10	1	Elizabeth
Free White Female 10-15	1	Unknown
Free White Females 26-44	2	Charlotte and Unknown
Free White Females 45 and Over	2	Possibly Esther and Unknown
Total People	12	This number includes Joseph

They had another daughter, Fanny Fowler on December 3rd, 1821. Their last child was born on April 12th, 1823.  He was either called Orrin or Orange.  Her husband, Joseph, died on July 6th, 1825.

The 1830 U.S. Census has Charlotte living with her family.  Like the 1820 census, it does not list names.

Category	Number	Who
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9	1	Orange
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9	1	Fanny Fowler
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19	1	Unknown
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39	1	Charlotte, but the age is wrong
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored)	4

Charlotte died on May 17th, 1846 in Northampton, MA.  She is buried n Bridge Street Cemetery.

The Mystery

Charlotte represents a long standing family mystery.  Who was she and who was her parents? Here are some clues I've seen in the data, but I haven't been able to connect the dots.

• Charlotte was 27 when she got married to Joseph
• They were married by Samuel Fowler, a Justice of the Peace
• They named one of their daughter Fanny Fowler
• Some of the probate records list Charlotte as being named Fannie.
• She is listed as being born in Boston, but was married in Westfield

So here are the questions I've been pondering, some could be red herrings:

• Since she was married at 27, could she have been married before?
• Why were they married by a Justice of a Peace?
• What is her connection to Samuel Fowler?
• Could her name have been Frannie or Frances?  Possibly a middlename?
• How did she get from Boston to Westfield?

Sources:

• 1820 United States Federal Census: 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Page: 108; NARA Roll: M33_50; Image: 116
• 1830 United States Federal Census: 1830 US Census; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Page: 588; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 64; Family History Film: 0337922
• Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name Charlotte Wright, Gender Female, Age 80, Birth Date abt 1766, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts, USA, Wills and Probates Charlotte Wright - 1846
• Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915: Name Fannie Wright, Gender Female, Birth Place Boston, Massachusetts, USA, Spouse Joseph Wright, Child Orange Wright, Wills and Probates Fannie Wright
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Daw, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 15 Apr 1813, Marriage Place Westfield, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Joseph Wright
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Dawe, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 15 Apr 1813, Marriage Place Westfield, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Joseph Wright
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Mrs Charlotte Wright, Event Type Death, Birth Date abt 1786, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts, Death Age 60
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Charlotte Wright, Event Type Death, Death Date 1846-1847, Death Place Northampton, Massachusetts
• U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current: Name Charlotte Wright, Gender F, Birth Date 18 Mar 1786, Death Date 17 May 1846, Death Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Cemetery Bridge Street Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, Spouse Joseph Wright, Children Elizabeth Wright, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/88043937
• Charlotte Dawes Family Bible

Biography of Joseph Wright(1778-1825)-W8

Joseph Wright(1778-1825)-W8
Birth: August 28th, 1778 in Northampton, MA

Father: Asa Wright(1741-1789)
Mother: Esther Wright(1744-1826)

Married: Charlotte Dawes(1786-1846)-W9 on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA

Children:

• Elizabeth Wright(1813-1876)
• Infant(1815-1815)
• Infant Daughter(18167-1816) 
• Joseph Wright(1817-1878)
• Asa Wright(1818-1883)-W4
• Fanny Fowler Wright(1821-1845)
• Orrin or Orange Wright(1823-1884)

Death: July 6th, 1825 in Northampton, MA

Joseph was born on August 28th, 1778 in Northampton, MA to Asa Wright and Ester Wright.  He was the 9th of 13 children.  Other records list his birth date as December 13th, 1778. His father died in 1789, when Joseph was 8 years old.  He married Charlotte Dawes on April 15th, 1813 in Westfield, MA when he was 34 years old.  They were married by the Justice of the Peace, Samuel Fowler.

Their first child, Elizabeth was born on December 2nd, 1813 in Northampton, MA.  They lost a child at birth on April 22nd, 1815.  The lost another child in December of 1816.  She was born on December 9th and died on December 11th. Their first son, Joseph was born on February 27th, 1817 followed by Asa on August 22, 1818.  

The 1820 U.S. Census shows Joseph living in Northampton, MA.  This census only lists the number of people living with him an not who they are, but there is something of a mystery here.  Joseph is listed as working in Manufacturing,

Category	Who
4 Free White Males Under 10	Joseph, Asa, Unknown, Unknown
1 Free White Male 10-15	Unknown
1 Free White Female Under 10	Elizabeth
1 Free White Female 10-15	Unknown
2 Free White Females 26-44	Charlotte and Unknown
2 Free White Females 45 and Over	Possibly Esther and Unknown
12 Total People	This number includes Joseph

They had another daughter, Fanny Fowler on December 3rd, 1821. Their last child was born on April 12th, 1823.  He was either called Orrin or Orange.

Joseph died on July 6th, 1825 at age 46 in Northampton, MA.  The oldest of his children would have been 11 years old and the youngest 2.  He was buried in Bridge Street Cemetery in Northampton, MA.

Sources:

• 1820 United States Federal Census: 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts; Page: 108; NARA Roll: M33_50; Image: 116
• Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988: Name Joseph Wright, Event Type Marriage, Marriage Date 15 Apr 1813, Marriage Place Westfield, Massachusetts, Spouse Name Charlotte Daw
• New York, Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890 (Barber Collection): Name Jos Wright, Publication Date 23 Jul 1825
• U.S., Newspaper Extractions from the Northeast, 1704-1930: Name Jos Wright, Birth Year abt 1778, Event Death, Death Date Abt 1825, Death Place North Hampton, Age at Death 47, Newspaper New York Evening Post, Publication Date 23 Jul 1825, Publication Place New York, USA, Call Number 83432
• U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current: Name Joseph , Date 28 Aug 1778, Birth Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Death Date 6 Jul 1825, Death Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Cemetery Bridge Street Cemetery, Burial or Cremation Place Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States of America, Has Bio? Y, Father Asa Wright, Spouse Charlotte Wright, Children Asa Wright, URL https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/130362726

Descendants of Amos Putnam and Christiana Jane Wormwood-Sally Pearce Putnam

• Amos Putnam(1794-1849)-P8 married Christiana Jane Wormwood(1804-1894)-P9
• Sally Pearce Putnam(1828-1885) married John R. Parsons(1824-1884)
• Ida Medora Parsons(1851-1925) married Thomas Edward Yerxa(1851-1916)
• Alice Yerxa(1872-1872)
• Thomas Franklin Yerxa(1874-1943) married Mary Regina McGarth(1877-1957)
• Harold Edward Yerxa(1896-1950) married Ida W. Wray(1897-1930)
• Alice M. Yerxa(1899-1975) married Edison Minor Harkner(1898-1980)
• Thomas Franklin Yerxa(1901-1968) married Margaret Aileen Clow(1901-1927) then Elizabeth(1906-UNKN)
• Herbert Randolph Yerxa(1876-1955) married Minerva Porter Stough(1876-1973)
• Thomas Edward Yerxa(1896-1958)
• Randolph Stough Yerxa(1899-1971)
• Catherine Mary Yerxa(1904-1975) married Lewis P. Smith(1900-UNKN)
• Charles Woodford Yerxa(1878-1962) married Gertrude Olive Kelsey(1877-1962)
• Dorothy Ida Yerxa(1903-1984) married William Stanly Oakley(1903-2002)
• Charles Woodford Yerxa(1906-1977) married Milred Newton(1908-1999)
• Gertude O. Yerxa(1909-1998)
• Robert Putnam Yerxa(1914-1983) married Augusta Marie Emerick(1920-1996)
• Ernest Le Baron Yerxa(1880-1965) married Katherine Pearl St. Johns(1879-1959)
• Virginia Clara Yerxa(1911-2008) married Robert Edward Hess(1914-1978)
• Maybelle Medora Yerxa(1883-1970) married Stewart Cinnamond Roseberry(1885-1933)
• Irene Isabelle Roseberry(1907-1932) married James Cecil Trowbridge Noe(1896-1963)
• Myrtle M. Yerxa(1885-1964) married Hugh Banfield Duff(1881-1959)
• Hugh Thomas Duff(1909-1970) married Evangeline Marie Wilson(1905-1969)
• Medora Ida Duff(1912-1982) married Daniel Williams(1888-1971)
• Ella Blanche Parsons(1885-1887)
• Alice H. Parsons(1860-1929) married George B. Bucknell(1851-1914)
• Lymon Randolph Parsons(1872-1872)
• John Edward Parsons(1873-1874)

June 3rd, 1865, Camp 92nd Regt. O.V.I., Near Washington, DC

Camp 92ND Regt. O.V.I.
Near Washington D.C.
June 3rd 1865

My dear Parents:

We are still in our old camp near the city. Nothing new or strange has happened since I last wrote.
I have been to the City a number of times and have thoroughly inspected every part of the Capitol of the United States of America – have visited the Patent Office, Post Office Dept., Treasury Dept. and the War Dept. Also have been in the grand reception parlor of the White house – very fine place – there are very many curiosities about Washington, such as I would like to spend much time in seeing.

Col. Morrow sent me to the War Dept. yesterday with clerks to superintend the copying of the original muster-in Roles pertaining to the 92nd. After my business was completed I visited the Treasury Dept. and returned to camp. After supper in company with the other officers of our Div. I paid my compliments to Maj. Genl. Geo. Thomas at Willard’s hotel on Pa. Avenue – the noble and well beloved Commander of the old 14th Corps at the battle of Chickamauga. I had the pleasure and honor of grasping the hand of the hero of Nashville, “Old Pap” as he is called by the 14th Corps boys. He seemed glad, very happy to see us.

Today he visited our Div. and as he passed along the line he was every where greeted by hearty cheers, everyone was glad to see him.

I have been very busy this week making up my returns of responsibilities to the government and making out muster-out roles for Co. A. We will be mustered out so soon as all the roles are completed – which I hope will be some time next week but we will not be discharged until we arrive at some camp in the state. I do hope we may get off soon.

I would much prefer marching through Georgia and South Carolina than to remain here for we could get something good in the grub line down in Dixie, but while here in the land of plenty we have coffee, hard tack and salt pork for breakfast, hard tack, salt pork and coffee for dinner and salt junk, coffee and hard tack for supper. I saw a Miss H. Walker in the city – I believe she is some relative of Mr. A. B. Walker of Athens. The weather has been very warm for some time. I have been writing so much lately that it is almost impossible for me to use my pen, therefore it is politic to close.

Tell Geo. he must have a good garden this year. May & Alice can attend to the wants of the turkeys and chickens. Much love to all the folks.
                                                                    Affectionately your son
                                                                                   David Putnam
Official
Harnily Run
Athens Co., Ohio

May 20th, 1865 Camp 92nd, O.V.I. Near Alexandria, VA

Camp 92nd O.V.I.
Near Alexandria, Va.

May 20, 1865

Dear Parents:

Another long march is finished, and we – Sherman’s army - are encamped two miles from Alexandria & 8 miles from Washington City.

We are very busy just now preparing to be reviewed in the City of Washington next Wednesday. We as yet know not whether we soon will be mustered out or be held full term.  I am well. Frank and Matt stand the marching well. We have nearly nine months pay due us – no prospect of pay – I think Sherman’s army is being treated very meanly by the officials at Washington. While all the other armies & all parts of other armies have received pay to a recent date, our army has rec’d nothing since Aug. 31, 1864.

What is the feeling in the North as to Sherman? I notice many of the papers are down on him. Now for all these poor ignorant fools of editors who have in all probability never seen a larger body of troops than a Co. or Regt, to criticize as great a Military genius as Sherman is outrageous. Now the army generals and all are great & fast Sherman men & will uphold him in anything he has yet done.
We have had some very hot weather.
   
Much love to all
                            Affectionately your son
                                  D. Putnam

We arrived here yesterday.
                                     D.P.

May 8th, 1865 Camp 92nd O.V.I. Richmond, VA

Camp 92nd O.V.I.
Richmond, Va.

May 8, 1865

My dear Parents:
   
Well “on to Richmond” has been the cry ever since the 7th of May, 1864– the day Sherman’s army moved against Johnson from Ringgold in northern Ga. and on the 7th day – just one year of May 1865 Sherman’s army marched into & through Richmond and in and around Richmond is now a reality, although we were not the first troops in Blue to enter the Reb capitol, yet we think we have done our part toward its capture. Sherman’s army left Raleigh, N.C. on the 30th of Apr. and arrived here May 7th a distance of 184 miles – average of 23 miles per day. 14th Corps had longest route yet were the first to enter the city. We are to be reviewed here tomorrow and then soon march on to Washington City – there to be again reviewed and soon be discharged or sent to our respective grand review of Sherman’s army at Washington!! I am very well, boys from Athens all right. Matt & Frank are well, weather very warm. Much love to all.

                                    Affectionately your son
                                                  David Putnam

March 28th, 1865, Headquarters, Co. "A" 92nd O.V.I., Goldsboro, NC

Headquarters, Co. “A”
92nd O.V.I.
Goldsboro, N. C.

March 28, 1865

My dear Parents:

Since my arrival at this place I have received letters from each of you and also from the girls. The R.R. completed to this place from Beaufort and supplies are being rapidly brought forward. I will endeavor to give you an idea of the general direction of our – the 3rd Div./14th Army Corps – line of march through S.&N. Carolina, we at all times formed the extreme left of the infantry force under Sherman, Kilpatrick’s  Cavalry was nearly always either on our left protecting our flank or reconnoitering in our immediate front.

On the 5th of Feb. we crossed the Savannah River into S.C. at Sisters Ferry about forty miles above Savannah. This was the first time our part of the Army trod on the unholy & poluted soil of the state. From thence our line of march lay through immense swamps northward nearly parallel with the river to Barnwell; thence more west until we struck the Augusta & Charleston R.R. just east of Aiken Station & 24 miles from Augusta, here we spent 12 hours hard labor tearing up and burning the road – the boys all worked with a will. Marched toward Columbia crossed the North and South Edisto Rivers passed through Lexington & came to the Saluda River 11 miles west from Columbia where we crossed on pontoons leaving Columbia to our right for other troops to attend to. Our course now lay toward the Broad River which we crossed 21 miles above Columbia, same day we strike and destroy the Columbia and Springfield R.R., from here we march more to the left toward Winnsboro. Passed through Winnsboro 21st Camped two miles north of town on R.R. . 22nd, 3rd Div. commence destroying the R.R. follow the road & labor hard all day road torn up and burned to Blackstock Station. The way we destroy the iron is this; we tear off the railing, pile up the ties, set fire to them, lay the iron on the fire until it becomes very hot & pliable at the center of the rail, then three or four men seize either end, carry it to a tree which is used as a fulcrum, the rail is bent and coiled around the tree, there left to cool & rust, to transport Rebs no more for three years or during the war.
 From Blackstock we move east & cross the Wateree River southwest of Lancaster. Crossed river  28th Feb. Passed N.W. of Lancaster. Crossed the state line into N.C. 3 PM 4th  of March and bear again to our right toward Chesterfield. Again in S.C. crossed Great Pedee river on pontoons 8 miles above Cheraw. We now march directly for Fayetteville, N.C.  When we arrive 11th March lay here three days – destroy the Military Academy, foundry, arsenal & cloth factories. Cross Cape Fear River on pontoons head our column for Goldsboro. We cross the South and Great Coburn rivers & then the Rebs begin to show themselves in force and offer fight; they seem to have a large force. On the 19th the advance of our army had considerable of an engagement with the enemy. 20th our Division ordered to the front, we march rapidly all forenoon & come to the ground where the heavy fighting was yesterday. We march out & form our line of battle outside of our works and in plain view of the enemy, he has his line strongly posted about mid way of an open field. We form our line just at the edge of the field & in a thicket of pine. Each regiment of our brigade is ordered to deploy a line of skirmishers on its own front. Companies A and I of 92nd are ordered out – I deploy my line in front of Regt. We are ordered to advance & drive the enemy from his position. So soon as we emerge from the wood the enemy endeavor to drive us back, but all to no purpose we give them a volley & then charge them, drive & take possession of their works. While crossing the field we had no shelter  whatever – hence it was pretty warm work for a while; but we gained our point. While on the line the Rebs throw grape, canister & shell at our skirmish line at short range. I was slightly stunned by the explosion of a shell but am now all right again.

No man in the 92 from Athens County was injured while some portions of the line lost heavily. I have one of the bravest little companies in the Army – all first class soldiers. 21st Rebs get a good thrashing all along the line & evacuate during the night. 22nd March on our way to Goldsboro. Cross the Neuse on pontoons 11 miles from town arrive at Goldsboro. 23rd Are now in camp one mile north of town.There are portions of S.C. which are very rich and productive but the large portion is composed of sand, pine forest & swamps. All the land we spread over as we passed along is now one vast dreary waste. We burned fences, all vacant dwellings & they were many, all barns, storehouses, rail roads, foraged all the corn, hay, flour, meal, oats & meat – also cattle, hogs and sheep. Yes S.C. the mother of war, fine blood & destruction, has received her portionage & the dregs with it. But so soon as we crossed the line into N.C. no more houses of any kind were destroyed except government works.

 I do actually believe that we have corduroyed at least seventy-five miles of road across swamps in order to get our train along. I wouldn’t give a 50 ct. Confed. Script for all the country I have seen since we left Savannah. I don’t believe it would produce even “good oil”.

I have just received by mail a pocket diary & a bundle containing socks, kerchief, suspenders, etc. just the things I wanted. Am very glad they got through. It would not be safe to attempt sending a box through as we shall probably leave here on another campaign in a very short time & then Richmond will fall. I send you an order issued by Sherman so soon as he arrived here.

Tell Geo. he must make plenty maple sugar this spring.

Much love to all                        Affectionately your son
                                                             David Putnam

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

January 13th, 1865, Headquarters Co. A 92nd O.V.I., Savannah, GA

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.

December 25th, 1864, Savannah, GA

Savannah, Ga.
Dec. 25, 1864

My dear Parents,

After waiting long and impatiently for a letter from home - and not receiving one I am forced to write again. I will attempt to give you a little acct. of our campaign from Kingston to Savannah. On the 12th of Nov. we left Kingston for Atlanta – the last car has passed north and we commence doing what an army of such magnitude has not done since the war commenced by entirely destroying our line of communication; large details were made to pull up the RR track and burn it. All the public buildings in and around Kingston were burned. Crossed the Etowah River same day at Cartersville. Weather chilly. Nov. 13th Marched at daylight – passed over the Alatoona Mts. & through the town of Alatoona -  Reb wounded still in the hospitals. Arrived at Big Shanty station at dusk. RR destroyed up to this point - weather very chilly – severe frost - last night 14th passed through Marietta – principal buildings burned. Camped 2 miles S. of Chattahoochee River – weather cold – ice along the road. 15th Arrived at Atlanta. Camped for night on Decatur road – clothing issued to the army during night - RR burned to this point. Army in fine spirits. 16th Marched on Decatur road at day light – passed Decatur, small village finely situated. Passed 7 miles south of Stone Mt. – country becoming more open – weather pleasant. 17th (orders to march at daylight every day) – marched on the Augusta road – road passed through Litonia in eastern part of Dekalb Co. passed Conyers fine village plenty forage sweet potatoes, honey, chickens, hogs, etc. etc. weather warm.

18th Marched on Covington Road parallel with R.R. – R.R. entirely burned as we marched – passed through Covington splendid town inhabitants mostly all gone. Crossed Yellow River at West Covington, County seat of Newton Co. 19th Passed through Sandtown – plenty forage but few rations issued – troops confident of their leaders ability to conduct them safely through & to victory. Weather fine.

20th Took my mounted men out foraging. Captured eight fine mules and ten noble horses. Country open and full of provisions.

21st Marched on Milledgeville road & through northern part of Jackson Co. – crossed Yellow river in rain all day – cold - roads muddy.

22nd 3rd Division in advance quite cold last night now in Putnam Co. passed Eatenton co. seat of Put.  Contrabands coming in by hundreds. 23rd Marched into Milledgeville at M.. Capital of Ga. Now in Yankee hands. Legislators had barely time to fly from the state house & escape – so rapid & secret were our movements. Milledgeville is a very fine City . Numerous large & highly finished private residences. Gov. Brown’s residence vacated; his pet militias cant be found. Several cords of Confed. Script piled up in Statehouse. Couldn’t furnish transportation to bring it with us. People mostly all hot Rebs.

24th 14th and 20th Corps lay in camp all day in & around the City. 15th and 17th Corps with cavalry make a demonstration on Macon & destroy R.R. Weather cool and pleasant.

25th 14th and 20th Corps march out of Milledgeville – only depot and arsenal destroyed. Crossed the Oconee River east of the city and burned bridge – surface of country covered by swamps and forests of pine. 26th Marched on Sandersville road – arrived at Sandersville 5 PM . County seat of Washington Co. Very productive county – large cotton fields – Reb cavalry in front. Some skirmishing – weather very pleasant.

27th  Marched on Louisville road – Crossed the Ogeechee river M.– weather clear and warm. 3rd Div. in front.

28th Marched to Rochamfore Creek by AM – Rebs destroyed the bridge – halted & constructed pontoons – crossed over 3 PM & through Louisville, Co. seat of Jefferson Co. Warm

29th&30th Lay in camp two miles from Louisville. Reb cav. all around our camp. December 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Our Div. and Gen. Kilkpatrick’s Div. of Cav. march on a road to the left by themselves and make a demonstration toward Augusta – traveling in Burk Co. Very fine county – full of forage – continual skirmishing  - Rebs on all sides – on 4th Kilkpatrick gave Wheeler a handsome whipping and drove him 8 miles.

5th Marched all day – 20 miles – through one immense pine forest and sand beds. 6th Within 4 miles of Savannah River. Passed Jackson AM.

Negros organized into pioneers for Div. Country very swampy. Land covered by forests of Pine & jack oak – soil pine sand.

7th Marched through a wilderness of  pine, sand, canebrakes and swamps. Direction parallel with Savannah river. Wheeler in our rear with his cavalry – heavy skirmishing.

8th Camped ½ mile from river – saw Reb gunboat – shelled us – no damage done. Weather very hot. Fort (???) near camp also an old church built in 1769 and used by Washington as a hospital. Heavy cannonading by fleet south of Savannah – are now in Screven County.

9th through 19th Lines being formed around Savannah and Corps taking their positions as assigned them. Continual skirmishing – occasionally severe cannonading by the fleet and some charges on forts with hand fighting – all passed quite well. Weather hot and dry. 20th Rebs evacuated Savannah last night. Union forces take possession of city this AM. All heavy guns left in forts – large amounts of stores and ammunition captured – city uninjured. Thus the campaign gloriously ends and the army is in better campaigning condition than when it left Atlanta. It is estimated that the Rebs left at least 100 guns of heavy caliber in and around the city. Boats are daily landing at the wharf from N.Y.

Well, I have at last succeeded in obtaining Gen. Baind’s permission to be relieved from duty at headquarters and so soon as I can turn over property for which I am responsible I will again be with the 92nd OVI. I recd a few days since by mail two pairs of stockings – good nice ones just what I wanted and much needed. Good stockings are a great comfort. When they arrived I was wearing my last pair & they much worn. We are now in and around Savannah enjoying a short rest but from appearances will in the course of ten or fifteen days be on another campaign. I think we will soon be marching on S.C. soil. My health is first rate.

Well I have received my commission as Captain in the 92nd O.V.I. and have been assigned to the command of Co. A. Yes I may now say I am Captain Putnam from Hickory Glade. Pray God that I may discharge my duties honorably and faithfully. Hereafter direct my letters to Co. A, 92nd O.V.I.
Give much love to Brother and Sisters

                                                  Very Affectionately your son
                                                           David Putnam

December 18th, 1864, Near Savannah, GA

Near Savannah, Ga.
Dec. 18, 1864

My dear Parents,

My prophecy in my last, that my next letter would be dated from some point further south has proved true. Our Div. is in camp about five miles west of Savannah. The army has been about the city nearly a week. We received our first mail last evening.

We had been wandering through the State of Georgia one long month without communication with the North – you can imagine how refreshing the news that our communication was again open and that we would again receive our mail regularly.

When we arrived near the city we could distinctly hear the fleet pounding away at Reb forts at the mouth of the Savannah River and we knew then that we were all right. The fleet succeeded in ascending the river to Ft. McAllister. Here they halted until the land force came up; after some little time & severe fighting the fort was captured with entire garrison and 16 pieces heavy artillery. This gave us command of the S. River up to the mouth of the Ogeechee – also the Ogeechee River. Everything is prospering finely and in a short time Savannah will be ours.

We have communication with the fleet, Foster operating in South Carolina and Grant. I have seen the soil of S.C., but as yet trod the sand of the hotbed of traitors. Our movements through Ga. have been completely successful and all that could be desired. Plenty to eat, little fighting and fine weather.
Boys from our vicinity so far as I know doing well. Frank all right – my health first rate. Weather fine, quite warm – shade comfortable. Mail soon leaves.

Much love to all
                 Very affectionately, son
                            David Putnam   

P.S.  Have you recd my money yet? Send letters as heretofore except substitute Savannah for Atlanta.
                                 D.P.

November 6th, 1864, Kingston, GA

Kingston, Ga. 
Nov. 6, 1864

Dear Father:

     We – the 14th Corps – are in Camp near Kingston, a small village on the Chattanooga and Atlanta RR. Every thing is prospering finely, our communications are all right – Hood has ceased to trouble.
Preparations are being made for some grand move soon; you may wait for stirring events from this army before long - if I can judge from appearances, although Gen. Sherman has not confided any of his contemplated movements for the future to me.

Sherman knows not winter quarters. If he will only lead us through to the land of oysters on the Atlantic or Gulf shores. We don’t want to see winter quarters this year: yes take us to Macon, Augusta and Andersonville that we may liberate our thousands of wretched, suffering Union brethren who are now languishing in Southern dungeons and we will be glad. I dare not tell all I know as to our future movements.

We have lately had some cold, windy, rainy weather for this latitude.

The army is in fine campaigning trim – many drafted and substitute men are daily arriving for the various parts of this army. They are known by the old soldier at a single glance, they all have long hair and knapsacks about as large as a common haystack. We have recently been paid. I have paid over to the State Agent $500.00. I send you a receipt for the money. I would like it invested in U.S. 7 – 30’ bonds – I took bonds from the paymaster but I expect they will be picked up before they reach Athens County. Frank also sends $100.00. State Agent’s name is Mr. Wallace.

Day after tomorrow the great battle of the war will be fought. The army here is a unit for Lincoln and Johnson. May God give us true and good men.

                                                 Affectionately your son
                                                          David Putnam

September 14th, 1864, Atlanta, GA

In My Office Near Atlanta
Sept. 14, 1864

My dear Parents,

Your letter of 31st Aug. has come to hand. Also a package containing a beautiful and at the same time useful present from each of father, mother , brother and sisters. For all these tokens of remembrance I am very thankful.

You say you sent the knife for me to sell; now I at first supposed it a present, if not, I cannot take money for it, but will gladly give money so soon as we are paid by the U.S. I did not enter the army for the purpose of making money. Neither am I willing to monopolize some sutler’s trade. Therefore I must decline pedling.

Our Corps is in camp one and one half miles south of Atlanta on the Macon R.R. (RR) Cars are running regularly. I would much prefer our present camp away from the filth and contamination of the city than a position inside the city limits. I went through Atlanta  a few days since, Ah, it is a horrible place – neglect and ruin are everywhere, dirt, poverty, wretchedness and wickedness are the ruling powers that be. Atlanta is spread over a large area of ground, is not nearly as compactly built as Nashville. Many of the larger houses were burned by Yankee shells. In every garden or yard are erected small cellar bombproof forts on private account for the use of women, children and negros to screen themselves from the inquisitiveness of the “vandal’s” twenty pound Parrott blue Mass; Yes and the people have from appearance kept as close to these private affairs as the Chivalry did to those public outside of the city. Immense forts and heavy lines of works surround the town on all sides yet all these and millions of destroyed property together with twenty pieces of 64 and 100 pounder guns were abandoned by Hood. Sherman used him  as a mere child. While near Jonesboro we captured a Reb. Lieut. on his way to join his command; he had been to the great jubilee given by Hood in celebration of the Yankee defeat and retreat from before Atlanta and the great Confed. Victory. He got drunk and while in this state was left behind by the army in their hasty retreat to meet Sherman further south. It was a Yankee trick in part that which blew Hood and his hordes from Atlanta. Yes, military strategy first real (??) I have seen since the war began. If I only had time I could let you into the secret.

Weather very fine although sometimes hot; boys from 92 all well so far as I know.
     
Much love to all
      Affectionately your son
      David Putnam

August 11th, 1864, Atlanta, GA

Camp before Atlanta, Ga.
Aug. 11, 1864

My dear Parents,

Yours of July 31st has been duly received, I have had my time fully occupied or should have answered before this.

Since I last wrote our Corps has moved from the center, about seven miles to the right of the line and now occupy a position near a small stream - Utoy Creek – and strongly entrenched. Since we crossed the Chattahoochi we have lost many men and several Noble Commanders – the brave and intrepid McPherson was killed 22nd July while at the head of his Columns, cheering on his men . Hooker has been relieved by his request, because Howard was assigned to McPherson’s old command – Hooker ranks Howard – I do not think Hooker acted without blame. Palmer our Corps Commander has been relieved and the 14th Corps is now commanded by Gen. Johnson who formerly commanded the 1st Division of 14th Corps, Stoneman with a portion of his cavalry has been captured while on an extensive raid on the railroads leading from Atlanta south. Yet with all these changes our army still presses the enemy at all points. With Thomas and Sherman left we are safe.

     The Rebs fight more stubbornly here than they have at any other point since the campaign commenced, but what will it avail them except the loss of life? They will if they remain here suffer defeat – they must leave: they are becoming worn out and discouraged by the labor which is exacted from them in the trenches before the city day and night, and for the first time since we crossed the river, deserters are flocking into our lines, they say all the railroads except one leading to Atlanta have been destroyed and rations are becoming scarce. Deserters this morning say Johnson is again commanding their army – Johnson was relieved because he wouldn’t fight and now Hood has been set aside because he has fought.

There are guns of large calibre in the forts about Atlanta, we have had 64 pound Parrott shells fall into our camp and they say there are 120 pound cannon mounted in some of the forts west from the City, if this is true the Southern Confederacy will someday be minus some big guns.

The weather has been pretty warm, but we have been having rain recently, which makes it more pleasant. I have recd both bundles which you forwarded and they are a great comfort. Is the price of groceries and provisions still advancing in Ohio? I have to pay 25 cts per lb for white sugar, 20 for brown, 21 for ham, 20 dried beef, 12.5 fresh beef, 16 pork, 52 for coffee and 20 for beef tongue, dried.

Boys from our neighborhood well last I heard. Sergt. Sleigh sick and gone to hospital – my health firm. Much love to all
                                                     Your Son
                                                     David Putnam

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

July 9th, 1864, Near Chattahoochi, GA

In the field

Near Chattahoochi, Ga.

July 9, 1864

Dear Parents

Your letter containing slips of paper which gave accounts of commencement proceedings I have recd.

Our Corps is still in camp near Chattahoochi River; the other Corps are busy on the right. Everything thus far is going well. The Rebs have strong forts on opposite side of river to prevent our crossing. Atlanta can plainly be seen from points on this side of river, but with a good glass the streets can be seen thronged with people. When fighting is in progress the house tops are covered by spectators who seem to be much interested in movements of our army: strong forts can be seen near the city. The cars are up as usual. They run right up to the skirmish line. This insolence as the Rebs consider it is promptly met by a shower of bullets. A Reb prisoner says he believes the Yanks have a machine for “spinning railroads”.

The weather is hot, hot, very hot – the roads are beginning to be somewhat dusty.  

Boys in the Regt. were all well the last time heard. I do not need money although we have not been paid for nearly seven months.

Much love to all

         Affectionately your son David Putnam