May 3rd, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
May 3, 1864

My dear Parents
   
I have received your letter of April 22nd.

Everything is quiet here now although we have had two or three brushes with the Rebs within the last week.

The weather is warm – sometimes hot – nights cool. Trees and shrubs are clothed fully in their summer garb - corn by this time – had it been planted -  would be about kneehigh, but the earth is not yet turned, nor is there any likelihood of ploughing being done in this vicinity during 1864.

Our Div. left camp yesterday morning at 4 and marched through the gap toward Tunnel Hill: We encountered the Rebs out about 1 1/2 miles - pitched into them, and after some pretty severe skirmishing broke their lines and drove them at double quick beyond Tunnel Hill where we stopped: having accomplished the desired object we about faced and returned to camp.

One place where a force of the enemy was camped we found their breakfast ready but nary a Reb to partake of the sumptuous repast, which consisted of corn meal and water and water and corn meal made into a paste and roasted on the coals; we found several cakes still cooking but had not time to refresh ourselves by partaking of these tempting morsels.

It is my private opinion the next time we call on these hot cake gentry there will be something if not more. I don’t think our gents will wait for the mighty Militia; but will advance soon.  Banks is not commanding this army.

Jim Davis staid with me last night – will probably obtain the Sutlership of the 14th O.V.V.I.

My box of provisions is doing an immense amount of good. Every person who has had the honor of supping with me since the arrival of the box has declared the several articles were too good for soldiers or that they were not canned for soldiers: well I satisfied them by affirming that they were put up especially for soldiers. My old clothes are no more.

If Uncle Mose has bought the McKee farm it is all right. It is just as good a place as I want and if those Home Guards will attend to their own interests and let others alone I guess – well the fact is, I havent yet seen a place in any part of Ky. Va. Tenn. Ala. or  Ga. Which begins to compare with Ohio for a home.

Papers do not come through regularly have received but two or three. Army stores are being rapidly brought forward to this place some fifty or sixty cars loaded come in daily. Lt. Rosser has returned. Matt. has not come yet. Frank is well. Jono. has gone to Nashville to help drive mules to the front. Will makes a good soldier.

I expect Geo. is busy looking after the lambs, colts, calves, etc.

     Much love to all
                             Affectionately
                                 David Putnam

April 14th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 14, 1864


My dear Parents

Your letter of March 31st I have received and I would have answered it before this had I not been too busy.

I am prospering and doing as well as could reasonably be desired – have good health, comfortable quarters and plenty good food – have been lately feasting on potatoes, krout(sic) and canned tomatoes which I had the good fortune to purchase from our Div. Commissary. I also sent a man to Chattanooga last week with a written request to the Sanitary Agent  stationed at that place desiring him to send me some vegetables for my little Command of one hundred men. I received 4 barrels potatoes which have done the boys much good; they seem to feel about 100% better – think I shall have to trespass on their generosity again before long.

I am much obliged to Matt. for his good opinion – fear he will make me vain – I only help I may do my duty and thereby receive an approving conscience.

I was out day before yesterday with my mounted men beyond our lines picking up stragglers: I visited several families and conversed with certain individuals of the several families. They all seemed glad to see us – were friendly and talkative.

I was out yesterday with a flag of truce to make arrangements for taking a woman within the Reb lines, her home is in Miss. We found the Rebs out about two miles, they, after some few objections, concluded to receive their friend, so we left her to pursue her way home and enjoy the sweets of
her darling Dixie. We met a Col., Lt. Col., Maj., Capt. and two Lts. They seemed very friendly, talked and laughed as though we were old friends, they said it was much more pleasant to meet under a flag of truce  than meeting as we sometimes do. One man had on a pair of common course           boots for which he paid $125. such as the U.  S. Gov. furnishes for $4. At $11. per month it would require his services  as soldier something over eleven months simply for a pair of boots!!

We have had considerable rain lately but quite warm and fine growing weather. Corn should have been planted before this yet no one has even commenced plowing as yet,  neither do I think they will do so as long as the Gov. supplies their immediate needs.

I am getting tired having written most all day. My respects to Bob, Harry, and the rest of the darkies.

Much love to all the family
Affect. your son
David Putnam

April 8th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
April 8, 1864

My dear Parents:
   
Your letter of March 25th is before me. In my last to Sarah I told her that it would not do to attempt to forward another book – it would not reach here; I hope the letter was received in time to prevent the box from starting, it might come safely through to Chattanooga, but it would not come further.  I think I see Geo. and the rest busy preparing materials for Glade C. candy.

I am glad Robert Scott is with you, & supposed him still to be in Ky. driving team for the govt. Why did he quit? I presume he could not endure being so far from Tick’s Ridge – poor fellow I sympathise with him, give him my compliments. I hope he may be successful. Matt. had better remain at home until he is entirely well the army is no place for a person who has the scurvy. You say you are “looking forward to another draft”. When did the last draft take place? The 121st Regt. is not in our div. it may be in this Corps. I will keep my eyes open perhaps I may sometime see my new cousin.
I visited the summit of Taylor’s Ridge a few days since, the place is noted as being the ground over which Hooker’s men charged and drove the Rebs. on 27th of Nov. last, it is quite a high mountain running north and south immediately west and in front of Ringgold. From the top I obtained one of the most beautiful and extensive views of the surrounding country I have ever witnessed. Far to the west and north west lies old Lookout, Chattanooga and the long range of the Raccoon Mts. intervening is the valley of the Chickamauga Creek and the Tenn. river.  Almost directly east is Tunnel hill gap through which can be seen far, far off a high range of mts. I know not what they are – the Mexican Range perhaps: the high Mts. Are south west. Almost due north some sixty miles off can be distinctly seen a spur of the Cumberland Mts. This spur lies between N.C. and Tenn. This spur is now covered with some ten or fifteen feet of snow which makes them appear like huge snowballs sitting in top of a stump. Citizens say snow remains on the top during eight months of the year.
I believe this place is more healthy than W. Ga. Everybody is looking healthy and happy.
We had a grand review yesterday. Our division was viewed by Genls. Thomas, Palmer and Bainds. Gen. Hooker came down in the evening but did not reach here until the show was over.

Please hereafter direct my letters to Headquarters, 3rd Division, 14th A.C. and not to the Regt. I have given up all hope of being able to return to the Regt. soon as I have receipted for a considerable amount of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores, Clothing, Camp and garrison equipage, etc., etc. belonging to the guard and escort. I now have quite a little command; 60 Inft. who do guard duty about Headquarters and 40 mounted men who act as Gen. Bainds’ escort – 100 in all. For all people I have to make returns monthly & quarterly to the Chief of Ordnance and Adj. Gen. at Washington which gives me plenty to do. Much love to all

                                    Affectionately your son
                                           David Putnam

David Wright and Florence Smith's Engagement Announcement

I found a newspaper clipping of my grandparent's engagement announcement.  Given comments in article, this was probably written in the winter of 1917-1918. Here is a transcription:

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED
Miss Florence Edna Smith of Risingdale, teacher in the Searles school at Great Barrington entertained the teachers of Searles at her home on Thursday evening. During the evening announcement of her marriage engagement to David Sanders Wright of Northampton was made public. Mr. Wright is a graduate of Amherst college and previous to his entering the service of the national army taught science in Searles and was also atheletic instructor. He is now at Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga. Miss Smith is a graduate of Searles and of Mount Holyoke college. No date has been set for the wedding.

March 24th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
Mar. 24th 1864

Dear Parents

Yours of 9th inst. recd. I have been on business to Chattanooga recently and should have written sooner. I am truly glad we have got out from that place – if some measure is not soon taken to thoroughly cleanse the place from all filth, the whole town will be one grand hospital. Whole regiments of mules still lay where they fell last winter some scattered here and there as skirmishers, some form one line of battle and others are in close column by division: the atmosphere is literally full of disease and contagion.

Ringgold, I think is a very healthful place. My troublesome neighbors over the way have ceased from troubling – they have been sent to their “dear friends” at Dalton. Old King Winter has erected an immense house of snow and taken up his abode with us for a season. Night before last we had a heavy snowstorm – snowed all night and part of yesterday, eight inches deep by measurement.  Citizens say deepest snow “weuns all have seen for last thirty years: the oldest inhabitants have never witnessed so much snow at any one time; they affirm the Yanks brought it with them, but they could bear such a storm if it was the only storm of Yankee invention.

The R.R. is completed up to this point and cars are arriving regularly.

Jont. Smith wants that you should see about getting his bounty of $100 – I know not whether it be a County or State bounty– and saving it for him, either put it in the bank on an interest – he thinks his family will not need more money this summer. Frank wants to know if you don’t want some nails made, fences built or some stove wood chopped? If you do he will be on hand so soon as he gets his big job done.

I am having pies for dinner regularly. Ben stews Hickory Glade dried apples, then converts them into first class pies. Has Cousin Doug been discharged? There were four Put. cousins in 92nd 14 months ago, now, one.
                                                           Much love to all affect. Your son
                                                                                       David. Putnam

My “Kiss Me” attracts much attention. Could dispose of it for a good sound sum of greenbacks but I cant sees (sic) them.
DP

March 10th, 1864, Ringgold, GA

Ringgold, Ga.
March 10, 1864

My dear Parents

I have just been handed a Hickory Glade letter dated Feb. 23rd.

I feel most too lazy to write much - have got Spring Fever, I guess. We had a hard thunderstorm night before last and last night considerable rain, today the weather is clear, very warm and sultry.

I do pity the people in Ohio who must still wear their furs, pay the expenses of a large amount of fuel, and continually be growling about the cold weather. This country is equal to if not superior to the Land of Promise were it not flowing with Rebs and their friends; but when the land is divided among the Jews and each man shall receive his inheritance, then it will be “the land flowing with milk and honey.”

A few deserters come in daily. They are mostly all either old gray haired men, or mere boys, thirteen or fourteen years of age. They all claim to be conscripts.

Everything has been quiet here since we arrived except now and then light skirmishing with enemy cavalry. Veterans are beginning to return. When they all get back we shall have force sufficient to move forward and stay there if we do not go further.

The railroad will I think be completed through to this place in about fifteen days; this town is on the R.R. line running from Chattanooga to Dalton and Atlanta.

If this army takes Dalton and Atlanta this Spring and Richmond next Fall I think the Rebs will be about “played” and the “vandals” will be in possession of the “last ditch”. I still have plenty fruit – have not cooked any apples yet. I will save them until the last as they will keep.  Canned fruit was excellent, I sent a dish quinces to Capt. Swallow Chief of Artillery for this division and on Genl. Baind’s staff, he thought they were best he ever tasted.

Frank was much pleased with his socks, paper and tobacco but he has no use for the gloves, no more than when harvesting in Ohio. Frank is well – have not heard from Matt. since he left,  is probably at Nashville or Louisville. Ben says Masser division is ready so I must close. 

Affectionately                                                                 
Your son  D. Putnam

Merrick Luther Smith's Obituary

Going through the stacks of documents I received from my parents house, I found my great grandfather's obituary.  He died on October 3rd, 1934. Here is a transcription:

Housatonic
M.L. SMITH, 78, DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Native of Tyingham Had Lived in Housatonic for 31 Years

HOUSATONIC, Oct 4.-- Merrick L. SMith, 78, well known papermaker, died at the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield yesterday afternoon after a long illness. Born in Tyringham June 6, 1856, son of Edward and Lydia Kilbourne Smith he had resided in this town 31 years.

The funeral will be held tommorrw afternoon at 2 P.M., in ht Methodist Church with the Rev. Purdy Halstead, assisted by Rev. Edward G. Wahl of Goshen, former pastor here, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee.

Mr. Smith followed the papermaking trade all his life until he retired from active work bout two years ago. He worked at his trade in West Springfield, Lee, and came to Rising Paper Company formally known as the B.D. Rising Company soon after the firm started business in Risingdale. He was for years foreman of the finishing department and was known far and wide for his knowledge of finishing paper products.

While in the employ of the old Rising concern, working for his employer ad those who labored under his orders, he invented a lift which relieved those handling paper rolls of considerable weight. This type of lift, with added features, continues to be used in many paper plants.

Mr. Smith was also engaged in the grocery business with his brother Grove, under the firm name of M.L. Smith & Co. in Risingdale for years, until the business was purchased by Watson Brothers. With Mrs. Smith he conducted the Rising Boarding House. He was also interested in clubs and aided in the organization and served as head of both the old Risingdale Men's and Boy's Clubs. in addition to considerable work in the interest of the Y.M.C.A. when the unit was actively at work in Southern Berkshire.

Active in Church
He was an active member of the Housatonic Methodist Episcopal Church and hled various offices in the church. He helped organize and serve as the first president of the present Methodist Men's Club and through this organization brought back the popular pastime of barnyard golf into this section. After his retirement he built two ranges for this game at his property in Risingdale and opened it for the use of the public. He was also a member of the Cinsinnatus Lodge of Masons.

Last fall Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to Northampton to spend the winter with relatives and while there Mr. Smith suffered a shock. He underwent two operations and recovered sufficiently to return to his Risingdale home early in the spring. He got around the home in a wheel chair. Another operation was deemed necessary more then a week ago. He was taken to the House of Mercy Hospital in Pittsfield and the operation was performed on Friday after which his condition was serious and death came about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

Besides his wife, Mr. Smith leaves two daughters, Mrs. Florence Wright, wife of David Wright, the well known athletic director at Northampton High School, and Mrs. Estelle Bradbury, wife of Henry V. Bradbury of Dalton; a sister, Mrs. Lucy Strong of Boston.