July 12, 1863, Camp near Winchester, TN

Camp near Winchester, Tenn.
July 12, 1863

My Dear Parents:

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




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

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

June 23rd, 1863 Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 23, 1863


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

My dear Parents,

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

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

     Much love to all
     affectionately
                               David Putnam

May 25th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn.May 25, 1863



My dear parents:

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

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

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

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

     Much love to all
     Affectionately
     D. Putnam

May 11th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn. May 11, 1863


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

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

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

Much love to all
affect. your son D. Putnam

April 17th, 1863 Carthage, TN

Carthage, Tenn. April 17, 1863



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

     Much love to all affectionately
                your son David Putnam

April 3rd, 1863 Camp Carthage, TN

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


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


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

     Much love to all Affectionately Your son
               David Putnam

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

February 23rd, 1863 On Board Steamer Fitzhugh

On board Steamer Fitzhugh Feb. 23, 1863

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

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

     Affectionately your son
     D. Putnam