Camp Randall
Madison, Wis.
Nov. 5th, 1861
Dear Father:
We have at last got nearly
settled down with our regular Camp life, and I find a little time to write.
During the first few
days we were here the commissioned officers were obliged to be absent nearly
all of the time and I had to take the whole charge of the company. I was
therefore kept very busy.
We have not yet elected
our non-commissioned officers and I am acting as Orderly sergeant, it is
rather laborious. I have to call the roll at 5 o'clock A. M., then at 9
o'clock A. M., then at 12 o'clock P. M. then at 5 o'clock P. M. then at
9 o'clock P. M.
Sometimes I have to march
the company to and from their meals, see that they have enough to eat,
look up fuel for the stoves, &c. Must make out a report every morning
of the number of men in the ranks, number in the hospital, number on duty:
on furlough &c. These with some other duties keep me very busy.
We are to have fifteen
more men this week. We shall then elect the Sergeants & Corporals,
and I will be relieved of part of my duties. We are quartered in the barracks
here, the tents not yet being ready for us to occupy.
It will hardly be worth
while for you to come out here present, not until we get our uniforms at
least. If you could send me one or two blankets I would like it, also my
watch, as I have to call the rolls on time and now have to rely on one
else which is not always convenient.
Government shoes are
very good, strong, and will have so not find a Pair small enough so will
have to get a pair of boots or shoes made.
We will not be paid off
until just before we leave. Wish you would send some money, say $10, if
it is convenient so that I can procure those things which I need. Went
we are paid off, the shoes and other articles which we do not receive are
credited to us.
You must write often
and I will do so whenever I can. Give my love to all the friends and reserve
a large share for yourself.
Frank (H. Putney)
Direct
Care Capt. D. Howell 12th Regiment Madison, Wis.
Camp Randall Nov, 17th, 1861
Dear Father:
Amid a perfect Babel of
confusion and noise, I have at this time to write and the receipt of the
articles which you were so kind as to send.
Although to-day has been
the one set apart as the Day of Rest, yet from all appearances in Camp
you would fail to recognize it as the Sabbath, the drums beating and men
marching in every direction during the entire afternoon.
This evening some of
the men are quarreling, jawing among themselves in consequence of too much
whiskey. I suppose which they run the guard to obtain. There is such a
noise I can scarcely think!
I presume a description
of camp life may prove somewhat interesting to you. We have to get up in
the morning at 5 A. M. and answer to roll call. At half past 6 o'clock
we have breakfast which is the slimmest meal we get. We then are at liberty
until 1/2 past 8 when we mount guard. At 9 o'clock the non commission (officers
assemble and drill until 10 o'clock. From 10 until 12 we have squad and
company drill under the superintendence of our own officers. At 12 o'clock
we dine sumptuously on pork and been soup, beef, bread and butter &c.
We are then on liberty until 2 o'clock when we assemble for Battalion Drill
and Regimental Parade which lasts till 4 o'clock. At 1/2 past 5 we have
supper which is a second edition of the dinner with the addition of coffee
the aforesaid coffee being a compound of chickory peas burnt crusts and
burnt rye which is quite delicious after you get used to it; it takes some
time to get used to it.
Aunt Howell came here last Friday from Bridge Port, she has been
visiting Pearson's people for a week. She is just outside the camp where
it is convenient for Uncle to lodge and occasionally get his meals. The
family is a very pleasant one and Aunt will remain there some time. She
thinks strongly of accompanying Uncle, but that will depend somewhat upon
where the Regiment is ordered Col. Bryant (Our Colonel). I said yesterday
that we might be ordered away in 1ess than two weeks but that is rather
doubtful.
Yesterday we received
our coats and pants which are like all the other Regiments: dark blue sacks
and light blue pants; tomorrow or next day we got our caps and overcoats
which will make us look a little more military than we have done for the
past two weeks.
I was elected Second
Sergeant last week after a hard fight for the office, but as the 1st Sergeant
has been sick for a week, I have acted as Orderly, which has kept me very
busy, but I hope he may be able to attend to his duties soon and relieve
me of some of the labor. Uncle and Aunt both send much love and wish to
be remembered to all of the friends. Aunt does not think she can visit
Julia (though she desires it very much) as she will not have time.
Give my love to all and
reserve a large share for yourself. Write soon and direct to Co. G. 12
Regiment Madison.
I will come home on a
furlough if there is any possible show even if I can not stay but two or
three days.
From Your Aff. Son
Frank H. Putney
Camp Randall
Nov. 23rd 1861
Dear Father:
I wrote to you the fore
part of this week in regard to our doings in Camp and as I have a little
spare time, I will employ it in writing again.
Uncle and Aunt left for
Janesville this morning and will be back in Camp next Tuesday. Uncle will
visit you at Waukesha if he has time but that is not certain. He has several
trunks and boxes containing his cloths, bedding &c, which he wants
them stored until he returns from the War. I told him I thought if he would
send them to you, you could get a place in the depot or some of the warehouses
there. I also sent my trunk along which you will open and have the shirts
and other cloths washed but not starched as it will rot them. I think the
clean shirts had better be washed also. Those old gray pants you can give
away. The overcoat you said you wanted. If you can wear those stockings
with blue feet you had better take them as they are too large for me and
have always hurt my feet.
At Mrs. Pullens is a
Bohemian glass cologne bottle belonging to me which you may leave there
or take down to Julia's as you like. That old business coat you can keep
or give away as you like, it is much soiled but there is considerable wear
in it yet.
We have received all
of our uniforms now, overcoats too, and look quite soldier like, but when
we will get our guns, I do not know.
If we do not leave under
two weeks I will try and come home to make a visit but if I can not come
you must visit Madison. I will write to you before we leave so you can
have time to come.
When it is pleasant weather
we have to drill nearly all of the time, but for a day or two it has been
very stormy, snowing, blowing. &c.
The 15th & 16th Regiments
are coming into camp now. They have some 6 or 8 companies here now. The
15th is the Norwegian Regt., Col. Harris Heg.
Tell Julia I will write
to her in a few days.
Has Mary Adell come yet?
Give my love to all and
reserve for yourself.
From
Frank
Direct to
Co G. 12 Regiment
Madison
Wis.
Madison, Wis. Dec. 11th, 1861
Dear Father:
Your last two letters
were both received and were welcome as ever. I was glad to hear that you
and all the friends were well and hope to see you in Madison soon.
The Governor came home
last evening and brought the news to the Soldiers. A dispatch came from
Washington this morning ordering the 9th, 12th and 13th Regiments to Fort
Leavenworth Kansas. The Governor replied by saying the Reg'ts were al1
ready to leave but would not do so until they were paid off. A dispatch
then came saying Capt. Eddy of the U. S. Army on his way here to pay us
off, and would fit us out immediately so we will probably leave next Monday
or Tuesday.
The design appears to
be to concentrate a large force at Fort Leavenworth and then march South
and out off Gen'l. Price's army. If this be so we will get into action
sooner than we anticipated although not sooner than the boys desired, if
their cheering at the announcement of our departure is any evidence.
I can give today of our
departure, but will telegraph to you as soon as we have definite marching
orders. Uncle had not yet decided whether or not to have Aunt accompany
him. He has some doubts about her ability to bear the fatigue of camp life.
I think she had better remain at home in good comfortably quarters instead
of following an Army through its various wandering and presume she will
conclude to do so.
I wish you would send
me a Milwaukee paper occasionally as reading matter is not very plentiful
here in camp. We have the Madison Journal every day but it doesn't amount
to much.
Write soon and say to
the friends that I will surely write to them its soon we spare time and
something to write about. In writing to me, direct to
Serg't F. H. Putney
Co. G., 12th. W. V.
Madison, Wis.
Love to all
Thanks
Dec 23rd, 1861
Camp Randall
Dear Father:
I have just time to write
a few words and inform you of the news in Camp.
This morning at Dress
Parade, the Colonel announced to the Regiment that "they would receive
their pay on Wednesday of this week and would leave within 24 hours thereafter
for the Seat of War", so this begins to look like moving.
We have received our
guns and accoutrements and are now the best furnished Regiment which is
in or has let the State.
Our guns are of the style
known as the Belgium Rifles and are considered one of the most effective
fire arms in the service and in the hands of the "Bully Twelfth" will be
apt to tell the "Secesh".
There are a few cases
of the measles & a few of the mumps in our Regiment but they are not
spreading much.
You had better come out
as soon as you can as we remain here but a short time now. You must give
my love to all of the friends and come down.
Uncle and Aunt are both
well and send much love to all of their friends.
From Your Aff. Son
Frank
Camp. Randall
Madison, Wis., Jan'y 8th, 1862
Dear Father:
I have for one strange
as it may seem get my tent all to myself, and I will improve the quiet
by writing to you.
The camp is all agitation
in consequence of a fresh report that we are to leave this week for sure.
I think there is some
truth in it this time as the Col. issued this marching order authorizing
the
Quartermaster to contract
for the transportation of the Reg't to Leavenworth. This looks like moving
and there is no reason why we should not as we have received our pay and
are all ready and very impatient.
The contract for feeding
the troops at the Mess Hall expires to-morrow and if we stay longer we
shall have to cook our own fodder which will make it rather bad as we have
no conveniences now.
The prospect is we shall
leave by Saturday at the farthest. Aunt left for Janesville yesterday where
she will wait until the Reg't comes along.
Olive and George Lang
left for Ohio at the same time as. George was so impatient to get home.
On
Monday the 12th &
16th Reg'ts marched down to the city to assist at the inauguration of Gov.
Harvey when Gov's Randall and Harvey addressed us for a show time. After
the ceremony was over they came up to Camp and dine with the soldiers.
I was over to see Tim
Morris and found Orin Lampman in the same Company, both were well and looked
as hearty as bucks.
Tim is a corporal and
wears his stripes with becoming dignified.
On New Years day the
Governor presented the Regiment their colors which are very handsome. The
state color silk banner with the Wis. Coat of arms in gilt and the "Forward".
The other is the army regulation Stars and Stripes.
Our 1st corporal (who
is my chum) was made Regimental color bearer by order of the Colonel.
Co. G. was on guard again
Monday and we had a rough time. I assure you during the night we took 25
prisoners and they made that old guard house howl. Give my respects to
all and accept much love from
Your Aff. Son
Frank Putney
Fort Leavenworth Kansas,
May 28th, 1862
Dear Father:
You have doubtless heard
that the New Mexico Expedition has been abandoned and the troops destined
for that point has been ordered back to Ft, Deavenworth's report to Gen'1
Halleck.
Our Brigade under the
command of Gen'l Mitchell left Fort Riley May 20th and arrived here on
the 26th when we went into camp to await further orders.
The Brigade was reviewed
by Brig. Gen'l Blunt (command of this Dept.) this forenoon, and orders
were read to us announcing that the troops here would embark this evening
on steamers for St, Louis, accordingly we leave tonight at, 6 o'clock.
I supposed our destination is Tennessee, though we per usual, know nothing
for a certainty. By the time we get to St. Louis we may be ordered to Virginia
or any other place but that is not at all probable. If we stop at St. Louis,
I will write you again.
Aunt Elizabeth will accompany
the Capt. to St. Louis and if she is not allowed to go farther as we hear
women are not) will return to Wisconsin. She can not bear the idea of being
separated from Uncle, but I think she had much better return to Wis. than
to go to Corinth, for the future scene of a large battle is hardly a fit
piece for her.
I do not see why I do
not get more, letters from you and you will be astonished when I tell you
that I have had but two letters from you in the last three months.
When you answer this,
direct Via Ft. Leavenworth, as I do not know where we my be located and
that direction will go, but the most sure to reach me. It is now 5 o'clock
and I must finish in haste as everything is hurly burly about camp. Uncle
and Aunt are both well and send much love. You must write often to met
as letters from home are a perfect God send.
Give my love to all friends
and believe me as ever,
Your Aff. Son
Frank H. Putney
P. S. Give love to Uncle and Aunt Kline when you see them. Tell them I receive their papers about once a month. I also get a paper from you once in a while. They are very acceptable and read with avidity.
Frank
Columbus, Kentucky
June 5th, 1862
Dear Father::
I wrote to you from Leavenworth
informing you of the changes which had taken place, and regarding our probable
destination.
When we left Fort Riley,
we were ordered to Pittsburgh landing when we reached St. Louis orders
came for us to go to Fort Pillow and when we got to Cairo we were ordered
to stop at Columbus: so on our trip down we had very little idea where
we would finally bring up.
Our passage down the
river was remarkably pleasant one and I enjoyed it more than any other
trip I ever took. As soon as we reached here we went to camp about a 1/2
mile from the fortifications on an elevated piece of ground with wood and
water plenty. The site was formerly occupied by the 154th Reg't Tennessee
Vol. (Rebel).
Columbus is very strongly
fortified by entrenchments and stockade forts and threat wonder is that
the Rebels should have evacuated it without a struggle. The works extend
some three or four miles back from the river and around the city, are supplied
with siege guns of large caliber: 120 and 138 pounders.
They command the river
and land approaches in every direction and while the rebels had possession
of the place the ground was filled with torpedoes which would explode whenever
a body of troops should pass over them. These have been mostly taken out
but few still remain.
Just across the river
from us is the bloody battlefield of Belmont. There are about 700 graves
in plain sight from the River bluff. The inhabitants here are all "Secesh",
but make no demonstrations, except occasionally a woman will insult the
men by some epithet or other. Gen'l Butler's order ought to in force throughout
the Seceded States and it would probably stop these excitable females who
can not bear the sight of a Union Soldier.
The Captain has just
come in and says we have again got our marching orders so I must hurry
up my writing.
We are ordered to leave
to-morrow morning at daylight for Union City, Tennessee. It is 40 miles
from here and we are ordered to march with our knapsacks packed &c.
(Heavy marching orders.) The boys are growling terribly as it is awful
hot and stuffy, though we will probably make short marches.
The "13th Wis." go along
with us. I expect we are to go and repair the Columbus and Mobile R.R.
but do not know. The rebels on their retreat blew up all the bridges. Our
men are not at all of pleased with the idea "working on the R. R.", for
$13.00 per month.
Uncle has been down town
and made arrangements for Aunt's passage back to Wisconsin. She will leave
in the morning and will go to Janesville first to see after her things
there. Where she will finally locate I do not know, but if she would be
contented in Waukesha I would like to have her go there.
After she gets to Janesville
I wish you would go out and see her and see what you can do for her as
she feels terrible about leaving, but this is no place for her as we are
liable to be attacked any day. I send my overcoat home by her as I can
not pack it on my back and if I should be where it next winter I can get
it by express.
I haven't time to write
any more till we get in camp again. You must write often whether I receive
the letters or not. I have not had a letter from you in two months.
Give love to all and
accept myself for yourself, from
Your Aff. Son,
Frank H, Putney
Direct Via St. Louis
P. H. Putney
Humboldt, Tenn.
July 16th, 1862
Dear Father:
I received your last two
letters while we were at Camp each, six miles south of Union City, and
I can truly say that until we came here I had no time to a newer then!
While at Camp Beach,
we were employed in building a R. R. Bridge across the Obion river, and
I was occupied the greater portion of every day, so that when night came
I was tired enough to lie down and sleep soundly, without any additional
exercise.
We were engaged upon
the bridge and R. R. two weeks, and during that time the thermometer seldom
indicated less than from 90 to 95 degrees in the shade. Rather warm for
active employment.
We next went back to
Union City and remained until the 4th of July when we were ordered to march
to Humboldt, 60 miles through the country and part of that distance through
one of the far- famed canebrakes of the South.
The weather was so warm
that we could not make over 12 or 15 miles in a day, and you can imagine
the amount of cussing indulged in by the men, also after putting in 150ft.
of bridge were not permitted a ride over it. It seems as if the "12" was
doomed to travel all over creation, and that too, afoot and alone.
We were ordered into
Summer quarters here and the prospect is now that we will stay here during
the Hot Weather at least.
Col. Bryant has been
appointed Commandant of the Post.
The Reg't is employed
in doing Guard Duty and mounts each day three separate guards, viz. 50
men R. R. guard, 48 men camp guard and 30 men Provost Guards in all 128
men so we are likely to die of inactivity. We are encamped in an orchard
about 1/2 mile from town and have a very healthy location
The cotton buyers are
flocking into this area of this country true and fast and are doing well.
They get their cotton about 16 or 18 cts per lb. (gold and treasury notes)
and ship it to St. Louis where it is worth 35 cts.
One man up at Paducah
cleared $20,000.00 in 15, days and invested only about $1590, He bought
his cotton with Tennessee money at 10 cts and bought his Tenn. money for
50 cts on the dollar shipped to St. Louis and got his returns in two weeks.
There are so many buyers here now that there would be but little show for
you, but if we could have known it six weeks ago you could have invested
money to good advantage.
We have not been paid
off for May and June and do not know when we will be. As soon as we are
I will forward my Drafts to you. The Drafts are drawn upon the Sub Treasurer
of the U. S. in New York, payable to your order, so I have nothing to do
with them, except to forward to you. The amount of the Draft will be $24.
You may invest as you deem best.
In my letter to you from
Columbus I wrote that Aunt E. was coming North. Before she got ready to
start she concluded to go to St. Louis and stop with Wa1ter Bessly's people
until she knew where we were likely to go. She is still there with them.
Uncle Daniel is going
up there in a day or two and I think she will come back with him as she
can be made very comfortable here this Summer. Uncle will write to you
from St. Louis.
Tell the friends for
me, that now I have a little more time. I will be more prompt with my correspondence.
There is a member of
our Company home on a sick leave at Oconomowoc. His name is Ole 0. Oleson.
You may have seen him.
I nearly forgot to tell
you that last week I was promoted to Orderly Sergeant. The office brings
in increase of pay of $3 per month so that now I receive $20 per month
instead of $17. The increase of labor is greater than that of the pay!
When you write direct
to Humboldt, Tenn.
Write soon and accept
much love from Uncle and,
Your Aff, Son
Frank H. Putney
Humboldt, Tennessee
August 7th, 1862
Dear Father:
Yours of July 22nd came
to hand to-day and I hasten to answer the welcome messenger. There is nothing
occurring here of interest more than when I last wrote. You have probably
heard of the big scare which we had on, the 27th ult. Since we recovered
from that we have had nothing to interrupt the "even tenor of our way",
I send you by to-days mail, a paper edited by our boys here which has a
full account of our alarm, and how near we came to having a fight I
For the last week we
have not seen or heard of a guerilla when we first came we used to capture
one every day or two.
About 10 days ago a party
of our boys while out on a scout captured a Secesh Brigadier who was home
on a furlough has been sent to Cairo.
We have already taken
some half dozen (Secesh,) Lieutenants, who were hope have left the country
can not hear of them.
Uncle Daniel wrote to
you a few days since. I suppose he told you that Aunt was coming to Columbus
to stay. No women are allowed with the army south of that place, except
with A permit from Gen'l U. S. Grant, and that is hard to obtain.
If you are having more
than your share of rain, I think we are getting "full rations" of heat.
Yesterday the thermometer was 112" in the shade and the day before. I fried
an egg on a tin plate with no heat but that of the sun! Rather warm, isn't
it? Yet, warm as it is, I never had better health in my life. Since I came
into Tenn. I have not had a sick moment. My old affliction, the headache,
has left me and I feel tip-top. Mine is not an exceptional case either,
for in our Regt. we have, but 21 sick, and that too in the middle of the
sickly season. None of our company are in the Hospital, nor have we had
any since we came here.
With the vigorous polices
(which the President is about to commence) to sustain us. I feel that our
men will enter into than earnestness which will reflect credit upon the
fight with the Wis. 12th. Our earnest prayer is, that guarding rebel hen
roosts and pigpens is played out. We have seen enough of that. I hope that
those of our Gen'ls who have such tender conscience towards rebel property
may be promptly relieved of their command and more honest patriots succeed
them.
What do you think of
men having the scurvy and gangrene for want of vegetables, and hundreds
of acres of corn, potatoes, apples, peaches &c right in sight of them?
If they were taking any of these vegetables, they would get a weeks confinement
in the buck and gag or some other severe punishment and so they were forced
to live on Bacon and hard bread.
Our Reg't have not respected
Gen'l Grant's order but have taken corn, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, apples,
peaches &c. wherever they could find them and Col. Bryant has not punished
them. He is a white man, all over. But Gen'l Logan has kept his men inside
of camp lines and severely punished any infringement of the Vegetable Order.
I believe he is a traitor at heart.
I did hot know Solon
Darling but went up to see him this mornings. He is well and says he feels
first rate and likes "soldiering."
Uncle sends love to all.
Give my love to the friend and reserve for yourself, from
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H. Putney
Humboldt, Tennessee,
September 8th 1862
Dear Father:
I wrote you a letter about
four weeks but like very many of its predecessors is as yet unanswered.
Uncle received a letter
from you last week, the first now we have had from you in some time.
We are still in considerable
excitement here in consequent of the recent guerrilla raids in this vicinity.
Day before yesterday a party of about 350 attacked three companies of this
"Illinois Thirty First", stationed at the bridge across the Forked Deer
3 1/2 miles south of this place. The Guerrillas began the attack by killing
one picket and mortally wounding another stationed on a trestle work 1/2
mile south of the bridge. They then marched up the R. R. track to where
our men were busy constructing breastworks of logs. This was about three
o'clock in the morning. They came upon our men with a yell and poured into
them volley after volley of bile hot and ball shut the breastworks protected
our brave fellows so that none were killed but several were wounded. They
then commenced surrounding the works and our men were obliged to retreat
across the R. R. into the woods. The Rebels then took possession of the
bridge and set it on fire. They burned up all of our tents and baggage,
and took what arms were left. The train from Jackson came down about this
time and seared them a way as they supposed it had reinforcements aboard,
The train arrived just in time to put the fire in the bridge. Five companies
of infantry of the Missouri18th were sent out from here and remained there
that day and night but no enemy made its appearance.
We captured one Lieut.
Colonel, who has since died of wounds, and three privates. We also killed
10 or 12 of their men.
News has just arrived
that a scouting party, sent out from our Regiment, is fighting out at Poplar
Corners, twelve miles from here. Reinforcements have soon ordered out.
The recent reverses to
our arms in the East have cast a gloom and depression over our men that
only a series of equally brilliant victories can relieve. I can not see
where in we are better off than we were a year ago except that we have
8 nominal possession of the Mississippi and an extremely doubtful hold
upon Kentucky and Tennessee.
The National Capitol
is still threatened and more closely pressed than last Summer. Missouri
is threatened with another invasion and will probably get it. The "loyal"
sentiment of we South about which there has been so much prating is about
played out. I have not seen any of it in Kentucky or Tennessee. I know
just one Union man here. They have all taken the oath? Several of the guerillas,
killed day before yesterday, had the, oath in their pocket. I wonder if
they don't represent the loyal portion of the South? But enough of this
for the present.
Enclosed is a photograph
which I had taken here. It is not good but will serve to show how your
boy looks as a brave soldiers.
Uncle sends his best
respects. Write soon,, and accept much love from
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H. Putney
Humboldt, Tenn.
Sept, 22nd 1862
Dear Father:
Your letter of Sept 6th
arrived about ten days since, and I hasten to answer, I was at the time
it came, and did not get it until last week. I have been down to Corinth
twice in the last two weeks having that go on guard on the cars. This guard
was rendered necessary from the fact that two or three trains have been
fired onto by guerilla between Jackson and Corinth. Since a guard was put
on the train they have ceased firing.
We lead the same stupid
life as of old having nothing to disturb the even tenor or our way, except
occasionally an intelligent contraband brings in word that a large rebel
force crossed the Hatchee river last night. Our pickets are the on doubled,
the men cautioned to be, on the, alert and when night comes a few of the
timid ones go to bed with their clothes, on and their guns and accoutrements
by their side, but when day breaks and the aforesaid rebel force fails
to make its appearance the "big fraid" blows over, and we settle back into
the regular routine of camp life concluding that the rebels are crossing
and recrossing that mythical stream, the Hatchee, merely for their own
amusement. As long as they remain on its quiet banks we feel tolerably
safe. Heavy cannonading has been heard all the morning out east of us and
we conclude a force from Trenton is driving the rebels out of Huntington
3 miles from here. The rebels were reported to be there 500 strong and
two pieces of artillery, and I heard yesterday that they were to be attacked
today. The telegraph brings us word that they are also fighting below Corinth.
The 14th, 16th Reg't went to Iuka last Friday expecting to give the rebels
a rub at that place.
Aunt Howell came down
from Columbus last week, and is looking first rate. I presume she will
stay here a week or two longer. She and Uncle both send much love.
We have the healthiest
place here at Humboldt that I have seen in Dixie. There are very few Reg'ts
at Corinth or Jackson that have over 300 men fit for duty, while we have
only 18 men in the Hospital and three of those belong to another Regiment.
Our Regiment reports over 800 men for duty. I think you told me that some
of Uncle Christopher's boys were in the service. Do you know the no. of
their Reg't? This country is full of Illinois troops, and I might find
the boys.
Give love to all and
reserve for yourself.
Your Aff Son
Frank H. Putney
Bolivar, Tennessee
October 30th, 1862
Dear Father:
Now that we have at last
got settled down again I will take the opportunity of answering your kind
letter.
From Uncle's letter 5th,
I learned you did not go to Minnesota as you intended.
As you are probably aware
we left Humboldt October came down here and remained that day. The next
night started for the Hatchee to reinforce Gen'l Hurlbut arriving there
on the morning of the 7th but Price and Vandorn had retreated during the
right, so we did not get into the fight as we expected. I went down onto
the battlefield and saw the dead and wounded lying there by hundreds. It
was a horrid, horrid spectacle, and I have no desire to witness another.
I saw 300 of Price's men dead in one pile and 150 in another. Arms, legs
and hands were lying around on the ground promiscuously and 7 guns and
sabres without number,
We remained on the Hatchee
one day. When we returned here and found to our chagrin that we were to
stay at Bolivar. We are in Col. Pugh's Brigade, Gen'l Lareman's Division,
and Gen'l, McPherson's District.
All the troops here are
actively engaged in entrenching around the place, as it feared Price will
attack us here, he is now at Holly Springs, 45 miles south, with about
40 or 50,000 men. He will probably make an attack either here, or at Corinth.
Let him come, we are ready for him.
It is just one year ago
to night since I entered Camp. I can truly say I am no Randall, a citizen
and sorry the step I then took, but the question forces itself home, how
much nearer the end of the war are we now than then? A little, perhaps,
but the end is not visible, yet I pray God it may come soon.
Aunt E. is here in camp
and will remain for the present. Our health is very good. She and Uncle
both unite in sending much love to you and all the friends.
When you write, direct
to Bolivar, Tenn. Tomorrow we are all to have a general review, and muster.
There is now four month's pay due us, but can not tell when we will get
it. The Government is very much behind with the pay of the troops here.
One Regiment here has had no pay for ten months.
I don t know as you can
make anything out of this rambling letter or read it all, but when I tell
you my headaches so I can scarcely sit up, I know you will excuse me and
hope for better things in the future.
Write soon and believe
me now as ever
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H, Putney,
Waterford, Miss.
Dec. 8, 1862
Dear Father:
I have been waiting some
time before I answered your letter in order to learn if possible the destination,
but here we are as much in the dark as ever, not even knowing how far our
troops have advanced into rebeldom.
We, with the balance
of Genl. McPherson's column left LaGrange Tenn. on the morning of Nov.
28th and camped that night at Hudsonville, five miles from Holly Springs.
On the 29th we entered Holly Springs without opposition, nary rebel being
visible.
Our Cavalry, under Col.
Lee, had a small skirmish with the enemy there, no loss on our side, but
one man very dangerously wounded.
Early on the morning
of the 30th a portion of Gen'l. Hamilton's wing consisting of two divisions,
(one of which was Gen'l. McArthur in which the Wis. 14th, 16th, 17th and
18th Regts) left for Waterford where the enemy was supposed to have a strong
outpost.
About two miles from
Waterford they came upon the rebel picket, who beat a hasty retreat, for
the reserve. Upon advancing any further they discovered a rebel battery
planted upon a hill in commanding position, or situation. Before our Batteries
could get into position the rebel's opened fire but their pieces were small
6 pounders and the shells fell short of their mark. Our Batteries soon
returned their fire and in a short time advanced them so that when our
cavalry charged up the hill, under cover of our artillery, they found the
rebel guns deserted, and the rebels in full retreat for the Talahatches
where Price's main army was encamped. The rebel force here consisted of
about 5000 cavalry, 1 Regt. of infantry and 1 Battery of artillery.
Our column left Holly
Springs about noon on the 30th. We came up at night, we bound our people
in peaceful possession of Price's main outpost.
On the morning of the
1st, our Artillery, supported by Genl. Hamilton's wing of the army, advanced
to the Talahatches where after some artillery practice on both sides, our
to folks crossed that night, our advance guard rested in Abbeville. Price's
headquarters and the rebel's stronghold where they were to make a stand,
even if every "man should fall."
The next day Col. Lee
entered Oxford just an hour after the [?] had left. The Secesh left in
such haste they had to burn all the Quartermaster's and Commissary stores
collected at Oxford, to prevent their falling into our hands.
Genl. McPherson's column
still remains at Waterford and it is still undecided whether we will move
forward or back to Holly Springs for winter quarters. What marching is
to be done in this season this country will have to be done right soon
or not at all as the roads are getting almost impassable. The wagons sink
in the mud it up to the hubs. The streams are very much swollen by the
recent rain and the bridges are all destroyed. The cars now run down as
far as Holly Springs and will be here this week. That will save us an [?]
sight of training as we now have to haul all of our subsistence to the
Springs.
Uncle Dan has been sick
ever since we left LaGrange but has managed to keep along until to-day,
he went back to Holly Springs, he will try and get into a house he can
then keep warm, at least. He telegraphed for Aunt to come down and nurse
him up.
His health has been very
far from good all summer and the wonder has been how he stood it as long
as he has. I should think he would resign in the field in such weather
as [?].
It rained nearly every
night and we are, half the time, without any tents, when on the march,
Uncle is entirely too old for the service. It is hard enough for young
and tough folks.
I hardly know how to
have you direct any letters as we are on the move most of the time. If
you direct "via Cairo", I think they will come all right
In your letter to Uncle
you said you did not know what Brigade or Division we were in. I will tell
you although we are liable to be changed any day.
We are in the 3rd Brigade,
commanded by Col. Johnson of 28th Illinois, in the 4th Division commanded
by Genl. McKean, in the center commanded by Genl. McPherson, 13th Army
Corps commanded by Genl. U. S. Grant. Genl. Sherman commands the Right
Wing. Gen'l McPherson the Center and Genl. Hamilton the Left Wing. It is
hardly worth while to put on letters the Brigade or Division as we are
constantly shifted about.
When you write I wish
you would send me some postage stamps as I am entirely out and one cannot
get any here for love or money.
We have not been paid
for 5 months and, I presume will not until we get into winter quarters.
It is getting so dark
I can't see to write and I will have to close. Give my love to all the
friends and reserve a large share for yourself.
From your loving son,
Frank H. Putney.
Camp near Waterford, Mill.
January 3rd, 1863
Dear Father:
Having a little leisure
time today I avail myself of the opportunity to write to you again, and
give you a faint outline of the events of the last two weeks.
Dec. 11th/62 we left
Waterford and marched as far south as Waterford valley, driving the Rebel
army below Grenda.
While at Watervalley
preparing to advance, the Rebels under Van Dorn made it dash upon Holly
Springs and burned the government stores, R. Road bridges &c. and so
effectually cut out off our communication with Columbus that we were forced
to fall back on this side of the Talahatchee or starve.
The rebels captured about
1500 prisoners and destroyed an immense amount of property.
Uncle Daniel and Aunt
were in Holly Springs at the time but Uncle was so unwell at the time he
could not walk down town to the paroling officer and they (the rebels)
had not time to send one to him, so he escaped taking the parole. The Rebels
took his sword and pistols. I have not seen Uncle yet as it is impossible
to get a pass to go outside Brigade lines, and he has not been well enough
to ride down here. Our Chaplain saw him yesterday. He says his health is
miserable and that he does not appear to gain at all. Aunt is quite well
but had an immense scare while the Rebels were at the Springs, and has
no desire to pass another such a miserable day.
At the same time Van
Dorn made his raid here, another party burnt Humboldt and Trenton, Tennessee.
I presume you have had full accounts of it, The Army here has been on half
rations since that time and we are likely to be for a week yet. It has
rained nearly every day for the last two weeks, but the weather is warm
and no signs of freezing up, not even a frost now.
On Christmas we marched
all day through the mud and rain. My Christmas dinner was a half of a hard
cracker, a piece of raw bacon, 12 as big as your hand and some parched
corn! A dish not quite fit to set before the King but very palatable to
a hungry man. We are now living on fresh pork and corn meal which we forage
for through the country. We expect to get rations next week so no one grumbles.
On Dec. 31st we were
mustered for six months pay which they due us, The Lord only knows when
we will get it. Everyone is out of money and grumbling it the tardiness
of (the) Government is meeting its payments.
Tobacco is worth 20/
pr pound and scarce, and no money to buy it with. The tobacco chewers are
gloomy looking set. I assure you., but we all hope for better times soon,
Do you think from the pictures I have drawn that we are at all despondent,
we are not.
If Government will only
push the War ahead and accomplish something, the men in the Amy will be
content. Our Army here in the West will fight until the last man falls,
but they chafe at the inaction which has thus far characterized our movements.
They are never in to good spirits as when marching against the enemy and
grow enthusiastic when talking of battles but this stupid camp life kills
them.
Now no one dares set
a time for the end of the War but looks to serve his three years at the
least.
When the cry went forth
"We are coming Father Abraham, six hundred thousand strong", all said,
the war is to be ended soon. The end is not yet. The report is that we
leave for Memphis day after to-morrow but I do not know how true it is.
I hope we may go somewhere soon where we can get our mails I have not seen
a paper in three weeks nor had a letter since I wrote to you before. We
do not know what is going on in the world any more than we would if we
were campaigning it in Africa.
Give my love to all of
the friends when you see them, I saw Orin Lampman last week he was well
and sent his regards to all. He has grown so he is larger than his father.
When you write direct
"Via Cairo" as before. Accept much love for yourself and write soon to,
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H. Putney
Grand Gulf, Mississippi
May 22nd, 1863
Dear Father:
In my last letter to you
dated at Memphis, I promised to write soon and as there appears to be no
prospect of our moving to-day, I will avail myself of the opportunity to
fulfill my promise.
On the evening of May
11th, our Brigade embarked on steamers bound down the river, and on the
morning of the 13th, 1anded at Youngs Point, La. Nothing of interest occurred
the passage down except the shelling of the woods near Greenville by the
Gunboat which was escorting us in order to disperse a party of guerrillas
which make their H'd Quarters in the vicinity.
From Young's Point we
marched across the point to Holland's plantation on the Lake shore about
three miles below Warrenton where we remained until four days ago where
we were ordered here. While camped at Holland s plantation by going up
the river bank five miles we could reach a point which commanded an excellent
view of all the Rebel fortifications from Vicksburg to Warrenton, ten miles
below, and the sight would repay one for the walk.
One of the finest sights
I ever saw was to witness on a clear day, Admiral Porter's gunboat fleet
move up into position and engage the Rebel batteries at Warrenton. Two
or three shells from us would usually draw the rebel fire, when for half
an hour our boats would have it "hot and heavy", then they would withdraw
and in the course of an hour return and renew the engagement, and so it
would continue until dark.
Abler pens than mine
have attempted to describe a battle scene with its whistling of shot and
shrieking of shell, and a steady roar of "bombs bursting in air", so I
will leave it to your imagination to fill up the picture.
The 2nd,Brig. of our
Division followed us here, but the next day after its arrival was ordered
back and yesterday landed at Warrenton which you, are aware is in our possession.
After much severe fighting,
Gen'l Grant has at last completely invested Vicksburg and without any,
more fighting think our possession of the place is merely a question of
time: life rebel lines of communication being broken, and all their supplies
at Jackson destroyed. The right of our Army now rests upon the Yazoo at
Haines Bluff, and the left upon the Miss. at Warrenton, and no doubt, were
this reaches you, you will have heard the cheering intelligence that Vicksburg
is ours.
Gen'l Grant has already
sent to Young's Point via the Yazoo, 4000 Prisoners and has captured siege
guns and field artillery with the ammunition in immense numbers. God grant
that he may complete the good work by taking all of the Rebs prisoners
and capturing all of their artillery.
The same strange fatality
which for nearly two years has attended the "12th. Wis." and kept them
out of battles, hangs over them and we are almost innocent of the charge
of letting Rebel blood. When we were ordered here we came with the full
expectation of marching to the front, and taking a hand in the big game
being played before Vicksburg. But as it to confirm our previous experience,
after waiting here two days, orders came for our Brig. to remain as a garrison
to the place, Col. Bryant Com'd'g.
We are camped on the
bluff south of the old rebel fortifications in a very cool, airy, place,
the best we have had months, and are well content to stay.
If any soldier is burning
to get into a fight, I would recommend him to first come to Grand Gulf,
and pass through the hospitals where lie our 400 wounded men, dying hourly
in the most horrible, agony, and I think his ardor will be somewhat cool.
Uncle and Aunt are both
in Memphis, and were well when I left, and sent much love to you. I have
not heard from them as well. Dear Father:, I will not weary your patience
longer, when I get to writing I hardly know when to stop. Love to all reserve
for yourself
From Your Aff. Son
F. H. Putney.
P.S.
Woman like, I have forgotten
the most important part of my letter and must insert a P. S.
When I last wrote I intimated
to you I had some hopes of promotion, but the aforesaid hopes have vanished.
Instead of recommending me after I had been regularly elected 2nd Lieut.
by the Company, Col. Bryant nominated to Gov. Salomon, Sergt Major H. P.
Bird and he was accordingly commissioned 2nd Lieut., Co. G. and is now
with the Company. It seemed mighty hard to be jumped after having worked
as hard as I have during the year that I have been Orderly, but it can't
be helped now and I have only to grin and bear it, as best I can. It is
a long lane that never turns. Direct your letters as before.
Love to Lyman and Julia.
Frank
In Camp July 4th, 1863, 4 o'clock P. M.
Dear, Father
I neglected to mail my
letter to, you on the 2nd inst. and I now have to announce to you the glorious
news that Vicksburg has surrendered. A flag of truce came over to our lines
yesterday noon and this A.M. arrangements were completed and papered, by
which Gen'1 Pemberton surrenders the City and his entire command. We have
not yet heard any of the particulars nor the amount of the capture, but
our troops are marching into the city and the Stars and Stripes once more
float from the dome of the Court House.
A large portion of our
army has already started for Black river bridge and our division marches
at daylight to morrow, We are to go out until we find Gen'l Joe Johnston
who is reported to be in force at Jackson, Miss. I will write full particulars
when we return.
Uncle Daniel has received
the appointment of Sutler to the 32nd Regt. Ill.Vo1s. and has just arrived
from St. Louis with a stock of goods. He is very well, as is also Aunt,
who is still in Memphis.
Give my love to all the
friends and write soon please send me the Northern Papers containing an
account of the capture of Vicksburg. Through them is the only way we can
find out what we are doing or have done.
Enclosed you will find
a genuine $1.00 Confederate Note, also a five cent postage stamp. Have
you had any before?
In, haste
Your Aff. Son
F. H. Putney
Camp 12th Wis. Vol. Infantry
Natchez, Miss. Oct. 16th, 1863
Dear Father:
I have just returned from
dining with Uncle, Aunt. They arrived here from Memphis on the 10th inst.,
and are, keeping house near the camp of the "32nd Ill"; of which Regt.
Uncle is Sutler, you know. They are both in excellent health. I never saw.
Aunt looking better and Uncle a says he feels first rate, though he does
not look so.
Frank Towner of Belvidere
(I presume you will recollect him, I do not) is boarding with them and
runs the Sutler department of the "12th Wis." Trade is very brisk and Uncle
has every prospect of success. I understand the Paymaster for this Post
is on his way down, and after the troops are paid the sutlers will have
a large cash trade.
Your letter of the 27th
was duly received, but you do not say anything about that tape worm which
was troubling you. You do not know how it has worried me. Does it get no
better or does it get worse? Have you tried worm lozenges, Aunt says they
are first rate. I hope you may have got well before, this. When you write
let me know all about it, as I would much rather know the truth that to
be in suspense and imagine everything.
You need not look for
me home on a furlough this fall, as I can get only 30 days leave of absence,
and the water is so low that I should consume at least that time on the
river. I could not have a week at home, and it is useless to try, although
I should like to see you all so very much.
Lieut. Col. Strong, our
old Major has been down here and inspected all the troops at the Post,
and he paid us a very flattering compliment by saying "we were the best
and finest looking Regt., he had seen either in the 13th, 15th or 17th
Army Corps.
The health of the troops
here is very good and improving all the while. Co. G has only one man in
Hospital.
The climate is delightful,
just cool enough for out of door exercise very much like our Oct. weather
at home, only not quite so cool nights.
My own health is excellent,
never better, and I am ready for anything. If it will only continue, as
good for a year more I shall be thankful.
Two years ago the 31st
of this month we were mustered into the U. S. service, and the boys a1ready
begin to count the months before they can go home. We have lost a good
many men by death since we started out, and I fear we will lose many more
before we see Wisconsin again. The second and third summers in the South
tell hard on our Northern constitutions. The prayers of the "Rebs", that
"Yellow Jack" might visit us. I think have failed to get a hearing, as
I have not heard of a single case of yellow fever this summer. We are in
no danger of it here.
I received a letter from
Lyman Brown a short time ago; please say to him that I will answer it soon.
Give my love to all the friends and rest, keep a large share for yourself,
from
Your Aff. Son
Frank H. Putney
Camp 12th. Wis. Vol. Black River, Miss.
January 28th 1864
Dear Father:
Your letter written in
Dec. last was duly received and I did not write immediately as in it you
announced intention of visiting us, and I did not know where to write you
there. I presume you have returned to Wis. ere this.
As I do not know whether
or not you are posted in regard to our late march, I will give you a brief
history of it then. We embarked on transports at Natchez, Miss., Nov. 22nd,
I arrived at Vicksburg on the 24th, ramified there four days where our
Division moved out to Black River about 11 miles from Vicksburg.
December 5th our Brigade
(the 3rd) marched into Vicksburg and again embarked on steamers for Natchez.
This move was made in consequence of the latter place being threatened
by an attack from the forces under Gen. Wirt Adams, and the garrison there
was not considered strong enough to resist him. I arrived at Natchez, we
were marched out 23 miles to Fayette, where the enemy was reported in force.
Not finding them, we marched across the country, 15 miles and came up with
the rebs rear guard killed one, wounded six, and captured two. Third day
we marched 12 miles into Natchez.
Dec. 21st, Adams was
again reported at Fayette, and we again started out in pursuit the Marine
Brigade at the same time moving out from Rodney and arriving at Fayette
that when we came up the enemy had skedaddled. The Marines captured a few
prisoners. The expedition returned to Natchez on the 24th Dec.
Jan'y, 23rd we embarked
for Vicksburg, and upon arriving there we were marched out to our old camp
on Black River where we remain.
The troops here and at
Vicksburg (17th Army Corps) are all in active preparation for an extensive
expedition out to Meridian, Miss., and perhaps into Alabama.
A heavy cavalry force
will also move in conjunction with us from LaGrange, Tennessee, and join
us at Meridian, The design appears to be to destroy the Rail Roads East
of Jackson, Miss. and otherwise injure the enemy as much as possible; at
the same time making a feint in Johnson's rear may effect a division in,
Grant's favor, and thus enabled Grant to make a successful attack upon
the Rebel Army in northern Alabama.
The above news is contraband
and not intended for publication! Ha! Ha!
550 men of our Regiment
have reenlisted as Veteran Volunteers and the Regt will be ordered home
to reorganize as soon as the proposed expedition is over so you may look
for me home in the course of two or three months at farthest.
Whenever the Regt. goes
North Uncle Dan. And Aunt E. will also go. They are both at Natchez now,
were well when I left.
We are all enjoying the
best of health. I have not a man in my company unfit for duty. The weather
is warm and pleasant. Every one is in his shirt sleeves, and the men have
their shirts pulled off and are around barefoot.
New Year's day I had
a fine bouquet of flowers picked in the open air, and the plum trees were
in full bloom in December.
Are you boarding with
Sam Putney as you expected to? Give them all my kindest regards; and assure
them they are not forgotten and that I recall with the most pleasant recollections
of my visits at Sandy Hollow.
Has Julia Brown returned
from New York yet? If she has, give love the same also for Uncle Sidney's
and Joseph's people, and all other inquiring friends.
I believe I do not owe
Lyman any letter now, but he is debt to me.
Mrs. Pullen and Henry
have my best wishes,
Write soon and accept
much love from
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H. Putney.
F. P. Black
Sandusky, Feb. 15th, 64
Dear Uncle
I once more take the privilege of writing a few lines to let you know that I am in the land of the living & enjoying, good health & hope that these few lines will find you the same. I have reenlisted for 3 years more from the 24th of Dec., have I been home on a furlough, there I saw one of your 1etters that you had written to Mother stating that you had answered the one I wrote about a year ago but I never received it. I did not know but you had forgotten that you had a nephew a namesake of yourn but Uncle I had not forgotten you & would give anything to see you - why can't you come to Sandusky while we are here. I can't tell yet whether we will stay in the city or on the Island as soon as the lake breaks up in the Spring perhaps we shall be sent back to the army, either to Tennessee or the army of the Potomac. We left Genesee last Thursday for this place. We had a good time until we got to Greenville. About 4 miles this side of there, someone put a rail road bar across the track. We was off time then & was running very slow so that when we struck it the engine shoved it along about a hundred rods then it caught one end of the rail of the track & threw the engine off & the tender & one car. There was a wood pile close by the track & the engine brought up all standing. In that there was no one hurt, we escaped very lucky, thank God for, it. I have been very lucky so far at the Battle of Fair Oaks, I got a slight wound by a bullet in the side but have got all over it. Just before I went home Albert enlisted in the 16th heavy artillery, so now there is two of us in the army. Well Uncle Fos, there is no more news of any importance so I guess I will close. Oh!, my folks are all as well as usual. Aaron has got to be pretty rugged again, so goodbye this time. Give my love to all the friends in you parts. I am with respect you Obedient Nephew
P. Black
Cairo, Miss.
May 5, 1864
Dear Father:
I am happy to announce
to you my safe arrival at my Regiment. As you are probably aware I did
not leave with the Regiment on Saturday the 30th utl, but remained in Madison
until 2 P. M, the following Tuesday, when Lieut. Col. Proudfit started
about 100 of us for Cairo, where we arrived on Wednesday evening. From
appearances I judge we will leave here by the 7th, if not before. Our probable
destination is Huntsville, Alabama as the troops here are constantly leaving
for that point. The men who have lately come down from the report constant
skirmishing with the enemy and every prospect of a fight coming off soon.
It would be characteristic of our previous fortune to get there just after
the battle. I for one would not regret it, yet do not fear the result.
I am not sorry I remained
in Madison, as the train which brought our Regiment down ran off the track
near Effingham, Ill., killing two men and wounding about 15 more, one of
whom belonged to my company. He has since had to have his leg amputated
at the knee and is doing well.
Uncle Daniel and Aunt
E. are still at Vicksburg, I believe, but have not heard from them when
our boys left there, they were both well. I understand that Uncle is coming
up here this week.
Since we have been gone
north 2 recruits of my company have died and several more are very sick.
Poor fellows, they can't stand the climate hear as well as Veterans.
You have no idea what
a change there is in the climate, even here. The trees are all leaved out;
the sun is as hot as midsummer, and every one is longing for "a lodge in
some vast wilderness."
I hope that the first
letter which I receive from you will assure me that you have perfectly
recovered your health, as words can not express my grief at being compelled
to leave home while you were looking and feeling so miserably as you did.
If I were in your place,
and could not be comfortable at Sam Putneys, I would not stay there would
go where I could enjoy myself. They are as disagreeable as any two people
whom I known.
You can give Lucretia
and Sarah my kindest regards. I feel, under the greatest obligation to
Mrs. Angrave for her many kindness and hope some day to be able to make
her an adequate return. I shall ever hold her in grateful esteem. I hope
to hear that Bob has recovered. Please give him, as well as Austin and
Jack, my best wishes. Give my love to Julia and Frank and say to them that
I will write soon. I will also write to the other friends as I may have
time.
Opportunities are not
very abundant now as we have plenty of work to do drawing clothing &
rations, and turning over our old guns & drawing new Springfield rifles
in their stead.
The 16th and 17th Army
Corps are both assembling here and as fast as fitted out are started off
up the Tennessee river, think General F. P. Blair now commands our Corps,
(the 17th). The troops are not well pleased with the change as General
McPherson was well liked. General Crocker still commands the Division,
General Gresham the Brigade. All of our Brigade, except the 12th, has moved
up the Tennessee, we will follow suit soon, Enclosed is a Photograph of
Capt. Botkin, Capt. Stevens and Frank Foste. Friends of mine also a picture
of Corporal Mundy of my Co, When you write direct as before, Via Cairo,
Miss.
Write soon and believe
me
F. H. Putney
Cairo Ill., Sunday
May 8th, 1864
Dear Father:
I wrote to you on the
5th inst. and again having a little leisure time, I can not employ it more
agreeably than by writing to you.
We are still in doubt
as to the time when we should move to the front. We have received no orders
as yet, but every day the succeeding day is named as the one on which we
shall positively leave. The telegraph brings us meagre and unsatisfactory
reports of heavy fighting across the Rapadan and that General Grant is
moving, but as to our hen, we are left entirely in doubt. We also have
the gratifying intelligence that "Burnside is safe!" but as to where Burnside
may be, or what danger he has been in we know absolutely nothing but are
grateful for the assurance that he is safe and rejoice accordingly. The
information is quite as cheering as that so often borne over the wires
two years ago, viz that all is quiet on the Potomac.
Sherman is reported to
have moved, and the wise acres here say that he will be at Atlanta before
we, overtake him. The sooner we march the better it will please me. I am
heartily sick of Cairo. It is a vast cesspool which there has been, both
literally and figuratively collected all the filth and scum between the
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Vicksburg was an Eden in comparison with it.
Uncle Dan and Aunt E.
arrived from below last evening. They are looking very well indeed. I do
not know what Uncle proposes to do, but think he will go in business here.
They send much love to you and the same to Julia Brown.
In my previous letter
I enclosed a Photograph. Here are some more which you can also place your
Album. Their names are written across the back.
Write soon to
Your Aff. Son
Frank H. Putney
P. S.
Regards to Mrs. Angrave and family also, to all other inquiring friends.
Direct as before
Frank H. Putney
Camp in the Field near Pulaski, Tenn.
4 o'clock P. M., May 19th, 1864
Dear Father:
I have only time to write
you a few lines to let you know of my whereabouts and probable destination.
We are here about two hours ago, leave at daylight tomorrow enroute for
Huntsville, Alabama.
That part of the 17th
Army Corps which was at Cairo embarked on twelve transports on the 10th
inst. and convoyed four iron clad gun boats steamed up the Ohio & Tennessee
rivers arriving at Clifton, Tenn. on the 14th inst. We remained there until
the 16th inst. when our Corps and part of the 16th Corps in all about 15000
men under command of Maj. Gen. F. F. Blair took up the line of march arriving
here to-day marching 65 miles in three and 1/2 days. It has been a hard
march as the weather very warm, and the men had to carry everything on
their backs, only two teams to a Regiment being allowed & they were
loaded with officer's baggage and rations. It is about 50 miles, to Huntsville
and when we arrive there we will probably have to march to Dalton or Resaca
or where ever the Amy then may be not a very flattering prospect before
us, surely!
In a soldierly point-of-view
the trip home has not benefited the men, as it has made them tenderfooted,
to say the least. Such a limpings, hobbling, blistered 39 stone bruised
foot so re crowd, I never saw before. I know how to sympathize with them,
although my feet are all right this time.
I have not received any
letter from you yet, and will not until I reach Huntsville, Mo., we expect
to find our mail then. We got papers here to-day of the 17th inst. They
are the first we have seen since the 10th.
The news is encouraging,
but we look for better. I hope 9 in your letters you will be able to assure
me that you have fully recovered, your health nothing would encourage me
more. My health is excellent.
I suppose you have, ere
this, heard of Aunt's arrival in Wisconsin. She started for Janesville
the same day that I left Cairo. I wrote you twice from Cairo, enclosing
in each letter some Photographs. Have you received them?
Please tell Julia Lucretia,
Uncle Joe & all their friends that I will write to them as soon as
we get settled so that I can get at my writing materials. I now have to
take my paper and pencil on my knee and you see what work I make of it.
Give my regards to Mrs.
Angrave & family and tell Bob I will write to him after a while.
When you write direct
your letters as before, Via Cairo, Ill and they will come all right. I
have only to add write often to.
Your Affectionate Son
Frank H. Putney
Rome, Ga. June 6th 1864
Dear Father:
This being the first place
at which we have halted since I last wrote to you, I avail myself of the
opportunity afforded to inform you where we are and where our destination
is.
It is three weeks to-day
since we left Clifton, Tenn., 225 miles from here and we have marched constantly
with the single exception of 2 1/2 days.
Since leaving Pulaski
our road has been over the Cumberland Mountains, and such a road I never
saw before. If you wish to form some idea of it, get into a wagon and drive
off.
Davis is stone quarry,
and then drive up it again and you, will have the Lookout Mt. road on a
small scale.
We March for Kingston
to-day, thence to the front near Dallas to join Gen. McPherson's forces.
Heavy skirmishing is going on all the while with no decisive results on
either side although a heavy fight occurred on the 4th inst. in which the
enemy lost about 3000, killed & wounded our loss being considerably
less.
The understanding here
is that Sherman is delaying the attack until the arrival of our Corps which
will be on the 8th if we have nothing to delay us.
I can not give you any
late news concerning the army here as we hears so many reports he does
not know which to believe.
I have had but one letter
from any source (that was from Uncle Daniel, dated Louisville, Ky.) since
I left home. I have not, for a moment, thought that you did not write,
but ascribed my failure to receive any letters to the irregularities of
our mails and to the breaks in our northern communications.
If I do not find some
letters at Kingston I shall be so disappointed. Had I left you in better
health I would not have felt half the solicitude which it has worried me
and a letter from home would have dispelled all my gloom. I hope to-night
my anxiety may be relieved.
My health continues to
be excellent and my worst trouble bas been blistered feet. One day on the
march I was unfortunate enough to lose all my postage stamps & they
are so scarce here that this can not be had for love or money consequently.
I forced to enclose a 1etter to Aunt which I wish you would close in an
envelope and send to her at Janesville, care A. D. Gay. I can not write
to the other friends there until I do get some stamps, which will not be
long, I think.
You will please give
my love to all the friends and say that I think of them very often.
Accept much love for
yourself and write soon too.
Your Aff. Son
Frank H. Putney
Isn't the news from Grant glorious?
Direct
Via Nashville, Tenn.
Camp 12th Vol.
3 miles north Marietta, Ga.
June 25th, 1864
Dear Father:
The roar of Artillery
or the sharp rattle of musketry are not well adapted for composing one
serves no musket for assisting one in composition, but I greatly fear that
if I wait until I get away from the sound of, cannon, it will be a long
time before you get a letter from me, so I must need to write now with
the smoke of battle hovering over me and the unwelcome whiz, whiz of the
bullets warning me that the enemy is in view.
I do not recollect the
date of my last letter to you but think it was from Noonday. I shall proceed
on that supposition anyhow. From Big Shanty (Noonday R. R. Station) we
advanced in line of battle and out about a mile found the enemy in strong
force, too strong to be attacked in front. According the column was halted
and temporary fortifications thrown up for the night. The next day we again
advanced nearly a mile driving the enemy and having some very brisk skirm