The Portland daily press., 1862-10-24
COMMUNICATIONS.
Correspondence of the Press.l
Camp Life-A Soldiers Advice.
HEADQUARTERS 37TH REG. MAss.VoLs.,
Ac1.x. D11a.a.oef1.,r,, MI OLt Ii 1890

Near Darnesto,cn. Nd. Oct IA, 1862
EDITORS PRESS :-"Who wouldn't be a sol
dier?" is a question often asked in camp by
those disposed to be humorous; yet many who
utter the query, if they were to speak the real.
sentiment which animate them, would rererse
its tenor. While camp-life presents very many
pleasing phases, it is not destitute of those of
the opposite character. 1t is pleasing to en-
camp in a beautiful grove, "beside a babbng
brook" the "trees o'erhead enlivened by the
twittering of feathered songsters" and the
gambols of squirrels; to possess tents capable
of screening one from the fierce storm, and to
know that the con,missariat possesses a good
ly quantity of wholesome food. But, if this is
pleasant, is it not equally ua-pleasant to en-
camp on a sterile plain, distant from palatable
water, feed on salt horse and hard tack, and
have no tents for shelter? And then, to be
routed from pleasing dreams of loved ones at
home, by the beating of the long roll, to sling
a heavy knapsack, don cartridge box con-
tanning 90 rounds, shoulder musket, and
march off in pelting rain storm, you know
not whither, because a careless picket has dis
charged his gun at a suspicious-appearing
horse this, we fancy, is not so pleasing as a
quiet residence at home, beneath the old pa
ternal roof Soldering has its pleasures as
well as Inconvenience; and those who cannot
make up their minds to bear the one uncom-
plainingly, need not expect to enjoy the other.
Adversty only lends additional sweetness to
prosperity.
a4n a,.I f~r
to have meddlng and oficious lieutenants
and sergeants in command over you, it is bet
ter to treat them with the respect due their
rank, than to rebel; for the latter course will
only render the yoke more CALLING, while the
former will raise you in the estimation of Off
GERS who can respect manliness. True, it is
hard to respect snobbishness, but it may be
policy. There are many who wear "shov-
elsr( p who are better fitted, both mentally
and physically, to cield them; and while they
might honor them in the latter case, in the
former they disgrace the rank indicated. Ma
ny corporals and sergeants, feeling the dignity
conferred upon them by little blue tape, are
more pompous and officious than Major Gen
eral should be; but that is their failing, and
what they lack in brains and gentlemanly bear
ing, they seek to hide with ill-assumed dignity.
A person of position, who is really capable of
honoring it, is generally modest; 1t is more
often the subservient tool, the sneak who takes
more dignity to himself than is his due.
If you have gentlemanly officers to COM
mand you, and are disposed yourself to cheer
fully put up with necessary Inconvenience,
you will not lack sources of enjoyment. But
If you are disposed to rhine when everything
is not to your liking, you will be miserable
most of the time. Therefore, soldier should
make the best of everything, and enjoy him
self when he can; for there WILL oftimes, be
hardships TO encounter, which will require
nerve to surmount.
One need not expect as palatable food in
camp as at home; mo one can cook so good
dinner as my mother, or wife," is common re-
mark remark religiously believed by peo-
pie generally, and soldiers especially. You
must not anticipate a downy bed upon which
to recline if, after a long and wearisome
march, you can secure grass-plotupon which
to spread your blanket you may consider
yourself fortunate. And if you have tent to
sleep in, you may tina k your stars if your fel-
low-lodgers are not lousy, or if they are not
redolent with the aroma of filth, which has
been weeks accumuating. And i'm this con-
nection, we would advise all soldiers to keep a
clean towel, piece of soap, and fine comb
with them. even if they have to leave some
other articles behind. You will find filthy peo-
pie in all regiments; but you must make the
best of it, and see that you set them good
example. Common courtesies of life should
not be ignored in camp, but it is well to limit
them; for there are plenty of slovenly beggars
who neglect to provide themselves any arti-
cles of comfort, but choose to beg, or, what is
much the same thing, borrow, without the
least idea Of ever repaying, any article which
strikes their fancy. 1t is not very pleasant,
know from experience, to refuse those who are
destitute; but it is still more unpleasant 10 give
away articles which you need, and have car.
ried strapped to your back many weary mile
for your own use, knowing that the beggar
had the same opportunity as yourself to secure
supply. And ifyou commence giving, you
cannot limit your donation; you will be spoken
of as "good fellow" to your face, and treated
as Stree horse" only useful to do their truck.
ng. But, to person who is willing to carry