Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1862-09-05
ADVICE TO SOLDIERS.

/ \ correspondent writes to the MiddiebuTy
Register, TO give to inexperienced solliers
some hints for the preservation Of health,
/ from what he has learned in the field. After
warning the new recruit that the enthusiasm m
o. the first week will sOcn ne down to
staunch realities, which he must meet and
face as a mar-that he c4anot live as care
less'y about his health a. he can at home,
where warm rooms and comfortable beds
aad we'll cooked meals are at his service from
day to day, and that he must act the physi-
clan for him1eii. to d great degree, and be
watchiul against any prslispontion to dis
else, be Tr0ceeds to give some special direc-
tons a flllows
They consis. uf programme Of articles to te
taken by the recruit when be goes into camp, or TO
be sent to him By bis friends, when he shall have
reached point Wh,re he can be ad iressed.
Let him have with him two pairs Of we'll knit
socks. two f7m Woolen shirts large crash towel
piece Of CASTLE soap, to be used a. often as pos
sible ia bathing the entire body woolen cap,
sometimes called a smoking cap; two large old
fashioned silk pocket handkerehefs, which may be
used to hang from the neck, protection against
a blazing sun, or as a veil 10 cover the face when
sleeping out nights, amid masmas and creeping
vernin, oI as a bandige for wounds. He should
also have constantly With him supply ofeayenns
pepper, such IS obtained from the dug stores
under the name Il "Capsicum.'
The benefits arising from the Of this latter
article are incalcu,abe. A single pinch in glass
Of fat WaTmish water, will nullify the effects and
the urc mfortable sensation from having drank
sa- d fh, Ill kaTr L.,
sentinel keep awake at his post at night, by
ing and inyigorating the whole system. A good
pinch 6a'en at each meal, or when cup Of tea or
coffee is drank, will aid digestion, assist in PIE
venting acidity Of stomach, and is besides great
antagonist Of the diarrh0a, dysentery, hux and
"ioosenessn which are the great scourges o. the
army. ltvel teaspoOniuu Of clpsicum, taken
daily in eating or drinking, or both, two fingers
full taken two or three times day, will DO more
towards wardiug Of the fever and ague than ten
times the cost in rum and quinine. There shoald
always be carried in the knspsick also a large
piece of cutta pcTcha cloth, 70 spread upon the
ground al night for the soldier 20 spread his
tlinket On when he goes to bed. To these sug-
gestions maybe added the injunctions to cat, as
far as possible, regularly, to shun suffers tents
With their detestatle pies and cakes, and their
poisonous preserved meats, as one would shun
contact with the loprosy t, maintain, in short
perfect system Of living, just as FAR as duty in
-AAl VIII a4-lW
I. my friesd who may read this, and who ia
going soon 90 buckle on his armor foF the cause Of
his country. VII treasure the hints have thrown
out, and act upon them, be will adj an huairei
per cent o. the probabilities Of his returning 20 his
father house, ,ha; knew such keen anguish and
bitter mourning when he vas called 10 leave It. /
Once more my soldier friend, before you leave /
your home, supply yourself with envelopes and /
writing paper, and With good substantial lead /
pencil, upoa the envelopes have postage stamps /,
placed, and have them directed in a strong, plain ]
hand @ the aidr ss Of those you will want 70 I
write 10 when far awsy-y0ur fatker your loving /
8ld ever watchf4l mother, or your sister and ]
then when you stop anywhere, for day or such /
matter, write something home, It II is not more I
than siK lines. and tell your anxious friends how 4
you arc. Aud % your parents too and relations ot
Tie soldiers. l must say, write oijen 10 him. .
Write loDs letters. Give all the news you can .
.hirk u. Let every line be full Of love, q kind,
lfsctionaie interest and encouragement, and you
,ana9t tell hoE much sunshine you will put into
bis heart, and how Euch better soldier and mar be
will become f1r your thoughtsulness Of him. l
pcak ct an these things whereof have seen.
II. N. :.