Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-03-09
Old Soldiers aud New Recruits.
CAMP S~roNExAN, NEAR WASHINGTON,
D. G., February, 1861.

friends of good and morality, in society.
about the prospective and probable demon
alizing influence Of the great number OF
Soldiers" which the end Of the war will
throw broadcast over the land. We also
used to hear and do yet occasionally hear
such sentiments of anxiety expressed in
the army by the better cultivated and
purer toned members, az they surveyed
the scenes anu immoral practices around
them. This ACQUIRED far more frequently,
formerly than at present. The change
not being caused by any particular cor
ruptioR Of the better, but rather an I'M
proYement of the worse, of course there
are many rough and tough characters IN
the army. 1t always will be so as
long as people draw the sword as q final
arbiter. The general influences are Pc
culiar and exciting, often prompting TO
a strange recklessness, and throwing Oh
the restraints of good society. The soft
ening, purifying and elevating influence
of good Female Society, IS entirely lost
here, and being massed together, all OF
one sex, our usual and wouted grsvitation
and relative position in = moral and re-
ligi5us point Of substantially and respcn-
slbility is too soon forgotten, to q degree.
much sooner in many cases than We could
suppose, yet again under the enobline
and grand principles inspiring and promp-
ting to action the hearts of the members
of the great Army of Freedom, " the de
morslization viii not approach that OF
soldiers under less noble inspiring incen-
tiTes to mortal combat. Our army IS not
a mere ''mercenary ore" fighting with
out an object, except psy, as some armies
do, consequently, the decentralization will
As a rule be but temporary-the soldier
~reassuming his proper and digni6ed po-
sition in social life. To a close observer
we are proud to believe there will be no
ticed a high, even a lofty spirit of true
manhood-real dignity of character, I'M
DERIVING a seeming or outward careless
ness or even recklessness. These men
are undergoing a peculiar and severe trial
but will not lose their identity, and all,
, or nearly ali of those who happily may be
spared the bloody strife to return to dear
friends and unforgotten homes will be
found, yet be IS good, true and every
way worthy members of society, as those
now enjoying those great blessings which
8 we risk our lives, and loves to sustain and
protect. Such has been the case partic'
ularly with all sold Soldiers" of the Last
War;" whom 1 have happily met. They
were emphatically good and noble men.
with warm and true hearts.
But l must return 10 the matter that
caused me to take up the pen. Recruits
are coming in rapidly, and of course there
is q variety of characters. Not long since
a squad came in from Old Jersey, who
talked so roughly and swore so constant.
ly, uttering such fearful oaths that even
"0ld Soldiers" who supposed that they
had seen and heard the worst side of the
wicked world, stood back aghast, silent
and astonished; we were finally made to
remark that we had supposed we had
heard men swear as hard and wicked as
they could, but we had to give up, and
yield the palm 10 them. They dropped
their heads in silence, and henceforth
we were less annoyed by their big oaths
and vulgar talk.
i. Since then a detachment arrived il
camp, and learning that they were from
a certain town in Ashtabula county where
the moral and social advantsgesw were motto
riously good, and as they marched along
with glowing cheeks and sparkling eyes,
| remarked 10 the boys with satisfaction
st;hat l was glad 10 see them coming, foi
they come from good society and would
be most agreeable companions. But you
GIN hardly imagine my surprise and
complete chsgrin, when as the first occas
ion that brought words from their lips, &c
hear every other word almost, g terrible
oath, and mingled also with all imagina'
ole low and disgusting phrases. that ever
halfway decent people Jingle with shame
for them. Il was a continual string o.
oatbs and slang around US, from early
morn. till quiet sleep that stills sl tongues
brought relief. The ''Oid Soldiers" have
since, often turned to me, and with
broad grin, say We'll, E. o.-how d.
do you like your nice and agreeable youn:
men? They must have high social ad
van iages up in Northern Ohio" The
Joke was fair on me, of course I could on
ly reply, that there must have been great
and rapid decentralization up there since
we LETT. May the Lord have mercy on
them. But | had to stand the laugh. A
few gentle hints seem to have had a gooC
effect upon the new recruits, and nice
~young men, 50 that We have some hope:
OF soon seeing them far more gentleman
ly and agreeable soldier companions
But we docalmly and firmly protest
against the sending of such recruit.
among US to demoralize and corrupt the
i"old Soldiers"
If such things ere heedlessly allowed we
shall find ourselves in even greater dan
ger than society feels at home from the
return Of the army" If Young Amer
lea has got the upperhands Of you, and
you are unable to control or properly
train them az home, why We will take
and improve them 10 the best Of our abil.
ity, having no doubt it will prove wholly
satisfactory to you, and of course benef.
cial 10 the boys, yet it is dangerous fol
"old Soldiers" TO mingle with them.
Very respectfully, Yours,
E. o. B., 9th o. V. c.
S~
Devoted to his Race.
Many q noble heart pulsates under A