The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1864-01-05


H As We have had the honor of ser.
wing through two arduous campaigns,
at the South, we shall consider ourselves
justifiable in throwing out few hints
for the guidance of those who are now,
or may hereafter, be called to the defence
OF their country, and although exper-
fence may be said TO be the only teacher
that can make good soldier. Yet we be.
lieve that il the ADVICE we are about to
give, is strictly followed, the soldier can
save himself much time. vexation and
trouble. and first in regard TO health.
II is the common opinion Of many, that
the camp is very unhealthy place, and
that the soldier is deprived OF all those
appliances which tend to constitute his
physical health and comfort. This is
not so. Ifhe has any energy or pride
about him he can keep as clean as when
at home He should be very careful of
food. have it well prepared, and eat only
at regular intervals, while sudden
change Of diet should be avoided. More
soldiers are taken sick and sent 10 the
hospital from eating too much than any,
thing else. They get tired OF hard crack
ers and salt pork, and patroniza the suit
Ter. gorge themselves to excess on bis
delectable compounds, and awake the
next morning with raging fever. Lic-
uors. especially, such as find their way
TO the army, should never be used as a
beverage. They are far more deadly
than all the Columbiads or Winan's
steam guns ever invented. Coffee is the
great pannecea. and is Of far more SER
vice to the soldier than anything else the
Government furnishes. Battle the feet
often when on the march, il will prevent
soreness and swelling II you are stand
ing guard In the rain, keep moving on
your beat and not get chilled. The mo
ment that you are relieved, 90 to your
tent, take strong cup Of coffee, and
keep on your clothes no matter IL they
are wet until you are dry, and above all
never sit down for any great length OF
time on the damp ground. Dom: stick
everything that YOU happen to come
across into your knapsack. until it re-
sembles an old maids band box. An
extra shirt and socks, towel, sponge, fine
comb. tooth and clothes brushes. sewing
materials, stationery and a few stamps,
is sufficient. A bottle OF good brandy
tucked up in one corner would do no
harm. Don't suffer yourself to be af.
ficted with the blue devils, always he
cheerful and hope for the best whether
sick or well. Never try to shirk and
crawl out from drill. Study your man
usl of tactics, make It a point 10 love
your profession and discharge every du-
" that may be entrusted to you with
promp'ness and skin. Never attempt to
show the white feather, but remember
that you had better be in purgatory than
in the army without courage. Men who
are afraid to meet danger. or run and
huddle together like flock of sheen
when under fire, are almost sure 10 be-
killed. Look the rebels boldly in the
face, and don't die before you are killed
for fear OF being hurt. Don't mingle in
the vices Of the camp. and avoid steal
ing, drinking. and card playing, ODE,
the orders Of your Off cors and be gen
'leman TO all, and always remember ole
Cromwell's maxim, to "Put your trus
in God and keep your powder dry"