Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-04-15

written by an officer who was in Wash
inotor at the time. The letter was adj
dressed as follows: "To Ransford Z.
C, private in the United States Ar
my, Fayetteville, Onondaga county, New
York -
WIZARDS HOTEL,
Washington, August 20, 1863.
Lovely Conscript-Permit me to con-
gratnlate you on the lucky circumstance
which gives you the salary of thirteen
dollars per month and three dollars fifty
for clothing; a chance to study geogra-
ply in a manner at once sound and GER
tain; chance to 60 up the ladder OF
Fame and become immortal; a chance
TO eat mule meat and hard tack, aud to
drink commissary whiskey worth ~ II
cents per gallon. | also congratulate my
county. | know you can do all these
things, and more. There may be some
{
things, lovely ConscEipt, regarding the
"mighty pomp and circumstance Of war
on which you would desire friendly
posting. A few Of these ! am happy to
notice, and would ask your distinguished
consideration to all my remarks.
In the first place, sleep. Repose is q
great study--the ancicnts reduced this TO
science, and the example Of Socrates
is one showing how good thing may be
carried too far. His last sleep was 200
much for him. ! am certain you can ex-
eel the famous philosopher, for / know
you can stand any amount of repose.-
Do not sleep in hemlock swamp, or on
picket, or on a late supper. l would ad
wise preparation for sleep. Tie up
your clothes and hide them secure in the
shelter OF a tent, or the freedom Of some
well regulated straw stack, and after Ut
tering your snow lay me" incline your
self with a gentle slope calculated to in
duce water to seek your feet.
2d-Eat. This exercise is designed
to improve your muscle, and TO the AMI
versal request from the Great Commits
sary Of Subsistence, "Give us this day
our daily bread" and you may add such
samples Of refreshment as may occur TO
you, and steal chicken or y pig, This
should enjoy the warm attention Of fire
of equal proportions of garden
fence and old doors.
3d--Money. Get it! First from the
never letting any vile sutler
have chance at your bard earnings.-
2d--By method of speculation. After
pay day amuse yourself with "quiet
game Of draw" and should you hold four
kings and one ace, invest "your pile, and
see how your energy will be rewarded
p. S.-Don't hold your aces too often,
having your sleep and food aud money.
You may compare yourself favorably to-
the Hotel FIunky Boy, and all you may
now desire will be some assistance in
on a long march struggle
ask advice of the surgeon or his assist
ant, net in or behind an ambulance; Dor
row a stray horse and con6scate him tor
your comfort cut off the tails of your
coat and say you are mounted cavalry ;
creep under hedge and remember your
sleep-you might sing few lines:--
"There is rest for the weary"
Now, my brave hero, l congratulate
you. l shake your bands and say ia
nous things to you. see you through
the thick smoke Of battle and Meerschaun
pipes. Aud when the mild, fair evening
Io( peace shall come, We will "sit unde
the shade of our own vine and 1g tree
or John Hodges stoop,' and swap lie
about this cruel war, or stories will b
chased-of men who chased US and WHOM
{ we chased. You shall then be Con
gresham. | will be a contractor. Ur
+ der that partnership our country will b
. no where. | bear the sobs that follo'
II your departure, and the tharksgivin
d which heralds your return. Who woul
II not be a conscript? Don't all speak :
} once. Poetry, prudence and principl
70 might urge that request you TO remeu
q Der the girl you leave behind. Retur
Is to her and to US, covered, not with flea
d but with glory. Be prudent, be activ'
: be gallus. Forget not our flag, and re-
u member our kind interest.
% Yours, powder, percussion and patri
&c otism,
Is 800 DOLLAR VETERAN.
y FREAK OF NATURE,-A story ia FOL