New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-28
A VETERANS ADVICE.
uE OFFERS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE SEVENTY
rrRsr.s ADVICE TO GrARDsMEN FROM
OWN EXPEKIENCE.
To the Editor Of The Tribune

HIS OWN EXPERIENCE.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
CT. I, vou- Issue OF tho 25,h III. D., IN ms
criticism ~ tho article Of AN old Campaisher'
In HIS comments some OF tho paragraphs III 'iie
article The Scyonty-nrst's Advice 10 Guards-
non" shows that he has not had any tx
rorlence in active Army service As one VINO
was I'm the civil War nearly four years
and in tho swamps Of Louisiana for two
wears in a climate that killed of more men by
disease than were killed in battle ! think tha'
those men who there and came home awe
can tell something OF their experience. Bankss OK
pedition that left FOR New-Oreans In the winter
OF la,2 was composed almost entirely OF Eastern
troops The camp was formed some eight niles
above tho city. called camp Parapet." running
TWO and a hall miles east from the river ending
in tho swamp My regiment held the extreme lett
OF the linz II was nickn1med camp Death. from
the experience Of tho troops that had been there
before ! will say that the colonel was strict
dlsciplinarian; he went upon the principle that
dleness breeds disease He kept the men busy
demanded cleanliness drilled the non-commlssioned
officers personally know what tho regiment was
entitled 10 and got H. Inspected cookhouses and
rations daily. and looked after the health OF the
men in general Captains OF companies were heid
responsible FOR the appearance OF their men they
encouraged amusements among III" men on the
march singing 20 while away the time. Tho con-
becoming ncclimated the death loss was small.
Tho regiment was thoroughly drilled In Infantry.
artillery bayonet exercise and sklrmishing by
buglc the result was tina, the men were ready FOR
any duty they were called upon TO perform.
Therefore, when I read the article. The Sew
enty-nrst's Advice to 'iuardsmen.' came TO the
con -lusion that whoever wrote ths article did not
know much about the experience OF soldiers In the
civil War II is enough to make An old soldier
duty at Pecksh. but FOR active service In the helc
they entirely useless. ana cannot ne carried
out when General Banks closed around tort mug 10.
clothes they stood in. officers and men alike and
for six weeks continued. until the surrender OF
July / ask how Il possible 70 observe any
o. The rus' f dqwh In tne oanrd Wa bt ws
could. cleanliness II impossible to observe
This was only one of the hundreds Of cases In
will s,ye fey recommendatlo cs, from e. <,
load ones self down WIN useless articles. 20 bs
thrown away on the march II Is astonishing how
little get along with when compelled to
In regard to clothing besides overcoat. woollen
and rubber blankets. wooden stockings and wool
ventvc against malaria OF f,yers OF any kind in
the southern climate. Broad-soed shoes for
hair should he cut very short. that he wash
his head the same as his face. therefore comb
learn to drink little water. and by so doing avoid
disease by AL means Ray particular attention TO
coffee \ few swallows satisfies thirst a
teenfu wifi last all day. and az the same time IT
with persons addicted to the OF liquor the
chances OF recovery against them II wounded
The ratlons furnished by tho Government have a
tendency 10 tougher the system and make muscle
Avoid by all means OF any kind The
hardshps will be enough endure. You will re-
qure all your rccuperativc power To withstand what
you may he called upon to perform In tho way Of
duty Attend strictly 10 business. obey orders and
duties Imposed upon Nou. which YOU will find the
~ slest way OF becoming good soldier
I would recommend one extra pair Of shoes two
suits OF light flannel underwear two pairs OF wool
lon socks. coored handkcrchefs. writing material
housewife for needles. pins. thread and buttons
three pint bags for coffee sugar and salt: a good
pockeknfe. large blade Together with what will
be issued and equipments the weight will be aboti,
forty-1vs pounds heavy enough for any man 70
carry on n forced march Of forty miles
New-York April &c. 1898 VETERAN