The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1917-11-22
FOR YOUNG MEN TO READ
A Letter Written Half Century Ago
That is Worth Careful Perusal.

That is Worth Careful Perusal.
The extracts printed below, from a
letter written by Judge e.. lockwood
Hoar, an eminent Massachusetts jur-
list, to his soldier son, are now being
sent by the United States govern.
ment to men newly drafted for the
National Army and to volunteers, In
the hope that it will serve as an In
spiration to them in the struggle
against Germany.
Concord, Mass. Dec. Is. 1862.
My Dear Boy:
! did not have the opportunity
had hoped to talk with you last even.
ing-and, therefore. take this oppor-
tunity, when we are sending you your
mittens and the envelopes which you
forgot, to give you few last words
OF affectionate counsel from home.
One of your first duties as sol.
dier will be to take all the care you
can of your health. The firmer that
is, the better you will be able to do
any service, or undergo any fatigue.
required of you. To preserve your
health, you must try to lead as regu-
lar and temperate a life as is pos
sible. hope you will not try to avoid
your full share of labor, danger, or
exposure, where either is necessary
or called for Take every proper oc-
casion for bathing your whole body
and scrupulously regard your personal
cleanliness. no matter how much
trouble IL may give you. Have moth
ing to do with spirituous liquors of
any kind. Take your food as regu-
larly as you can get it, and neither
eat immoderately nor go long time
without food. IL you can avoid it.
Especially be careful not to eat to
excess after long fasting
hope you will never disgrace your
self by any profaneness or obscenity
and will avoid all conversation and
companions where they are practised
or allowed.
Try to preserve a cheerful and con.
tented spirit and encourage it in
others, Bear hardships without
grumbling and always try to do more,
rather than less than your duty You
will have occasion to be patient much
OIltutT IMAM W bc bidFC.
The duty of soldier is unquestion
ing obedience--but, beyond this, ]
hope you will cultivate a kind. re-
spectful and coRsiderate temper
toward your officers. M
hope you are going with a love
for your country and your cause. and
with a determination TO be faithful
to every duty you have undertaken
My boy. you bear the name of one
who. TO the end of his honored life
never shrunk from a duty, however
painful, nor from a danger to which
duty called him. Be sure that you
do not discredit it, Neither by
oowardice, by falsehood. by impurity
by, leyity, nor by seifishness Remem-
ber always your home and your
friends--those who will welcome your
return with pride and joy IL you shall
come back in virtue and honor who
will cherish your memory II, faith
FIJI and true. YOU have given up your
life; but to whom your disgrace would
cause q pang sharper than death.
Remember your obligations to duty
and to God. And may these thoughts
keep you from temptation and en-
courage and strengthen you in dan
ger or sickness.
And now. my dear boy, commend
you to God-and to the power of His
grace. May God bless and keep you
Think of your Heavenly Father in
health and in sickness, in JOY and in
sorrow. Go to Him for strength and
guidance. You are very dear to our
hearts-and your absence leaves a
great place vacant in our home. II
il be accorded to His will, may you
come back to us in safety and honor
but whatever is before us. may His
mercy and love be ever with you and
His grace he sufficient for you.
With deep affection,
Your Father,
e. r. Hoar
Samuel Hoar,. Corporal, 4Sth Regt,
Mass Volunteers.