Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1917-12-06
rson County, West Virginia Thursday December 6, 1917.
A Fathers Letter To His Soldier Son.


Hundreds of thousands OF American
fathers are now facing the bitterest mo-
ment of their lives: the moment of part
ing with sons as dear to them as Absalom
was to David. All OF them will try 10
say what is in their hearts, but few ot
them will ieeI, when the boy has gone.
they have said all that they wished or said
it as we'll as they wished. For those who
find themselves mute in the face OF the
parting there may be help and inspiration
in the letter that follows. II was writer
in Concord, Massachusetts, more than
fifty years ago, by Judge Ebenezer Rock
wood Hoar, great member OF great
family, and addressed TO worthy son,
Corp Samuel Hoar, then about 10 enter
on his duties as soldier in the Civil
War. Its loftiness Of spirit, its practical
wisdom and its simple beauty OF express
sion entitle il 10 rank with the great epiS-
tolary literature OF our country.
"My Dear Boy: did not have the op-
portunity | had hoped TO talk with you
last evening-and therefore take this op-
portunity, when we are sending you your
mi.tens, and the envelopes which you
forgot, TO give you few last words oi
affectionate counsel from home.
Zone ofyour first duties as soldier
will be TO take all the care you can oi
your health. The firmer that is, the bet
ter 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 regular and temperate life as
is possible. hope you will not try 10
avoid your full share OF labor, danger, OF
exposure, where either is necessary or
called for. -. Take every proper occa-
sion for bathing your whole body-and
scrupulously regard your personal clean
Illness, no matter how much trouble il
may give you. Have nothing TO do
with spirituous liquors any kind. Take
your food as regularly as you can get il,
and neither eat immoderately, nor 20 a
long time without food, il you can avoid
it. Especially be careful not TO eat to ex
cess after long fasting. -.
81 hope you will never disgrace your
self by any profaneness. or obscenity ;
and will avoid all conversation and COM
panions where they are practced or al
lowed.
TRY 10 preserve cheerful and con-
tented spirit. and encourage il in others.
Bear hardships without grumbling, and
always try 10 do more, rather than less,
than your duty. You will have occasion
TO be patient much oftener than to be
brave.
"The duty Of soldier is unquestion-
ing obedience but beyond this | hope
you will cultivate kind, respectful and
considerate temper toward your officers.
81 hope you are going with love for
your country, and your cause, and with
determination TO be faithful TO every duty
you have undertaken. My boy, you bear
the name OF one who 10 the end OF his
honored life never shrank from duty.
however painful. nor from danger 10
which duty called him. Be sure that
you do no discreoit to III Neither by
cowardice, by falSehood, by impurity, by
levity, nor by SeliishEess. Remember
always your home and your friends
those who will welcoma your return with
pride and Joy if you shall come back in
virtue and honor; who will cherish your
memory if, faithful andi true, you have
given up your life but 10 whom your
disgrace would cause a pang sharper than
death. Remember your obligations TO
duty and TO God And may these thoughts
keep you from temptation. and encourage
and strengthen you in danger or sickness.
"And now, my dear boy, commend
you 10 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 10 our heans-and
your absence leaves great place vacant
in our home. II it be according 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 be sufficient for you"