Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-11-15
JUDGE HOAR'S
LETTER TO SON

THO cv-racrs urinted below from
ie+tar written bv IN eminent Massa-
( chusetts judge to his soldier son are
now being sent BY the United States
government 70 men newly drafted
7 for TIE national army and 10 volun-
reers. in the hope that it will serve
| AS an inspiration to them IN the
struggle against Germany.
The letter was recently printed on
! the editorial page Of the Boston Her
aid. i follows:
Concord, Mass, Dec. IS. 1862.
\ "My Dear Boy:
II did not have the opportunity | had
hoped TO talk with you last evening
and therefore take this opportunity
when We are sending YOU your nittens
and the envelopes which you forgot, to
give you a few last words Of affection
I ate counsel from home.
zone Of YOUR first duties a a soldier
Will lie - take all the care you can of
Z your health The frmer that is. the
better YOU will he able to do any serv-
ice, or undergo any fatigue required Of
you. To preserve your health, YOU
must try to lead as regular and tenn
perate life as is possible. ! hope YOU
+, " i'll not try 10 avoid your full share of
labor danger or exposure. whether
! either Is necessary or called for. Take
every proper occasion for bathing your
, whole body and scrupulously regard
Your personal cleanliness. no matter
! how much trouble II may give you.
Have nothing to do with spirituous
4 LIQUORS Of any kind. Take your food
I rs regularly as you can get it, and
! neither eat immodcratelv nor go
long time without food, If YOU can
avoid it. Especially lie careful not 10
eat too excess after long fasting
! Il 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 9th
ers. bear hardships without erumbling.
and always try to do more. rather than
! less. than your duty. You win have
occasion 70 ne patient much oftencr
\ than to be brave.
Unquestioning Obedience
THE duty OF soldier Is unquestion-
4 ing obedience, but beyond this hope
/ YOU will cultivate A kind respectful
! and cOnsidcratc temper toward YOUR
officers.
7 II hope YOU are going with love for
\ your country and YOUR cause, and with
f; a determination to he faithful to every
! duty You have undertaken NV bov.
i YOU bear the name of one who. to the
end OF his honored life, never shrank
I from a duty, however painful nor from
, a danger 10 which duty called him. Re
7 sure that You do no discredit to it,
! Neither by cowardice, by falsehood by
/ impurity, by levity, nor by seIfishness.
Remember always your home and
/ your friends-those who will welcome
Your return with pride and JOY if YOU
shall come back in virtue and honor:
I who will cherish your memory If.
! faithful and true, you have given up
your life: but to whom your disgrace
would cause a pang sharper than
death. Remember your obligations to
| duty and 10 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 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 it be &C
corded to His will. may you come back
to us in safety and honor; but what
ever is before us, may His mercy and
| love be ever with you and His grace
| be sufficient for you.
! with deep affection,
| your father. E. r. HOAR"
| Samuel Hoar. corporal 18th regi-
ment. Massachusetts volunteers.