The Delta independent., 1918-08-09
FATHERS ADVICE GIVEN
HALF A CENTURY AGO

A letter WTlttcu ny Juu6S nOCAWOOu
Hoar of Massachusetts, Sc. years ago,
to his son, who had enlisted in the
Civil war, has recently come to light
and is going the rounds of the country.
A COPY was handed the Independent
and it is just as good and appropos
today as when written during the time
when another crisis was impending
and when the full manhood of every
person who desired to see the national
entity preserved had to exert itself
to it's fullest.
The letter should be an inspiration
to every young man who has gone or
may go into the army that is fighting
for the safety of the world "over
there" Read 1t:
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 opportu-
nifty. when we are sending you your
mittens and the envelopes which you
forgot, to give you a few last words of
affectionate counsel from home.
One of your first duties as soldier
W III Dt W tame Oil thC totC -Ou SeAii Va
your health. The firmer that is, the
better you will be able to do any SER
vice, or undergo any fatigue required
of you. To preserve your health you
must try to lead as regular and tenn
perate a life as possible. l 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 occasion for bathing your
whole body and scrupulously regard
your personal cleanliness, no matter
how much trouble it may give you.
Have nothing to do with spirituous
liquors of any kind. Take your food
as regularly as you can get It and
neither eat immoderately nor go
long time without food. If 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 practiced
or allowed
Try to preserve a cheerful and con-
tented spirit and encourage it in 9th
eTS. bGdI 0@D
ling and always try to do more. rather
than less, than your duty You viii
have occasion to be patient 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.
l hope you are going with 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 cali
ed him. Be sure that you do not dis
credit 1t! Neither by cowardice, by
falsehood. by impurity, by levfty nor
by selfishness. 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; who will cherish
your memory IL. 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 to God. And
may these thoughts keep you from
temptation and encourage you in dan
ger or sickness.
t 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 great
place vacant in our home. II 1t be ac-
cording 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.
With deep affection. your father.
e. r. HOAR.
Samuel Hoar. Corporal. 4sth Regt.,
Massachusetts, Volunteers.