Year: 1864

Mr.. EDITOR Why does the remem-
brauce of Brattleboro, in the presence of
our soldiers call forth such contemptible
exclamations? Simply because there is
a certain class of people there, which COM
bine together in robbing every poor igno-
rant, unfortunate soldier or recruit, that
may come within their grasp. They have
had various ways of carrying out their
diabolcal schemes; one Of which was
selling them to some particular town like
a slave, for the triAing sum Of fifty doll
ars or less if possible, when at the same
time they knew that town to be paying as
high as three hundred dollars. In other
instances if they found soldier accom-
panied with plenty of Greenbacks, they
would just step up to him and address
him in the following manner :"Look here


sir! You have shown yourself u man in
responding to the call of your country


ip her emergency for help to put down
this cursed rebellion; consequently, it is
nothing more than our duty who stay at
home, to do all in our power to promote
yonr best interests. step up here
and have little some hing at our ex-
pense." Soon the unfortunate victim
falls an easy prey to his adversary's,
through the influence of what they term
little "eye water" then they commence
their railery upon him. by telling him
what despisabe wretches soldiers are, un-
til finally the defender of his country re-
sents such outrageous abuse then away
goes the soldier to the lookup for disturb
ing the peace. He is kept there certain
length of time, and finally told by pay
ing over twenty-five or thirty dollars,
they will liberate him; consequently rath-
er than stand trial to which he is fully
aware there would be but one side, my
bold soldier boy forks over, and goes on
his way rejoicing to think he has been
fortunate enough to effect his escape on
any terms.


Let me remind you my dear readers,
however dear you may be, that in writing
on this unpleasant subject, | have not
portrayed imaginary ideas to express my
self, having witnessed instances sim
liar to that which have just described.
We read in the Holy Book, that anciently,
tarcs were found growing among the
wheat, and it is a tradition which has
been handed down from one gencrotion to
another. That it exists in this case no one
will deny, as there is some high-minded
people in Brattleboro, who are daily pro-
noting the interests of the country, both
by word and deed to such do not refer
by no means, as they do and always will
hold conspicuous place in the heart of
every true patriot. A close observer at
times may hear the remark, what a curse
to oar town soldiers are," In another
instant. some one will step up and inquire
if they had "heard anything lately of the
1 U. S., Barracks and effects, being then
under the process of building at Mont
pelier, and whether the troops would be
removed thitber q Oh yes, that's the
talk, but / do not think there will be
anything done about it-at least hope
not. am going to bring all the intu-
nence to bear | have got to prevent it, as
4 it would be damper on our business af-
fairs here" In portraying this side of
the question, do not wish to be under
stood that all soldiers are what they
I should be, and that these wrongs are be-
ing perpetrated on them without reason
J in some respects, as it is we'll known that
J, portion Of our army is composed of the
!, vilest rufians outside of States Prison.
J, All those that wear our uniform are not
soldiers in my estimation; some of them
may be more commonly termed bounty
| jumpers, and swiudlcrs. who have no re-
gard for their country, and much less fol
themselves. What isaa soldier then
b One who goes forth unprejudiced, with nc
other motive than that of serving hit
!. country. and if needs be lay down hi
{ life ransom for the Union. One wht