ren, of all that makes
life worth possessing, is the result. While I most deeply deplored
the necessity for the sacrifice, I could not but rejoice that I had a
son to offer to the service of the country, and if I had a dozen, _I
would most freely give them all_. As you are now cheerfully enduring
the hardships of the camp, I know you will listen to a father's
suggestions touching the duties of your new mode of life.

1. Take special care of your health. More soldiers die of disease
than in battle. A thin piece of damp sponge in the crown of your hat
during exposure to the hot sun, the use of thick shoes and a
water-proof coat in rainy weather, the practice of drinking cold
water when you are very warm as slowly as you sip hot tea, the
thorough mastication of your food, the avoiding of damp tents and
damp grounds during sleep, and frequent ablutions of your person are
all the hints I can give you on this point. Should you need anything
that I can supply, let me hear from you. I will do what I can to make
you comfortable. After all, you must learn to endure hardness as a
good soldier. Having never slept a single night in your whole life
except in a pleasant bed, and never known a scarcity of good food,
you doubtless find the ways of the camp rough; but never mind. The
war, I trust, will soon be over, and then the remembrance of your
hardships will sweeten the joy of peace.

2. The rules of war require prompt and unquestioning obedience. You
may sometimes think the command arbitrary and the officer
supercilious, but _it is yours to obey_. An undisciplined army is a
curse to its friends and a derision to its foes. Give your whole
influence, therefore, to the maintenance of lawful authority and of
strict order. Let your superiors feel assured that whatever they
entrust to _you_ will be faithfully done. Composed of such soldiers,
and led by skillful and brave commanders, our army, by the blessing
of God, will never be defeated. It is, moreover, engaged in a holy
cause, and must triumph.

3. Try to maintain your Christian profession among your comrades. I
need not caution you against strong drink as useless and hurtful, nor
against profanity, so common among soldiers. Both these practices you
abhor. Aim to take at once a decided stand for God. If practicable
have prayers regularly in your tent, or unite with your
f