Suggestions From and Old Soldier…

In the early days of the Civil War, recruits were offered plenty of advice. A Mexican War veteran wrote an anonymous letter to the New York Times, providing "suggestions from an old soldier."

Allow an old soldier who has seen service to offer a few practical suggestions to our men who are marching South.

Avoid drinking water as much as possible while marching. When you feel dry rinse your mouth with water, but do no swallow it. Water along should not be drank, but mixed with wholesome beverage in a campaign.

While marching or on sentry never sit down for a second - bear up! The change of posture will affect your powers more than the actual marching. 

Have plenty of buttons, needle and thread, rags of linen and some strong twine in your knapsack - you will all want it. 

White linen gaiters over brogans are the best, boots offering too much reflection to the sun's rays. the gaiters are made white and shiny again by applying a mixture of common chalk and water with a rag or sponge, and let the gaiter get dry under the air or sun. 

If you have a long march in warm weather before you, cut off the body of your pantaloons to the middle of the thigh and sew the legs to your drawers, fastening the suspenders to the drawers, it will relieve you greatly. Drawers are essential.

Keep a vial of sweet oil and every night rub your gun with a rag dipped in oil. In the morning, or when starting, rub it clean, it is the best way to preserve it from rust and keep it in working order. When not using it put a piece of cork or something else in the mouth of your gun to keep out dust, rain,  etc. 

When marching, put some of the weight you have to carry on your breast - for instance, part of the cartridges, so as to relieve and counterpoise the weight to be carried.

Have some lard in a small tin box to grease your boots or shoes with, to keep them  smooth and soft, particularly in wet weather or passing through a swampy country. 

When on the march never let a weak comrade get behind the company - assist him in carrying his load. When once left behind he is at the mercies of the rear guard, and my perish before the ambulances arrive. 

Finally, avoid spirituous liquors as you would poison.