05 08 1861 [Wednesday]

Appearing on the front page of The Athens Post, Athens,Tenn., on this date was the following article:

Advice to Volunteers - How to Prepare for the Campaign.

A writer, who signs himself “An Old Soldier,” gives the following advice to young
soldiers:

1. Remember that in a campaign more men die from sickness than by the bullet.

2. Line your blankets with one thickness of brown drilling. This adds but four ounces
in weight, and doubles the warmth.

3. Buy a small Inda [sic] rubber blanket (only $1.50) to lay on the ground or to throw
over your shoulders when on guard duty during a rain storm. Most of the eastern
troops are provided with these.- Straw to lie on is not always to be had.

4. The best military hat in use is the light colored soft felt; the crown being
sufficiently high to allow space for air over the brain. You can fasten i

5. Let your beard grow, so as to protect the throat and lungs.

6. Keep your entire person clean; this prevents fevers and bowel complaints in
warm climates. Wash your body each day, if possible. Avoid strong coffee and
oily meat. Gen. Scott said that the too free use of these (together with neglect in
keeping the skin clean) cost many a soldier his life in Mexico.

7. A sudden check of perspiration by chilly or night air often causes fever and death.
When thus exposed do not forget your blanket.