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� 99

joking, mending, writing, playing games, conversing, and drinking. I can now plainly see how it is that men may become indolent and inactive in their ways from long service in the army. I appreciate the fact. Indulgence in the matter of liquors is a custom as general among those with whom I am forced to associate as taking dinner or supper. I have seen more drinking in a weeks' time while I have been a soldier than I was previously accustomed to see during a whole year. And so it is with card playing and gambling and profanity. It is not surprising that I am fast getting inclined to pass these vices by and abhor them less. Yet I must be very careful lest betrayed into the same