CHAPTER X.

RAW RECRUITS.

A Scrap of Personal History—A Parent’s Certificate—The Lot of a Recruit—Abused by the Old Hands—Flush with Money—A Practical Joke—Two Classes of Recruits—The Matter-of-fact Recruit a Final Success—The High-toned Recruits—Their _Loud_ Uniform—Scoffers at Government Rations—As Hostlers—The Awkward Squad—The Decline in the Quality of Recruits—Men of ’61-2—Unschooled Soldiers—Hope Deferred—“One Last Embrace”—French Leave Furloughs—Life in Home Camp—Family Knots—A Mother’s Fond Solicitude—Galling Lessons of Obedience—Bounties Paid Recruits—“I’m a Raw Recruit”—“The Substitute” 198