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I was one of the class of men who, at the breaking out of the
Rebellion, thought that most of the soldiers who returned from the war would be good for nothing to the community; and I have observed their conduct since with some interest, and am glad of this opportunity to say that every one that went to the war from this town, and returned, is as good a citizen as on the day he enlisted; and in three cases I think there is a decided improvement.
John W. Work,
Chairman Selectmen.
From close observation and inquiry, I am clear that the habits of our own citizens who went into the army have been better since their return than before they became soldiers.
Leonard Huntress,
Chairman Selectmen.
I think some have improved in morals.
I know of none who have grown worse.
Jacob Foster,
Chairman Selectmen.
In some cases we think the character and habits of those returning have been improved.
Oliver Proctor,
Stillman Haynes,
Abel G. Stearnes, Selectmen.
In not one case do I know of their being worse than they were before they entered the army; but fifty per cent. of them are better than they were before they entered; the other fifty per cent. remain about the same.
Ebenezer Swan,
Chairman Selectmen.
I have said many times that not one of our boys came home morally worse than when he went out, and a large majority came home much better.
Velorous Taft,
Chairman Selectmen.
The returned soldiers are better in their habits.
B. Snow,
Chairman Selectmen.
As a class, they are more thoughtful and better men.
F. M. Stone,
Chairman Selectmen.
Those the most reckless before enlisting, we think, in some cases at least, more willing to submit to good order and regulations than before enlisting.
Thos. D. Wood,
Chairman Selectmen.
In a number of cases, young men who, prior to their enlisting, spent most of their time in saloons and drinking-houses, have, since their return, obtained steady employment and faithfully pursue their labors.
As a general answer I should say that but a very small proportion have been guilty of crime since their return home, that their habits are no worse, and in many instances are far better.
H. B. Lewis,
Chairman Selectmen.
My own private opinion candidly is, that instead of being contaminated by the scenes of the field and the camp, they are better fitted and qualified to perform the duties of good citizens and members of society than they would have been had they remained at home during the war.
Alonzo S. Fiske,
Chairman Selectmen.
As a whole, the service of their country has had a salutary effect upon them, and will make them better men through life.
Rufus A. Dodge,
Chairman Selectmen.
I think their habits are better than they were before they entered the army.
A. D. Bagg,
Chairman Selectmen.
The morals of our returned soldiers are better than they were before they entered the service of their country.
This is the opinion of the inhabitants of the town generally.
Benjamin Oliver,
Chairman Selectmen.
There is, on the whole, an improvement in their habits.
Samuel B. White,
Chairman Selectmen.
Their habits, if changed at all, have changed for the better.
O. R. Clark,
Chairman Selectmen.
