The Soldier is Ever the Creature of Circumstances

I find it wonderfully amusing that the first three entertainments that occurred to these young men were playing cards, dancing and practical jokes.

The soldier is ever the creature of circumstances, and we had made up our minds to take ''things as they came" and let care go drifting; and the leisure time was employed throughout camp in games at cards, dancing, and practical jokes. (Charles M. Clark, The history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry, (Yates phalanx.) in the war of the rebellion. 1861-1865, Published under the auspices of the Veteran Association of the Regiment, 1889, p. 13.)



The cold December days and the long dreary nights here were full of surmises and expectancy, with now and then a stirring rumor of the approach of the enemy. Aside from this, there was nothing to excite or amuse. By way of variety, an occasional dance would be indulged in, and many will remember that it was while quartered in the Orrick house that Colonel Osborn learned his first steps in the contra-dance from Phil. Lace, the band leader; and so captivating did it prove for the gallant Colonel that it was reported that he was often seen, in the dead of night, careering around with his shadow reflected on the wall by the light of a candle. But this, doubtless, was somewhat imaginative. (Charles M. Clark, The history of the Thirty-Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Veteran Infantry, (Yates phalanx.) in the war of the rebellion. 1861-1865, Published under the auspices of the Veteran Association of the Regiment, 1889, p. 29.)