Wadsworth Dispatch in Wadsworth, Nevada

Propane Soldiers and the Profanity of War

An old soldier recalls anti profanity efforts in the First Maine Cavalry starting in 1861 on the Penobscot. Colonel Douty banned oaths, many complied, and a general temperance pledge became common. He notes rare profanity among officers and scarce swearing among veterans, contrasting camp followers and supply personnel as sources of language.