I passed through this phase of my life detesting what was foreign to my nature and my early education.

The experience with coarse men was probably beneficial because it gave me a "scunner" (disgust), to use a Scotism, at chewing or smoking tobacco, also at swearing or the use of improper language, which fortunately remained with me through life.
I do not wish to suggest that the men of whom I have spoken were really degraded or bad characters.

The habit of swearing, with coarse talk, chewing and smoking tobacco, and snuffing were more prevalent then than to-day and meant less than in this age.

Railroading was new, and many rough characters were attracted to it from the river service.
But many of the men were fine young fellows who have lived to be highly respectable citizens and to occupy responsible positions.

And I must say that one and all of them were most kind to me.