But with the close of hostilities many industries which had been created by the demands of war ceased, and thousand of men were thrown out of employment.

The disbandment of the Volunteer Army would undoubtedly add hundreds of thousands to this number, and thus still further overstock and embarrass the labor-market.
The prospect was not encouraging, and many judicious men feared the result.
Happily all anticipations of evil proved groundless.

By an instinct of self-support and self-adjustment, that great body of men who left the military service during the latter half of the year 1865 and early in the year 1866 re-entered civil life with apparent contentment and even with certain advantages.

Their experience as soldiers, so far from unfitting them for the duties and callings of Peace, seem rather to have proved an admirable school, and to have given them habits of promptness and punctuality, order and neatness, which added largely to their efficiency in whatever field they were called to labor.

After the Continental Army was dissolved, its members were found to be models of industry and intelligence in all the walks of life.