The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-09-04

The following affecting confession OF a de-.
5serter, taken FROM the Savannah Republican,
will be read with interest:
Editor Republican.
DEAR SHINY conscience forces me to
make public the following confession am
a soldier IN the Confederate service. I was
volunteer on the 4th Of March, 1862. and re-
ceived my bounty of $50. I should have
been among the first volunteers without boun-
ty, but thatI had-a large family and was
poor man But was as anxious to be freed
from the yoke of the Yankees as any one, 80
ana now. I was ready 10 peril my life. for
| freedom am now But I loved home aud
the dear wife and children. and the snug lit
tie farm which had furnished US an. ample
support. / was sent to Virginia with my re-
giment soon after the battels around Rich
nond. We went with Gen. Lee (God bless
the glorious old chief in the campaign in
| Northern Virginia and Maryland. My Cap
tain always selected me as one for any inn
and perils, yet, notwithstanding, was proud
to be thus distinguished among my comrades,
for wanted to discharge my duty and help to
|! gain our Independence as far as could. But
IN " evil hour began to give way to dreams
of home. The dear wife, six lovely children,
the snug little home-Nere they all doing
well? I feared not. continued to dream
and think of home. ] had not heard from
home in long time. I asked for a furlpuyh
for thirty days. thought it would and ought
! to be granted, The application failed. Twas
sadly disappointed. ard yielding in an evil
| hour, | deserted. Every man who looked me
In the face seemed to say desertsr to himself.
/ as was on my way home. / was never half
so unhappy in my life, notwithstanding tue
near prospect of home. / went on, thinking
! the pleasures of home would aueli the goad
| ings of conscience. When arrived, such a
welcome greeting shene on the face of my
/ wife and childrenl How happy for the mo.
menti My dear James" said my wife,
seating herself upon my knee and putting her
arm around my meek, how glad we are to
see you, we have such gopd crop, and God
has blessed $50 while you have been in the
army. How long is your furlongh p | start
ed as though stung with the fang of a SER
| pent. ssW hats the matter, Jalles" was
obliged to confess the whole. .Ohi James !
| what shah we do? what will the neighbors
| say what will Gen, Lee think 7" She did
not know but that Gen Lee knew me fully as
l3Wellas my own captain. When neighbor
'.came about he was sure to TASK "how long is
your furloughg" / esaded IN some way.' I
was almost mad.
saw but moment happiness-when my
wife FIRST greeted ne-until your paper reach
ed me the other day with that glorious pro-
| .clan.atitn Of our glorious President sat
| dewn and cried like child. ..God bless the
President. swelIed up from my heart with
kmy sobs. After all, he understands the trials
and longings for hume OF the poor soldiers,
and does not attribute their absence to de-
sertion of the cause May God bless him
be is right. Ny wife read it; we cried to-
/ gether. Ny arrangements were speedily
| made, and / am now in your. city on my way
to Join my regiment in Virginia. have
never been reprimanded by an officer. Was
in the second battle Of Manassas, at Ante
tam, Eredericks burg and Charlottesville. /
SO again to return no more, even if life is
SCARED until independence is gained