Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1863-01-28
A PROCLAMATION
ZERCLON d. VANCE,

ZEBCLON d. VANCE,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
" HEREAs. IT HAS BEEN MADE KNOWN TO
w that large number of soldiers from our armies
are absent from their coors without proper leave in this
the hour of greatest need and it being confidently be-
heved that large majority of such, were impeed to this
course by natural and almost irresistible desire to see
their homes and friends after 50 long an abs
and not because Of cowary determination 70 leave their
brave comrades to share all the dangers and hardshPs Of
the field alone; aud whereas, Maj. Gen. 6: w. Smith, in
command of the Department North Carolina by consent
of the Secretary Of War; has published order declaring
that all who may voluntarily return to duty BY ths ION
commands with other punishment than forfeiture of
their pay for the time they have been absent without
aave and declaring further that all who do not 20 return
by the said 10th day Of February shs when
be tried for deseron and upon conviction bs made to su
Now therefore, zEBULoy B. VANCE, Governor Of
the State OF North Carolina, do issue this my procama-
on to all soldiers from this State serving in the armies
Of the Conedescy who are now absent from Their
colors. commanding them to return 70 duty with their
comrades and exhorng them to avail themselves at this
opportunity of saving their erds from tho disfsee and
infa which will cling forever to the name OF dcsertsr
from bis countrys and themselves from feens
DEATH Many after carrying their countrys nag IN I'M
umph through various bloody conflicts and making them.
ha1e been justly proud have forfeited It ali BY sbsentng
themselves moment when their State isinvaded
and about to be desoated by brutal half savage foe
turn to duty Iappea to them to stand by their country
yet little longer aad not to suly by deseron the brRhs
aud glorious reputation OF the State, when tney nave
helped to win hundred bard fought fields; and aP
peal 10 all good and loyal citizens throughout the State TO
give their influence to induce these TO return Let no
one unmoved by this appeal to his patriotism and honor
suppose that be remain at home with impuni'y TIE
full power of the State authorities aided if need be by the
C0nderaey shall be put in force arrest him and bring
him to punishment after the 10th day of February next
and there shall be rest for the deserer in the borders OF
North Carolina And let their desertion BY
declaring that they home to take Of their hmies
they will add nothing to the comforts of their families by
hiding like guilty men in the woods by day, and by plum
deng their neighbors by nght they only bring shame
and suffering upn the heads Of the innocent and their -
tie children, when gray headed old men, will have tho
finger of pointed at them and the bitter tant will
ring in their ears Your father skuked in the woods to
keep from fighting for his country"
The State is now trying to provide food for yonr ai.
your Chief Magistrate promise you that the wife aud
shall share the last bushe of meal and the last pound Of
meat the State Let every patriot in the land assist
with all his influence in the execution of this proclamation
and our victorious ranks viii again be filed and
try soon be rid of the enemy.
-, In witness whereof ZEBuLoN B. VANCE,
81 9. Governor, Captain General and COMMANDMENT.
~ Chief hath signed these presents and caused Tho
great Seal of the State to be affixed.
Done at City of Raleigh the 26th day Of January
in the year Of our Lord, 1863 Z.B. VANCE
By the Governor: -
R. q. BATTLE, j.,
Jan. q, 1868. s-.st.