Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-02-06
A PROCLAMATION
ZEBCLON B, VANCE,

ZEBCL CLON Is. VANCE,
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
INV HEREAS, 1T HAS BEEN MADE KNOWN. TO
w me that large number of soldiers from armies
nre absent from their cOlOrs without leave in
Inc n9T[ ot our creates. need and it being be-
heVed mat large majority of such impeled to this
course by natural and almost irresistible desire
Their homes and friends after long absence
and not because of cOwardy determination TO leave their
brave comrades To share all the dangers and hardhps Of
the field alone; and whereas, Maj Cen G. W. Smith, in
command of the Deparmsnt of bv consent
OF the Secretary of War; has published order declaring
that all who may voluntarily return tn duty by the 10th
day of February next shall be received into their several
Commands with other punishment than forfeiture of
their pay for the time they have been absent without
eave and declaring further that all who do not return
by the said 10th day of February shall when apprehended
fer death:
Now therefore, ZEBULoN B. VANCE, Governor Of
the State OF North Carolina do issue this my proclama
ton to all soldiers from this State serving in the armies
OF The Confederacy who illegally absent from their
colors, commanding them return to duty with their
comrades and exhOrng hem to avail themselves of this
opportunity of saving their rerds from the disgrace and
infamy which will cling forever TO the name of deserer
from his countrys and themselves from felOns
death Many, after carrying their countrys flag in tri
umPh through various bnudy conflicts and making them
selves name, Of which their chidrens children might
have been justly proud have rJrreed all by abSenting
themselves At moment when their 81 ate is invaded
and about TO be desOated by brutal half savage foe
Now Us the time to renstaie themselves by prompt
turn TO duty appeal to them stand by their country
yet little longer and not to suy by deserton the bright
and glorious reputation of the State which they have
helped to win hundred bard fought fields; and ap
peal 10 all good and loyal citizens thr-ughou the State to
give their influence to induce these Let
unmOved BY this appeal 10 his patriotism and honor
suppose that he remain at home with impunity; the
full power of the State authorities aided need be by the
COnederacv. shall be put force to him and bring
him TO punishment after the 10Th day of February next
and there shall be rest for the descrter in the buders of
North Carolina. And let their desertou by
declaring that they go home to take of their ames
they will add nothing 10 the comforts of their families by
hidTg like guilty in the woods BY day, and by plum
derng their neighbOrs by night they only bring shame
and suffering upon the heads of the innocent and their lit
tie children, when gray headed old men, will have the
finger of pointed at them and the bitter taunt will
ring their ears Your father skulked in the woods to
keep from fighting for his country"
The State is trying To provide food for your fami
lies and each county is making similar provisions and
your Chief Magistrate promise you that the wife and
child of the soldier whus the army doing his duty
shall share the last bushe of meal and the last pound Of
meat in the State Let every patriot in the land assist
with all his influence in the execution Of this proclamation,
and victorious ranks will again be led and
try be rid of the enemy.
-, In witness whereof, ZEBULoN b. VANCE,
J L S. Governor Captain General and Commanderin-
~ Chief, hath signed these presents and caused the
great Seal of the State to be affixed
Done City Of Raleigh the 26th day Of January,
in the year Of our Lord, 1868. z. B. VANCE
BY the Governor:
K. Il. BATTLE, JR.,
Private Secretary
Jan. 27, 1865. st