Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-02-09
a
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF N. C.

ZEBULON B. VANCE,

VXTHEREAS, IT HAS BEE MADE KNOWN
w to me that a large number of soldiers from
our armies are absent from their colors without
proper leave in this the hour of our greatest need,
and it being confidently believed that a large ma
iority of such, were impelled to this course by a
natural and almost irresistible desire to see their
homes and friends once more after so long an
absence, and IL because of a cOwardly determination
to leave their brave comrades to share all the dan
gers and hardships of the field alone and whereas,
Maj. e.. w. Smith, in command of the Department of
North Carolina, by consent OF the Secretary of War,
has published an order declaring that all who may
voluntarily return to duty by the 10th day of Febru-
airy next, shall be received into their several COM
mands with no other punishment than a forfeiture of
their pay for the time they have been so absent with
out leave and declaring further that all who do not
so return by the said 10th day of February, shall,
when apprehended. be tried for desertion. and upon
conviction, be made to suffer death:
I; Now therefore, l b. VANCE, Governor
of the State of North Carolina, do issue this my proc
lamation to all soldiers from this State, serving in the
armies of the COnfederacy, who are now illegally
absent from their colors, commanding them to return
to duty with their comrades, and cxhorting them to
avail themselves of this opportunity of saving their
friends from the disgrace and infamy which will cling
forever to the name of a deserter from his country's
cause, and themselves from a felon's death. Many,
after carrying Their %country's flag in triumph through
various 81 e, ,o6ich c thail nb; ana na sSildgyen themselves mi s ssx q
been justly proud, have forfeited it all by absenting
themselves at a moment when their own State is in
vaded and about to be desolated by a brutal, half saw
age foe.
R their eou agtryn vet ct a q iistle llopPer. :. and epG mot : to S suIIV BY BY
desertion the bright and glorious reputation of the
State, which they have helped to win on a hundred
hard fought fields; and appeal to all good and loyal
citizens throughout the State to give their influence
to induce these men to return. Let no one, unnlov-
ed by this az peal to his patriotism and honor, sup.
pose that he can remain at home with impunity
the full power of the State authorities, aided if neet
be by the Contederacy. shall be put in force to arrest
him and bring him to punishment after the 10th day
of February next, and there shall be no rest for tn,
deserter in the borders of North Carolina. And lie
none excuse their desertion by declaring that they g,
home to take care of their families they will adj
nothing to the comfort of their families by hiding lk,
guilty men in the woods by day, and by plunderin.
their n~eighbOrs by night they only bring shame ant
suffering upon the heads of the innocent, and thei
little children when gray headed old men, will hav
the finger of scorn pointed at them and the bite
taunt will ring in their ears, " Your father skulke
IN the WOODS TO keep from fighting for his country
The State is now trying to provide foon for you
ion and as your Chief Magistrate l promise you tina
the wife and child of the soldier who is in the arm,
doing his duty, shall share the last bushel If meal an
the last pound of meat in the State. Let every patriu
in the land assist with all his influence in the execu
tlon of this proclamation, and our victorious rank
will again be filled, and our country soon be rid
the enemy.
~ In witness whereof, ZEBULoN 3. VANCE, on
l.. 8. Governor Captain General and Commando
~ in-Chief, hath signed these presents an
caused the great Seal of the State to be affixed.
Done at our City of Raleigh, on the 26th day
Jan, in the yer OF our Lord, 1868.
z. E. VANCE.
By the Governor:
B.. q. BATTLE,
Private Secretary.