Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1863-02-13
A PROCLAMATION
ZERCLON Ii, VANCE,


GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH. CAROLINA
EXT HEREAS, 1T HAS BEEN MADE KNOWN TO
that large number Of soldiers from our armies
absent frum their cOurs without proper Leave in this
the hour of greatest need and it beng confidently be-
ieved that large majority of such mpelltd TO this
by natural and almost irresistible desire to
tier homes and friends once more alter oorg an ao en;
aud not because of a6owardy determination 10 leave their
brave comrades To share all the dangers and hardshpS Of
the field alone; and whereas Maj Gen. c. w. Smith, in
command of the Department of by consent
of the Secretary of War; has published order declaring
that all who may voluntarily return to 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
lave and declaring further that ali who do
by the said 10Th day OF February SHALL when apprehended,
be tired Or deSerIon and upon convcl"n be made 10 SUI
fer deuih
Now therefore, ZEBUL0N VANCE, Governor of
the State of North Carona do issue this my pr"cana
all soldiers this State. serving in the armies
of the Cunfederacv who Illegally absent from their
cnors, commanding them to return to duty with Their
comrades and exhOrtng them o avail themselves of this
opportunity Of saving her frerds from the disgrace and
inamy whichwi cling forever TO the name OF deserter
from his c0untIys cause aud themselves from fe0ns
death. Many, after carrying their couptrys flag in tr
umph through various bluudy conflicts and making them
selves name which their chiIdren's children might
have been Justly prpCd have forfeited all by aoSening
themselves at moment when their State is invaded
and be desUaed BY brutal half savage foe
Now the time reinstae themselves, BY prompt re-
turn to duty appeal them stand BY their country
Vet little longer and not to suy by desertun the bright
aud glorious reputation Of the State which they have
helped 10 win hundred bard fought fields; ard ap-
give their influence induce these To return. Let
unmOvcd by this appeal his patriotism and homer,
suppose that he remain at home with mpuniy; the
full power Of the State authorities aided need be by the
COntdcracy shall be put force to arrest him and bring
him 10 punishment after the 10Th day Of February next
aud shall be for the dcSerter in the borders of
North Carolina. And let their deSer:iOn By
declaring that they home to take Of their families;
they will add nothing Ia the comforts Of their families by
hiding like guilty in the woods by day. and by pluu
dering their neghberS 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 al them and the bitter taunt viii
ring their cars Your father skuked in the woods to
keep from fighting for his country"
The State is trying 10 provide food FIR your ialn
lies end each county is making similar provisions and
your Chief Magistrate promise you that the wife and
child of the soldier whnsiS the doing his duty
shall share the last bushc of meal ard 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 our victorious ranks will again be filed aad
try soon be rid Of the enemy.
-, In witness whereof, IEBULOS p. VANCE onr
} L s. Governor, Captain General and COMMANDMENTS
t-l Chief hath signed these presents and caused The
great Seal of the State to be affixed.
Done City Of Raleigh the 2Gth day Of january
in the year uf our Lord 1868. u. B. VANCE.
BY the Governor:
X. Ii. BATTLE, JR.,
Private Secretary.
-