The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-02-10
A PROCLAMATION
BY ZEBULON b. VANCE,

Governor Of the State Of North Caroline
Whereas, 1t has been made known to me that - largo
number OF soldiers from armies are absent from
their colors without proper leave in this the hour Of
our greatest need, and it being confidently believed
that large majority OF such mpellcd 10 this
course by natural and almost irresistible desire 10
ther.homes and friends after so long Az
absence and not because Of cowardly determination
to leave their brave comrades to share all the dangers
and hardships Of the field alone; and whereas Maj
Gen. G. w. Smith, in command OF the Department u
North Carolina, by of the Secretary Of War
has published an 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 a forfeiture Of their
pay for the time they have been absent without
leave and declaring further that all who do
turn by the said 10th day of February, shall when
apprehcnded, be tried for deserion and upon coaye.
ton, be made to suffer death:
Now, therefore, !, ZEBULoN Is. VANCE, Governor q
the State of North Carolina do issue this my prnr.
nation to all soldiers from this State serving the
armies of the Confederacy, who are now Illegally
absent from their colors, commanding them 10 relun
duty with their comrades, and eKhorting them 10
avail themselves of this opportunity Of saving their
friends from the disgrace ana infamy which will cling
forever to the name of descrter from his countrys
cause, and themselves from a ielon's doom. Macy,
after carrying their counrys flag in triumph through
various bloody conflicts and making themselves q
name, Of which their childrcn's children might hare
been justly proud, have forfeited il oil by absentng
themselves Mt moment when their own State Is 10.
vaded and about TO be desolated by brutal, hall
savage foe Now is the time TO reinstae Themselves
by prompt return to duty. appeal 20 them 20 sans
by their country yet little longer and 20 suly by
desertiou the bright and glorious reputation Of the
tate, which they have helped to win on hundred
haTd fought fields and appeal to all good and loyal
citizens throughout the State TO give their influence
induce these men to return. Let no one, unmoved
by this appeal to his patriotism and honor. suppose
that he remain at home with impunity the W."
power Of the State authorities aided II need be by D
Confectionery shall be put in force 10 arrest him ana
bring him punishment after the 10th day OF Fcofu-
airy next and there shall be rest for the desefld
in the borders of North Carolina. And let none ei-
their deseron by declaring that they 60 home 70
take of their families; they will add nothing -
the comforts of their families by being like guilty men
in the woods by dey, and by punderng their neiED.
bors by nigh; they only bring shame and sHuslnI"
upon the heads of The innocent; and vher little 'hHu
rem, when gray headed old men, will have the ~ g w
pointed at them and the bitter tauut VII '.1
in their ears, ''Your father skulked IN th' "''1 w
keep from fighting for his county"
The State is now trying to provide iood ''l -,
families and each county is making similar p'o',.'
and as your Chief Magistrate promise you '"as ~"
wife and child Of the soldier who Is ia the aimN
his duty shall share the last bushel Of meal ana wy
last pound of in the State. Let every rH'rio. .
the land assist with all his influence in the etG''
of this proclamation, aud victorious TaLA, -. 80
again be filed, aud our country soon be rd % 49,
enemy. c.y.
In witness whereof ZEBULoS B. vAScE, our 80
ernor, Captain General and Commander-n- ~
hath signed these presents and caused the great 49,
of the State to be affixed. Il
Done at City OF Raleigh, the zGih Ga! "
January, in the year of our Lord, 1863. ,.,r
By the Governor u. b. NANOh
K. H. BATTLE, JR, Private Ssc'v.
Feb 3, 1868 81