The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-02-17
A PROCLAMATION
BY ZERIrINN lR VANCE

Governor Of the State Of North Carolino
Whereas, 1t has been made known to me that large
number of soldiers from armies absent frpm
their colors without proper leave in this the hodfof
greatest need, and 10 being confidently believed
that large majority of such were mpellcd 10 this
by natural and almost irresistible desire
their homes and friends after long
absence, and not because of cowardly determination
leave their brave comrades TO share all the dangers
and hardshps of the field alone; and whereas, Maj.
Gen. g 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 mar
voluntarily to duty by the 9th day Of February
next shsll be received into their several commands
with no other punishment than forfeiture Of their
pay for the time they have been absent without
leave and declaring further that all who do not "
turn by the said 10th day OF February, shall, when
apprehended be tried for desertion and upon conys
ton, be made to suffer death:
Now, therefore, ], ZEBULoS d. VANCE, Governor OF
the State Of North Carolina, do issue this nv procA-
nation TO all soldiers from this State, serving in The
armies Of the Confederacy, who are illegally
absent from their eolors commanding them TO return
duty with their comrades, aud exhorting them 10
avail themselves Of this opportunity OF saving their
friends from The disgrace ana infamy which will eling
forever to the name Of deserter from bis couniryI
cause, and themselves from felon's doom. MANI
after carrying their countrys flag in triumph through
various bloody conflicts aud making Themselves
name, of which their children's children might have
been justly proud, have forfeited all By Hosenuns
themselves At a moment when their own State ~ W.
yaded and about to be desoated by brutal, haH
savage foe. Now is the time TO renstate themselves
by prompt return to duty appeal 20 them to sAns
by their country yet little longer, and not TO suly ~
desertiou the bright and glorious reputation Of ih,
State, which they have helped to win n hundred
In I'd fought fields; and appeal all good snd I0Jh
citizens throughout the State to give their influence
TO induce these men to return. Let no one uBno'ea
by this appeal to his patriotism and honor, suppoe
that he can remain at home with inpnnity; the ION
power of the State authorities aided II need be by The
Confedcracy, shall be put in force arrest him and
bring him 10 punishment after the 10Th dsy Of Febru-
ary next, and there shall be rest for the desed
in the borders OF North Carolina. And let none eI-
cuse their deseron by declaring that they go home 70
take care of their families; they will add nothing 10
the comforts Of their families by being like guilty men
in the woods by day, and by plundering their neigh.
bors by night; they only bring shame and suffering
upon the heads OF the innocent; and their little child
scorn pointed them and the bitter taunt will ring
in their ears, "Your father skuked 10 the woods
keep ffom fighting for his country"
The State is now trying 10 provide food for yoo'
families and each county 10 making similar proTIoh
and as your Chief Magistrate promise you that the
wife and child Of the soldier who Is In the army doing
his duty shall share the last bushel Of meal and the
last pound Of meat in the State Let every patriot ~
The land assist with all his influence in the eIeeuncS
Of this proclamation, and victorious ranks En
again be filed, and our country soon be rid Of D
enemy.
In witness whereof ZEBULox b. VANCE, our Cor
eftIor, Captain General and Commander-in-Chet
hath signed these presents and caused the great Ss
of the State TO be affixed. Fl
Done at our City OF Raleigh, on the zCIh cay "
r. he Goysr5or: In. VANCE
II BATrLr, Js., Private SeeV,