The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1863-02-03
BY ZEBULON B?'VANCE,


Governor Of the State OF North Carolina.
Whereas, It has been made known me that large
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 a large majority of such npelled to this
course by natural and almost irresistible desire to
see tfHr homes and friends after so long an
absence and nst because Of cowardly determination
leave their brave comrades share all the dangers
and hardshps of the field alone; and whereas Mai
Gen. G. w Smith, in command of the Department of
North Carolina, 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 command.
with no other punishment than forfeiture of their
paw for the time they have been absent without
leave; and declaring further that all who do so re-
turn by the said 10th day of February, shall, when
anprehended be tried for iesertion and upon convc-
ton be made to suffer death.
Now, therefore, J. zEBuLoS B. VANCE, Governor Of
the State of North Carolina. do issue this my roca-
nation all soldiers from this State serving in the
armies of the Conederacy, who now Illegally
absent from their colors, commanding them to return
to duty with their comrades, and exhorting them to
sra themselves of this opportunity of saving their
friends from the Disgrace intany which will cling
forever the of deserter from his country's
cause and themselves from felon's doom. MANY
nfter carving their countrys flag in triumph throug
various bloody conflicts and making themselves A
name Of which their children's children might have
been Justly proud have forfeited it all by absentine
themselves at a moment when their own State is in
vaded and abont TO be desolated by brutal half
savage foe. Now ia the time renstate themselves
by prompt return to duty. appeal to them to stand
by their country yet lutte longer, and suy by
desertion the bright and glorious reputation of the
State, which they have helped to win on a hundred
ha I'd fought fields; and appeal to all good and loyal
citizens throughout the State give their influence
to induce these men to return. Let one, unnoved
by this arrea! TO his patriotism and honor, suppose
that he remain ut home with impunity; the full
power OF the State authorities aided if need be by the
Confederacy, shall be put in force arrest him and
bring him to punishment after the 9th day of Febru-
airy next, and there shall be for the deserer
in the borders of North Carolina. And let none
their desertion by declaring tina, they go home to
take OF their families; they will add nothing to
the comforts of their families by being like guilty men
in the woods by day, and by pundering their neigh
bors by night; they only bring shame and suffering
upon the heads of the nnoccn and their little child
ren when gray headed old men, will have the finger of
pointed them and the bitter taunt will ring
in their ears, "Your father skulked in tho woods to
keep from fighting for his country"
The State is trying to proriic food for yonr
families, aud each county is making similar provision;
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 in the State. Let every patriot in
the land assist with all his influence in the execution
of this proclamation and ictorous ranks will
sgain be filled, and country be rid of the
enemy.
In witness whereof, ZEBuLos ID. VANCE, our Gov
ernor, Captain General and Communicated Chief
hath signed these presents and caused the great Seal
of the State to be afix ed.
Done at our City of Raleigh, the 26th day OF
Januery, in the year of Lord, 1853.
By the Governor: z. B. VANCE.
R. q. BATTLE JR,, Private sec'y.