Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-02-02
A PR0CLAM ALTON
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF n. c.
ZEBULON B. VANCE,

Vt LIE Ut NJ.
w HEREAs, IT HAs e MADE KNOWN
Wv 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
natural and almost irresistible desire to see their
homes and friends once more after SO long an
absence, and II t because of a MISREPRESENTATION
to leave their brave comrades TO sh are all the dam
gers and ~hardships OF the field alone and whereas,
Mai. 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 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 or
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
Now therefore, 1 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 cxhortiug them TO
avail themselves Of this opportunity OF saving their
forever to the name of deserter from his eountry's
cause, and themselves from q felon's death. Many,
after car, ying Their %country's flag in triumph through
various bloody conflicts and making themselves .
name, OF which their children's children might have
themselves 1t a moncn, when their own state Is In.
vaded and about to be desolatsd by a brutal, half saw
age foe.
their Country yet a little il opger, and not to saIIy 81
State. which they have helped tdiO to win Pu on a hu n res
hard fought fields; and l appeal to all good and loyal
citizens throughout the State TO give their influence
to indace these men to return. Let no one, unmov-
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 need
be by the Contedsracy. 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 the
deserter in the borders Of North Carolina. And let
none excuse their desertion by declaring that they 60
home TO take care Of their families they will add
nothing 10 the comfort Of their families by hiding like
guilty men in the woods by day. and by plundering
their neighbours by night they only bring shame and
little children when gray headed old men. will nave
the finger OF scorn pointed at them and the bitter
taunt will ring in their ears, " Your father skulked
in the wsoas TO keep from fighting for his country
The State Is now trying 10 provide fooa Tor your
families, and each county is making q similar proyis-
ion and as your Chief Magistrate l prOmise you that
the wife and child of the soldier who 10 In the army
doing his duty, shall share the last bushei OF meal and
the last pound of meath in the State. Let every patriot
In the land assist with ell his influence In the execu-
ton of this proclamation, and our victorious ranks
will again be filled, and our country soon be rid Of
the enemy.
IL.s Governor Captain General aud Commander.
--{ in-Chief, hath signed these presents and
~causedth great Seal Of the State to be affixed.
Done at our City CT Raleigh. on the 18th day OF
Jan, in the yesr Of our Lord, 1853.
BY the Governor:
X. II. BATTLE,
Private Secretary.
Jan. q, 1855. Ast.