True Democrat., 1863-03-25
For the True Democrat.

For the True Democrat.
 Ms. EpIroR-It is with difidenoe, and painful regret, that I, through the medium of the Tru. Democrat, acknowledge the fact tha ta few Texan soldiers have deserted the proud banner of oul young but noble nation, and, among those few, are those whom it was once thought were equal to her best and bravest sons. But, alas! they have be- trayed that belief; they have proven themselves unworthy of that confdeSStsbut it is my hearts wish that they may regain it. They say they will; they say that they compelled to come home to provide for their families, and as they could not obtain furlough. they deserted with the intention of returning to their regiments within few days wefks. Now, in the name of common sense and suffering humanity, and those who are yet at home, are anxious to know how are they, or how can. they provide or in the least degree be dener
 cial to their families. If they return to their com manls they say they will? they cannot, pos, sibly, raise crop and if they had any money which they wished their families to have tbey could have sent 1t to them more onvcniently, with less e4- pense and with greater honor than to have so dis- graced themselves as to desert the stars and Oars of our weeping country. Is there, or can there be one item of honor added to the name of soldier who would, willingly and ignominiously forsake his country's flag when she weepinSly ana with mournful applications calls for his aid? My answer is no, no, no. Who will vindicate such an act7 None. It is grevious and heart rendlng to the daughters of Texas of whom am one and to our gray headed fathers and aged mothers, to hear of one southern soldier desertiDg, and you, Mir. Editor can form some idea of our feelings at the time when the sad story is told to IS that more than one has left the tented field without the pro- per documents. To rest where? Not under the unfurled banrer of his country-not in soldiers tent--not upon the bloody field of battle, nor in soldiers honored grave. But to rest if rest i. is, beneath the sable shadows of dshonor. upon the couch of shame and covered with the cold sheets of scorn.
 At the commencement of this war had hus band and six brothers who willingly volunteered to meet ar invading enemy upon the field of earn are, either to baffle the invader and free their country or pour out their blood and die in her de- fence Of my six brothers, three of them are gone. They now fill a soldiers grave, far. far away from home with no costly monuments or emblazoned epitaphs above their graves, but honored they are by all who know that they are in the quiet abodes of deceased soldiers. As said, have lost three brothers since this war commenced, and my greatest desire is to see my husband and three iv ing brothers more amidst the social circle of friendship enjoying the charms and quletudes Of a happy home. Yet 1 had rather, far rather receive the black bordered billet announcing their deaths than to see them returning home deserters. In Iced my anxiety is great to see them, but had rather live martyrs widow sister, than to live and bear the name of poltroou's wife or towards sister. Now, soldiers, few words to you. Why is 1t that of you are so ignorant of your inter est and the interest of your families, now and for generations to come, as to desert? Will you gain plaudits, laurels of fame and wreaths of immortal honor2 Oh. no, far from this, you will receive conten D uous looks f 6 those who were once your best friends; the finger of scorn will be pointed q, you-society will exclude and forever banish you from her delightful aisles of friendship and floral walks of pleasure. Would, oh! would you, for the sake of being at home little while, add regret to the now already troubled hearts of those who you should hold most dear and whose good pleasure YOU should endeavor to promote, instead of degrad- ing, as you would surely do, by letting loose datys hand, needing not your country's calls ari casting yourself into a labyrinth of degradation, by desert ing your countrys flag, which IS now so proudly floating upon southern breeSes?
 Desert not, for if yoT do, you will receive ders ion and taunts frog, those brave lovers of country, who manfullv endured all the hardships ot camp life, the .ati lues of forced marches, and wavered not amidst the din of battle. Of course, you will receive the malevolence of those patriots and a hatred mingled with disgust from the hoary headed fathers weeping mothers and signing daughters of the Lone Star State. Now is the time for you to be true to your country. The epoch of allages is at hand, and let us finch not.
 It is true that mothers, wives and sisters are at home. Yet our hearts are with you, and our fer vent prayers are transmitted to the of glory  in your behalf.
 h conclusion, permit me ta make an assertion which know to be true. Whenever deserter returns home, his friends are seemingly glad-his arrival causes unwonted smiles, but at the same time, their hearts are overhowing with painful and bitter sorrow and their minds often repeating the sentence, "Oh! would that had heard of your death, and not seen you here covered with dis grace"
 What I have here written is not only the dicta.es of my own mind, but the sentiments of eli with whom 1 have conversed, and justice wisely sane tions it. Then grapple the sword and march on- ward to victory.
 Patriotism with cheerful smiles may save na. tons existence. Divide not yourselves SOW not the seed of discord and dissension--let sweet union and determined spirit exist among you, and God will yet storm tossed vessel.- "Do not give up the ship" 'resistance to tyrants is obedience to God"
 Yours with respect. N. E.. AVANT.
 TENNESSEE COLONY, TExAsJ
 March lst, 1863.