Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1865-03-24
A Thrilling scene In wI,e,. brigade.


An interesting scene occurred near the camp Of
:he Mise Brigade few days ago: Private John
Dickerson, Company A, 18th Virginia regiment,
bad been sentenced to be shot. The day fixed for
the execution the LIST Of March, at o'clock, p.
m. The Richmond Enquirer gives the following
particulars Of the affair;
The prisoner was brought out Of the lines.
detail Of lieutenant aud six men was ordered
The officer instructed not TO have their pieces
loaded, TO blindold the prisoner, and place him
standing ten PAGES in front Of the firing party a
guard at five PAGES on each side the men at shout
der arms.
Gen. Wise then addressed those Of the brigade
assembled:
Comrades we are assembled 10 witness the exc
cutiOn VI this prisoner for the crime Of descrtion.
II is painful 10 every good heart, and ought to
touch and reform the worst Tam informed that
question has arisen, especially raised 10y one Of
tho base wreches who deserted the picket lines two
nights ago, whether deserter ought to be fired
upon by his comrades. You now see what is the
just sentence Of the country by the judgment ola
fair and honorable court martial IL Is the sentence
Of law, and the law which condemns the d,serler to
death Is ia accordance with the universal aud uni
form sentiment Of civilized savage, warfare IL Is
Just, and called for by the moral Of mankind,
because II is necessary to the safety Of the lives and
Liberty and defence Of every people and ofeVery
my. Self preservation demands.4L And now in
stead OF pointing guns At the foe In front, we
have TO turn thgir' aim upon wretch In tho rear,
who has basely deserted his country 10 her time Of
peril. And let me say TO you then nothing could
br. more PernioiOus Than to raise question about
the justice or bomAnity ofhring upon deserter-
lfany officer private dares in future to raise or
discuss that question in this brigade, | will, IL
brought to my knowledge, Arrsst and cause him to
be tried for his life, and in my Judgment he de-
serves TO be shot.
Turin to the prisoner, Gen. Wise addressed
him as follows:
Private Dickerson-Your naliye Slata of VIRGIN.
in invaded by brutal foe, seeking TO deny her
rights, TO diShOnor her sovereignty and 10 enslave
her people, called upon her sons 10 take up arms
for her defence You did not volunteer to 60 TO the
camp, but remained at your ease with your family
and friends at home until the enemy forced your
mother State in which that home is protected, to
compel, by an act Of conserpton her unwilling aud
ungTatelul sons 10 TO the front TO assist her dut
fol defenders. You, young man; In good health
sound and vigorous, were one Of the cOuscrpts.-
You were sent TO the camp Of instruction, were
clothed, fed and armed, and then assigned TO com.
pany A, 69th regiment Of Virginia. With other
cOnscrIpts, by order Of your brigade commander,
| you were placed on light duty, such work you
were accustomed to- to. cultivate vegetables for
| your comrades You were in no danger, YOU broke
rest, you sliisI Cd hardship and were fed and
clothed aud cared for much better than the soldier
1 on duty. From this state aud condition, without
| ever fronting the foe, marching tar or even
standing guard, you deserted the standard Of your
! country mother called to you, a son, for assis-
lance against the outrages Of ruGiAns, and you
basely fled from the defence Of her sacred person
and honor, For-that you have justly been sen.
! fenced tofbe shot, aud we are now assembled to
witness your execution. May God have mercy on
| your soul
lie then turned TO the Lieutenant and said !:
! e. Lieutenant, turn the prisoner over to you"
The Lieutenant then proceeded; Attent ton I"
1 " Ready I"-paused and said" Recover arms T.
Affecting that there was some mistake, Genera
| Wise turned 10 the officer and commanded:
Cease the execution. lie deserved to die, but
! his country, in her magnapimous clemenoy, merci
| fully spares his forfeited life BY General Orders
Nos. and the great and good Commander in
! Chief procaims an amnesty by which this culprit,
unworthy Of mercy, is graeiousy pardoaed. IN
bind his eyes release him and see that he is sent ID
/ his company"
Aninvoluntary shout arose from the troops as.
sembled, the prisoner rushed to General Wise,
clasPed him around the neck, and exclaimed "Oh
Genefal Wise, General Wise, | am so much OBJ.
hgcd to you will stand by you as long as live
will never desert you again |"
The ceremony was impressive, and had very
good effect upon the brigade present and upon tht
I prisoner.