The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1865-03-22
A Sentence Ann ulled by the Amnesty.

A Sentence Ann ulled by the Amnesty.
An interesting scene occurred near the
Damp Of the Wise brigade few days ago.
Private John Dickerson, company A, 59th
Virginia regiment, had been sentenced to
be shot. The day fixed for the execution
was the lst Of March. at Q o'clock, p. M.
The prisoner was brought out TO the
lines. A detail Of . lieutenant and six
men was ordered. The officer was in
structed not to have their pieces loaded, to
bindfsld the prisoner, and place him.
standing ten PAGES in front of the firing
party; guard at FIVE PAGES on each side;
the men 1T shoulder arms.
& Gen. Wise then addressed those Of the
brigade assembled:
Comrades We are assembled to wit
ness the execution Of this prisoner for the
crime Of desertion. 1t is painful to every
good heart, and ought TO touch and reform
the worst. am informed that question
has arisen. especially raised by one Of the
base wrrtches who deserted the picket line
two nights ago. whether a deserter- ovght
to be fired upon by his comrades. You new
see what is the just sentence Of the coun-
try by the judgment of fair and honora-
Bile court martial. II is the sentence Of
law, and the Law which condemns the de-
serter to death is in accordance with the
universal and uniform sentiment Of every
people, civilized OF savage, in war. II is
just, and called for by the moral sense Of
mankind. because il is necessary to the
safety of the lives and liberty AMI defence
Of every people and of every army. Self
preservation demands il. And now, in
stead Of pointing our guns at the foe IN the
front. we have to turn their aim upon Q
wretch in the rear, who has bassly desert.
ed bis country in her time Of peril. And
let me say to you that nothing could be
more pernicious than to raise question
about the justice or humanity Of firing up
on deserter. II any sfficer or private
dares in future to raise or discuss that
question in this brigade. will, It brought
TO my knowledge, arrest and cause him to
be tried for his life, and, in my judgment.
be deserves to be shot.
Turning then to me pri.oner, General
Wise addressed him as follows:
Private Dickerson-Yeur native State
OF Virginia. invaded by brutal foe, seek
ing 10 deny her rights, to dishonor her 50.
yereignty and to enslave her people. called
upon her suns TO take up arms for her de.
fence. You did not volunteer to 20 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
CONSUMPTION, her unwilling and ungrateful
sons TO 20 to the front to assis, her dutiful
defenders. You, young man. 10 good
health, sound and vigorous, we're one Of the
conseripts. You were sent TO the camp Of
INSTRUCTION, were clothed, fed and armed,
and then assigned to company A, 59th re-
giment Of Virginia, With other coascripts,
by order of yeur brigade commander. you
were placed on light duty, such work as
you were accustomed TO, 10 cultivate Seget.
shes Tor your comrades. You were In no
danger. you broke no rest, yOu suffered no
hardship, and were fed and clothed and
cared for much better than the soldier on
duty. From This state and condition. with
out ever fronting the foe, or marching far.
or even standing guard, you deserted the
standard of your country. a mother call
ed to you, q son. for assistance against the
outrages Of rufians. and you baseiy fled
frem the defence Of her sacred person and
honor. For that voc have justly been sen
fenced 10 be shot, and We are nuw Assem-.
bled TO witness your execution. May God
have mercy on your soul.
lie then tlrned 10 the Lieutenant and
said: Lieutenant, l turn the prisoner
over to you." =
Jhs lieutenant then proceeded: /" At
tention !" Ready !-paussd aud said
Z" Recover arms -
Affecting that there was some mistake,
General Wise turned " the shcsr and
commanded:
"Ceass the execution. lie deserved to
die, bat his country, in her maguaaimsus