The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-03-07
OFFICIAL ORDERS.
CoNsCRIPr OFFIoE,

halelSn, N, ", reD III loOO.
GCrcular No. s
The attention of Enrolling Officers is called 10
the following General Order FROM Headquarters
Armies of the Confederate States
Headquarters, Armies Of Confederate States,
1lth February, 1865.
In entering upon this campaign about 10 open,
the General-n-Chief feels assured that the sol
diers who have SO long and so molly borne the
hardships and dangers of the war, require no ex-
hortaton to respond to the calls of honor and duty
With the liberty transmitted by their fore
fathers, they have inherited the spirit to defend
The choice between war aud Abject submission
is before them
To such proposal, brave men with arms in their
hands, have but
They cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the
right Of self-government for life or property.
But justice to them requires q sterner admoni-
ton to those who have abandoned their comrades
in the hour of peril
A last opportunity is offered them to wipe out
the disgrace, and escape the punishment of their
crimes.
BY authority Of the President of the Confedc-
rate States, pardon is announced to such deser-
ters and men improperly absent, shall return to
the commands to which they belong, within tho
shortest possible time, not exceeding twenty days
from tne puGHcatOh OF tnlS Oluor AT the ncnu-
quarters of the Department in which they may be.
Those who may be prevented By interruption Of
communications, may report within the time spec
ifed to the nearest enrolling officer, or other Off
on duty, to be forwarded soon practicable,
aHd upon presenting certificate from such Off
GERS, showing compliance with the requirement,
will receive the pardon hereby offered.
Those who have deserted to the service Of the
enemy or have deserted after having been once
pardoned for the offence, and those who shall
desert, or absent themselves without authority,
after the publication of this order, excluded
from its benefits. Nor does the offer of pardon
extend to other offences than deserticn aud ab-
sence without permission.
BY the same authority, it is also declared, that
no general dAnesty will again be granted, and
those who refuse to accept the pardon offered,
or who shall hereafter desert or absent tbemse Ives
without leave, shall suffer such punishment as tho
Courts may impose, aud no application for clemen-
cy will be entertained.
Taking new resolution from the fate which our
enemies intend for us, let every devote all his
energies to the common defence.
Our resources, wisely and vigorously employed,
are ample, and with brave army, sustained by n
determined and united people, success, with Gods
assistance, cannot be doubtful
The advantages Of the enemy will have but little
value if VIC do not permit them TO impair our reso.
iutlOn Let US then oppose COhstancy 10 aoVeIsl-
ty fortitude to suffering, and courage to danger,
with the firm assurance that He who gave freedom
to our fathers, will bless tho efforts Of their chill
dren to preserve it,
r. L. LEE, General.
Enrolling Officers will make every effort to give
publicity to this important order, and will urge all
good citizens of their respective counties to aid
them in rendering its design successful.
1t will be observed that this is the Inst offer Of
pardon for the infamous crime Of desertion that will
be made. Enrolling officers are made responsible,
under penalty Of trial by court martial that ev-
cry possible effort is made to 'apprebend all such
as do not report themselves.
Enrolling Officers will allow such as voluntarily
report within the specified time, to 90 direct to
their commands, furnishing them transportation
and the necessary certificate
A duplicate of every certificate thus given will
be forwarded to this Office.
BY order Of the COmnandant:
4 j. HARDIN, Adjt.