The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-10-24
RETRIEVED.
BY AN EX REBEL.

least one of 'em-lay at Dalton, this be- ing in the winter of 1864. there were many assertions from the rank and file. While it was at all times true of the Confederate soldier that he did not feel the bonds of enlistment holding him as tightly as the Union soldier did, the number of aosen- tees at this time was really appalling. It was time when everybody felt blue We were ragged, half fed, half armed :; and could see nothing hopeful in the spring campaign.
 During December and January little attention was given to the matter of ab- sentees, as 1t was known that most of them intended to return after brief visit to their families, but when February came the rein began to tighten. It was not long before general order was issued to the effect that future deserters must ex- pect the full penalty provided in army regulations. This was check sufficient on the great majority, but out-and- out deser- tions continued to occur.
 One night, when was sergeant of a picket post we'll advanced toward the Union lines, instructions were received to keep sharp watch for deserters. Not more than an hour later we made cap- ture. A boy about eighteen years old, a private in Georgia regiment, had left camp with the intention of visiting his home, which was then inside the Union lines. He was not over-bright, and when brought in by picket he seemed to look upon the matter as joke. It was only when he had been escorted to camp and put under guard, charged with trying to desert to the enemy, that he seemed to realize the gravity of his situation.
 A court-martial made short work of his case. The only defense he set up was that he was homesick and wanted to see his mother, and that he surely meant to return that same week. Thee might have been something in this appeal had he not admitted that he knew his home to be within the Union lines, and that there was strong probability of his be- ing captured by the Federals.
 From the hour he was sentenced to be shot he was placed under my charge. think 1t was about week from the ind ing of the court-martlal to the day of the execution. For the first two or three days the boy was like one struck dumb, and he answered no questions. When this state of mind wore off he spent most of his time in weepinS, praying and writing letters. It was only on the night before the execution that he became talkative As carried in his supper he asked:
 Sergeant, did you ever see deserter shot2'
 "Yes.o
 How is it done 2"
 By file of men, Six ot my squad have been detailed in your case"
 " Will they blndtold mef"
 "Yes.n
 "Wlll stand up ?"
 " No, you will be seated on your cof. fin"
 He spoke with more curiosity tn an con- cern, and was glad to see it. So long as he had to die it was better to show d brave front. l sought to encourage him in this, but he replied:
 "Oh, you needn't be afraid of my breaking down All ask of you is to make quick work of it."
 Next morning when he was marched out the ar was raw and the sky as gloomy as pail, When brought him out he was the cooler of the two Twas nervous and trembling, while he was absolutely cool and self-possessed.
 "ls it time2' he asked as went in.
 "Yes."
 Well, Pm ready"
 How do you feel?
 "lm all right"
 When we reached the grounds which had been selected saw that about 900 men had been marched up to witness the execution. The boy looked about him with considerable curiosity, but showed no signs of weakness. When we reached the open grave aod the coffin resting in front of 1t he caught quick breath and something like terror could be read in his eyes.
 stood there with him while the firing party retreated few paces and came to front" Then an officer came forward and read the charges and the findings. All this time l had hold of the boys hand, we standing shoulder to shoulder. There was no trembling, but his flesh was so hot that it seemed to blister mine.
 When the officer had finished reading he stepped away, leaving us alone.
 must blindfold you," said as produced handkerchief
 "Yes."
 
 man."
 |" l told you would.'
 placed the handkerchiefover his eyes and tied the ends at the back of his head and then, taking hs arm, whispered
 You must sit down."
 "Yes."
 "I am going now"
 Goodbye to you, sergeant. Let it be over soon"
 When l had reached the squad there was nothing to wait tor, and the orders were issued:
 "ReadYw
 "Aim 1"
 The command fire" was just tremb- ling on my lips when an officer waving a white handkerchief ap ppeared behind the prisoner. ascertained, at later date, that none of the muskets were loaded, but this fact was not even known to the firing squad.
 The nriSOner had hsen rsD,;AvaJ